By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
A proposed zoning amendment for Home Town Garage faced no opposition during Monday night’s Bucyrus City Council public hearing, but one for Avita Health Systems dealt with a small pushback.
Avita Health Systems purchased two parcels in the Suburban Residential Neighborhood with plans to construct a rehabilitation center. The request for an amendment to the General Business District affects six properties: 301, 307, 311, and 317 Hill St., 623 Pleasant Hill Drive, and 541 Plants Way.
Dan Seckel, a Mansfield-based architect representing Avita, explained to Bucyrus City Council and other attendees that a new clinic will be built on the site that will feature an orthopedic clinic and a physical therapy rehabilitation center. He cautioned, however, that they were still developing plans.
Pat and Jim Ash, residents on Pleasant Hill Drive, expressed some concerns over the problematic gas lines and a possible increase in traffic activity.
“We like our quiet neighborhood and it’s going to change, we definitely know that,” Pat Ash said. She later admitted she may be an opponent to rezoning the parcels.
“There are definite ways to develop this that will encourage or discourage the use of Pleasant Hill Drive,” said John Rostash, Zoning Administrator for the city.
Jerry Gubernath came out as a proponent, noting that progress needed to be made, but expressed concerns about light pollution.
“One of the things that the Planning Commission and we have been very cognizant of as we make any of these changes to businesses or things to expand is the lighting and the impact it will have on the surrounding neighborhood,” said Council President Sis Love in response to Gubernath’s concerns. “So that will be looked at and will also be part of the Planning Commission.”
Home Town Garage LLC made a request to redistrict 334 N. Sandusky Ave. from Apartment Residential Neighborhood to Downtown Business. An automotive repair shop owned by Jason and Dawn Orewiler, Hometown Garage purchased a lot behind the current building in order to expand the company. The Orewilers plan on constructing a 35 foot by 50 foot building to service transmissions.
Dawn Orewiler said the building will have three bays, two entrances – one from the alley and one from Perry Street – and the area will be blacktopped. She added that they plan on employing one or two additional people.
Bill Stuckert was a proponent for Home Town Garage, but questioned the steps the business would take to control the noise level.
“I do try to keep my noise level down even through the day,” said Jason Orewiler, adding that the building will include insulation to combat noise. “I do really take that into consideration for my noise. At times, if I’m going to be running an impact quite a bit through the day, even if it’s spring or summer, I’ll pull my door down.”
No decisions were made during the public hearing, but the matter was placed back into the Platting Committee for further study. The issues will be discussed at the next committee meeting on Feb. 9.