03/18/2022
On March 15, an application for a new major subdivision at a 22-acre property off North Wright Street was received by the Village. The developer, DDC Management, is proposing moderate density residential housing. DDC Management is a close partner of Ryan Homes; therefore, they are the expected developer for the property.
Resident Activism Yellow Springs (RAYS), a citizens’ action group that upholds approved Village visions and values, stands firmly against this kind of development in Yellow Springs. The Village’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (sustainableyellowsprings.com) is a carefully developed vision for Village leaders to use as a blueprint for any future development. In fact, this document is codified as an ordinance pointing towards its importance in Village planning. Items such as prioritizing infill development over greenspace, design standards, land use, ecological preservation, affordable housing, and land stewardship are all aspects of the CLUP that are enforceable.
RAYS implores that the Village’s elected officials uphold the hard work that went into the creation of the CLUP and acknowledge it as a legally-binding document. Case law at the Ohio Supreme Court allows local government to uphold these standards and protects the Village from potential litigation. RAYS asks that a second legal opinion from an attorney well-versed in planning issues be consulted before giving developers permission to develop in ways that are in direct conflict with the CLUP.
The citizens of Yellow Springs have empowered our elected officials to protect us from this type of predatory development. RAYS pledges to support our representatives that work diligently to respond to the stated will of Village citizens and support the vision set forth for our future. The CLUP was specifically created to guide development in Yellow Springs. We urge our government to accurately use the CLUP to guide the development of Yellow Springs using the power and protection of our citizens’ will. Represent us, please.
As stated in our opposition to the Oberer development, RAYS plans to advocate for organic growth from within and to oppose sprawl-style development for developments’ sake. Any new development should meet the vision and values of our current citizenry as set forth in the CLUP.
We ask the Village Council to enact proper restrictions on new development immediately.
It takes a Village to make change, and we appeal to the greater Yellow Springs community to get involved and contact your representatives with your thoughts on this matter. Further information can be found on the RAYS website at www.raysyellowsprings.com.
Village Council:
Brian Housh: [email protected]
Marianne MacQueen: [email protected]
Carmen Brown: [email protected]
Lisa Kreeger: [email protected]
Kevin Stokes: [email protected]
Village Manager:
Josue Salmeron: [email protected]
