Public comments split on senior apartments

by Sue Serdinak

Feb. 4 public hearing

Petros Development Group has proposed purchasing the former Constantine Garden Center and building 44 apartments on the property and two adjoining parcels. 

The 8.1-acres is zoned C-1 commercial, which does not allow for apartments. Petros has requested the property be rezoned R-4, which allows for high-density apartments and three-story buildings. 

The planning and zoning commission recommended the change. Council was required to hold a public hearing on the rezoning and must deny or affirm it within 90 days.

Planning and Zoning Director Brian Frantz explained that the topic was specifically about changing the area on the zoning map from commercial to R-4. 

Petros’ plans call for only one-story rental attached apartment units, but the density he requested is higher than allowed in the R-3 zoning district. The apartments would be designed for and rented to people 55 and older.

Corkscrew Johnnies liquor store is on property adjacent to the garden center and extends west abutting the Everett Point development. The store owner had earlier submitted plans to build a small grocery store behind the liquor store. Under Petros’ proposal, Corkscrew Johnnies would build their store on a parcel to the north of the current store, where a house stands. The apartment development would be built on the Constantine Garden Center property and extend behind the liquor store and the home to the north.

Frantz advised that changing the zoning to R-4 would not be specific to the proposed rental units, and that if the Petros proposal goes away, the R-4 zoning would remain, allowing up to three-story buildings. 

He said the housing units comport with the master plan the village approved in 2024.

Frantz also said he used traffic analysis data to show the rental units would generate about 285 daily trips, and a garden center would be expected to generate about 579 daily trips. A pharmacy would generate about 900 and a fast food restaurant about 2,100 trips.  

Public speaks

Council President Ralph Waszak said the village satisfied all of the requirements to bring the proposed zoning change to the public and opened the floor to three-minute comments per person.

Denise Ready, who served on the Comprehensive Land Use Steering Committee, said that a key element of the land-use plan was to identify areas for varied housing. The proposed rezoning of the property from local retail to multifamily residential aligns with the plan.

“Vocal opposition does not reflect the entire community. … Thoughtful planning today provides housing options for all stages of life; a positive addition for the village,” she said.

Lance Kimbell, a resident on Gianna Way, in the Everett Point development immediately west of the garden center property, spoke about the sidewalk that connects the development to Brecksville Road, near Corkscrew Johnnies. 

“That sidewalk is going to take our quiet little neighborhood and add foot traffic that we are not looking for,” he said, adding that residents are concerned about crime.

“We would like to have some guarantees that the development remains a 55 and older community. … The vast majority of folks in the development are not opposed to the development because the area is starting to decay and becoming an eyesore,” Kimbell said. 

He also suggested that the development be gated.

Elisha Burrows of Harold Drive said she opposed the development because of the potential impact on the sewer system and 911 calls for service. 

She asked if it is safe to have seniors that close to a liquor store.

Kimberly Senczylo of Gianni Way said neighbors are upset that they spent their life savings buying homes, and apartments will be in their backyards.  She said that with only one entrance to their street, it remains isolated and close knit. “Renters just don’t have skin in the game like homeowners do,” she said.

Hart Road resident Shirley Calvin said the apartments would bring more traffic, adding that Brecksville Road has become very congested because motorists are using it instead of I-77. “More homes will impact the traffic,” she said.

She also said the village should require apartment residents to be 55 or older.

Frantz said that Petros has agreed to do that to the fullest extent allowable by fair-housing laws.

Councilperson Bobbie Beshara cautioned that a tenant could sublet their apartment to a younger person.

Petros responded that the apartment leases would expressly disallow subletting.  

Penny Rzonca of Harold Drive voiced a concern about water runoff crossing Brecksville Road, especially when the pond is drained. 

She thanked Johnny Constantine for providing beautiful plants for many years.

Waszak said the developer would be required to have a storm water management plan before proceeding.

Council’s turn

Following the public period, Councilperson Rick Hudak said, “I’m in favor of this usage. I think the community needs this kind of housing. [However] I don’t like changing the zoning map.”

He suggested making the use conditionally permitted under current zoning.

Waszak said he disagreed with that approach, adding that the former Consolidated truck terminal was given a conditional permit to build many years ago. 

Councilperson Jeff Stoppenhagen said council should think long and hard about a zoning change.

“I don’t like rental properties,’’ he said. “Who says that in 10 years [Petros] won’t sell, and [the property] goes down hill. I think R-4 is not correct. … We should seriously consider what we’re doing here.”

He added, “I don’t want Richfield to become a city.” 

Frantz said the three mayors he has worked under were committed to slow growth for the village. He added that the village has many topographical issues that impede big development. 

“The likelihood of us becoming a city is very unlikely any time soon,” he said.

Councilperson Sue Ann Philippbar said the village is studying the zoning code for the R-3 and R-4 districts and when that is complete, there could further restrictions on multi-story buildings.

Petros addressed the group after the public’s chance to speak.

He said the apartments are a $15 million investment for his company, and the buildings would pay about $154,689 in taxes to the Revere school district. 

He said deed restrictions on the property would prevent it from ever being developed for multi-story buildings. 

According to Petros, there will be internal sidewalks, and he suggested that a gate could be put on the sidewalk entering the Everett Point development. He added, however, that children in the development might benefit from seeing seniors walking in their neighborhood. 

The development would have 46% green space and would be dark-sky compliant. 

Financial and criminal background checks on all tenants would be done, Petros said, adding, “The character and knowledge of the tenant is extremely important to us. … Most people have a time in their life when they rent. It doesn’t mean you are a bad person or evil.”

He said construction is planned to begin in August, depending on village approvals.

Councilpersons Marty Kruszynski and Beshara said some seniors have told them they are excited about the apartments. “It is needed and the right thing to do for humanity. There is no risk,” Petros said.

Photo caption: The drawing represents the location of the apartments proposed by Petros Development for the former Constantine Garden Center and to the rear (west) of the Corkscrew Johnny liquor store and a home. The drawing has Brecksville Road on the bottom. The rectangle on the north end shows the location of the Corkscrew Johnny current and proposed future store. Drawing taken from Petros documents.