Lucas County Planning Commission approves final plat and three zoning actions, including Springfield Township JEDD amendment

The Lucas County Planning Commission on Oct. 22 unanimously approved a final plat and three zoning actions, and accepted a staff update on a search committee.

The commission approved the final plat for Stonegate Plat 8 (SD-1725), a parcel at the northwest corner of Salisbury and Holloway Road in Mount Clover Township; it also approved three zoning matters brought forward by staff: Z19C697, rezoning 6848 Nebraska Avenue from C-2 (general commercial) to RA (suburban residential); Z19C699, a text amendment to Springfield Township's zoning resolution revising section 19-26 (Economic Development District); and Z20C1089, rezoning portions of West Central Avenue from A-3 (agricultural) to R-4 (high-density residential).

Staff recommended approval in each case and the commission voted to approve each recommendation without recorded opposition. The actions will be forwarded to the affected townships for their review as required by county procedures.

Stonegate Plat 8

The commission's staff report said all final submissions for Stonegate Plat 8 had been received and recommended approval. A commissioner moved to approve SD-1725 and the motion carried unanimously.

6848 Nebraska Avenue (Z19C697)

Jody Cox, property owner at 6848 Nebraska Avenue, was sworn to testify and did not oppose staff's recommendation. Staff recommended the C-2 to RA rezoning because it is compatible with surrounding land uses and was expected to have no adverse impacts on neighboring properties. A motion to approve Z19C697 passed unanimously and will be transmitted to the township.

Springfield Township text amendment (Z19C699)

Josh Hollinger, representing Springfield Township, told the commission the township trustees "agree with the recommendation of approval" and are proposing to ease certain requirements in section 19-26 of the township zoning resolution so new businesses can join the township's Joint Economic Development District (JEDD). Hollinger said the trustees' intent was to make it easier for prospective businesses to participate rather than to force established landlords into the district. A commissioner asked whether the trustees had considered removing some requirements entirely; Hollinger replied the draft focuses on easing entry for new businesses.

The commission approved the text amendment as shown in the staff exhibit; the motion carried unanimously.

West Central Avenue rezoning (Z20C1089)

Greg Feller of Feller Finch and Associates spoke for the applicant on the A-3 to R-4 rezoning and said the request conforms with the 2018 Sylvania Township Land Use Plan. Commissioners raised traffic and safety concerns on Central Avenue, where truck traffic and speeds were discussed. Feller said the zoning step is preliminary and that a site-plan process would follow if zoning is approved: "We'll probably be required to do a traffic study," he said, and added that any necessary improvements and conversations with the Ohio Department of Transportation would occur during that later review.

A representative for Northwest Ohio Properties, identified in the record as Mister Robon, described past creek work that removed portions of the property from a flood plain and noted existing tree screening along Chrissy Road. The commission voted to approve Z20C1089; the action was unanimous and will be forwarded to Sylvania Township.

Other business

Under the director's report, Planning Director Lisa Sevecki said the 2026 calendar was in members' packets; the commission agreed members could review the calendar and approve it at the November hearing if they wished. Commissioner Brandon Rakoff provided a brief update on a search committee, saying candidates had been identified and that city HR would schedule interviews shortly.

The commission adjourned following the committee update.