The Cleveland City Council has given its unanimous approval to a controversial townhouse development on Angel Lane in Cleveland.
The proposed development was turned down by a 3-2 vote last month by the city’s planning and zoning board.
Skye Construction and Development plans to build 27 townhouse units on the 4.83 acres off Underwood Street in Cleveland.
As it was during the zoning hearing last month, a large number of nearby residents filled the city council chambers last night. The council, in holding a public hearing on the issue, heard from Planning and Zoning Chairperson Nadine Wardenga, and Developer Destin Bennett, followed by five residents who expressed their opposition.
City Economic Development and Planning Director Tom O’Bryant shared with the council that the developers had met pretty much all the requirements set forth by the city, then, individual council members had questions for developer Bennett.
Following all of that, the council, on a recommendation by Councilwoman Rebecca Yardley and second by Councilman Jeremy McClure, voted unanimously to approve the zoning request, but the council tacked on at least nine conditions the developers have to meet. Those conditions include making improvements to water and sewer lines, working with an arborist to minimize noise and increase privacy for the neighbors, and limiting the units owner occupancy with no rentals.
Prior to the council vote, Yardley admitted this was not an easy decision.
“I would like it to be noted for the record that this is probably one of the hardest decisions I have made as a council member, to weigh the needs of our community and its citizenry is not something I take lightly,” she said. “This area is an area I live in, gentlemen. You will be held accountable, if not by the citizens, by me as a member of this council because they deserve the best, the city deserves the best, so, prove to us that you truly want to support the mission of this community by giving us the best and respecting them in the process.”
