Hills proposes construction of 467 single- and multi-family residences and a retail center on the land. The property is on the east side of North Main Street, Ohio 741, between the city’s central crossroads at Main Street and Central Avenue, Ohio 73 in Springboro, and the Settlers Walk planned development.
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“Our intent is that the development of Easton Farm will create a new destination landmark in the City of Springboro through sensitive site planning, building design, construction, landscaping, and amenities to meet market demand and the lifestyle needs and wants of the community. Creating a compatible and harmonious community between varying land uses are critical to the creation of a walkable and successful neighborhood, ” according to a development narrative submitted by the project developer.
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But staff and commissioners said Hills still failed to provide adequate design standards and lacked details, such as renderings and the phasing anticipated for the development.
The plan now proposes a 17.2-acre commercial development on Main Street, 31.6-acre single-family residential and 28.5-acre multi-family sections in the center of the property and 9.4 acres of single-family homes in the northwest corner.
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It was the developer’s third appearance on the project, which has drawn opposition from neighbors and others.
Residents remained resistant despite a private preview prior to Wednesday’s meeting.
Dan Boron, the city’s planning consultant, urged Hills to include color renderings and other information unveiled privately for review by city staff and the commission.
Hills continued to lobby for drive-throughs in the commercial area, despite negative comments.
“We’re seeing more and more retailers having drive-throughs for all kinds of things,” Michael Copfer from Hills said.
Neighbors continued to express concerns about the traffic, density of development and plans for four-story apartment buildings in the vicinity of their one and two-story housing developments.
“That’s just absurd in my opinion,” Rod Bradshaw said. “I can’t imagine Springboro would be OK with that.”
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Mike Hemmert, a Springboro resident and business owner, urged the commission to leave the farm zoned for single-family residential development, rather than approve a plan enabling retail and multi-family development as well.
Two of the property owners, Becky and Ted Hall, are to continue living at the back of the property.
Originally, Hills had hoped to be seeking city council approval on June 15.
Now it is expected to return for another work session June 14.
The meeting ended with City Manager Chris Thompson and Hills officials agreeing to meet to work on the submission in anticipation of deadlines for the June 14 meeting.
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