Planning commission backs Achieve Credit Union lot split, final plan and drive‑thru referral

The Avon Planning Commission on May 20 approved a lot split and final site plan for a new Achieve Credit Union branch at 2295 Nagel Road and recommended approval of a Special Use Permit to allow a drive‑thru. The Commission's approvals were contingent on final engineering sign‑off and legal approval of required easement agreements tied to shared access and stormwater.

John Lucas of K4 Architecture presented the site plan for a 2,517‑square‑foot branch and said engineering comments submitted May 15 had been addressed and refiled on May 20. Planning Coordinator Pam Fechter told the Commission that credit unions are held to a stacking standard of at least four spaces per window and that the proposed plan provides 12 stacking spaces. "The proposed plan provides twelve stacking spaces total," Fechter said. Fechter also told the Commission she would not forward the Special Use Permit to City Council until the related lot split and final development contingencies were resolved.

Achieve representative Bret Fisher described the credit union's membership and local focus, saying, "Originally, about 80% of our membership were school employees and county credit union members... since 2020, we became community‑based focusing on Lorain County and surrounding counties." Commissioners emphasized minimizing impacts on adjacent residences when finalizing buffering and access. Commissioner Scott Radcliffe and staff agreed the project team would continue to refine landscaping and engineering details as conditions of the contingent approvals.

Next steps: the Commission's positive referral for the Special Use Permit will be transmitted to City Council only after final engineering approval and legal clearance of easement agreements are completed.