The Miami Township Board of Trustees met in Special Session for the Public Hearing of Case #424-Roberts Engineering, Inc. on Tuesday March 18, 1997 at 7:00 PM at the Miami Township Civic Building. Chairperson Jean Schmidt called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was given. Miami Township Clerk, Eric C. Ferry called the roll. In Attendance were; Chairperson Jean Schmidt, Edwin H. Humphrey and Joseph W. Uecker.
Mr. Ferry read the Legal Notice of Hearing, the Planning Staff Report, the Planning Commission Report and the Zoning Commission Decision.
The applicant, Mr. Ron Roberts of Roberts Engineering, Inc. presented the request for a district change from A-Residential to B-2 for the construction of six storage building units and an on site rental office at a property on Wolfpen-Pleasant Hill Road at State Route 131. Mr. Roberts stated the Clermont County Planning Commission and the Miami Township Zoning staff have both agreed the property is probably not very conducive to use as a residential piece of property. Mr. John Buse of Roberts Engineering and Mr. Irv Scharfenberger the property owner were present to answer questions relative to the operation of the proposed storage buildings. Mr. Roberts stated the properties to the South and across the street in one corner is already zoned B-2. Mr. Roberts stated he considered requesting a zoning change to B-1, however after making the application, in discussions with Ms. Gloria Condelles of the Miami Township Zoning Department and Mr. Mennelaos it was brought to his attention there were very few B-1’s in this area and they would be like a spot zone, therefore the decision was made to request a B-2 zone. Mr. Roberts presented photos of the type of buildings proposed, he felt they will be compatible with the area. The North property line, which is adjacent to a residential area, will be decorative fencing. The proposal is for six buildings plus an office. Mr. Roberts stated he felt this type of business would have a lesser traffic impact on the area. With the current zoning as residential, this property could be used for other businesses that would create a much greater traffic problem. Miami Township has no way to control the use of the property except the site plan review process which will hold him accountable for the development of this site. Mr. Roberts discussed other possible developments for this site; Due to the fact there is no sanitary sewer on the site it is not useful as a single family development. Another use would be to extend the sanitary sewer from SR 131 to Wolfpen Pleasant Hill Road and subdivide the property into six lots. This would greatly add to the traffic flow problems during peak times. Another possible use is a Day Care Center which would be permitted under current zoning, this business would also create a possible dangerous traffic problem. Mr. Roberts discussed the culvert that drains into Timbercreek. Currently this storm drain is open, Mr. Roberts proposes to enclose this system with a catch basin to collect the waters from the roadway plus the water coming through the site. The problem of sewage could be handled with a lateral through an easement from an adjoining property owner. Mr. Roberts stated he felt this business would be one of the best usage for this property due to the smaller amount of traffic flow. Mrs. Schmidt asked why Mr. Roberts did not consider an RPUD project for this property. Mr. Roberts stated the reason this was not considered is because this site is undesirable for a residential project due to the difficulty in making a left turn out of the driveway. He stated that due to the low number of vehicles attempting to turn left out of the storage facility during peak times this would not be a problem for this type of business.
Adjoining Property Owner Mrs. Edna Shirley of 5684 Pleasant Hill Road requested the Board deny this zoning change. Mrs. Shirley felt this change would create more problems for the Township with water run off and increased traffic problems. She also stated that once the site is zoned B-2, the owners of the property can put in any kind of business.
Mr. Richard Shirley of 5684 Pleasant Hill road also requested the Board deny this zoning change. He noted that other storage facilities in the area have outside storage and in his opinion, this makes the whole area look junky. Mr. Roberts responded there would be no outside storage at the proposed storage center.
Mr. Anthony Cassinellii of 6268 Price Road (owner of Este Electric) stated he is in favor of passing this zoning change request.
Mr. Ferry read communications relative to this case from; United Dairy Farmers stating they would prefer growth/development that would lend more activity to the general business and residential area.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from Mr. Lester O. Kenner of 5676 Pleasant Hill road. Mr. Kenner is not in favor of passing this zoning change request.
Joe Uecker made a motion to close the Public portion of Case #424. Ed Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Mr. Uecker asked for more time to review the material before making a decision. Mr. Humphrey concurred.
Mr. Uecker made a motion to table a decision on Case #424 until the next regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting , April 01, 1997. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Chairperson Schmidt adjourned the Special Meeting at 8:00 PM.
ATTEST:____________________________________________ CLERK, ERIC C. FERRY
_____________________________________________CHAIRPERSON, JEAN SCHMIDT