Previous project: https://www.urbanohio.com/forum/index.php/topic,1022.msg175705.html#msg175705

Hudson downtown project goes under microscope

By PHIL KEREN / Reporter

Posted Mar 19, 2018 at 10:08 AM Updated Mar 19, 2018 at 2:25 PM

 

HUDSON — City Council will soon review the results of two studies and a draft of a development agreement for the Downtown Phase II project.

 

City Manager Jane Howington provided that update during a meeting earlier this month.

 

Downtown Phase II is being developed by Testa Companies, which is proposing office space, residential housing, a 30- to 40-room boutique hotel, a 350-car parking deck, preserved green space, a walking trail in the northwest portion and mixed-use zoning throughout, from office-commercial to multi-family residential.

 

http://www.mytownneo.com/news/20180319/hudson-downtown-project-goes-under-microscope

I thought it would be more connected to First and Main, Phase I, but this is completely separated by low density uses.

I thought it would be more connected to First and Main, Phase I, but this is completely separated by low density uses.

The only way to connect it would have been to buy out a whole street of residences. In Hudson, I don't think the numbers would have worked.

Those look like small shed-style warehouses/garages between Phase I and II.  Between Owen Brown and the railroad tracks.  Also, I bet the residents of Owen Brown aren't happy about turning their little residential street into a major throughway.

Also, I bet the residents of Owen Brown aren't happy about turning their little residential street into a major throughway.

 

My first thought, too.

 

This is actually a pretty weird development...it's essentially a small Lifestyle Mall wedged into a fairly inaccessible, low-visibility site. In very normal US suburban form, however, there are two adjacent/nearly adjacent townhouse and apartment developments that will have essentially no pedestrian access to this new commercial project.

Owen Brown and Morse Road go through to those apartments, though it looks like Owen Brown does not have sidewalks.  But it's less than a block till they would be on the site of Phase II.

I get that they couldn't buy out the entirety of Clinton and Owen Brown, but just looking at that aerial, it certainly looks like they could have done a little more pedestrian-scale infill between the library and the southeast corner of the proposed Phase II.  Maybe not residential, given the presence of the railroad tracks right there, but something.

All they would have had to buy out is Farinacci Pizza and Carriage Insurance to be able to connect the developments along Village Way, the south side of Clinton, and both sides of Morse.  As is, this is awful.  People will drive from one to the other.

I think several homes on those streets are Hudson Historic homes, including Owen Brown's own house dating back to 1843. There is a complete sidewalk on the north side of the street however the south sidewalk stretches from Main Street until it reaches Owen Brown's house. I believe it is part of the plan to convert Owen Brown back to brick street which, in addition to splitting around the park, is supposed to reduce the speed of through traffic on the street.

I think several homes on those streets are Hudson Historic homes, including Owen Brown's own house dating back to 1843. There is a complete sidewalk on the north side of the street however the south sidewalk stretches from Main Street until it reaches Owen Brown's house. I believe it is part of the plan to convert Owen Brown back to brick street which, in addition to splitting around the park, is supposed to reduce the speed of through traffic on the street.

 

They wouldn't have had to use Owen Brown to connect the two, though.  They could have used Village Way and Clinton (both sides of each), as well as both sides of Morse Rd. to get to Owen Brown, if they just bought out two more low density properties.

 

This also would have allowed them to reorient everything south and east so that the development connected to the first phase and didn't have to extend so far north.

So where's the Amtrak station going to be built? ;)

So where's the Amtrak station going to be built? ;)

 

Trust me I've been waiting all my life.

Amtrak officials have expressed interest in a Hudson stop. Have to get community interest first and a feasibility study. And there's more federal funding now. See the Amtrak thread for details.

I see what the other posters are saying about an East / West connection. This would not make it feel connected to me as much as a North / South and essentially removing all the single-family homes on Owen Brown. I worked on that street for a couple years, so I'm familiar with the area. I would assume they will close Owen Brown on the West side to limit the street to only those that live on it. Just a guess.

