Hartville backs industrial zoning changes

At a public hearing Feb. 2, the Village of Hartville Planning Commission reviewed proposed zone changes for three outlots in the Industrial Park and a general plan review for a business property.

The commission reviewed a request for a change in zoning for Outlots 28 and 336, owned by Beacon Hill Investments and under contract for future purchase, from Light Industrial (M-1) to General Industrial (M-2). Attorney Ronald Starkey, representing the owners, said the change is for future planning. Zoning Administrator Ray Bednarczyk had no issues with the request, nor did Village Engineer Samer Awadallah. All commission members voted yes on a motion to recommend the change to Village Council.

The third request for a change in zoning was for Outlot 30, from Agricultural (A-1) to General Industrial (M-2). The property is owned by Ruth Sturgill, trustee, and is under contract for future purchase. Starkey said the owner plans to annex the portion of the property currently in Lake Township. Neither Bednarczyk nor Awadallah had any issues. All commission members voted yes on a motion to recommend that Village Council approve the requested change.

A request for a general plan review of the Kent Avenue property owned by Spitzer, the Ford dealership at the corner of Kent Avenue and West Maple Street, was the next item on the agenda. Kathy Schuster, director of real estate for Spitzer, said the company plans to build a new service building next to the existing building. Bednarczyk said the request meets village zoning regulations, and Awadallah said he spoke with the company’s civil engineer and the request meets all requirements. A nearby property owner said he was happy to see Spitzer expanding. The commission voted to recommend that Village Council approve the general plan review.

Councilman James Sullivan, chairman of the Planning Commission, said he would arrange a public hearing on the recommendations March 23, immediately preceding the Village Council meeting that evening.