Rezoning Goes to November Ballot

Voters will see a rezoning issue on the Nov. 6 ballot that would allow Kemper House, 10890 Prospect Rd., to expand.

Company president Betty Kemper said she wants to add another 18 suites to the Alzheimer's care facility by purchasing an adjacent lot.

"We have had a waiting list for a very long time," she told City Council Monday night.

She is seeking to have the lot next door rezoned from R1 (single-family residential) to Senior Residence.

In Strongsville, voters must approve any rezoning from residential to another use. The issue must pass citywide and in the ward.

At a public hearing Monday, one resident spoke against the plan. Sheldon Bloch, who owns property abutting the Kemper House site, said he wanted more information on buffering and parking.

Council President Mike Daymut said those issues would be addressed by the Planning Commission if the rezoning is approved.

Kemper said she wants to build a 15,000-square-foot addition to her facility, creating a third "neighborhood" within the campus. 

"We are there to meet a need in the community," she said.

Council voted 7-0 to put the issue on the Nov. 6 ballot.