Liberty Twp. rejects housing development, gas station proposals

Onyx + East proposed building 100 single-family homes like these on the north side of Hamilton-Mason Road in Liberty Twp. It was one of two projects rejected by trustees. Contributed photo

Credit: Sue

Credit: Sue

Onyx + East proposed building 100 single-family homes like these on the north side of Hamilton-Mason Road in Liberty Twp. It was one of two projects rejected by trustees. Contributed photo

Two controversial proposed developments will not move forward in Liberty Twp.

Trustees rejected a plan by Onyx + East to construct 100 high end, single-family homes on the north side of Hamilton-Mason Road, east of the railroad overpass.

They also nixed a proposed gas station and convenience store along with a retail store planned for a four-acre site at 5343 Ohio 747 at Kyles Station Road.

The township’s zoning commission had recommended denials for both projects. During separate public hearings, residents opposed both developments.

The Liberty Parks housing development would have been constructed on a 21.8-acre site with overlook benches, walking paths, pavilion, pickleball court and a dog park.

Residents were worried about traffic, water run-off, and the number of homes being built in the space.

“I’ve got some concerns about the plan. This is really, really tight and shoe-horned in,’’ said Trustee Todd Minniear.

“It’s not ideal for Liberty Twp. to give up business for residential. I don’t think it fits the comprehensive plan and I don’t think it fits in.”

Residents opposed the gas station citing noise, light pollution, odors, trash, and proximity to Cherokee Elementary School. Many also pointed out it would make the ninth gas station in a 3-mile radius, including two within a mile of the proposed location.

“I struggling to find a good reason to support it,’’ Minniear said.

Planned for the site was a one-story gas station and 4,415 square convenience store on 2.5 acres. A one-story, 6,300 square-foot, commercial building would be constructed on the remaining 1.49 acres. No users were identified.

Trustee Tom Farrell said the plans did not provide enough buffering and not enough detail was provided.

“This is not a neighborhood business,’’ he said.

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