Council Grants Contentious Variances at April 29 Meeting
The Seven Hills City Council held its regular meeting on April 29, addressing several significant development issues while tabling two tax increment financing (TIF) measures related to the Rockside Road planned unit development.
Development Project Moves Forward
In a 6-1 vote, council approved wetland variances for LSB Seven Hills LLC’s development project fronting on Rockside Road and Crossview Road. The variances allow modifications to established wetland and riparian setbacks in five zones, including the hospital site, two townhouse units, a stormwater management basin, and a recreational gazebo.
Douglas Krauss, representing LSB Seven Hills, explained that all necessary permits from the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers had been obtained. The development includes a 10.1-acre conservation area, with 9.1 acres dedicated to permanent stream and wetland preservation.
“This is a project that is a fulfillment of a dream that began a long, long time ago,” said Planning Commission representative Ed Foley, who provided historical context dating back to a 1989 Rockside corridor study.
Several residents expressed concerns about tree removal, erosion risks, and the lack of a sufficient buffer between the development and existing homes. Many were particularly upset about a secondary round of tree clearing that occurred after initial deforestation.
“I’m worried about erosion, I’m worried about that becoming a junkyard,” said Vicki Gleki, a Cindy Lane resident. “We were all blindsided and very upset when they came through the second time and took more trees down.”
Councilperson Norman Martin, who lives adjacent to the property and recused himself from voting due to an ethics conflict, addressed council as a resident: “My neighbors and I feel like we’ve been punched in the gut.”
Mayor Anthony Biasiada defended the project, noting it had been scaled down significantly from earlier proposals that included high-rise apartments and emphasizing that 9.1 acres will remain in their current state “in perpetuity.”
Garage Variance Approved
In a separate 4-3 vote, council overturned a Zoning Board decision by approving Paul Sambor’s request for variances to build a 1,440-square-foot detached garage at his Ridgeview Drive property. The decision came after several neighbors spoke in support of Sambor.
The variance had been previously denied by the Zoning Board of Appeals, with some council members expressing concerns about setting a precedent for oversized accessory structures in residential neighborhoods.
“My only issue is with the size,” said Councilperson Stacey Kelly, noting the proposed garage was “almost the size of your home.”
Councilperson Elliott questioned why this request faced such scrutiny when similar ones had been approved in the past.
Other Business
Council tabled two TIF-related ordinances (Amended Ordinances 19-2025 and 22-2025) because “the developer for the PD area has not been able to accomplish the partial transfers needed and approved by ordinance 2025-2025 to create the TIFs,” according to Council President Snitzky.
The council also approved:
- Amended Ordinances 24-28-2025, repealing various petty cash provisions
- Ordinance 30-2025, authorizing an agreement with Specialized Construction for the 2025 concrete pavement rehabilitation and asphalt overlay program, appropriating $1,301,560.75
- Resolution 3-2025, approving lot splits and consolidation for the planned unit development
The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
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