 

I would assume those properties are holdouts or did not want to even sell because they are indicated in the border drawn for Phase II. Here is an earlier version from a newsletter on the project. There is also a slider (new/old) map on the city website.

http://www.hudson.oh.us/1018/Follow-the-Progress

https://www.hudson.oh.us/794/Downtown-Phase-II

 

Updated concept plan:

http://www.hudson.oh.us/DocumentCenter/View/6681

Downtown project scaled back, residents still concerned

By PHIL KEREN / Reporter

Posted Jul 12, 2018 at 12:01 AM Updated Jul 12, 2018 at 12:17 PM

 

HUDSON — A scaled-back version of the Downtown Phase II project was reviewed by the Planning Commission Monday night and while members were generally pleased with the modifications, residents continued to voice concerns about traffic and density.

 

After hearing feedback from about a dozen residents and engaging in a discussion with city officials and the developer, the commission decided to close the public hearing, attended by between 40 and 50 people.

 

http://www.mytownneo.com/news/20180712/downtown-project-scaled-back-residents-still-concerned

Hudson planners sign off on preliminary plan for Downtown Phase II

By PHIL KEREN Reporter

Posted Jul 24, 2018 at 12:01 AM Updated Jul 24, 2018 at 6:40 AM

 

HUDSON — The Downtown Phase II project took a major step forward on Monday evening.

 

The city’s planning commission unanimously recommended approval of Testa Companies’ preliminary plan for a development that will include 63 town homes, 80 multi-family homes and nearly 138,000 square feet of office space, along with a 300-space parking garage at the corner of Owen Brown Street and Morse Road.

 

Joel Testa, president of Testa Companies, said he was “delighted” with the commission’s decision and added he and his team were “excited to be able to take the next step.”

 

http://www.mytownneo.com/news/20180724/hudson-planners-sign-off-on-preliminary-plan-for-downtown-phase-ii

^I know the plans have been revised a number of times to address nearby resident's concerns.  Was there suppose to be retail at one point (not that it is needed)?

^I know the plans have been revised a number of times to address nearby resident's concerns.  Was there suppose to be retail at one point (not that it is needed)?

I don't believe so for Phase II. At least not since I have heard anything concrete about it.

Hudson City Council backs preliminary plan for Downtown Phase II

By PHIL KEREN Reporter

Posted Sep 4, 2018 at 10:03 PM Updated Sep 4, 2018 at 10:45 PM

 

HUDSON — The Downtown Phase II project cleared a major hurdle Tuesday night.

 

City Council voted 6-0 in favor of the preliminary plan for the downtown development being developed by Testa Companies. Councilmember Beth Bigham (Ward 4) was absent.

 

http://www.mytownneo.com/news/20180904/hudson-city-council-backs-preliminary-plan-for-downtown-phase-ii

Group of Hudson residents want voters to decide fate of Downtown Phase II

By PHIL KEREN / Reporter

Posted Oct 8, 2018 at 12:01 AM Updated Oct 8, 2018 at 9:50 AM

 

HUDSON — A group of residents is calling on city leaders to allow voters to decide whether Downtown Phase II should move forward.

A petition that some group members say was signed by more than 1,300 people requesting that the downtown project plan be put on the November ballot, was submitted to City Council on Tuesday night. Some Council members said they would consider the possibility of placing the issue on an upcoming ballot.

 

http://www.mytownneo.com/news/20181008/group-of-hudson-residents-want-voters-to-decide-fate-of-downtown-phase-ii

Hudson petition effort ‘insufficient’ for vote on downtown project

By PHIL KEREN Reporter

Posted Oct 29, 2018 at 12:01 AM Updated Oct 29, 2018 at 1:14 PM

 

HUDSON — A referendum petition effort by residents to place the fate of Downtown Phase II before voters has failed, after the city determined that the petition was “insufficient.”

Finance Director Jeff Knoblauch, based on advice from City Solicitor Matt Vazzana, determined Oct. 26 that the petition was “insufficient” because Council’s motion approving the preliminary plan for the project “was an administrative action” which was “not subject to referendum proceedings” under state law. Knoblauch was required to make a sufficiency determination on the petition under the parameters set up in the city charter.

 

http://www.mytownneo.com/news/20181029/hudson-petition-effort-insufficient-for-vote-on-downtown-project

Gotta give it to some outspoken residents. They got what they wanted after they were told no multiple times.

 

Hudson’s Downtown Phase II issue will head to May ballot

By PHIL KEREN Reporter

Posted Jan 22, 2019 at 9:48 PM Updated Jan 22, 2019 at 10:57 PM

HUDSON — City voters will have a chance in the spring to formally share their opinion about the proposed Downtown Phase II project.

