JOHNSTOWN —
Richland Township supervisors have 45 days to rule on an Ohio developer’s zoning map challenge.
The countdown started after a June 11 hearing on the matter, meaning the township has until July 26 to make a decision that could change zoning on Walters and Nees avenues – and potentially clear a path for income-eligible housing to follow.
“The township will announce the decision at a public meeting,” Solicitor Gary Costlow said, noting that the board will need to list findings of fact and conclusions of law.
The Miller-Valentine Group is fighting to build two 24-unit townhouses on property zoned commercial at the Walters and Nees intersection. The developer challenged the township’s zoning earlier this year, arguing the area should be rezoned as R4, multi-family residential.
Attorneys representing Miller-Valentine and the group of neighbors opposing the plan have said the township has two decisions to make: Whether the Richland’s zoning is flawed in that neighborhood, and if so, what zoning designation should be assigned to it.
It’s possible the township could find fault with the map and change the area to a different zoning from the requested R4, such as some other residential zoning, Costlow has said.
One or both parties also could appeal the township’s decision to the county Court of Common Pleas.
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