North Olmsted council approves rezoning for Drees development after resident raises easement concerns

Council on Tuesday adopted Ordinance 2025-19 to rezone multiple parcels to Planned Development to allow a new residential project by Drees Homes, a move approved on a 6-0 roll call.

The ordinance drew a public comment from resident Bryan Mollohan, who said homes on Tudor Drive back directly onto the development site and that Drees has “refused to do” an easement allowing homeowners to install a fence. Mollohan said he first raised the issue about a year ago and that neighbors remain concerned about the status of the green area behind their properties.

Director of Economic and Community Development Director Upton responded in the meeting that the city and Drees have been negotiating for more than a year, that Drees has met with affected homeowners and the Forest Ridge West Park Civic Association, and that the company has offered to help design a new neighborhood entry sign and to contribute toward fencing costs. Upton said a 20-foot easement will be part of the transfer and that final plans will come forward to the Planning Commission. “Drees has been more than accommodating,” Upton said, adding that the developer lost an estimated three to five units—roughly $800,000 to $1,000,000—on the project to meet city requirements.

Councilman Limpert, who moved to adopt the rezoning measure, noted during his motion that the City and Drees should continue to work to resolve outstanding neighborhood concerns. The council approved the rezoning after the brief discussion.

Next steps include final submittal by the developer to the Planning Commission and any required site plan review or easement documentation before construction proceeds. The council also removed Resolution 2025-17 from the agenda earlier in the meeting while that item awaits amendment.

The adoption of Ordinance 2025-19 was recorded on a 6-0 vote; no amendments to the ordinance were made on the floor.