On October 18, 1998, The Morning Journal endorsed Avon Commons, as "the RIGHT PLAN for the RIGHT PLACE at the RIGHT TIME."
Continuing the Morning Journal Endorsement:
"We strongly recommend that voters approve [the] initiative petition to change the property from a C-2 to a C-3 commercial zoning classification.
| Some AVON COMMONS Traffic Improvements | |
| INTERSECTION | IMPROVEMENTS |
| SR-83 - Chester East |
signal, S right turn lane, E (bound) left turn lane |
| SR-83 - Chester West |
signal, W left turn lane, shared left-thru lane |
| SR-83 - I-90 West | signal |
| SR-83 - I-90 East | signal |
| SR-83 - Detroit |
second thru lane on all approaches, second S left turn lane, W right turn lane |
| Detroit - Jaycox |
signal, left turn lanes on all approaches |
We realize that this project ... covers 85 acres and includes four 80,000 square foot units,..., but we argue that these are inevitable, and we are convinced that this plan is the best opportunity for Avon to control the location and limit the impact of such development.
This project by Schneider's First Interstate Development Co. has been endorsed by the Avon Planning Commission. Schneider has bent over backward to accommodate the wishes of city officials and make Avon Commons an outstanding example of public - private land use planning.
He has greatly exceeded green space requirements and included park-like amenities such as walkway, an amphitheater, a gazebo, and space for community events. He has agreed to pay all the costs - an estimated $1.8 million - for lane additions and COMPUTER-LINKED SIGNALING, not only at the center's entrance and at SR-83 and Detroit Road, but also on both sides of I-90. Traffic consultants say conditions after the shopping center is open would be better than they are now without it."
First Interstate Development conducted a detailed traffic impact study which was submitted to the City of Avon and to the Ohio Department of Transportation. The City of Avon retained an independent traffic consultant to review this traffic report. Avon's own consultant confirmed that the work done by First Interstate for Avon Commons would improve the flow of traffic in the area surrounding Avon Commons. In addition, the Ohio Department of Transportation, in its letter dated February 3, 1998, said: "We would like to take this opportunity to compliment your consultant, Traff-Pro, on a well - conceived, complete and thorough analysis."
Contrary to scare - tactic campaign ads, there were no plans to make the entire length of Detroit Road into seven lanes. The extra lanes are turning lanes at SR - 83 and the entrance to Avon Commons.
Continuing the Morning Journal Endorsement:
"Avon has long hoped to preserve its rural atmosphere. This development would keep the faith by retaining residential and agricultural uses bordering most of Detroit Road. This site, a "dog-leg" in shape, has its longest frontage (2,200 feet) along the interstate highway, its shortest (800 feet) along Detroit, the parallel east-west roadway to the south.
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When completed, Avon Commons would generate more than $2 million a year in property taxes, including $1,180,000 for Avon schools, $600,000 for the City's general fund (assuming City Council enacts a proposed entertainment tax) and $300,000 for county government and the joint vocational school. No tax abatement will be sought.
Avon doesn't have to look very far beyond its borders to see bad examples of commercial development. In Avon Commons, however, the community has a vision of quality, with ample attention to greenspace, consistent design, and improved traffic flow, and all of that at the expense of the developer. ..."
MR. BURIK: "... I think there are a number of elements that dictate the quality of life. ... I think one of the things that must not be ignored, but it's really outside of the scope of what the City can do or cannot, is the services provided to the community by commerce, by retail. Right now we are under served. ...I don't think that's a good planning policy to say we'll rely on other communities to carry the burden or take care of that aspect of our lives. ...
Then the second question is where. IS THIS THE RIGHT LOCATION? I think this central location that has been designated many, many years ago is the right location. It's the spot that will be conducive to re-enforcing the core area. I think some of the other locations that have been brought forth formally or informally would be more divisive. I think anything away from the core area in the center would cause a split in the City and end up decentralizing rather than centralizing. Our charge is based on the recent master plan to maintain a village-like atmosphere. We need to create a centrally located town with a core area,
... I think looking at it at large in the community in three or four years, when it all settles, it would be very accepted; and in another five years people will wonder how we lived without it. ..."
Newspaper Record of Stark/Jacobs