The city of Delaware’s Planning Commission will consider at tonight’s meeting a proposal to rezone an 80-acre site east of U.S. Route 23 for mixed-use development purposes.
The Delaware Development Plan LTD would use the site for its Coughlin’s Crossing development project that encompasses 15 parcels, located west of Stratford Road and north of Meeker Way, and would include commercial, office and residential uses.
The developer is expected to provide a plan that takes advantage of the area’s natural topography by preserving existing streams and much of the trees, according to a city staff report.
The development, which would be divided into six sub-areas, would include 24 attached and detached single-family two story houses on Stratford Road with the intent to complement existing houses; and three commercial buildings up to 35 feet in height with a walkable common open space.
Additionally, the developer intends to maintain the historic Janes House and Barn, 2010 Stratford Road, located on the site. The existing structural integrity and exterior aesthetic appeal of both buildings will be retained tenants are not secured. Minor modifications may be proposed in the future to facilitate redevelopment, rehabilitation and tenancy of the structures when tenants are secured, according to the staff report.
The developer purchased the house and barn from Ron Janes last year, according to the Delaware County Auditor’s website.
“The Stratford neighbors and historical society representatives have met with (the developer) several times and are hoping that both the house and barn can be saved due to their historical significance,” said Donna Meyer, executive director of the Delaware County Historical Society, in an email.
George Beiber built the barn and house and in the 1840s and 1850s, respectively, said Jeannie Ball, a local history buff. Beiber lived in the house until 1864 and the property has been in his family for nearly a century. The house and barn were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in the early 1990s.
In other business, the commission will consider a request from homeowners for the vacation of an alley vacation east of Euclid Avenue and between West Fountain and West Lincoln avenues.
The owners want to acquire the alley, which is the only access to their Euclid Avenue property, and which is deteriorating. The owner has a development agreement with adjacent property owners to acquire the alley but needs the alley vacation before taking on the cost to upgrade the alley.
The commission will meet at 7 p.m. at Delaware City Hall’s council chambers.
