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The Twinsburg Planning Commission met June 16 at the Government Center, addressing yard sign regulations and housing council appointments while fielding pointed questions from residents about a controversial lot split decision made during a special meeting.
Yard Sign Changes Approved
Commissioners unanimously approved reducing the permitted display time for temporary yard signs from 120 days back to 40 days. The change came as a recommendation to City Council through Ordinance 58-2025.
“Yard signs are just pollution,” said one commissioner. “40 days in my opinion is plenty of time to have them up.”
Housing Council Appointment
The commission appointed Finance Director Christina Conway to the Twinsburg Community Reinvestment Area Housing Council, as required by Ohio Revised Code. Conway will represent the planning commission on the housing council associated with the city’s tax abatement program for the commercial and industrial areas bounded by the community reinvestment area.
Residents Express Frustration Over Process
Several Andrew Drive residents attended to question how a Shepard Road lot split application was reconsidered and approved at a May 27 special meeting held partially in executive session. The lot split at 9385 Shepard Road had been previously denied but was brought back for reconsideration and approved 4-0.
A resident said she was disappointed residents weren’t notified about the special meeting. “We’ve attended both planning meetings and meetings with the city attorney, city engineer, city planner, and zoning commission about this. I’m just wondering why if there was communication with one side why wasn’t there communication with the other side.”
City Planner Lynn Muter explained that applicants are always notified of meetings as required, but other parties don’t fall under notification requirements. The May 27 meeting was posted on the city website and included an executive session followed by a motion to reconsider and approve the 9385 Shepard Road lot split.
Another resident said he was “appalled by the lack of communication” given residents’ clear interest in the project. “We’ve had special meetings with you, with the engineer, so I guess I’m disappointed that the city was not a little bit more forthcoming in letting us know about a special meeting that involves exactly what we’re here for.”
The executive session was held to conference with the city attorney concerning a dispute involving the planning commission that was subject to imminent court action.
Development Restrictions Clarified
Commissioners clarified that the approved 9385 Shepard Road lot split only divides the property into four parcels and establishes driveway location. No site work can begin until developers submit detailed plans addressing stormwater management, setbacks and other requirements.
A resident asked who to contact if he observes unauthorized work beginning on the property. Zoning Enforcement Officer Tina Falconberry was identified as the contact, with June 16 being her first day in the position.
“They are not permitted to do any work at this point,” Muter emphasized. “They have no site plan approval; they cannot touch the property. That was merely a lot split.”
Water Management Issues Addressed
Commissioners explained that any future development must ensure post-construction runoff is no worse than pre-development conditions, even if more hard surfaces generate additional water volume. Detention systems would be required to control release rates.
Summer Break Announced
Following the meeting, the commission announced it would take a summer break, with the next meeting scheduled for August 18.
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