Troy Planning Commission Discusses Housing Projects
Vol. III, No. 35 - The Eagle's Landing and River Walk projects move forward
The Troy Planning Commission’s most recent meeting this past Wednesday featured two major projects that could easily shape the future of housing in the city. Both the Eagle’s Landing Planned Unit Development (PUD) and the River Walk Development, both of which were discussed in detail and represent important steps forward for the community.
The Eagle’s Landing project is a large-scale residential development planned for a site just south of State Route 718 and Wilson Road. The property covers nearly 87 acres and is surrounded by agricultural land on three sides, with another planned unit development called Stonebridge Meadows to the east. The developer’s vision is to create a neighborhood that offers a wide variety of housing options to meet the needs of different families and individuals. The plan includes 68 lots measuring 60 feet by 150 feet, 104 lots that are 70 feet by 130 feet, and 39 lots designed as “zero lot line” homes.
Zero lot line homes are a special feature of this project. These homes are built very close to one side of the property line, allowing for more homes to fit in a smaller area while still giving each homeowner ownership of their part of the building. In practice, these homes look like duplexes but are actually two separate units that share a common wall. Each side can be bought and sold independently, and while the plan is for most homes to be owner-occupied, there are no strict rules preventing owners from renting out their property. This approach has been used successfully in other Troy neighborhoodsby the developer, such as the 55-and-over community off of North Market Street, where some homes are rented out even though the original intent was for owner occupancy.
Eagle’s Landing stands out because it offers nearly double the amount of required open space for a development of its size. The plan sets aside about 17 acres for private open space, which will be maintained by a homeowners’ association. This open space includes a basketball court, playground, clubhouse, pool, pickleball courts, and walking trails that connect to a pond. These amenities are designed to create a sense of community and provide plenty of opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
The development also fits well with the city’s long-term plans. The comprehensive plan, adopted last October, identifies this area as suitable for future residential growth and encourages a mix of housing types. The project’s design matches the surrounding zoning districts and meets the city’s requirements for planned unit developments.
The staff recommended that the planning commission support the project, and after a brief discussion, the commission agreed. They decided not to hold a public hearing at this stage, since the city council will hold its own hearing before final approval. It has been announced that the City Council will hold a public hearing on this Planned Development at their August 4th meeting, with a decision coming no earlier than council’s August 18th meeting.
During the meeting, commission members asked several questions about the project. Planning Commissioner Larry Wolke wanted to know if the local schools would be able to handle the extra students from the new homes. The staff explained that, while they had not specifically talked to the school board about this project, recent feedback from schools suggests they have enough capacity for new students.
The City’s Top Bureaucrat was quick to note that the impact on the school district is not a criteria that the city would look at when making decisions on housing developments. He also asked about the different types of lots and how they compare to the city’s zoning rules. The staff clarified that most of the lots are similar to the city’s R4 zoning, which allows for medium-density housing.
The second major project discussed was the River Walk Development, located at 518 East Water Street in the downtown river overlay district. This project is still in the early planning stages, but it promises to bring a new kind of housing to the city’s riverfront. The plan calls for 43 single-family townhomes and two commercial mixed-use buildings on a 4.2-acre site. The townhomes will be three stories tall, with a rooftop patio on the fourth floor. Each floor will be about 1,290 square feet, and the buildings will feature a range of attractive design elements, including brick and stone details, wood trellises, awnings, and special trim above the garage doors.
The Riverwalk project is unique because it is designed to fit into the city’s vision for the downtown riverfront area. The city’s new comprehensive plan and the city’s Downtown Redevelopment Study (commonly referred to as the MKSK Study, the consulting firm who drafted the report) both identified this location as a good spot for mixed-use development and new housing. The project includes a pickleball court by the river and sidewalks connecting to a private drive, as well as a planned connection to the public river trail. The city is still working with the developer to finalize details about public access to the river, as this is connected to ongoing discussions about the removal of a nearby dam and improvements to the Crawford Street corridor.
One important point about the River Walk project is that it does not require the same amount of open space as a standard subdivision. Because it is located in a special overlay district near the river, the usual rules about open space and recreation do not apply. However, the city is taking the unique location and the potential for river access into account when making decisions about the project. The next step for River Walk will be a public hearing at the next planning commission meeting, where residents will have a chance to ask questions and share their opinions.
The site of the River Walk project is directly behind the Van Clee School Building, which is scheduled to be demolished by 2027. After the building is gone, the land will be open space for the time being, and could potentially become part of a future phase of the Riverwalk project or be used for another purpose. For now, the focus is on moving forward with the townhomes and mixed-use buildings, and making sure the development fits with the city’s goals for the riverfront.
City Wants YOUR Input on Park Improvements
Now is the time for Troy residents to get involved and advocate for the changes that will truly benefit the community. Your input will help ensure that the city’s limited resources are invested where they are needed most, creating parks and recreation facilities that reflect the real priorities of Troy’s families and youth. Those wanting to participate in the survey can go to: www.troyohio.gov/parkplanning/
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