South Euclid Planning Commission to hold meetings on Oakwood

The South Euclid Planning Commission will hold a series of meetings over the next several weeks to discuss the proposed development of the former Oakwood Club property and its rezoning from one-family residential to general commercial use.

The South Euclid portion of the property was purchased by First Interstate Properties on Dec. 30 and is currently zoned residential. First Interstate has a option to purchase the portion of the Oakwood property that lies within the boundaries of Cleveland Heights; the option expires on April 30. The Cleveland Heights portion of the Oakwood property is also zoned for residential use.

On Thursday, Feb. 17, the South Euclide commission will hold a work session on the traffic impact of the proposed development.

On Thursday, Feb. 24 the commission will discuss design issues, such as the impact that access to a new park will have on the surrounding residences, lighting and parking. It will also discuss riparian and wetlands setbacks.

On Thursday, March 3, the commission will discuss the project's proposed multi-use district, the retail needs of the city and the impact on the city's master plan.

All three of these meetings are open to the public, but do not require opportunity for public comment.

A public hearing on the project is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, March 10, at 7 p.m. This meeting will allow public comment – even those who don't live in South Euclide. After this public hearing, the planning commission will make a recommendation to city council, which must then schedule a second public meeting at least 30 days from that date.

All planning commission meetings are held in the Community Room, on the second floor of South Euclid City Hall, 1349 South Green Road, and begin at 7 pm. View a copy of the agenda or contact the City of South Euclid for more information.

Deanna Bremer Fisher is executive director of FutureHeights.