Redwood No Longer Pursuing Chardon Expansion
Redwood Apartments has pulled the plug on an expansion in Chardon, which would have included a portion of Chardon Township, officials said Nov. 13.
Redwood Apartments has pulled the plug on an expansion in Chardon, which would have included a portion of Chardon Township, officials said Nov. 13.
“The city has been informed by Redwood that they are no longer pursuing a second phase in the city at this time,” City Manager Ben Young said.
The city was informed of the company’s decision via an Oct. 24 email from Redwood.
“Letting you all know that Redwood’s leadership reviewed this project and the cost it would take to achieve certain answers,” Redwood Vice President of Acquisitions Rad Schneider said in the email. “They decided to move on from this project and look for something else.”
Redwood was considering building a new development on 26 acres of land currently owned by the Chardon United Methodist Church. As a portion of the land is in Chardon Township, the project drew criticism from township residents who felt it disrupted the rural character of the place they live and Chardon Township Trustees were vehemently against a part of the township being annexed.
The land’s access to utilities also posed challenges to the project, with Chardon Mayor Chris Grau noting his concerns about sewer and water at the August meeting, when annexation was first discussed.
While Schneider was able to outline the plan for sewer and water connections at an Oct. 15 Chardon Township Trustees meeting, he mentioned possible complications with both at the time, including a capacity study on a pump station and the need for an easement for multiple points of connectivity to the water line.
“As previously iterated, this board of trustees is never in favor of losing land,” Chardon Township Trustee Jacob Cimperman said Nov. 15. “Families move here for our large-lot zoning and we aim to preserve that semi-rural character.”
Cimperman said he was glad to see residents make their voices heard at the Oct. 15 meeting Redwood attended.
“This is another good reminder for residents to attend local government meetings,” he said. “Your input matters and is a value-add to the elected officials. I was grateful to see the increased attendance.”
Young declined to comment further on the matter.
