Rocky River council chambers packed for Lake Road condo hearing; most favor project

Addressing the crowd before the proceedings, Council President Jim Moran stated that the city planning commission had, at its May meeting, given its approval to a change in zoning for the Lake Road parcels, but the request to expand the project to include two parcels in neighboring Breezevale Cove was nixed.

“The legislation will be read three times, then Council will vote on it,” explained Moran, adding that the measure has received one formal reading.

After asking for a show of hands indicating support for or opposition to the proposal, Moran noted that the majority of the audience seemed in favor. Only one person admitted to being present just to be informed.

Moran restated eight factors, brought before Council last year by David Hartt, senior advisor of planning for CT Consultants, to be considered when deciding the appropriateness of the project for the city. Aside from being consistent with the master plan and development code, it should consider the compatibility with multifamily and single homes in the area, the environmental impact and the availability of adequate utilities.

The crowd then impatiently waited through presentations by several members of Brickman’s team, including long-time city resident John Carney. “This will be eco-friendly, one-floor living which will fulfill the need for this housing option,” stated Carney, referring to the fact that there are few choices for older people desiring to downsize, yet stay in Rocky River. He added that this housing alternative also appeals to young people who want maintenance-free living.

“The Cuyahoga County Planning Commission encourages this type of development,” continued Carney, adding, “This will increase the city tax base by approximately $1.2 million.”

According to information distributed to the audience by Brickman’s team, if 700 Lake becomes a reality, this amount would include $599,000 to the school district, $61,000 for the Rocky River Public Library, and $141,000 to the city. However, a disclaimer at the bottom of the flyer stated that the estimates are subject to change. “Sources are deemed reliable but such information has not been verified and no express representation is made nor is any to be implied as to the accuracy,” it read.

While original plans called for a higher, larger building, Carney told Council his group has accepted the planning commission’s recommendation for R3 zoning, which limits structures to a height of 30 feet and to side setbacks of 20 feet when abutting R1 or single-family zoning.

Noting the concern over the many incarnations of the project that have been debated, Carney added that Preservation Partners will prepare another development agreement for City Council, outlining the development in detail. “This will really hold our feet to the fire,” he said.

Making his first public comments to Council was Ben Phyfer, original owner of the Lake Road parcels, which are now being considered as one unit. Sharing his history with the properties, Phyfer said he originally hoped to tear down the two existing homes and build, but those plans fell through. “I was given several options, and was told there was little to no lakefront property available in Rocky River,” said Phyfer, adding that he wanted to build with a Lake Erie view.

“I looked further, and after seeing 11 River (Brickman’s development overlooking the Rocky River), I contacted Andrew,” said Phyfer, with the intention of pursuing a multifamily project. “This has become contentious,” said Phyfer, calling a “Right to the Lake” petition circulated by opponents of the development “offensive.”

“I recognize that not everyone will be pleased with this decision, but it will make the best one for the city,” he stated.

After several other 700 Lake team members, including Carney’s two sons, real estate agents and Hartt, audience members made their way to the front of council chambers one by one for about two hours of testimony, for and against the project.

During this time, a slide show, set up by Preservation Partners, played to the side of council chambers, displaying a glossy rendering of 700 Lake, a portion of the master plan draft showing the northeast corner of the city surrounded by various multifamily zoning, and previous comments made by the public at past meetings. The show was discontinued at the request of Ward 1 Councilman Tom Hunt.

“I’d like to ask whoever is running the slide show to stop. It’s distracting and inappropriate,” he stated.

Several areas of concern were expressed by those against the development, including the condition of the two homes which remain on the properties. “This blight makes my skin crawl,” stated one Lake Road resident. “The houses are filled with debris and have been stripped of siding and copper.”

Another added, “The conduct of the developer is indicated by the condition of the houses.”

Some residents feared the development would encourage other high-density construction. “This is precedent-setting. What’s to stop a developer from buying more land and turning (Lake Road) into Lakewood’s Gold Coast?” asked one.

Other audience members spoke to their desire to live in Rocky River, but could not find housing options. “We like Rocky River, but we don’t want a (big) older house,” stated Jeff Linker, who said he is one of 17 people who have put a deposit on a 700 Lake condo. “Do you want a string of $3 million or $4 million mansions on the lake, or is it better to have 25 new residents contributing to the economy?” he asked.

City Council is expected to take action on the rezoning request before its August recess.