City Council on Tuesday night voted 5-0 to place an issue on the May 7 primary election ballot that will ask voters to weigh in on the plan proposed at Owen Brown Street and Morse Road.

https://www.mytownneo.com/news/20190122/hudsons-downtown-phase-ii-issue-will-head-to-may-ballot

Hudson's downtown project could hinge on vote

Dan Shingler

After more than two years of meetings and making changes residents requested, developer Joel Testa said he hopes to soon break ground on the Downtown Phase II development on the west side of Hudson's North Main Street.

Whether he can do that this year, or even at all, might depend on a May 7 advisory election in which Hudson residents will be asked whether the city should continue with the project.

https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/hudsons-downtown-project-could-hinge-vote

 

Interesting that even though they don't vote until May they have started some minor demolition and a sign is up.  I imagine that even with a close negative vote the project will go forward.

 

Disappointing that the apartments were exorcised from the development (although getting rid of the retail is probably not a big deal).  The center of town could use some upscale rentals as an option for residents as they are rare in the area.  The NIMBY's should really watch out.  They could end up with the city simply selling the land to a developer and let then do what they want within zoning guidelines without the input they have currently.

Edited February 19, 20196 yr by Htsguy

On 2/19/2019 at 10:10 AM, Htsguy said:

Interesting that even though they don't vote until May they have started some minor demolition and a sign is up.  I imagine that even with a close negative vote the project will go forward.

 

Disappointing that the apartments were exorcised from the development (although getting rid of the retail is probably not a big deal).  The center of town could use some upscale rentals as an option for residents as they are rare in the area.  The NIMBY's should really watch out.  They could end up with the city simply selling the land to a developer and let then do what they want within zoning guidelines without the input they have currently.

 

I'm guess here, that the residents that are opposed like things the way they are. They don't need anything else. Which may be correct to a point. It just depends if you want progress or if you have convinced yourself that with no change, things will remain at the level they are and not decline.

 

Downtown Phase II

Architectural Renderings

https://www.hudson.oh.us/1118/Architectural-Renderings

Hudson voters reject Issue 11 downtown development in early election results

Updated May 7, 9:32 PM; Posted May 7, 9:32 PM

 

By Robin Goist, cleveland.com

HUDSON, Ohio – With all precincts reporting, Hudson voters narrowly rejected an advisory vote on proposed downtown development, 52 percent to 48 percent.

 

Hudson Voters Reject Issue 11

I talked with a coworker about this who lives in Hudson.  He was pretty fired up.  Said the City has already spent quite a bit of money trying to ram rod this development forward despite resident concerns/objections

 

Even with the vote yesterday, it's only an advisory vote...  council could still push ahead.  

 

It does seem to be an odd parcel and will no doubt create traffic problems - added density with very little ability to get traffic in/out

On 5/8/2019 at 11:00 AM, gottaplan said:

I talked with a coworker about this who lives in Hudson.  He was pretty fired up.  Said the City has already spent quite a bit of money trying to ram rod this development forward despite resident concerns/objections

 

Even with the vote yesterday, it's only an advisory vote...  council could still push ahead.  

 

It does seem to be an odd parcel and will no doubt create traffic problems - added density with very little ability to get traffic in/out

 

Are you familiar with the area?

On 5/9/2019 at 12:21 PM, yanni_gogolak said:

 

Are you familiar with the area?

Yes I am.  I find myself in Hudson quite a bit for work & recreation these days.  I like the mix of old main street and new "First & main" development right around the corner in walking distance.

 

The new Phase 2 is a bit of a "dead end" and while density is great, it creates a traffic bottleneck at the back end.  

18 hours ago, gottaplan said:

Yes I am.  I find myself in Hudson quite a bit for work & recreation these days.  I like the mix of old main street and new "First & main" development right around the corner in walking distance.

 

The new Phase 2 is a bit of a "dead end" and while density is great, it creates a traffic bottleneck at the back end.  

 

What are you referring to as the "back end".?

 

 

HUDSON, OH (March 28, 2020) – The City of Hudson announced today that it is altering course on the construction of the Downtown Phase II development adjacent to First & Main in the City’s core. The City will be parting company with Testa Companies on this project. 

