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Lorain County Safe Harbor gets approval for 6‑foot fence to protect children at Elyria Avenue site
Summary
Lorain County Safe Harbor won approval for a variance to install a 6‑foot privacy and security fence at 3575 Elyria Ave. to protect children and survivors using its center; board members asked the nonprofit to consider added roadside protection because of proximity to a curve and past vehicle impacts.
Lorain County Safe Harbor asked the Zoning Board on Oct. 1 for a variance to allow a 6‑foot fence past the front building line at 3575 Elyria Avenue. Executive director Jeff Sotto (self‑identified in remarks) said the taller fence is needed to ensure safety, security and privacy for children and survivors who use the outreach and child‑resource facility.
Sotto told the board that the fence would permit safe outdoor classroom space and supervised drop‑in child care at the outreach location. He said initial paperwork misstated the right‑of‑way and that, on remeasurement, the proposed fence locations would be 24.3 and 20.5 feet back — within code allowances for the site. The applicant said they have a state grant to repave the parking area and have improved the site’s appearance.
Board members and public commenters supported the request for safety and privacy but raised concerns about the fence’s proximity to a curved roadway and a history of impacts in that location. Members suggested the nonprofit consider stronger roadside protections — for example concrete bollards or a sturdier barrier — and asked staff to coordinate building and design details.
The board approved the variance by voice vote. Staff and the organization will coordinate on fence materials, final siting and any additional protective measures before construction.
