Springfield Township: Developer applies for new change in zoning

5/25/2005

It didn't take long for a developer to apply for a zoning change to a new classification approved in March by Springfield Township trustees.

The new classification allows for residences to be developed in areas zoned for retail activity.

Township officials said they have received an application for the zoning change to an area of Holland-Sylvania Road just south of Airport Highway.

The application is from Doug Wamsher, whose Mayberry Square development in Sylvania Township has been successful.

Mr. Wamsher did not return calls for comment, but township officials said they understand that his application for the Springfield property will be similar to Mayberry, which has some traditional home sites, but also has residential units above the commercial property facing Centennial Road.

Township administrator Bob Anderson said that although the Holland-Sylvania property is smaller, he was told that the plan is to develop buildings that will have commercial space on the first floor with apartments above them.

The Springfield Township zoning code says that the dwelling units must be above the commercial space and off-street parking must be provided.

At the time the township approved the classification, officials there had been in informal discussions with developers for this type of use.

Trusteees chairman Andy Glenn said the new classification was added because such developments could be attractive, and that if they weren't allowed under the Springfield code, they likely would be built elsewhere.