Former Franklin Elementary rezoning to be reconsidered by Planning Commission

ELYRIA — A rezoning request for the former Franklin Elementary School is heading back to Planning Commission after some changes. On Feb. 12, a request to rezone the former Franklin Elementary from residential to business general was denied. Planning Commission members expressed concern about the business general classification in a residential neighborhood. Business general allows for restaurants, dog kennels, retail, office space, among many other things. Owner Jessica Rogers plans to use the space for offices, distribution, community services and a business incubator. But if she were to later sell the building, the new owners could use it for anything that qualifies under business general. Assistant Law Director Erik Breunig told Planning Commission members Tuesday that Council President Vic Stewart, D-at large, and Councilman Mark Jessie, D-3rd Ward, have been working with Rogers to put a deed restriction in place. A deed restriction would limit what the property could be used for even if Rogers sold it in the future. In February's meeting, Rogers had expressed concerns over limited use. If she does sell the building 20 years down the line, she doesn't want to be limited because of conditions on the possible uses. But Breunig said they've been working to find some middle ground so Rogers' plans can move forward. He said the city is still negotiating with Rogers on a couple uses. Council President Vic Stewart, D-at large, said they're still in the discussion phases with Rogers, but that he wants to keep the project moving forward. He said they'll continue to work with Rogers, while also taking into account community needs. He expects the issue to come back before Planning Commission at the April meeting, which is the first Tuesday of the month. Breunig said city officials tried to take Planning members' concerns into account as they worked with Rogers. But Planning Commission will be able to review the restrictions at the next meeting. Rogers also will have to take a lot consolidation before Planning Commission, as there are over 60 lots that make up the property. Rogers bought Franklin in September 2019. Elyria Schools traded the building, along with two others, with the city in exchange for some parcels of land near the new Northwood campus. City Council put the land into its Community Improvement Corporation. This isn't Rogers' first time buying a former school building. In 2016, she and her husband bought Edison School on Lake Avenue and turned it into Elegant Assets, an event venue. Elegant Assets is a different division from Chyroa Distribution, which is what will call Franklin home. Rogers plans to use Franklin's former gym as a community area that would provide services to children. She would work with other organizations to offer things like wrestling classes and summer services. Another part of the building would be a business incubator. Rogers said they will have suites to lease for new start-ups. Those suites will include shipping and distribution services, and even someone answering phones. She said traffic in and out of the residential area won't turn into trucks or semis. She said they just have the usual UPS, FedEx and Amazon vehicles. Contact Laina Yost at (440) 329-7121 or lyost@chroniclet.com.