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Newark council rezones Sharon Valley parcel to allow assisted‑living development after stormwater conditions
Summary
The Newark City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 25‑24 to rezone property at Sharon Valley Road and Country Club from two‑family to institutional to allow an assisted‑living facility, after developers described plans and residents raised drainage and erosion concerns. Council required detailed stormwater review and noted initial city‑developer cost sharing for creek cleanup.
The Newark City Council on Dec. 1 unanimously adopted Ordinance 25‑24 to change the zoning for a parcel at Sharon Valley Road and Country Club from a two‑family residential district to a church/school/institutional district, clearing the way for a proposed upscale assisted‑living facility.
The developer, speaking during the public hearing, said the rezoning is intended to allow construction of an assisted‑living facility at what he described as “the best location in Newark,” and said the project team will hire civil engineers and comply with EPA and city stormwater requirements. “We’re still in the early stages of schematic design,” the proponent said, and pledged to work with the city on stormwater calculations and creek restoration.
Neighbors raised detailed concerns about drainage, historical dumping on the site and erosion that they say has already shifted creek courses and damaged yards. David Goff questioned who would pay if upstream retention walls fail and basements flood; city staff responded that the city and property owner have begun a 50/50 cost split to clear the creek bed and that the city is funding an engineering study of the retaining wall and stormwater fixes using unencumbered stormwater funds.
Council members and planning‑commission representatives emphasized that a detailed stormwater review is required before any construction permits are issued. Council member Parker pointed out that the site, if left at current zoning, could allow up to 48 duplexes and an estimated 100 additional vehicles, and said the proposed institutional use would create lower density and more regulation for a senior living facility. Planning commission staff recommended approval with the condition that the engineering review be completed.
After a brief technical amendment to correct a location description (Southeast → Southwest corner), the amendment passed 10–0 and the ordinance was adopted by roll‑call vote 10–0.
The council’s action does not approve final building plans; city staff said any development must meet the city’s stormwater regulations and obtain required state and federal approvals before construction.
