Residents express concern over possible rezoning

COLDWATER- About 25 residents attended a zoning meeting prior to Monday night's Coldwater council meeting to voice concerns over a requested zoning change that would allow building apartments in the East Pointe subdivision.

Village council members at their regular council meeting gave first reading of an ordinance to re-zone several lots in the subdivision.

East Pointe subdivision contains 17 lots. The zoning change seeks to rezone six of the lots to R-4 and build five apartments on those lots. The remaining 11 lots are zoned R-2 suburban residential single family dwellings and some contain homes. Restful Acres, Inc. intends to sell the six lots to a purchaser who wants to build the triplex apartments, said village administrator Eric Thomas.

Three residents who live near the area of the planned apartments stayed for the council meeting, asking if the rezoning was already a done deal. Jenny Schwieterman said the original plat for all 17 lots was to be single family dwellings. Keri Stammen said since the subdivision is a cul-de-sac, there is only one way in and one way out. Both Schwieterman and Stammen said they are concerned about traffic issues as tri-plex apartments will increase the number of residents and cars on the street.

Plans also indicate a detention pond would be built and council members were asked about water issues and the possibility of flooding.

Thomas said having the first reading puts the ordinance on the table for discussion. Two more readings are needed before the ordinance can be approved.

The ordinance also could be tabled for several meetings until more questions are heard and issues resolved, Thomas said.

A research committee meeting was scheduled for 6 p.m. April 26 in council chambers to look into the matter further. The public meeting is open to anyone.

Council members on Monday met in executive session for 10 minutes to discuss land and personnel with no action following.

Council members approved a list of 17 students and 29 lifeguards for the pool, plus an additional eight substitute lifeguards.

All are part-time positions.

In other business, council members passed under suspension of rules an emergency resolution authorizing participation in the Ohio Department of Transportation's road salt purchasing program for 2021-2022 season. The contract requires the village to buy at least 90% of its salt from the designated supplier.

Thomas said last year's order was for 600 tons and 550 were used. This year's order will be the same.

Thomas informed members that a ribbon cutting ceremony is set for 8 p.m. Thursday for Phase 3 of the A Park 4 All Abilities playground near Butler street in Memorial Park.