Fallsnewspress.com - Council set to vote on sale of plaza site

by Steve Wiandt

Reporter

Cuyahoga Falls -- The city's proposed sales agreement with developer Robert L. Stark will likely be approved by City Council when it comes to a vote on Feb. 8. A majority of Council have already gone on record in favor of the plan.

Stark is planning to build Portage Crossing on the site of the former State Road Shopping Center. Anchored by a grocery store, Portage Crossing will provide a communal shopping experience with trees, walkways and park benches, Stark has said.

Council discussed the proposed sale and redevelopment agreement Feb. 1.

Councilman Don Walters (D-6) said that he is "definitely in favor" of the agreement with Stark, even though he is "frustrated" that he has no way of knowing if the city could have gotten a better deal or maybe "squeezed" Stark for more money.

Councilman Mark Ihasz (D-4) said he will support the legislation, but finds it "bothersome" that the city is going to pay for construction of a new street in the plaza.

"Typically the developer is financially responsible for building streets and then turns it over to the city for the right-of-way," Ihasz told the Falls News-Press. "This is what Beirne Enterprises is doing with Nicki's Walk. I don't feel the city is responsible for a portion of the $3.5 million in public improvements to go toward the street in Portage Crossing."

Council President Diana Colavecchio (D-5) stated Jan. 19 she was in favor of the project.

Thomas Court resident Dan Horak said Feb. 1 he is against new stores opening on State Road and taking customers away from existing businesses. Horak said he'd like to see a movie theater open there. Pauline Larson, also of Thomas Court, said she too wants a movie theater at Portage Crossing.

Meta L. Solter of Roosevelt Avenue said she is opposed to the plan and that the community would be better served by a residential development for senior citizens.

Councilwoman Kathy Hummel (D-At large) said she is in favor of the project, but wants the public to be aware of the city's investment in it. Hummel compiled figures showing the city's expenses in the State Road/Portage Crossing project total $16.8 million. Hummel said she entered the figures into the record for the sake of "transparency."

Finance Director Joseph Brodzinski said a more accurate figure would be $15.9 million.

Councilwoman Carol Klinger (R-At large) said she is not in favor of language in the contract allowing Stark a year to close the deal plus two six-month extensions. Klinger and Hummel said they would like that changed to require Council approval for the extensions.

Susan Truby, the city's community development director, said she would "strongly recommend against" changing the language. Steve Rubin, chief operating officer for Stark Enterprises, said his firm would be "uncomfortable" with the change.

Hummel acknowledged that based on comments from other Councilmembers, a motion to change the wording would fail.

"I'm in favor of the project," said Councilman Ken Barnhart (R-3). "Everyone needs to be aware of the financial benefit this is to the city."

" We would be remiss if we didn't go forward with a good project that will ultimately be an asset to our community," said Councilman Terry Mader (R-8). Council should be accountable, Mader added, but should not let the details delay the project.

"I'm proud of a Council that looks at details," said Councilwoman Mary Ellen Pyke (R-2). "We have to answer to the residents of the city. The city administration looks at details. It's important that we all do."

E-mail: swiandt@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3141