On September 12, City Council held a committee of the whole meeting to discuss a potential residential development in the southwest corner of Strongsville. To go forward with the project, the developer needs City Council to approve re-zoning vacant industrial land as residential land. This would be accomplished through a council vote.
As I’ve said before, I’m concerned about re-zoning land without a good reason and I think Strongsville needs to have a strategic plan for its future development, rather than just re-zoning land in a indiscriminate manner. Industry adds to Strongsville’s tax base in a way that residential homes cannot. Moreover, I am concerned about the traffic and flooding implications of a residential development of this magnitude. Because I am a proponent of transparency and residents’ involvement in our government, I am putting a link to the meeting minutes here, so you can read them for yourself.
As a resident, I am concerned about eliminating significant industrially zoned acreage. Industrial land provides a significant tax base and by re-zoning this land as residential, Strongsville would be eliminating future tax revenue in favor of more residential homes, which don’t provide the same kinds of tax benefits. I am also concerned about the potential for more traffic congestion and flooding issues.
I have not yet seen an official proposal for this development, but I am skeptical that it is the right step for Strongsville’s future. I am running for City Council because I think we need a City Council that focuses on the future and understands that decisions like this one will have long-term ramifications for our residents and families. If you agree with me, please vote Kelly Kosek on November 7.
Cleveland.com ran an article about the meeting as well, if you are interested in learning more.
Kelly Kosek for Strongsville Council 