Editor’s Note
This story was updated at 6:18 p.m. April 4 with the information that the April 9 Ontario Planning Commission meeting has been canceled. Planning Commission is scheduled to meet on May 14 at 4 p.m. in Council Chambers.
ONTARIO — A 51-acre lot near Stumbo and Fergsuon roads in Ontario could support more than 200 homes if Ontario City Council grants a rezone request for the proposal.
Planning commission members heard from Holden Agency CEO Jerry Holden and engineer Keith Amstutz Wednesday on a proposed unit development zone for the land near Stowell Park and Maple Ridge Villas.
“We’re not looking to build apartments or multi-family homes,” Holden said. “I don’t feel the product placement for Ontario is multi-family. I feel it’s more single-family.
“We’re proposing detached homes but with the same density as R-2 housing.”
City council to decide rezone request
Some of the property discussed Wednesday is currently zoned R-2 (medium density), allowing for duplexes and single-family homes, while some of it is zoned R-3 (high density), allowing for two-story apartment buildings, townhouses or duplexes.
Holden’s plans include about 10 feet between houses. At a full buildout, the 51 acres could support between 200 and 250 homes.
“Basically, what we’re doing is taking the 3,000 square foot duplex or twin home that the space is zoned for, and splitting that in half to keep the same density but offer single-family homes,” Holden said.
Amstutz, a civil engineer with Shaffer, Johnston, Lichtenwalter & Associates, Inc, said single-family homes on the lot can support families who want to move to Ontario.
“For younger families and young professionals, the thinking is they would much prefer a single-family home even if it is close to your neighbor,” he said.
Planning Commission will discuss the request again at a future meeting and decide whether to recommend or discourage council approval for a planned unit development zone.
Council members make their own decisions, but take the planning commission’s suggestion into account.
Any rezone request comes to city council for a decision and offers an opportunity for public commentary.
If a rezone is approved, the four-phase project would start near Deerfield Lane and Stumbo Road, with the second phase building a connection at Ferguson Road and Wilshire Drive.
“As far as timeline, I’m sure it will be based on how sales go on the first few phases,” Amstutz said.
Holden said if council grants a rezone request, he plans to launch a tool for homebuyers to customize the exterior and interior of their homes.
“Most of them, we’re going to presell and offer the opportunity to customize,” he said.
Holden estimated the homes might sell for between $250,000 and $500,000.
“The market will dictate most of that,” he said. “For the higher end, bigger homes, those will be more expensive. And, most people will want to upgrade their homes.”
Square feet for ranch-style homes would be between 1,200 and 1,700 square feet and Holden said further phases would include two-story homes up to 2,700 square feet.
“I talked to all of the neighbors and assured them this is quality construction, we don’t cut corners — it’s going to be beautiful,” Holden said. “When the sea rises, boats rise. This will benefit the neighborhood and the city.”
Planning commission to discuss rezone request again at next meeting
Planning commissioner member Rick Pauley asked if fire codes recommend additional fire protection with only 10 feet proposed between homes.
City engineer Mark Rufener asked if Holden could clarify concerns with a letter from the Springfield Township Fire Department. He also suggested Holden specify the minimum lot size and garage size before the next planning commission meeting.
“Another suggestion for planning commission is I think we should stipulate that the sidewalk is on both sides of the street,” Rufener said. “The city will also go through a review process for the PUD, a subdivision, storm sewer and general site plan, so I know there will be comments associated with those.”
Compared to single family neighborhoods, the planned unit development would have normal rear setbacks with smaller front and side yards. Each lot size would be about 5,500 square feet.
“I see these all the time,” Holden said. “There’s many communities across Ohio, Indiana, Michigan — across all 50 states — supporting these types of development.”
Holden is also developing duplexes near Home Road in Mansfield with Wigton Homes called Walker Woods.
“Those are double homes, where Ontario is single-family,” he said. “They’re great open floor plans with two-car garages. We’ll start with three bedroom two bath homes, some with basements, and you can customize that in our design center.”
Zoning inspector Benji Hall noted two-story townhomes and apartment buildings could potentially build in the R-3 zones without a variance or rezone request from planning commission.
“This PUD, if approved, would take away the opportunity for R-2 and R-3 zoning like duplexes and apartments,” Hall said. “It would be all single-family homes.”
Council president Eddie Gallo also addressed neighbors and Ontario residents who attended Wednesday’s planning commission meeting.
“I don’t know the end result and speaking personally, I don’t have a vote,” he said. “But when this comes to council, there will be a month and a half of opportunities to share your thoughts.
“There will be a public hearing and we will deliberate it fairly. We definitely want communication that’s open and honest between Mr. Holden, city council and you.”