Committee backs Hilltide Ventures’ 122‑unit workforce housing project at West River Road North

The Elyria community development committee on Nov. 24 recommended approval of a conditional use permit for a proposed 122‑unit workforce housing development at 2101 West River Road North.

Taylor Cook, a development officer with Hilltide Ventures, said the project is a single four‑story building on a 6.8‑acre vacant parcel just north of Black River Career Prep High School. Hilltide described itself as a national developer focused on workforce housing and said the project recently received competitive state and federal housing tax credit awards that make development likely.

Cook told the committee the parcel is zoned Business Neighborhood, which allows multifamily housing only as a conditionally permitted use; he said City staff reviewed the October application, recommended approval, and the planning commission unanimously gave a positive recommendation at its Nov. 12 meeting.

Several council members and residents raised questions about traffic, parking and tree buffers adjacent to High Meadows Park. The applicant said the project mix includes one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom units and that parking demand is expected to average below two vehicles per unit (projecting about 1.7 spaces per unit and that a variance would be sought from the Board of Zoning Appeals). He also said the site contains steep topography and a wetland delineation toward the rear that limits development into the wooded area.

After staff read the committee report recommending an ordinance authorizing the conditional use permit, the committee moved, seconded and voted by voice to carry the measure forward.

Next step: The recommendation advances the conditional use permit process; the matter will move to full council for further action as required by the city's land‑use process.