Aurora — An attempt at rezoning the 206-acre Aurora Golf Club so that more than 250 homes can be built is being made by the property’s owner — Aurora Recreation LLC.
At its Oct. 7 meeting, the city’s planning commission accepted the proposal for study. Planners have between 30 and 90 days to decide whether to send the proposal to City Council.
But some residents and city officials are already opposed to rezoning.
Hunter Banbury, the managing partner of Aurora Recreation LLC, said the firm now owns the property “free and clear” and is “looking to put it to a better use.”
Plans call for rezoning the acreage on Trails End from R-2 residential to the higher density R-4, which would allow nearly 500 homes to be built. However, Banbury said only 224 single-family and 52 attached single-family homes are proposed, and some of the land would remain as green space.
The plan also seeks to rezone a 5.8-acre parcel, where the clubhouse, swimming pool and other buildings (33,000 square of structures overall) are situated, to C-1 commercial.
“The clubhouse is one of the city’s biggest and best places for gatherings, so we’d like to keep it for that purpose,” Banbury said.
John Lateulere, a land planner for Atwell-Hicks LLC, said it would not be feasible to develop the land under the current zoning, which would allow only 68 units to be built.
“WE REALIZE it’s a challenging location for housing, because the property has a lot of physical restraints, but we think we could build the number of homes proposed,” he said.
If the planning panel and Council ultimately favor rezoning, the question would go to the voters at a future election — possibly next spring.
Mayor Lynn McGill argued that he believes the property “could be developed under R-2 zoning. It’s difficult to justify the possibility of putting 500 homes on this property.”
He pointed out that a “pristine river” — the Aurora branch of the Chagrin — runs through the property, which is adjacent to protected land owned by the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland.
“There also are the issues of an extensive flood plain, a peat bog and major elevation changes on the property,” he added.
Councilman Robert Galaska Jr. said it would be “a disaster” if the city continues on the path toward development of the property.
“We [Banbury and city officials] need to get together and talk to avert a tragedy,” he added.
“My residents wouldn’t support this type of development and I don’t see that I could,” added Ward 4 Councilman George Horvat.
“It would be a shame to see this plan go through,” said resident Bill Avalon. “I don’t want to see a housing development there. I don’t want to see Aurora become like a Solon.”
“IT’S A NO brainer that the city should buy this land to preserve for its residents,” said resident Gail Demming, who is an owner of the old railroad depot adjacent to the property.
“If the city can afford all the other land that it’s bought, I don’t see why it can’t afford this property.”
Resident George Mazzaro said he believes “there is no way” residents would pass the proposed rezoning. “The only change I’d support is to rezone it for governmental use,” he said.
Resident Al Linek cited the impact the additional homes would have on the schools, and also questioned whether the city’s sewage system could handle the increased load.
Councilman Tom Dreher said some 75 residents near the golf course met recently with the three mayoral candidates, and the citizens asked the candidates to devise alternative proposals to rezoning.
“We’ll bring back some suggestions in the near future, which may include the possibility of the city purchasing the property,” he explained.
A meeting between the three candidates and Highlands area residents will be Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. in the golf club’s clubhouse.
Earlier this year, Council voted not to buy the property for $3.2 million after members said the purchase would put the city in debt.
Recently, McGill told the Advocate he favors selling some land the city doesn’t need to raise capital for the purchase of the golf course.
The rezoning is a moot point. All Hunter would have to do is threaten to go to court and sue, the city would roll over as it has done several times.
I can see the sign at the entrance now “Banbury Green”! or “Hunter’s Woods”
We can turn it into an upscale tent city for all the business people in Aurora going bankrupt due to the economy and boneheaded business deals.