Planning commission approves rezoning of former Meister Road elementary site for townhomes

The Lorain City Planning Commission voted to recommend rezoning two parcels at 3301 Meister Road from R-1B (moderate-density single-family) to R-2 (transitional residential) to allow a proposed townhome development.

The rezoning, filed as ZZA02-2024, was presented by the applicant, Mr. Simon, who told the commission, “we're proposing this townhome development, for the former Meister Road Elementary School site.” He said variances needed for the project have been approved and that rezoning is the next step before a final development plan.

The change matters because it would permit the multiunit townhome layout the developer proposes on the former school parcel. Commissioners and staff emphasized public-safety access and neighborhood impacts during discussion. Commissioner Andrew Patterson asked that the connection near Oxford Drive be “an emergency entrance and exit only” and requested measures that make neighbors comfortable. Mr. Simon replied that the developer “will work with city to get that done” and said the team is willing to install a permanent barrier or a locked gate with keys held by safety services if the city prefers.

Chairman Mayor Jack Bradley called for a motion after public comment, and commissioners voted in favor. There was no recorded roll-call tally in the transcript; the meeting record shows the motion passed on voice vote.

What happens next: with the rezoning recommendation approved, the matter moves to Lorain City Council for final action; the applicant indicated the rezoning is the developer’s last step before submitting a final development plan.