Mixed-use proposal 'doesn't align' with Dublin neighborhood, residents say

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- Residents are speaking out against a proposal to build a mixed-use development in Dublin's Ballantrae neighborhood, arguing the project "doesn't align" with the surrounding community.

Stavroff Land and Development's proposal calls for a 12-acre mixed-use district named "Irish Village" to be built southwest of the intersection of Avery and Woerner Temple roads, featuring 30,000 square feet of commercial space and 125 to 150 residential units. The village would sit next to the Ballantrae Community Park and the Dublin Community Pool, sporting the Ballantrae neighborhood's Irish countryside-inspired aesthetic.

However, Tara Roe, a Ballantrae resident for the past 20 years, said during a Sept. 6 Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission meeting that the development would bring "a whole different element to the neighborhood." Roe also took aim at possible commercial aspects, like a restaurant with a drive-thru window, that could threaten the neighborhood's walkability.

"[The proposal] doesn't feel aligned with the brand of Ballantrae, which is very beautiful, open spaces, places for kids to walk," said Roe during the meeting. "I would love the convenience of a drive-thru, but I think that's contradicting what Ballantrae is. It's a walkable neighborhood, and that introduces a whole different dynamic."

Hillary Jeffers, a Dublin local, echoed Roe and said "there has been a disconnect between what people want and what has been proposed today." Terry Bevilaqua, another Ballantrae resident, said she would not have purchased her home had she known a development of this density would be built near the neighborhood.

"That's a lot of people and a lot of cars. I just think it's too much density," said Bevilaqua during the meeting. "It doesn't align with Ballantrae, I wouldn't have bought in Ballantrae if I thought it was gonna be that dense right next door."

Kurt Smith, who has lived in Ballantrae for 10 years, said he is one of several residents that have been selected to provide feedback to Stavroff. He argued that the proposal could be beneficial to the neighborhood "if done right," and said the development company has been listening and is "interested in developing something that the community wants."

Members of the planning and zoning commission encouraged Stavroff's effort to propose a mixed-use development but said it needs further tinkering before approval. Commissioner Jason Deschler also said the proposal appears to be too dense and said he would support the development if it prioritized single-family units, rather than also including apartments.

"I don't know if the characteristic of the area would fit a multi-use, apartment type complex, I think it's more akin to some multi-use condo and single-family type potential townhouses," said Deschler. "As long as it's consistent with the architecture is currently located within Ballantrae."

Commissioner Jamie Chinnock argued Stavroff's development has "regressed a little bit" from the company's initial proposal that was reviewed in April. He encouraged Stavroff to rethink Irish Village, given this version feels "much more strip center" and has lost the walkability factor.

Stavroff is pursuing this new proposal after filing a lawsuit earlier this year against the city, claiming Dublin’s Bridge Street District code hinders the ability to redevelop Dublin Village Center, a shopping area owned by Stavroff since 2009. The complaint argues the city’s “illegitimate restrictions” violate equal protection and due process law.

Stavroff is seeking compensatory damages “to recoup the millions of dollars in damages, costs, and expenses it has incurred as a result of the City’s misconduct.” The complaint also demands a declaration that the Bridge Street code is unconstitutional, a declaration that Stavroff’s proposal is constitutional, and an injunction requiring Dublin to refrain from preventing the site’s development.

However, Dublin denies the allegations and said Stavroff’s claims are “moot” and “barred by applicable statutes of limitation.” The city provided line-by-line acknowledgements in a March response to more than 160 of Stavroff’s claims, admitting to some allegations but denying many or stating the city is “without knowledge to admit the allegations.” The city said in a statement to NBC4 in January that since the 1,100-acre Bridge Street District was created, dozens of projects have been approved and built.

“The City’s development approval process in the Bridge Street Code provides a fair and collaborative method to achieve high-quality development for the benefit of property owners and the community,” a Dublin spokesperson said. “The City stands by its process and standards.”