Wooster City Council held a public hearing on May 19 on a Weaver Custom Homes request to rezone property on the west side of Burbank Road from R‑1 and R‑4 to PD, or planned development, to allow a mix of detached and attached single‑family dwellings, a clubhouse and an outdoor pool.

The proposal, which the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended for approval on May 1, would permit approximately 84 housing units and related private amenities. Marl Sutzman, representing Weaver Custom Homes, said the design responds to market demand for higher‑density, low‑maintenance living near schools and retail and described the project as “a resort style of living” meant to attract younger families and others wanting less yard maintenance.

The petition drew concerns about emergency access and traffic from a nearby resident. “My biggest concern is I feel like they should have an alternate exit egress, in and out, whatever you wanna call it because the fire department, the police department being there gets very, full of traffic backed up, and you can sit in her driveway for quite some time,” said Liv Frye, a nearby resident, who asked the council to require an additional egress for safety.

Council members and staff discussed technical aspects of the PD zoning. Councilor Wharton noted the site lies inside the city’s established TIF (tax‑increment financing) area; Jonathan (city staff) clarified that, because the property would be private, it would not necessarily “take advantage” of a TIF but that tax dollars generated can feed the TIF and thereby accelerate recovery of funds for public improvements. Staff said final development details, including any deviations from base R‑zone standards (for example facade or slab requirements), would be reviewed and negotiated through the final development plan process if council approves the rezoning.

No vote was taken; the ordinance amending Part 11 (Zoning) was left on first reading. If council approves the rezone in future readings, the developer must subsequently submit a final development plan showing the specific layout, materials and any requested deviations for Planning Commission review and administrative approvals.

The public hearing record included the developer’s presentation, the resident comment about egress and the Planning Commission recommendation; Councilor Wharton closed the hearing after members asked questions of the developer and staff.