The Mentor Planning Commission voted July 3 to approve the final plat for Manor Heights Phase 1, a 20‑lot residential subdivision on Chillicothe Road, subject to nine conditions. The developer said work would begin this fall and street paving would follow in spring.

Why it matters: Planning staff and the commission emphasized preserving the site’s mature tree buffer along Chillicothe Road rather than removing and replacing trees with new plantings; commissioners also discussed a temporary hammerhead requirement if the developer delays Phase 2 infrastructure.

What the developer said: David Novak, the applicant, said the project has been in process since rezoning in 2018 and that Phase 1 construction would start this fall with the goal of selling lots in spring 2026. Novak said leftover nursery stock on site will be relocated into the subdivision open space to create a mature landscape.

Staff and commission concerns: Kathy (planning staff) said an on-site arborist review showed healthy mature sugar maples along Chillicothe Road and recommended preserving those trees rather than clearing them and substituting young stock. Engineering staff asked for a temporary hammerhead at a southern stub if future phases are not started, and the commission added a condition tying construction of that temporary turnaround to the city engineer’s acceptance timeline: the hammerhead must be installed if Phase 2 infrastructure is not started within six months after the Phase 1 improvements are accepted by the city engineer.

Action and vote: A motion to approve the final plat with the discussed nine conditions carried on roll call (Perkovich, Rossetti, Tiedemann, Crocker, Hadden and Cook voted yes). The approval includes conditions addressing street and path materials, preservation and enhancement of buffers, bonding for improvements, and other standard engineering requirements.

What’s next: With conditions met and any bonding requirements posted, the developer may proceed with infrastructure work; the city will hold the bond and accept dedication when the improvements satisfy city engineering standards.

Ending note: Commissioners highlighted the value of preserving existing mature canopy and directed staff to ensure landscaping and bonding provisions protect the neighborhood character and provide completed infrastructure before final dedication.