Grove City Planning Commission recommends approval of Forge Biologics parking, access changes

The Grove City Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that City Council approve Forge Biologics’ development plan to add employee parking and a new site access point at 3900 Gantz Road.

Planning staff told the commission the proposal adds 105 paved parking spaces, an additional eight-space lot in the northwest corner of the site, a new curb cut on Gantz Road aligned with an existing curb cut to the west, and a 26-foot-wide drive aisle that wraps the building to improve circulation and emergency access. Staff also described a proposed dry basin at the northeast corner to manage stormwater during site improvements.

“The development department recommends planning commission make a recommendation of approval to city council for the final development plan with the 3 deviations noted,” planning staff said. Staff identified two of the deviations during the presentation: the proposed drive aisle is set back 5 feet, 1 inch from the east property line, which is less than the 10-foot setback required by code adjacent to compatible uses; and the plan requests permission for parking spaces that measure less than 200 square feet. Staff told the commission that the reduced setback and compact parking dimensions are acceptable in this industrial area and would not adversely affect adjacent industrial properties. Staff also said the third deviation exists but was not detailed in the staff summary provided in the meeting record.

Eric Walsh, the site consultant from Corda Engineering, introduced himself to the commission and said he was present to answer questions. “Just here to answer questions,” Walsh said; no commissioners posed questions and no public commenters or the fire department registered objections during the meeting.

A commissioner moved to recommend approval as submitted with the deviations noted; Chair Oster seconded the motion. The commission recorded a unanimous roll-call vote in favor: Chair Oster; Mr. Farnsworth; Mr. Titus; Mr. Roach; and Ms. Wemlinger.

Planning staff noted that further review of stormwater sizing will be required during the site-improvement plan stage. The commission’s vote was a recommendation to the Grove City City Council, which must consider the final development plan and any formal approvals or conditions.

The meeting adjourned with seasonal greetings from the chair. The City Council will take up the commission’s recommendation at a future meeting (date not specified in the record).