Woodsong in Middlefield Village Adding 20 Home Sites
Plans to expand a subdivision in Middlefield Village could help to ease the housing shortage in Geauga County.
Plans to expand a subdivision in Middlefield Village could help to ease the housing shortage in Geauga County.
Middlefield developer Joe Svete presented a proposal to the Middlefield Village Planning and Zoning Commission Aug. 12 showing an addition of lots on Timber Ridge in the Woodsong development.
“We had a modicum of success this year and last year. We need additional lots,” he told the commission.
Woodsong phase 11 will add 11 lots of about 9,000 square feet each along Timber Ridge and another nine lots measuring up to half an acre on a new cul de sac called Pine Tree Court, he said.
One-story homes by Alron Builders of Middlefield will be planned for 1,550 and 2,000 square feet, Svete said, adding his market is primarily empty-nesters who are looking for minimal maintenance.
The homes on the east side of Timber Ridge will feature walk-out basements, he said.
“The market for younger families is much softer than for empty-nesters,” he said.
“(Home sites) are going like hotcakes on Knox Circle,” said commission member Carissa Shaffer.
All utilities will be underground and Svete hopes to start construction of the extension and cul de sac this fall.
“I hope council will go with one reading. I’d like to start marketing in the spring,” Svete said, adding he will work with the village solicitor to finish the plans and apply for a variance.
“I’m glad to see another phase coming in,” said Mayor Ben Garlich. “The attraction is small lots. People want low maintenance.”
Commission member Dave Dietrich asked about a turn around on Timber Ridge Extension for fire trucks and Svete said a gravel drive at the end of the road is planned for that purpose.
Other members expressed concerns about snow removal and drainage details for the additional home sites.
Although Svete said he hoped village council would approve the plans in August, he expects the cost of materials will come down before he has to buy them.
“Pipe is unbelievable. It’s four times more expensive than it was three or four months ago,” he said. “I’m an eternal optimist that things will come back down.”
The new streets will have to comply with updated county specifications, said Lelsie Gambosi-McCoy, village administrator and economic development director.
Garlich said the new specifications for subdivisions call for cement stabilization and asphalt paving for new roads.
The commission passed a resolution for the new standards in subdivisions and commercial areas.
