City continues taking steps toward development of parcels

Oct. 17 city council meeting

by Dan Holland

Members of Broadview Heights City Council took action during October to plan for the future development of a 44.3-acre parcel for commercial use along the northwest corner of Interstate-77 and E. Royalton Road that the city purchased in mid-August for $750,000.

Plans include preserving a 20-acre portion of the property as a conservation area along Chippewa Creek, which runs through the north end of the parcel.

A 30-year tax increment finance agreement, approved by city council on Oct. 3, in conjunction with a $750,000 roadwork development grant from the Ohio Department of Development and a $200,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation, accepted by city council in July, is expected to fund development of the property.

The plan will require an extension of Treeworth Boulevard, which is estimated to cost $1.6 million. The TIF includes three smaller adjacent parcels, totaling approximately 7.5 acres, owned by separate entities.

Fleet Team Inc. is expected to be one of the major anchor tenants in the new development.

The parcel is currently zoned as an interstate highway shopping center district, which would allow for a variety of retail businesses and office space.

A resolution authorizing an agreement between the city and West Creek Conservancy for the sale of the back portion of the parcel was passed by council during an Oct. 13 special council meeting. The group, which has been in discussions with the city about purchasing the back 20-acre area of the parcel, would be requesting a Clean Ohio Greenspace grant to purchase and preserve the section as a Chippewa Creek Conservation Corridor.

Law Director Vince Ruffa explained during the special meeting that West Creek Conservancy had an Oct. 14 deadline to apply for the grant.

The agreement added a contingency stating the city’s intent to sell the property to West Creek Conservancy with the stipulation they must be the highest bidder. A minimum bid of an appraised value of $185,000 for the land, which would have to remain in conservancy status, is expected to be established going forward.

Future legislation authorizing the mayor to go out for bids and accepting bids for the property will require council approval.

During the Oct. 17 regular meeting, council:

  • Passed a resolution accepting the donation of two automated external defibrillators from University Hospitals for use by the Human Services Department.
  • Approved an amendment to an ordinance providing for appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures in the city for 2022 to add an additional $200,000 to the city’s annual road program.
  • Passed separate resolutions of appreciation to Clay and Joan Knotek for serving as members of the city’s sundry claims board since 2012.
  • Passed an ordinance repealing Chapter 278 of the city’s codified ordinances concerning the sundry claims board, which effectively eliminates the body.
  • Approved a motion from the city’s planning commission to grant approval for a lot split of a commercial/retail property located along the northeast corner of E. Royalton Road and Broadview Road.