Midway Mall zoning changes to go back to Planning Commission

ELYRIA — Zoning changes to Midway Mall are being kicked back to Elyria's Planning Commission. On Jan. 19, Planning Commission members passed a zoning overlay for Midway Mall, which would allow for both business general and light industrial zoning. The legislation needs final approval from City Council. City officials said it would allow for more development around the area, paving the way for potential logistics companies to move in without going before Planning and City Council for rezoning. After the approval, however, Industrial Commercial Properties suggested some additional changes. That company owns a chunk of Midway Mall, and the Planning Commission recently approved a rezoning for the former Sears for ICP. ICP expressed concern over needing a conditional use permit for some aspects, like outdoor storage. Conditional use permits are similar to a rezoning process, and they have to go before the Planning Commission and Council. At City Council's Community Development Committee meeting Monday, Council members agreed to send it back before the Planning Commission for reconsideration. Assistant Law Director Erik Breunig said the proposed change to the language is to make it a principally permitted use with some design review guidelines. That would still give the city some control over what goes in at the mall, but it wouldn't be as long of an approval process. Breunig said he supports the zoning overlay, but agreed the change in language was needed. Law Director Amanda Deery said she believes the quickest way to pass the change is to send it back to the Planning Commission. If the Planning Commission approves the changes, it can move to Community Development before passing on to City Council for a public hearing. Deery said the aim is to hold the public hearing on Feb. 22. She said it's important to get the language right now, rather than go back after it's passed and gut it. Mayor Frank Whitfield and ICP are hoping to get it passed quickly so ICP can begin to market properties with a light industrial zoning. The company also owns the former Dillards and Sears Auto Center. Councilwoman Donna Mitchell, D-6th Ward, said she's excited to work with ICP to see change at the mall. But she said City Council has to do its job to make sure the city is protected and things are done right. Kenny Oswald, D-4th Ward, agreed. He said he's excited about making the Midway properties more marketable, but Council also wants to make sure there aren't issues down the road. The next scheduled Planning Commission meeting is Feb. 2. Contact Laina Yost at (440) 329-7121 or lyost@chroniclet.com.