Planning commission recommends rezoning 6.7 acres on Euclid Avenue for campus‑institutional uses

The Euclid Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend that City Council rezone about 6.721 acres of property commonly known as 27981 Euclid Avenue from U8 office and U4 local retail districts to a campus institutional (CI) district.

Staff said the parcels have been largely undeveloped since early‑1990s demolition of former commercial uses and that limited office activity makes the current U8 classification less effective. Staff recommended rezoning to the CI district to expand permitted uses for developers while imposing a higher level of design review for developments along Euclid Avenue and near I‑90.

Developers Darren Jolas and Marcus Lavinier told the commission the rezoning is a first step toward a proposed assisted‑living community; part of the area includes a small, city‑owned parcel so further coordination with city staff will be required. Jolas said the applicants will return later with a development plan once the rezoning is approved.

“...this is just simply the rezone of the campus institutional, designation for purposes of advancing our plan to develop and propose and develop an assisted living community,” a developer said.

Councilman Dante Gresham of Ward 3 spoke in support, noting the lot has sat vacant for about 29 years and that redevelopment could benefit the city and neighboring counties. A motion to recommend the rezoning to City Council passed by roll call; staff will prepare materials for Council review and the applicant will return with detailed plans if the rezoning moves forward.