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Streetsboro voters to decide city"s open space

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By Don Jovich

Record-Courier staff writer

STREETSBORO -- The results of Tuesday"s election will determine the future look of the city"s residential open space overlay district.

Developer Dan Neff, president of Neff & Associates, said Issue 30, if passed, would put into place the zoning that both the planning commission and City Council approved and adopted.

"I think the ordinance that was originally passed was a very effective way to create open space and properly preserve the space," Neff said. "It would allow the property owners and developers a more creative way to develop residential property and with a great deal of benefit to all involved."

Planning Director Linda Kovacs said the ordinance allows for up to a 10 percent increase in density for creating open space in excess of the current zoning code.

"This idea of "smart growth" or clustering of homes will be a great benefit for the city," she said.

Neff said by allowing the overlay, a typical development would be created with less infrastructure that would reduce the overall cost to the city for ongoing maintenance.

"There would also be a decrease in pervious surface resulting in decreased storm water runoff," he said. "The overlay would allow for open space that can be enjoyed by the local residents as well as the city in whole and preserve areas for wild life."

The benefits, Neff said, are very strong for the city and the property owner.

"In addition, allowing a more flexible design would better serve the housing market in Streetsboro," he said. "I find that Streetsboro has been slow to accept change even when it is to it"s own benefit and would hope the residents will realize the benefits."