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MINUTES OF THE AVON LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING February 3, 2026 A regular meeting of the Avon Lake Planning Commission was called to order on February 3, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers with Chairperson Ma presiding. ROLL CALL Present for roll call were Mr. Leitch, Ms. Lissner, Dr. Ma, Mr. Orille, Mrs. Raymond, Mr. Reynolds, Mayor Spaetzel, Director of Law Ebert, City Engineer Howard, Community Development Director Esborn, and Planning & Zoning Manager LaRosa. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor Spaetzel moved, and Ms. Lissner seconded to approve the January 6, 2026, meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried (7-0). Mayor Spaetzel moved, and Mrs. Raymond seconded to approve the January 6, 2026, Work Session minutes as presented. Motion carried (7-0). COUNCIL REPORT Mr. Reynolds reported that City Council approved the purchase of 33424 Lake Road (aka Johnny’s Boathouse) for potential future waterfront-related use. SWEARING IN PUBLIC COMMENTERS Director of Law Ebert swore in applicants and members of the audience who plan to speak to items on the agenda. TABLED CASES CPC-25-15, Shire Glen Green Management LLC, Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat Approval for Matthew’s Hollow Subdivision, located northeast of the Lear Road and Krebs Road intersection. Kevin Hoffman of Polaris Engineering, representing the applicant, acknowledged the submission of an updated preliminary plan that includes an intermediate grading plan. Mr. Hoffman stated that the applicant did not want to show the location of a potential wetland on the public plan set at this stage and mentioned that a note had been added to address potential aquatic resources and wetland- related protocols. Engineer Howard stated the submittal was acceptable for preliminary approval, with the understanding that prior to later approvals, the City would require an approved wetland delineation and appropriate agency documentation. 1 February 3, 2026 Mr. Orille asked about the preference not to include the wetland delineation in the public record. Mr. Hoffman stated it was the client’s preference and that the potential wetlands were not formally delineated at this time. Mrs. Raymond moved, and Mr. Leitch seconded to recommend to the City Council that Case No. CPC- 25-15, Shire Glen Green Management LLC, Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat for the Matthew’s Hollow Subdivision, be approved subject to the condition that, before improvement plan approval, the applicant provide documentation demonstrating compliance with applicable U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Ohio EPA wetland requirements, or documentation confirming that no such approvals are required, as applicable. In addition, no grading or site disturbance activities shall occur on the property before this documentation is provided to and accepted by the City. Motion carried (7-0). OTHER BUSINESS Informational Update on Lakefront Mixed-Use Overlay District. Director Esborn provided an overview of zoning steps associated with the Interim Development Agreement (IDA) with Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG). He stated the inclusion of information related to the [DA was intended to familiarize the Commission with the proposed approach in advance of anticipated March formal action items. The City anticipates three Planning Commission cases in March: 1. Map amendment (rezoning) of the power plant area to B-3 Special Commerce District (base zoning) 2. Text amendment to add the Lakefront Mixed Use Overlay District in the zoning code 3. Map amendment applying the overlay to the power plant property Director Esborn described B-3 as a flexible commercial district and referenced existing nearby B- 3 zoning. Mrs. Raymond raised concerns regarding the combination of (a) building height up to 100 feet, and (b) the requirement that structures be set back no greater than 10 feet from the Lake Road right-of-way, including implications for massing, view sheds, shadows, and whether proposed heights could trigger high-rise considerations under building and fire codes. Ms. Lissner expressed concerns about long-term roadway needs and capacity, potential future roadway widening and traffic improvements, and constraints created by buildings placed close to the right-of-way. Additional discussion addressed the intent of bringing buildings closer to the street while avoiding large parking lots in front of buildings, and whether a stepped height and setback concept could mitigate impacts. 2 February 3, 2026 The Mayor noted that although the overlay sets maximums, the Planning Commission retains review authority over specific devclopment plans submitted under the overlay process, including evaluation of items like view sheds. Ms. Lissner asked about modifications to standards language and whether the Commission could require more restrictive standards; discussion indicated the provision relates to varying from strict application based on stated criteria and council action. Director Esborn indicated staff would coordinate with zoning counsel to determine the best method and timing for addressing questions and potential revisions before the March meeting. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS After being sworn, resident William Zimmerman expressed several concerns related to the proposed zoning actions for the power plant site. He questioned the use of tax increment financing (TIF) revenue and its potential impacts on local schools and stated that he believed the process lacked sufficient transparency and public input. Mr. Zimmerman suggested that the City hold a broader public engagement session or town hall meeting to allow residents additional opportunity to understand and comment on the proposal. He also raised concerns about the proximity of proposed buildings to Lake Road, the placement of sidewalks, the pace of the process, and the possibility of a vote occurring as early as the following month. In addition, he expressed concern about the overall scope and extent of the proposed zoning changes. In response, Mayor Spaetzel stated that the Interim Development Agreement had been considered through multiple public meetings at City Council and emphasized that the process had included transparency and public discussion. City Engineer Howard clarified that the referenced setback is measured from the public right-of-way rather than the edge of the roadway, noting that sidewalks are typically located within the right-of-way and that right-of-way widths vary. Director Esborn added that the anticipated zoning actions would require public hearings before the City Council, providing additional formal opportunities for public input. Following public comment, Enginecr Howard stated that, in response to accusations made at the prior meeting, he wished to clarify that a judgment lien related to professional services for a separate matter had been released, and that the referenced lawsuit does not name him personally or his company. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Reynolds moved, and Mrs. Raymond seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:52 pm. Motion carried (7-0). Pkinning Commission Recdrding Secretary Chairperson Ma Kelly La Rosa 3 February 3, 2026