Senior Housing Project Goes to Ballot in Strongsville

Strongsville voters will be asked in November to rezone a parcel of land on Howe Road for a senior housing project.

City Council last week placed the rezoning of a vacant 4-acre parcel from R1 residential to SR2, a senior residential district.

Bill and Martha Boyer, who own the adjacent KidsFirst Learning Center, 15163 Howe Rd., said they want to build a $10 million, multi-story facility for people 50 and older.

The complex would have 100 to 125 units and would offer amenities like dining and entertainment as well as health and recreational facilities, according to Bill Boyer.

The rezoning process the Boyers took was uncommon. Instead of asking City Council to OK the rezoning for the ballot, they gathered more than 2,500 signatures on initiative petitions and filed them with the city.

Law Director Ken Kraus said Strongsville is required to place the initiative on the ballot.

"It will be up to the voters of Strongsville . . . to determine whether they will put their stamp of approval on the rezoning," Kraus said.

The land is now zoned residential. In Strongsville, voters both citywide and in the ward -- in this case, Ward 4 -- must approve an zoning change from residential to another district. 

If voters agree, construction could start in 2014.

Bill Boyer, who is president of FirstNorth Corporation, a development firm, said the location is ideal.

“Demand for senior facilities is high and our site seems well-suited, with excellent shopping, medical services and recreation all nearby,” he said.

Martha Boyer said they also want to protect the environment near their child care center.

“Senior housing will be an attractive, safe neighbor,” she said. “With this program, we will not have to worry about disturbances or traffic.” 

The site was created when the Boyers bought two parcels left over from the original Tracy farm in 2003. 

KidsFirst operates two other local child care facilities, in Parma Heights and Olmsted Falls.