WHITEHOUSE – With a 4-2 vote, Whitehouse Village Council approved rezoning 37.99 acres at 11320 Archbold Whitehouse Rd. from S-1 Suburban to R-2 on April 21.
Council members Louann Artiaga, Joe Bublick, Steve Fine and Dave Riggenbach approved the zoning change, while council members Carrie Tuohy and Larry Yunker voted against the change.
Developer Charlie Grass of Artisan Craftbuilt Homes plans to build 80 homes in Country Meadows South.
During the past three council meetings, residents have shared concerns on the impact that the development might have on traffic on nearby Oakbrook Drive, Waterville Street and Centerville Street, as well as the schools.
After hearing Mark O’Neil, Craig Whitman and Jeff Heany speak about motorists speeding down Oakbrook and the potential of additional cars on Waterville and Centerville Streets, Council agreed to look into options for speed reduction, such as speed bumps and radar signs.
“This is the first time I’ve received a complaint of speed on Oakbrook,” said Police Chief Allan Baer, adding that he will look into options for monitoring or reducing speed. “Anyone with a traffic complaint can call or email us and we will have an officer out there.”
The rezoning is just the first step for Grass, who will submit a design for the subdivision for approval by the village’s Planning Commission, which will make a recommendation to council for final approval. Public comment will be welcomed during both meetings.
During the meeting, council also:
-Approved the summer concert series to be held in Whitehouse Park on Thursdays May 21, June 18 and July 16 from 5 to 8 p.m.
-Approved the use of Whitehouse Park and village streets for the annual Cherry Festival, hosted by the new Anthony Wayne Community Chamber of Commerce June 11-13.
-Heard that council is discussing a Designated Outdoor Recreation Area (DORA) for the downtown area. This will be among the questions posed to residents in an upcoming survey.
-Heard Baer say that he is working with the school and community on how to regulate e-bikes. Patrols may be stepped up to address safety concerns. Other options will be presented soon.
-Heard Baer say that the Anthony Wayne High School staff, students and law enforcement worked together flawlessly in handling an April 17 bomb threat at the school. After a thorough search, the threat was determined to not be real.
-Approved Fire Chief Jason Francis’ plans for adding a medic unit, and learned that staff is testing cardiac heart monitors.
-Set the summer meeting schedule to include council meetings on Tuesdays June 2, July 7 and Aug. 4, and Committee of the Whole meetings on June 9 and Aug. 11. Council discussed the option of changing the meeting start time in the future, in order to accommodate staff who stay following working, but agreed to keep the time at 6:30 p.m.
-Proclaimed Wednesday, April 29 as Arbor Day in the village. Whitehouse Primary third-graders will plant trees at the park at 1:30 p.m. that day.
-Heard that the Tree Commission selected resident Matt Marria as a new member.
-Approved an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to resurface portions of SR 295 in the village. The work began on April 27 and will last 11 days, with SR 295 closed between Midway and Centerville during that time.
-Heard that the Fallen Timbers Union Cemetery District will hold its annual meeting of all three entities – Waterville, Waterville Township and Whitehouse – at Waterville City Council Chambers on Monday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m.
-Approved the use of Veterans Memorial Park for the Whitehouse American Legion to hold its Memorial Day service on Monday, May 25 at 10 a.m.
