The Planning Commission approved the Unified Development Ordinance text amendments unanimously with three conditions:
- The Centerville Place Design Standards will be finalized to the satisfaction of the applicant and the municipal attorney;
- A small modification will be made on a comprehensive sign plan to mirror Centerville Place Design Standards process and the densely-landscaped mound between existing homes;
- The proposed development will be increased to eight-feet high.
“We are pleased that the applicant has incorporated feedback from the city, neighbors, business owners and citizens in the development plans Planning Commission recommended,” said City Planner Mark Yandrick. “We have sought those opinions through public hearings, meetings with neighbors, the Centerville Place Open House, work sessions and direct communication. This development has the potential to redefine this part of Centerville, starting with a building that has sat vacant for eight years.”
Larry Dillin, through Larry Dillin LLC, is developing the more than $130 million Centerville Place project and said it will include retail, restaurant, office and residential elements.
Centerville Place is currently a 325,000 square-foot shopping strip that houses businesses like Bath and Body Works, Great Clips, Starbucks, Kroger Marketplace and other retailers.
“This type of investment is a game-changer; it does not happen every day. When we were approached by Mr. Dillin and his investors, we were overwhelmed with excitement regarding the possibilities for Centerville Place,” Centerville City Manager Wayne Davis said when the project was announced.
Some residents complained about the project to city officials stating that the city wants to allow traffic from the complex through neighborhood nearby.
Lyle Swan said there is a lot of activity going on regarding the Centerville Place development project, but he wanted to make sure the “neighbors point of view” is considered when it comes down to the project.
“I think that is what is not being paid a lot of attention to is the neighbors point of view,” Swan said. “I think all of us want to be good neighbors, we want to promote development with compromise we are not against development. We really do want to see development happen.”
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He added that many residents are pleased with the city’s leadership as the project has unfolded and public forums held to discuss the details of the development.
“We want to trust city leadership to make informed decisions on behalf of the residents of the city,” he said.
Swan and several residents canvassed neighborhoods that will be affected by the development that are south of Spring Valley Pike, east of Normandy Lane and in nine other areas to gather information regarding concerns over the project.
“In almost every case where we had a discussion, these were the three biggest concerns - the western boundary and how it’s going to change, traffic and safety, and the city communication,” said Swan, adding that he hoped action on the Centerville Place development could be tabled for further discussion.
Greg Lloyd, owner of A+ Cleaners in Centerville, said the development is much needed.
“Over the past few years we have seen the shopping center deteriorate,” he said. “We believe by revitalizing the shopping center with upscale shops, this will increase traffic into the center. I believe with the current vision the developers have we will see a much safer shopping center and the right type of clientele in our community.”
Mayor Brooks Compton said that information has been made public in an expedient manner and there has not been any deviation on this project from any other that has come before council or the planning commission.
Compton said that now that the Planning Commission has approved the project, it will come before council in the next 30 days.
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Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the Preliminary Development to City Council with the following 7 conditions:
1. The Applicant shall participate financially in the construction of roadway improvements required as a result of this development per the approved Traffic Impact Study and the discretion of the City Engineer. Full payment for the Applicant’s share of the improvements shall be due prior to the issuance of zoning and building permits.
2. Bicycle parking shall be provided per Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requirements.
3. Per Article 9.47 of the UDO, parkland dedication is required. The Applicant shall provide 2.30 acres of parkland via land dedication, payment of a fee-in-lieu, private open space, or a combination thereof. Any modifications to the number of residential units shall alter the Parkland Dedication Requirement to the satisfaction of the City Planner.
4. The final design of stormwater management infrastructure shall be approved to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
5. Detailed comments from the City Engineering Division shall be incorporated into the final development plan, record plan and construction documents as appropriate subject to approval by the City Engineer.
6. Detailed comments from the Washington Township Fire Department shall be incorporated into the final development plan, record plan and construction documents as appropriate subject to approval by the Fire Chief.
7. Detailed comments from Montgomery County Water Services and other utility companies shall be incorporated into the final development plan, record plan and construction documents as appropriate subject to approval by the City Engineer.
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