Developer suing Dublin proposes new mixed-use project

DUBLIN, Ohio ( WCMH ) — A developer suing the city of Dublin, alleging private property rights were violated when its shopping district overhaul was rejected , is proposing a new mixed-use development to be built in the Ballantrae neighborhood.

Stavroff Land and Development aims to transform a 12-acre site southwest of the intersection of Avery and Woerner Temple roads into a mixed-use district named “Irish Village.” The village would sit next to the Ballantrae Community Park and the Dublin Community Pool, sporting the Ballantrae neighborhood’s Irish countryside-inspired aesthetic.

The development company’s Irish Village proposal submitted to the Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission outlines four possible layouts, featuring various combinations of apartment buildings, senior living facilities, restaurants, shops, office spaces and more. The planning commission is set to provide an informal review of the layouts on Thursday.

Stavroff’s new proposal comes after the company filed a lawsuit earlier this year against the city , claiming Dublin’s Bridge Street District code hinders the ability to redevelop Dublin Village Center, a shopping area owned by Stavroff since 2009. The complaint argues the city’s “illegitimate restrictions” violate equal protection and due process law.

“The City took complete control over the use and development of private property within the [Bridge Street District] by adopting unlawful and overbearing development restrictions,” the lawsuit states. “In doing so, Dublin “unilaterally rezoned hundreds of acres of land and anointed its officials with unfettered and arbitrary discretion over private property.”

Stavroff is seeking compensatory damages “to recoup the millions of dollars in damages, costs, and expenses it has incurred as a result of the City’s misconduct.” The complaint also demands a declaration that the Bridge Street code is unconstitutional, a declaration that Stavroff’s proposal is constitutional, and an injunction requiring Dublin to refrain from preventing the site’s development.

However, Dublin denies the allegations and said Stavroff’s claims are “moot” and “barred by applicable statutes of limitation.” The city provided line-by-line acknowledgements in a March response to more than 160 of Stavroff’s claims, admitting to some allegations but denying many or stating the city is “without knowledge to admit the allegations.” Now, Dublin is asking the court to dismiss the company’s suit.

Dublin said in the filing that Stavroff has yet “to set forth allegations sufficient to support a claim for compensatory damages.” In addition, the city said in a statement to NBC4 in January that since the 1,100-acre Bridge Street District was created, dozens of projects have been approved and built.

“The City’s development approval process in the Bridge Street Code provides a fair and collaborative method to achieve high-quality development for the benefit of property owners and the community,” a Dublin spokesperson said. “The City stands by its process and standards.”

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