Hudson Residents Push Back on Canterbury Meadows Settlement as Council Weighs Leaving Town Hall and Tables Short Term Rental Rules

Hudson City Council heard strong opposition to the proposed Canterbury Meadows settlement during its Nov. 10 meeting. Council also tabled its short term rental rules, approved four consent items and opened a debate on moving meetings out of historic Town Hall. The regular meeting rolled straight into a workshop that ran until after 10:40 p.m. Residents Urge No Vote on Canterbury Meadows Most of the public comment focused on Resolution 26-118. It would settle the lawsuit brought by Prestige Builder Group LLC and related parties over the Canterbury Meadows development. Council has postponed action to its Nov. 17 meeting. One resident said the roughly 94 acres sit in a rural residential conservation zone with wetlands and natural drainage channels. She argued the settlement would sideline the Planning Commission and set a precedent for future developers. A second resident said the settlement plans are only conceptual. She noted the Planning Commission voted 5 to 1 to formally object to the settlement. She also pointed out that the Common Pleas Court ruled in the city’s favor in October 2025. A geologist spoke on behalf of a neighboring property owner. He said the site sits on about 30 feet of dense clay that keeps water from soaking in. He also said one planned retention pond would have no storage capacity as designed, and that runoff would be sent toward homes on the southwest side of Ravenna Street. A Ravenna Street resident who lives near the site also asked council to vote no. He pointed to drainage and traffic concerns. Mayor Jeffrey Anzevino read a letter into the record from a law firm writing on behalf of the Hudson Heritage Association and concerned residents. The letter opposes the resolution and says the settlement bypasses the Planning Commission’s powers under the city charter. Separately, a resident who identified himself as a chemist raised concerns about TCE contamination at the former Joann property. He cited a July environmental report. Short Term Rental Rules Tabled Council voted 6 to 1 to table Ordinance 26-78, which would amend the city’s short term rental rules. Councilwoman Dr. Patricia Goetz made the motion. She said council wants to wait to see what the state does on short term rentals. Councilman Skylar Sutton voted no. Consent Items Approved Council approved four consent items by a 7 to 0 vote: A professional services contract with GAI Consultants Inc. to redesign the Barlow Road sidewalk project. A $27,000 donation from the Piper’s Key Foundation for a children’s memorial garden at Oak Grove Park. A change order with Dunlop and Johnston, not to exceed $1,718,994.41, for more grading, earthwork and soil relocation at the Public Works Facility project. An amendment to the communications tower lease with North Star Towers to add more extension terms. Legislation Moving Forward Several items had readings with no vote. Up for third reading on Nov. 17 are: A no right turn on red rule during school hours for westbound East Streetsboro Street (State Route 303) at North Hayden Parkway The city’s 2027 to 2031 five year plan The 2027 appropriations A ban on using public property and school property as a driving shortcut Measures on temporary special events and mobile food vehicles had first readings. During the workshop, several members questioned whether residents should need city approval to have a food truck at a graduation party. Staff will report back. Planning Commission Asks for a Pause The Planning Commission chair asked council to consider a six month moratorium on new planned development applications. During that time, the commission would rewrite the rules. She said the change would not delay the Clinton Crossing project. The commission also recommends allowing planned developments mainly in the central core of the city. Councilwoman Samantha D’Eramo said she would rather see all of the changes bundled together at the end of the moratorium. Should Meetings Leave Town Hall? Council began discussing an ordinance that would move regular meetings and workshops from Town Hall to City Hall on Terex Road. Letters from the fire and police chiefs raise concerns about getting out of the building quickly and responding to emergencies. Mayor Anzevino argued that Town Hall is central and part of Hudson’s charm. He said there have been no problems there. Councilman Dan White recalled a fire in a stairwell before a summer meeting of the Environmental Awareness Committee (EAC). He said that changed his mind. Goetz said that, sadly, she believes council must move. City Manager Thomas Sheridan said there is no timeline. He plans to gather costs and ask the public for ideas on how the building could be used. Gift for Boston Mills Pedestrian Bridge A lifelong Hudson resident offered $50,000 toward the Boston Mills Road pedestrian bridge. He said he wants to help people who walk and bike. He plans to pay for a plaque on the bridge himself. Council members praised the gift, and the ordinance to accept it