“I really appreciate the fact that Mr. Simms has worked together with the community to resolve some issues to come to some compromise,” said Daniel Archibald, the city planning commission vice chair. “The thing to keep in mind is we need to continue the discussion on this if it goes forward.”
Dayton-based developer Charles Simms filed an application to rezone the 20-acre site from agricultural to residential. The development would include 15 two-story buildings, according to city documents.
Michael Self, the planning commission chair, recused himself from the discussion and vote.
The commission tabled the issue twice before the vote on Wednesday.
Approval from the planning commission came two months after a public hearing in May where neighboring residents packed city hall and voiced concerns that the proposed development would cause declining home values and bring more vehicle and pedestrian traffic to the area.
Plans for the Cottages of Beavercreek were amended to deal with some of the concerns voiced by neighboring communities, but residents in these areas said all of their concerns have not been addressed and they wanted the planning commission to reject the zoning application.
“I want to congratulate Mr. Simms,” said Charles Curran, a planning commission member. “I know the neighbors have been in numerous meetings over these last couple of months. I would congratulate both of them for their effort …”
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