Independence planning commissioners forward Petros Homes preliminary plan for Stone Road subdivision after lengthy stormwater, trees and gas-well discussion

The Independence Planning Commission on Feb. 4 voted to recommend that City Council approve Petros Homes’ preliminary site plan for a proposed subdivision on and around Stone Road, forwarding the application after extended discussion of drainage, trees, gas wells and long‑term maintenance.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation follows a lengthy public hearing and a presentation and question‑and‑answer session with Greg Modic, Petros Homes’ project representative, who described engineering steps planned to manage stormwater, preserve some existing woodland, and provide homeowner association funding for long‑term maintenance. “Our goal from the very beginning was to exceed the city requirements,” Modic said, describing an enlarged pond and outlet structure designed to reduce runoff discharged toward Stone Road.

Commissioners and residents pressed the developer for specifics about how run‑off would be captured, how quickly retention basins would be constructed, and how nearby gas wells and wetlands would be handled. Modic said final engineering submittals will include detailed hydrographs, outlet orifice sizes, and construction sequencing; he also said he will be available by cell phone to residents during construction.

Why it matters: The site is adjacent to existing homes on Stone and Brecksville roads; residents said current sheet‑flow runoff already affects their yards. Commissioners framed approval as a preliminary step that allows the developer to advance to final engineering and permitting, where the city…