The Summit County Council meeting on June 28, 2023, focused on significant discussions surrounding affordable housing, particularly the proposed Pine Brook Townhomes project. The council reviewed a rezone and conditional use permit for a 22-unit townhome development on a 1.11-acre parcel located at 3085 Pine Brook Road.

During the meeting, council members expressed concerns about the density of the proposed project, with some recalling previous discussions where similar density issues led to project rejections. The developer, Amir Kaus, emphasized the need for affordable housing in Summit County and argued that the project aligns with the county's moderate income housing plan. Kaus proposed integrating more market-rate units into the development, suggesting that 80% Area Median Income (AMI) units would be more appropriate for the community's needs.

Council members debated the concept of integration, with some advocating for a blend of affordable and market-rate housing to avoid labeling the project solely as an affordable housing development. The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that the new units would not stand out as separate from the surrounding market-rate homes.

Concerns were raised about parking and traffic, particularly regarding the feasibility of promoting a one-car household model in the area. The developer proposed incentives for residents to limit car ownership, aiming to create a more transit-oriented community. The council agreed to schedule a site visit to better assess the project's fit within the neighborhood and to discuss potential adjustments to the density and AMI levels.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue discussions and explore options that would address the council's concerns while still advancing the goal of increasing affordable housing in Summit County. The next steps will involve a site visit and further evaluation of the project's design and impact on the community.