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Council approves lot consolidation for John Carroll's Gateway North project; members ask about a recently acquired house left in plan
Summary
City Council approved a lot consolidation ordinance for John Carroll University's Gateway North project that creates two consolidated lots; council members raised concerns that a house newly acquired by the university remains in the site plan and may be left residential while construction proceeds nearby.
The University Heights City Council approved a lot consolidation for John Carroll University's Gateway North project at its June 16 meeting, consolidating multiple Milford and Warrensville Center Road parcels into two lots consistent with an existing site plan previously approved by the planning commission.
A John Carroll representative told council the university closed on an additional parcel in late May that was not included in the original site plan approvals. The university said it currently lacks funding and finalized legal steps to demolish the house on that parcel immediately and intends to maintain the house in good condition while it studies options and, if appropriate, returns to planning commission with a demolition and redevelopment plan. The representative said the university does not intend to rent the house and plans to re-engage the city for review if and when it proposes development changes.
Several council members said the site plan places dumpsters and service elements adjacent to that parcel and expressed concern it would be unfair to leave a single residential house surrounded by construction or new parking. Council members reiterated that because the parcel is still zoned residential, demolition or change of use would require subsequent planning commission and council review before the university could remove the house.
The consolidation motion was moved, seconded and approved; planning commission recommendation was affirmed. Council members and city staff said the university must return with specific plans should it pursue demolition or a nonresidential use for the parcel.
