A development company that asked for the rezoning of the former Faith United Church of Christ failed in their request. Richmond Heights City Council members and residents gathered in a meeting.
The assembly was voting for the use of variance requested by DealPoint Merrill. The church offered its 4.12-acre site for sale to the firm. However, Cleveland reported that DealPoint Merrill did not purchase the property after the Zoning Board of Appeals denied its request.
Recent Meeting
City Council members voted unanimously to approve the requested use of variance by DealPoint Merrill. However, the four votes from the officials did not change the sanction of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
In a June report published by Cleveland, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted against the request of DealPoint Merrill.
The news stated that there were many factors why the zoning board did not approve the variance. David Frank, the DealPoint CEO, proposed unclear plans in the previous meeting among the aspects that affected the vote.
Three officials from the City Council, Law Director Todd Hunt, and residents nearby the church appeared at the recent vote meeting. Steven Pittman, one of the residents from Marrus Lane and Marrus Circle, voiced his concerns about the possible development.
Concerns about DealPoint Merrill Uncertain Plans
Steve Pittman said the plans of DealPoint could affect the lives of residents at Marrus Lane and Marrus Circle. The residential area is adjacent to the property of the former Faith United Church of Christ.
According to the news, Pittman and other residents predicted that DealPoint planned to construct restaurants that could cause traffic. Pittman added that the possible construction, which is part of Bell Oaks, a development project of DealPoint, had no separation in the residential area,
Pittman, a member of the Marrus Lane Homeowners Association, and other residents disagreed with the proposed barricade by DealPoint Merrill. The company told residents it planned to separate the construction from the area by building a serpentine fence.
City Council Members Vote
The voting meeting ended up with 4-3 votes. It resulted in following the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals not to approve the variance.
Council members needed five votes to overturn the recommendation of the board. Ward 3 Councilwoman Cassandra Nelson, Ward 1 Councilwoman Dr. Erron Bell, and Council President Bobby Jordan voted against overturning the suggestion.
The four council members who foresee the use of variance as paramount to the city talked about their decision. These officials were Councilman Mark Alexander from Ward 4, Council Members-at-large Juanita Lewis, and Daniel Ursu. The last vote came from Councilman Frank Lentine of Ward 2.
Council Member Daniel Ursu said the plan of DealPoint Merrill was pivotal to the innovation for the next 15 years. The congregation of the former Faith United Church of Christ merged with another church.
Despite having concerns, Law Director Todd Hunt said the purchase of the property opens new opportunities. Hunt has been serving the city of Richmond Heights for almost 30 years. He previously served other cities in Ohio, according to Walter Haverfield.
About the Former Faith United Church of Christ
The former Faith United Church of Christ held its last worship service on May 29, 2022. Its congregation united with the Lyndhurst Community of Faith Church.
