Panel OKs Shops at Fallen Timbers site plan

10/25/2005

The Shops at Fallen Timbers retail project is moving forward after the Maumee Planning Commission last night approved a revised site plan.

By a 5-1 vote, the commission approved a plan that turns Jerome Road into a cul-de-sac, removing an intersection with Russell Road. Joan Rife voted against it.

The plan was approved with several conditions requiring the developer, General Growth Properties Inc. of Chicago to improve intersections and roads around the retail center. It also requires an agreement between General Growth and the city about roadway improvements outside the city.

Commissioner James Jones said the project needs to move forward, and other concerns could be addressed later. "General Growth has got to get going on this," he said.

After residents expressed safety concerns last month about a version of the plan submitted in July, General Growth revised the site plan again to eliminate mall traffic on Jerome.

Traffic will reach the mall from U.S. 24 and Black, Stitt, and Waterville-Monclova roads. The developers had estimated about 30 percent of the traffic to the mall would come down Jerome.

Last night, during a continuation of last month's public hearing, the commission heard from representatives of Monclova Township and the Lucas County engineer's office who opposed the change.

Keith Trettin, chairman of the Monclova Township trustees, said the newest version of the site plan would put too much traffic on township roads that would not be able to handle it.

John Crandall, director of operations for the county engineer, said the county and the cities of Maumee and Toledo have planned to extend Jerome to U.S. 20A to provide development there access to U.S. 24. Turning the road into a cul-de-sac would prevent that, he said.

The revised plan is designed so Russell could be extended northward instead, representatives from General Growth said. Also, the city could require a connection to U.S. 20A when other property in the area is developed.