Planning commission backs amended concept plan for Boulevard frontage, including Dairy Queen

The City of Green Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend city council approve an amended concept plan (item 25-13) for the Boulevard subdivision frontage that would allow a new Dairy Queen and two additional commercial buildings.

The commission’s recommendation followed a presentation by the project architect, Dave Pellegra, who said the concept focuses the front 6.6 acres of the subdivision into two commercial parcels and a corner site intended for the Dairy Queen prototype. “That orange area is actually the new Dairy Queen,” Pellegra said, and he told the commission construction could begin in “the next 10 months, give or take.” Planning staff noted the concept plan dates back to 2014 and that the current proposal narrows the earlier commercial concept into a more focused plan for two parcels.

Why it matters: The commission’s favorable recommendation moves the proposal to city council, clearing the way for site-plan review and more detailed scrutiny. Staff told commissioners final site plans will have to meet parking, material and stormwater requirements; the concept includes stormwater basins and pedestrian connections into adjacent neighborhoods.

Commission discussion focused on vehicular access and the possible acquisition of a neighboring corner parcel to provide Burgess Drive access. Commissioners pressed whether a single centralized driveway onto Massillon Road would create safety or circulation problems; the applicant and staff said the configuration is workable for the Dairy Queen prototype but acknowledged that a full build-out of all parcels might require a traffic study and additional access design. Staff emphasized that each building would return to the commission for final site-plan review if the concept is approved.

During the public portion of the item there were no opposing public comments. A commissioner (speaker 12) moved a favorable recommendation with clarifying conditions: require final site plan review for each project, ensure perpetual maintenance for open spaces (for example through a property-owners association), and note that future subdivision of the land must meet city code and that a traffic study may be required at build-out. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call. Planning staff will forward the commission’s recommendation to city council for consideration.

Next steps: If council accepts the recommendation, the applicant must submit final site plans and any required traffic studies and stormwater plans before building permits can be issued.