264-unit concept includes senior living

NORWALK — Conceptual plans for an unnamed mixed-use development east of U.S. 250 show 264 residential units, including assisted and independent living, as developers begin engineering the public road needed to open the property. Representatives of Lemmon Development and DeHoff Development updated city council during its Aug. 11 work session. Council received the presentation but took no action on the development. According to the conceptual plan displayed during the meeting, the development could include 82 assisted-living units, 32 independent-living units, 60 apartments, 62 villas and 28 cottages, for a total of 264 units. The plans are preliminary and do not represent a final site plan. The number and type of units, road design, property layout and construction schedule could change as engineering is completed and individual projects proceed through city review. The property is located across U.S. 250 from Fisher-Titus Medical Center, between Benedict Avenue and Old State Road and north of the U.S. 20 bypass. Road and traffic plans Developers said their immediate focus is designing and securing approval for a public road between Benedict Avenue and Old State Road. The Benedict Avenue entrance would align with an existing traffic signal. The road would create two development blocks, one on its north side and another on its south side. Water and sewer lines would be extended with the road and sized to accommodate the proposed development. Individual projects, including senior living, multifamily housing and possible commercial outlots, would return to the city for the normal site plan and approval process. Developers told council they have closed on the principal property and have additional land behind Burger King under contract. A traffic impact study will examine existing traffic and estimate how much additional traffic the completed development could generate. The study would also determine whether turning lanes or other changes are needed. Developers said they expect the study could recommend a dedicated right-turn lane for northbound Benedict Avenue traffic entering the development. No final decision has been made. Protections for nearby homes The property previously went through a rezoning process that drew concerns from residents about traffic, drainage, privacy and the possibility of connecting the development to Firelands Boulevard. The road alignment has since been adjusted to account for sight-distance requirements at Old State Road and comments received during the rezoning process. Current plans do not show a direct street connection between the new road and Firelands Boulevard. Developers said they believed that reflected the preference expressed by residents and city officials but would follow the city's direction. The plans place the road relatively close to several existing backyards at one point. Developers said a visual barrier would be installed in that area before other portions of the development are built. Options discussed included a landscaped mound and solid fencing, potentially a white vinyl fence. Developers also said they would try to preserve mature trees after surveying determines their locations and ownership. Conceptual plans also show stormwater management basins between portions of the development and existing homes. The final drainage system will be reviewed as part of the engineering process. The road and utility plans will require city and regulatory reviews involving sewer, water, environmental protection and soil and water conservation. Developers said spring 2027 would be an ideal time to begin work on the road but emphasized that the schedule is not firm. Engineering must be completed, regulatory approvals obtained and financing for the road determined before work can begin.