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Developer wins conditional lot‑width variance for proposed South Lorain affordable homes
Summary
Knight Development received a conditional variance for reduced frontage and lot area as a preliminary step toward a proposed 110‑unit affordable housing development; the board added conditions including a secondary access and traffic study before final approvals.
Nikko (Nico) Aaron, representing Knight Development LLC, told the Zoning Board of Appeals that the company seeks a lot‑frontage and lot‑area variance on a roughly 23‑acre dual‑zoned parcel in South Lorain to determine whether a proposed single‑family affordable housing project is feasible before investing in engineering and formal rezoning applications.
Aaron said the frontage reduction would make it possible for builders to participate; he described the difference as roughly a "30 home swing" in yield if the frontage reduction is not granted. Board members expressed caution about approving a variance at such a preliminary phase, asking how the board could limit future unrelated uses; staff clarified the variance would be tied to the specific application and project.
A board member moved to approve the variance on the condition that the developer provide or secure a secondary access/emergency connection (Seneca access or similar) and perform a traffic study to assess impacts from the additional units. The motion also included the usual subsequent approvals required before construction (platting, final development plan, wetlands and engineering review). The motion carried by voice vote.
