Public gives input on plan for key Bath sectors

by Laura Bednar

The Bath Comprehensive Plan Committee, in conjunction with consulting firm Envision Group, held its second of three open houses on Aug. 14 to garner resident feedback on plans for Hammond’s Corners, Medina Line Road and the Ghent interchange.

Along Hammond’s Corners, Envision recommended adding sidewalks along Cleveland-Massillon Road, which would have a raised treelawn island between the sidewalks and the street for safety. Envision principal Ryan Smalley said the goal is to “enhance the sense of place” and induce motorists to slow down by lowering the speed limit to 30 mph. There was much resident support for traffic calming and streetscaping in that area as well as for sustainable parking.

When asked what improvements residents want in the Ghent hamlet, the most popular suggestions were streetscaping, adding public space and sidewalks. Some written comments on the suggestion board advocated for no speed reduction in the area or other traffic calming attempts because it would increase congestion. Another submission was that traffic bollards be used to protect pedestrians.

Envision had several suggestions for the Ghent hamlet, including mini traffic roundabouts at intersections such as Granger and Wye roads, adding a raised boardwalk along Yellow Creek and adding a pocket park at Wye and Cleveland-Massillon roads. Median islands and crosswalks throughout the hamlet were also suggested.

In the Medina Line Road area, Smalley said the goal is to “reinforce restriction of commercial development and maintain existing uses.” He said future developers could argue that there already is development surrounding rural residential areas at Route 18 and Medina Line Road and they should be able to build. The recommendation is to create a residential overlay district that allows for denser uses but increases buffering and setbacks. This could offer property owners flexibility while allowing for economic development.

“It gives Bath options from a control perspective,” said Smalley.

Along the Ghent interchange, the recommendation was to create a mixed-use overlay district with mixed-use development close to the interchange, then moderate residential and low-density residential outward from the interchange. Residents were split on whether this proposal was appropriate for the area.

The proposed future land use map for the township included a change from residential use along Route 18 between N. Medina Line and Crystal Lake roads to rural estate residential use, which maintains larger lots to accommodate single-family homes, agricultural uses and open space. There were more people in favor of the change than against it, based on the suggestion boards.

It was suggested that zoning in the area along I-77, where the highway meets Cleveland-Massillon Road, be changed from general office use to office mixed-use to address office vacancies and allow for housing. An equal number of residents were in favor and against this change.

Smalley reminded residents the plan is meant to guide the township in its decision-making process. Any zoning changes would have to go through township trustees.

Previous feedback

Smalley also presented resident feedback from the first open house in the spring. The top two passive recreational activities residents wanted were nature trails and an amphitheater. The two most desired active recreational pursuits were an outdoor pool and multi-use paths.

When asked if Bath had a variety of housing options, 60% said yes, 35% said they want more variety and 5% were unsure. The most popular housing people wanted were step in/down housing, accessory dwellings and detached single-family homes.

An overwhelming 70% of people said they did not want denser residential use along state Route 18 or Medina Line Road.

“No one wants to see any development in this area,” said Smalley.

Envision asked residents where, if anywhere, they wanted development along the Cleveland-Massillon Road corridor. Of the 60 pins placed on a map, 32 represented no development and the remaining pins fell in clusters along northern Cleveland-Massillon Road, Hammond’s Corners, Ghent and the Ghent interchange.

Residents also identified Bath’s strengths, opportunities, aspirations and realities. Strengths noted were semi-rural character, great schools and low crime. Opportunities included mixed-use areas that encourage community gathering and investment in paths. Aspirational themes were improved internet service and more accessible homes. Realities were a lack of gathering spaces and a desire to keep Bath rural.

The next open house will be held in October, date to be determined. With questions or comments on the plan, email Planning Director/Zoning Inspector Bill Funk at wfunk@bathtownship.org. ∞