Panel may decide necessity of sidewalks around city

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by Ken Lahmers

Editor

Aurora -- The city may form a committee to determine whether sidewalks are necessary in certain neighborhoods and near certain businesses.

At the planning commission's April 16 meeting, members decided that no sidewalks should be installed around the proposed Ferfolia Funeral Home at Route 82 and Bissell Road.

Joe Kastelic, who represents Council on the planning panel, said he would like to see a sidewalk master plan developed.

He suggested a committee be formed consisting of members of the planning commission, parks-rec and service-utilities-safety committees and the planning-zoning department.

"While we're trying to get this committee formed, I'd urge members of the various panels to talk to their neighbors to see what they think about sidewalks," he said.

The new city master plan, which was passed by Council on April 14, suggested various parts of the city be linked with sidewalks and bike-walking paths.

As for sidewalks around the proposed funeral home, most planning panelists said they do not think they are appropriate.

"A funeral home is not a destination-type of business," said Maria Heidel. "It's not a place that people would just stroll up to."

"I don't see a need for sidewalks on the west side of Bissell between Route 82 and Countrywood Trail," added panelist Joe Vero. "The same goes for sidewalks on the north side of Route 82 west of the funeral home."

Vero said be believes sidewalks would be more appropriate on the south side of Route 82 between Bissell and Route 43 because of Aurora Commons and other businesses along that stretch.

There already is a sidewalk on the east side of Bissell across from the undeveloped funeral home site, which panelists said could be extended along Route 82 east of Bissell when that vacant land is developed.

by Ken Lahmers

Editor

Aurora -- At its April 16 meeting, the city's planning commission accepted for study a final site plan for a proposed expansion at Rotek Inc. on Route 43 south and a lot reconfiguration-minor subdivision for Barbara Burns at 1116 E. Pioneer Trail.

Rotek proposes to add 299,000 square feet of manufacturing-office space, but has not decided whether it will go forward with the project or relocate to an existing plant in Florence, Ky.

Company officials said at Council's April 14 session they hope to make a decision by the end of May. The city has offered Rotek a tax abatement and road improvement project in front of its facilities.

Burns seeks to divide 51 acres into three parcels of 44.9, 3.4 and 3.0 acres. The reconfiguration would require a variance from the zoning board of appeals, because the largest parcel's frontage would be 157 feet instead of the required 250.

The panel recommended Council approve a proposed amendment to the zoning code allowing for off-premises directional signs for tourist attractions.

Legal counsel Tom Reitz said a few changes were made to the original draft, including the signs would be owned by the city and the business could exist on a main route, not just "off the beaten path."

Such signs would not be permitted for businesses outside the city. The original sign permit would cost $250, with a similar renewal fee every three years.

Only two off-premises directional signs would be allowed per business unless a variance from the BZA is granted for more than that.

Planning-Zoning-Building Director Rich Wehrenberg said if the business is sold, the signs could remain and only the name would have to be changed.

He said he does not see the revisions leading to an onslaught of new sign requests, and thus more clutter along roads.

Resident George Mazzaro questioned why the revisions do not spell out an appeals process. Reitz noted any part of city codes can be appealed through the proper channels.

E-mail: klahmers@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3155