Strongsville City Council on Sept. 2 rejected an ordinance to reclassify a vacant parcel at 13570 Fallingwater Road from shopping-center (S.C.) to motorist-service (M.S.) zoning, a change proponents said would allow a hotel and other motorist-oriented businesses. Councilors voted no on the measure in a roll-call that produced no affirmative votes.

Why this matters: Neighbors said the rezoning would bring a four-story, 100-room hotel and motorist-oriented businesses closer to a residential neighborhood and an elementary school, increasing traffic, litter and perceived safety risks. Opponents also argued the owner had not provided the paperwork that would limit development to a hotel only.

During public comment, multiple residents from the Ledgewood neighborhood and adjacent streets urged councilors to keep the current zoning. Peggy Lee Toco said traffic in the area is already “a nightmare,” and Kent Toco urged councilors to “represent us, your constituents, with the vote that you’re going to cast tonight.” Karia Lankein and several others said the site is immediately adjacent to residences and a school and warned a hotel would diminish neighborhood safety and privacy.

Council discussion before the vote noted that the planning commission had recommended against the change and that the law director advised the council the developer had not submitted documentation to restrict the site to hotel use. Under the city charter, the council would have needed five affirmative votes to override a negative planning commission recommendation; none were recorded.

Action taken: Motion to adopt Ordinance 202553 (amending the zoning map for 13570 Fallingwater Road from shopping center to motorist service) was moved by Mr. Carbone, seconded by Mr. Kaminski; roll-call votes were No from all members present. Outcome: ordinance failed.

Ending: With the zoning change rejected, the parcel retains its shopping-center classification; residents said they plan to continue monitoring development proposals for the site.