Three-Hour Meeting Features Contentious Zoning Decision, Public Art Approval, Land Donation

Kent City Council faced a contentious decision Wednesday night regarding a proposed zoning change for two historic parcels at 600 Franklin Avenue, sparking passionate debate between development interests and industrial preservation advocates. Zoning Map Amendment Request The meeting centered on a proposal by Gray Fox Capital to rezone two parcels totaling approximately 10 acres from industrial to R3 high-density residential. The properties include historic railroad buildings built by Marvin Kent in 1865, which gave the city its name. Planning Commission Recommendation: The Kent Planning Commission unanimously voted to deny the rezoning request following an August 19 meeting where 17 speakers addressed the commission. Developer's Proposal: Jake Shields, representing Gray Fox Capital, argued the site is better suited for residential development, citing access challenges for industrial use and environmental cleanup benefits. The company has experience with brownfield remediation and multifamily development throughout Ohio. Environmental Considerations: The site requires significant environmental remediation through a $1.3 million state grant administered by the Portage County Land Bank. Current cleanup standards target commercial/industrial use, but residential development would require additional contamination removal at developer expense. Community Opposition and Support Industrial Advocates: Travis Copen, owner of Copen Machine with over $15 million in recent South End investments, expressed strong opposition, citing threats to the industrial corridor and his $3 million annual payroll Ben Garnier and William Garnier of Renewables cited railroad infrastructure investments and industrial operations Residential Supporters: Doria Daniels, representing Historic South End, praised the creative overlay district concept Ann Courtney Davis of Franklin Avenue supported more homeownership opportunities Historic Preservation Concerns: Sally Bernell advocated for preserving the 1865 railroad shop building for potential reuse as a railroad museum or community center Brian Gray emphasized the buildings' historic significance and potential for non-industrial adaptive reuse Overlay District Compromise Staff Proposal: Community Development Director Bridget Susel and City Manager Dave Ruller presented a third option - an overlay district that would maintain industrial zoning while allowing residential development contingent on meeting strict environmental remediation standards. Key Requirements: Full cleanup to residential standards through Ohio EPA's Voluntary Action Plan (VAP) No Further Action letter and Covenant Not to Sue from Ohio EPA Underlying industrial zoning remains if residential standards aren't met Council Action: Council unanimously voted to direct staff to explore overlay district details while upholding the planning commission's recommendation to deny the straight rezoning to R3. Other Business Public Art Variance: Council approved a variance allowing artist Grace Nester Louie to paint a pollinator-themed mural on LZA's restaurant facing Pfister Street, despite front facade restrictions. Land Donation: Council accepted a donation of three wetland parcels from the Stream and Wetlands Foundation adjacent to Jesse Smith Nature Preserve. DORA Expansion: Council approved expanding the downtown designated outdoor refreshment area to include Blind Squirrel Pub, River Merchant, and Bottles 101. By the Numbers Meeting Duration: Over 3 hours Public Speakers: 15+ residents addressed the zoning issue Property Size: Approximately 10 acres Grant Amount: $1.3 million for environmental cleanup Required Match: $435,000 from Portage County Land Bank What's Next Staff will research overlay district requirements and present findings at a future meeting. The Land Bank faces pressure to move forward with the environmental grant or risk losing funding, with quarterly progress reports due to the Ohio Department of Development. The debate highlighted broader tensions between industrial preservation, housing needs, and environmental remediation in Kent's historic South End district. You may view the Agenda Packet from the City of Kent website.