Tallmadge Council scheduled a public hearing for 7:01 p.m. July 24 on an ordinance (2025‑59) to map a Neighborhood Center Overlay along a stretch of Northeast Avenue from the city circle to Kent Drive. The proposal would apply an existing overlay zoning tool to that corridor to encourage pedestrian‑oriented, mixed‑use development and to formalize uses already present on the street.

The overlay would not change the base zoning text; rather, it would apply the Neighborhood Center design and use standards already in the city’s guidebook to the mapped parcels, Planning staff said. "This overlay is intentionally bringing together a mix of uses, perhaps small shops, local services, maybe some housing opportunities in close proximity to established neighborhoods," Helaine Hossing said during a presentation to the Planning & Zoning Committee.

Supporters said the overlay is meant to encourage street‑level activity, sidewalk connections and rear/side parking where feasible, while protecting adjacent residential areas by using the overlay as a transition zone. "It is about creating convenient and accessible amenities within our community's fabric," Hossing said. She noted the map excludes municipal buildings and the previously approved Village of Town Center, and ends at Kent Drive to avoid industrial areas.

Council members asked for clarifications about potential impacts. One councilor asked whether the overlay could displace existing businesses. Hossing said most of the uses on the southern portion of Northeast Avenue are already mixed-use and that many are legally nonconforming ("grandfathered") under the current commercial zoning; she said she did not foresee adverse effects to businesses that remain in place. When asked whether the overlay could lead to conversions of commercial or industrial parcels entirely to residential uses, staff said development proposals would still require formal plans and review before planning and zoning and, if applicable, historic‑structure protections might restrict demolition.

Committee chair Councilwoman Tracy Fletcher moved the item to third reading and reminded council that a public hearing is set for July 24. The ordinance remains a mapping action rather than a change to base zoning language; if adopted, it would provide developers and property owners a clear set of design standards and permitted uses intended to foster a walkable neighborhood center.

The committee record shows the overlay discussion included detailed Q&A about compatibility with existing uses, historic structures on the corridor and the overlay’s relationship to other zoning overlays already in place. Planning staff said the overlay is a regulatory tool to "encourage a vibrant, connected neighborhood" and emphasized that where multiple overlays apply, the more detailed or restrictive regulation controls.

A public hearing will give residents and property owners an opportunity to comment before council considers final adoption.