“The Testa Companies have been great to work with and we are parting company on good terms,” said City Manager Jane Howington. “We wish Joel and his company well.”

 

https://www.hudson.oh.us/794/Downtown-Phase-II

Historic preservation group fails to stop Hudson townhome development

 

The Hudson Heritage Association (HHA) has lost its four-year fight to preserve a 1927 school building in Hudson, Ohio, after the Hudson Board of Education voted to demolish the building.

 

Liberty Development Co., a Westlake, Ohio-based developer, will now be able to move forward with its development on the land, which is near Oviatt Street.

 

The latest plans show that eight townhouses, two single-family houses, and between 18 to 23 apartment units will be added to the property. Demolition is planned to take place this fall.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cleveland/news/2022/06/02/prre-group-has-other-ideas.html

 

^ ugh. way to pull a lorain with your old schools history, hudson. 

 

otoh, at least the site will be immediately redeveloped, so that is good news.

Why couldn’t they just make the old school into apartments and develop around it? Even Mentor did that one.

Hudson parts ways with second developer for downtown project

Molly Walsh

Akron Beacon Journal

 

Hudson's Downtown Phase II development plan has hit another snag, with City Council looking to part ways with the second developer it had enlisted to oversee the project.

Council on Tuesday introduced a measure to repeal a resolution arranging for the city to sell property just west of the First and Main District to Fairmount Properties LLC. A vote was not taken on the resolution.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2022/06/11/hudson-withdraws-agreement-second-developer-phase-ii-project/7553237001/

On 6/3/2022 at 7:57 AM, JB said:

Why couldn’t they just make the old school into apartments and develop around it? Even Mentor did that one.

They probably don't want apartments. As you can see from the latest failure to develop Phase II of First & Main, they lowest price point they want to allow to develop new homes is $325,000. Definitely tells you a lot...

Hudson formally parts with developer for Downtown Phase II, goes back to drawing board

Molly Walsh

Akron Beacon Journal

 

It's back to the drawing board for Hudson's Downtown Phase II development.

During a meeting Tuesday, City Council voted 6-0 to repeal legislation enacted in December that authorized negotiating and entering a purchase and sale agreement with Fairmount Properties LLC. Council member Chris Banweg was absent from the meeting.

In a statement, City Council President Chris Foster thanked Fairmount Properties for its efforts with Downtown Phase II area and continued partnership with First & Main.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2022/07/23/hudson-council-votes-end-partnership-second-developer-fairmount-properties-downtown-phase-ii/10114221002/

They have the shell of this project almost done. Just off of the Seasons Rd. exit of RT 8.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2022/03/16/western-reserve-plans-20-2-million-investment-hudson-medical-office-building-tax-incentive/7000498001/

 

https://anchorhealthproperties.com/news/anchor-health-properties-partners-with-western-reserve-hospital-to-develop-a-53000-square-foot-specialty-care-mob

Tentative draft for Hudson comprehensive plan for future development presented to Council

April Helms

Akron Beacon Journal

 

Amenities such as a recreation facility, outdoor pool seem to have strong support.

More housing amenable to older residents supported.

 

Hudson residents' wish list for future development includes a mix of commercial and residential space downtown and along the south state Route 91 corridor as well as streetscape enhancements and a distinct gateway into the city on its south side.

The suggestions were part of a report presented by the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee during Hudson City Council's Tuesday meeting.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/12/03/recreation-center-future-developments-considered-for-hudsons-future/71746440007/?utm_source=nabj-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-briefing&utm_term=hero&utm_content=OHIO-AKRON-NLETTER65

Hudson's Peg's Foundation now has more space for arts, mission focused on mental health

April Helms

Akron Beacon Journal

 

LOCAL

Hudson's Peg's Foundation now has more space for arts, mission focused on mental health

April Helms

Akron Beacon Journal

Staff at Peg's Foundation in Hudson now have a larger facility for welcoming community partners and artists.

About 10 times larger, according to the foundation.

Peg's Foundation did not move far from its previous spot — its new headquarters is just across the street at 53 First St.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2024/11/01/pegs-foundation-in-hudson-expands-features-larger-art-gallery-ties-with-historic-house/75764834007/?utm_source=nabj-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-briefing&utm_term=hero&utm_content=OHIO-AKRON-NLETTER65