Fence Wars and Solon Swamp Flood Fears Dominate Planning Meeting

The Solon Planning Commission approved several development projects during its July 29 meeting, including a major manufacturing expansion and two contentious fence variance requests that drew opposition from neighbors.

Permatex Manufacturing Expansion Gets Green Light

Permatex, a manufacturing company located at 6875 Parkland Boulevard, received unanimous approval for a 2,500-square-foot addition to their existing facility. Al Wangenheim with Davis Construction Management presented the project, explaining the company has outgrown its current space.

The addition will be a 50-by-50-foot block building connected to the existing structure. The project also includes paving a gravel access road alongside the building. The expansion received approval with planning and engineering memo contingencies.

Wetland Clearing Project Moves Forward

Davis Construction Management also secured approval for tree clearing at a Parkland Boulevard property to prevent future wetland formation. The project requires Ohio EPA permits, which Wangenheim said should be finalized within 45 days.

The commission initially considered tabling the request after concerns from a neighboring resident who recently purchased property adjacent to the site. However, commissioners ultimately approved the variance, noting the property has been zoned industrial and the applicant had secured proper environmental permits.

Fence Disputes Highlight Property Line Tensions

Two fence variance requests generated the most discussion and public comment during the meeting.

Robert Balishin of 32095 Bainbridge Road requested a 25% fence aggregate opening variance to install solid fencing on two sides of his backyard property, with shadow box fencing on the third side facing Route 422. Balishin cited noise mitigation from the nearby highway as his primary concern.

Despite opposition from Commissioner Bentley, who consistently votes against solid fence requests citing police safety concerns, the variance passed 4-1. Since the vote was not unanimous, Balishin must appear before city council on Aug. 4.

The second fence request from American Millennium Investments at 33540 Bainbridge Road proved more controversial. Elliot Barat requested a solid fence along his eastern property line to shield his commercial property from a neighboring auto repair business.

James Orris and John Orris, who operate businesses on adjacent properties, voiced concerns about access issues and flooding problems in the area. They argued the fence would interfere with their business operations and cited ongoing drainage problems in what they called the historic Solent Swamp area.

Despite the objections, commissioners approved the variance 4-1, with Bentley again dissenting. Barat must also appear before city council due to the non-unanimous vote.

School District Property Consolidation Scheduled

The commission scheduled a public hearing for a lot consolidation and split involving Solon City School District properties at 6835 SOM Center Road and 35000 Portz Parkway.

Senior Living Project Moves Forward

OMNI Senior Living’s Vitalia project at 33095 Bainbridge Road received approval to schedule a public hearing for site work modifications, including a lot split and parking setback variance.

Ongoing Business

The commission tabled consideration of 6482 Dorset Lane for the fifth consecutive meeting, citing ongoing discussions between the applicant and the Thornberry HOA.

All approved items will proceed to Solon City Council’s Aug. 4 meeting for final consideration. Non-unanimous planning commission votes require applicants to appear before council for a brief presentation during caucus.