The Springfield Township trustees have authorized the zoning department to move forward with a text amendment pertaining to extended stay lodgings.
At the June 7 meeting, planning director Jacob Barnes explained that an issue arose with a tenant who was at an extended stay hotel for so long that it became apparent the tenant was using it as an apartment.
“We looked at the existing code and we’re fairly limited on what we can do,” he said, which necessitated the text amendment request.
He added, “The last thing we want is an apartment building in a commercial use area.”
The zoning resolution does not include extended stay facilities in the C-2 general commercial district section of the code. Mr. Barnes would like to modify the section adding the term “transient hotel” to the procedures and requirements for conditional uses.
Currently included in that list are medical marijuana dispensaries, residential care facilities and single, two or multiple-family dwelling units above the ground floor level.
Zoning Report
Following the text amendment discussion, the planning director presented the zoning report for May. The department issued 49 permits and collected fees of $3,700.
“It was even busier than the past month,” Mr. Barnes said, adding, “It’s the most permits I remember issuing in one month since I’ve been here.”
He noted there are no signs of a slowdown. “It looks like June is continuing that trend. It’s definitely very busy.”
He noted five permits were issued for new dwellings. Permits also were issued for fencing, 14; sheds, nine; pools, four; decks and additions, three apiece, and co-location tower and accessory structure, two each.
In other zoning news, Mr. Barnes updated the trustees on the Knights Inn at Airport Highway and Holland-Sylvania Road. “Knights Inn is now closed and in the process of being demolished. The property owner is looking at redeveloping the parcel.”
He said a new hotel may be constructed on the site and will keep the trustees appraised as details become available.
Trustee Andy Glenn believes they should work with the developer to clean up the intersection around the BP gas station to “make it more attractive.”
The planning director also provided details on a recent board of zoning appeals meeting. “The BZA approved a variance request for front yard setback for a proposed addition to the property located at 9153 Garden Road,” he said.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Announced that Dorr at McCord Road will be closed for two days beginning at 6 p.m., Tuesday June 15 for paving.
•Heard from Administrator Mike Hampton that funding for townships through the federal American Rescue Plan Act is being left to the states to determine. Based on Ohio’s support of townships, Mr. Hampton believes funding is “favorable.”
•Learned that plans are moving forward for this year’s Freedom Celebration to be held at Community Homecoming Park on Saturday, June 26, with fireworks. The trustees also set the date for next year’s celebration, Saturday, July 2.
•Elected not to request a hearing with the liquor control board for Bob Evans Restaurant, 6435 Centers Drive; S and G Stores, 10165 Airport Highway, and Loui USA doing business as Ridis 31, 9140 Angola Road.
•Heard from Mr. Hampton that a conceptual plan with ODOT has been drawn up for a sidewalk path along Airport Highway over I-475. They hope to have it built next year, he said, adding if not, it will be constructed in 2023.
•Approved a memorandum of understanding with the Lucas County engineer’s office for maintenance of the Dorr and McCord roundabout as well as the Springfield Crossing roundabout to the east.
•Announced that Culver’s Restaurant at Spring Meadows will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8 a.m., Monday, June 14.
•Entered into executive session to discuss details regarding security and the employment of a public employee, but took no action.
•Paid bills from May 10 to June 8 of $60,755 and electronic payments from May 14 to June 3 of $290,021 which includes the bi-weekly payroll of $243,118.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, June 21, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public.
