Council Considers ‘Phase 2’ of Clifton Pointe Development

The proposal to expand the Clifton Pointe townhome development was sort of kept in a holding pattern following a couple of votes at the city council meetin on Monday. 

First, city council decided to allow the mayor's office to petition the Ohio Department of Development to consider extending the 2011 “Community Reinvestment Area” to the second phase of the development.

As construction of the first phase is under way — and all 17 units are sold —developers are hoping to build a few more townhomes on the former Irish Cottage property across the street.

But, council also held off voting on the issue of rezoning to wait for a decision from the city’s board of zoning and the architectural board of review.

“Council is looking to make sure that the process is being adhered to, and ultimately, it will be a merit-based process,” said Ward 1 councilman David Anderson. “Whatever plan is proposed for the Clifton Pointe expansion will rise or fall based on its merits.” 

“We’re not the experts," he added. "Our approval of any of rezoning for those two parcels is dependent upon those two boards giving approval.”

The project hasn’t come without its share of opponents.

Many of neighbors have shared concerns, including the “size and scope” of the project; parking; landscaping; a possible impact on property values; and safety on Sloane Subway.

Some aren’t too happy about extending the community reinvestment area, either.

The distinction means that potential developments could qualify for tax abatement. However, the tax break would only apply to the increased property value over the next 10 years.

In other words, the properties will still be assessed the same tax amount as before the development: a total of about $22,000 per year.

“We will apply to submit our application to the state department of development for them to consider modifying existing the community reinvestment area, per council’s approval,” said Dru Siley, the city’s director of planning and development.