Three site plans get approved

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by Ken Lahmers

Editor

Aurora -- The city's planning panel OK'd final site plans for Ferfolia Ltd., Rotek Inc. and Network Technologies on May 7.

Ferfolia plans to build an 18,378-square-foot funeral home on 3.45 acres on the northwest corner of Route 82 and Bissell Road.

Despite two residents urging that sidewalks be installed in front of the property, planners OK'd the site plan without requiring them.

Rita Scott and Kurt Ruehr spoke in favor of sidewalks for safety reasons and because the recently adopted city master plan calls for various areas to be linked.

"Sidewalks are not a high cost item and Route 82 is a busy road," Scott said. "There's everything to gain by putting them in. Serpentini Chevy [just down Route 82] was a good corporate citizen and put in sidewalks across its property."

Ruehr said he favors the sidewalks being put in now, rather than the city having to do it later and placing the financial burden on homeowners. "Why not do it up front?" he asked.

The planning commission previously said sidewalks going west of the Ferfolia parcel would not make sense and would put a burden on the business, which would have to clear them of snow in winter despite minimal use.

"Until Council adopts an overall plan with regard to sidewalks, I don't think we should require them at this site," said Councilman-panelist Joe Kastelic.

Council recently referred the question of amending city codes dealing with sidewalks to the planning panel. A study is planned to evaluate and develop objectives for the requirement of sidewalks for all future residential and city development.

Meanwhile, Rotek plans to add 299,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space at its facility on South Chillicothe Road. However, the firm's officials also have said they are considering moving the operations to Florence, Ky.

The amended site plan for Network Technologies on Danner Drive was submitted to correct discrepancies from a previously approved plan.

Under the latest plan, the firm is required to pave a fire lane. Its parking area can remain unpaved, and the approval allows the business to be non-compliant with the previously approved plan.

A deadline of Sept. 1 was set for completion of all projects related to the amended site plan.

E-mail: klahmers@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3155