Avon panel approves Keller Farms preliminary plat for 31 homes, developer cites major stormwater reductions

The Avon Planning Commission unanimously approved the Keller Farms Preliminary Plat on April 15, allowing a 31-lot single-family subdivision on Detroit Road to move into final engineering. Petros Development Group proposed one-acre-plus lots (lower density than cluster alternatives) and committed to sidewalks, a wider road section for future connectivity and detailed stormwater controls.

Petros's representative, Greg Modic, said their preliminary analysis reduced the site's 100-year predevelopment peak discharge from about 50 cubic feet per second to a proposed 7.24 cubic feet per second, which he contrasted with a code-allowable discharge figure of 10.34 cubic feet per second: "the current predevelopment peak discharge was 50 cubic feet per second. The allowable discharge under code requirements would be 10.34 cubic feet per second, while the proposed development would discharge 7.24 cubic feet per second," Modic said. City Engineer Ryan Cummins and Planning staff said the analysis went beyond typical preliminary requirements and supported further detailed engineering.

Neighbors raised questions about on-lot septic systems, leaching-field setbacks, and downstream flooding. David Boeff, president of the adjacent Waters Edge Homeowners Association, pressed for assurance that septic reserve fields and setback distances would meet Lorain County Health Department and Ohio EPA requirements. Cummins told residents per-lot percolation tests would be required and that lots failing percolation would be removed from the plat rather than recorded as unbuildable lots.

The commission voted to suspend rules and approve the preliminary plat; final acceptance will follow detailed engineering and per-lot testing. The developer committed to continued engagement with neighbors and city staff through final design.