Developer rejected in rezoning request

12/29/2006

A developer who first challenged the zoning classification of his property in Perrysburg and then applied for it to be rezoned was turned away by planning leaders on both accounts last night.

Through a report completed by Perrysburg Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Director Rick Thielen and shared at the city's planning commission meeting, it was determined that Larry LaPointe's property, 27761 Rapids Rd., is permanently zoned in a manner that prohibits residential development.

Mr. LaPointe contended at the commission's October meeting that the land was never changed from the temporary residential zoning status it had when it was annexed into the city in 1964, but Mr. Thielen and Perrysburg Law Director Pete Gwyn said research of city zoning records proved otherwise.

Following Mr. Thielen's recommendation, the commission voted not to recommend to city council approval of Mr. LaPointe's request of a zoning change for his property to allow for residential use.

Mr. LaPointe's land sits on the Maumee River and is adjacent to Fort Meigs. The property, purchased by Mr. LaPointe for more than $200,000 in 2002, covers more than six acres and is occupied by a single, abandoned house built in 1947.

Mr. LaPointe is interested in building up to four single-family residential units on his property, but he will be prohibited from doing so without his desired zoning change.

He said that if the zoning change is not granted, he will seek financial restitution from Perrysburg for unjustly taking away his chance to make the land profitable.