Snowville Road subdivision plans revised, limited to six homes

by Melissa Martin

Feb. 19 planning commission meeting

A proposal calling for a subdivision on the north side of Snowville Road, expected to feature million-dollar homes, has again been presented to the Brecksville planning commission.

Calling for only six homes on 46 acres, the current plan asks for a fraction of the 45 homes proposed when developers first presented the idea to the planning commission in 2023. 

“Out of any of the ones we’ve seen, this [plan] looks the most appealing, so it’s a move in the right direction,” Eric Lahrmer, planning commission chairman, said during the Feb. 19 planning commission meeting.

The commission declined to take action on the updated plan but offered the developer, who expects to appear before the board, feedback and recommendations for the development. 

In December 2023, the commission granted the developer preliminary approval for a version of the development that called for the construction of 12 single family homes. At that time, Petros Homes was working with the property owner, Keith Doskocil, to build the project. However, the two entities have since parted ways and Doskocil has continued independently, doing business as the Snowville Land Corp.

Doskocil’s attorney, John Slagter of Tucker Ellis LLP, told the commission Feb. 19 that the subdivision will feature six “estate-style lots” measuring an average of 7.5 acres and a private street will lead into the subdivision.

“We think it’s a great plan,” Slagter said. “It fits the character of the area, a very unique site, a lot of topographical features that we’re really respecting with this plan.”

City Engineer Gerry Wise, in a memo to the commission, said the uneven landscape will present challenges whether the development contains six or 12 lots.

“We do feel the current (six-lot) layout has more ability to adapt to the topographical challenges than the previous (12-lot) layout,” Wise said.

Either way, Wise said, the plan will require improving “sight distances” for drivers. That means lowering Snowville east of Dewey Road so drivers leaving the subdivision can see far enough to merge into traffic safely.

Doskocil will also have to present an updated traffic study showing how the subdivision would affect traffic on Snowville and other nearby streets, Wise said.

The administration has recommended the developer screen the property from surrounding neighborhoods, especially since the new homes will be significantly higher compared to homes surrounding them. Planning commission member Dominic Sciria said that one of the new homes could stand more than 30 feet higher than an existing neighboring home due to the proposed development’s hilly terrain.