Planning Commission tables Zaz—s special-use application, asks for corner-lot alternative and traffic study

The University Heights Planning Commission on Oct. 16 voted to table an application by Zaz (SAS Group LLC) for a special-use permit to operate a house of worship at 4310–4316 University Parkway and 2414 Elmdale, directing the applicant to provide a corner-lot alternative, updated ownership and parcel numbers, a traffic study, structural/occupancy information if renovating, and recommended bond/security estimates.

The commission—s decision followed more than an hour of public testimony in which neighbors and members of the congregation described both the shul—s role in family and religious life and persistent problems tied to parking and congestion. Mayor Brennan reviewed the city—s enforcement history, noting a cease-and-desist letter was issued on 05/19/2021 and that a separate appeal at the Ohio Board of Building Appeals means the applicant is permitted to continue operations pending that appeal.

The commission—s action was driven in part by concern over site suitability. Commissioner Rock said he was "still not convinced this is the right spot" and moved to table so the applicant could explore a proposal on the corner parcel at 4310 University Parkway. Commissioners asked the applicant to update the permit application with correct ownership/parcel information and to bring the additional materials required by University Heights Codified Ordinances —12.74, including evidence that the use will not impair surrounding property values, parking and traffic conditions, or public safety.

Public commenters were split. Several neighbors described the shul as a vital, walkable community institution: one speaker said the congregation had "helped me through the arduous process of becoming a citizen," and others emphasized the congregation—s child programs and local ties. At the same time, written public comment read into the record by resident Tina Beyer cataloged years of neighborhood friction and alleged noncompliance, including multiple instances of driveway blocking and what Beyer described as the applicant—s prior ownership of lots in the city—s permitted zone on South Green Road. Beyer—s email also quoted a past exchange in which she said the applicant—s representative wrote, "I never wanna hear from you again." The email asked the commission to deny the application to preserve the block—s residential character.

Mayor Brennan explained prior enforcement steps and the city—s position: "Mister McConville did issue a cease and desist letter on 05/19/2021," he said, adding that the law director is accountable to council and that administration officials had pursued discussions with Zaz to find a path to legitimate operation. Commissioners and staff noted the BBA appeal concerns Ohio building-code enforcement for the existing structure and runs on a separate track from the special-use-review process under local zoning law.

Commissioners also requested a traffic study given the ordinance—s standard for uses fronting streets other than primary corridors, a structural review if the applicant intends to renovate an existing residential building to hold a congregation, and an estimate of bond or security amounts commensurate with the scope of work. Commissioner Casey noted the need to confirm whether a renovated structure could safely support a proposed occupancy of 200 or more.

The motion to table was offered by Commissioner Rock and, after amendments to include the items suggested by other commissioners, carried when the chair called the roll. The commission set the expectation that the applicant return prepared to address the enumerated items; staff and commissioners said they would consider a special meeting if the applicant could supply materials sooner. A separate administrative hearing at the Ohio Board of Building Appeals is scheduled in early December and remains a parallel procedural matter.

The tabling does not resolve the application; it pauses the commission—s decision until the applicant submits the requested studies and revisions. The commission adjourned at 10:12 p.m.