MOUNT VERNON — Meeting on Thursday, the Municipal Planning and Historical Review commissions gave the go-ahead for construction of a new housing facility for Catholic priests and the development of Phase 2 of Maplewood Condominiums. Both projects came before the commissions in October, and commission members had issues with both.
The rectory site is 301 E. High St., part of the East High Street Historic District. Gail LaBenne and Wendy Fetters of the Historical Review Commission had concerns about curb appeal, the height of the structure, and the windows and doors shown on the plans presented at the October meeting. Since then, Mark Stewart, facilities manager for St. Vincent Parish, and Jeff Salva, Green Valley Design, met with LaBenne and Fetters to refine the plans.
“They did everything that we requested,” said LaBenne of the new design. “We feel this will fit.”
“I think they really heard us about fitting into the neighborhood,” said Fetters, adding that Stewart and Salva “tweaked a few things,” added trim and gave the rectory much more curb appeal. “They are trying to not tear the building down but get someone to move it, so I’m pleased with that.”
Changes included adding a side porch, using stone or brick steps, using materials that look more historically correct, window sizing and adding a porch with steps and columns on the side facing East High Street.
Stewart said the bidding process will take about six weeks. “I’m working with a gentleman to try and move the house in early March or maybe as late as April,” said Stewart. “We’d like to break ground in April.”
Problems surrounding Phase 2 of the Maplewood Condominiums on the corner of Ohio 229 and Eastern Star Road included Southgate Corp.’s lack of communication with Phase 1 condominium owners, concerns about water retention and how the homeowners association would be structured for the two developments. Plans call for the construction of 19 additional units between Maplewood Condominiums and Eastern Star Road.
Frank Rosatto, vice president of the Newark-based Southgate Corp., said he met with the Phase 1 homeowners association board on Tuesday. He shared information on how the two associations could become one and also discussed water runoff and traffic concerns.
“It was a cordial meeting,” said Bill Hogg, president of the homeowners association. “He made it clear that Southgate is not trying to impose anything on us.”
Hogg said that one area of concern for the condominium owners is basement flooding if water overflows the current retention pond. “From the layout, that doesn’t appear to be so,” he said. “We have every reason to believe what he told us.”
Construction traffic will enter from Eastern Star Road, which eased Janet Hogg’s concern about construction traffic disrupting the main entrance to Maplewood Condominiums. She also asked about mud and erosion during construction.
“We have requirements on the books to maintain sediment erosion,” said Ball. “My department would be inspecting the site on a regular basis to make sure they are keeping erosion under control.”
Briarwood Drive resident Dean Phillips voiced his concern about the current problems with water overflowing the drainage ditch along Ohio 229. “If we have 19 more rooftops, where is that water going to go except down 229 and overflowing into our project?” he asked.
Ball said the water outflow after a construction project has to match the same conditions existing before construction started. “Currently the ditch may be too small to handle runoff, even now,” he said. “As the project progresses, it’s something we have to look at to make sure it works.”
Ball said once the project gets underway, Southgate has to provide detailed storm water plans and apply for storm water and zoning permits.
Bill Hogg pointed out that with Ohio Eastern Star Home’s expansion and Phase 2 of Maplewood Condominiums, traffic could be a problem on Eastern Star Road. “Eastern Star Road has exceeded its capacity,” said Ball. “We are going to do a traffic study … and will look at alternatives.”
He plans to start traffic counts and surveying in the spring.
Mayor Richard Mavis said Southgate’s plan is “approved with the understanding that all of these other reviews will take place along the way.”
