Residents seize first chance to publicly weigh in on Water 9 development in New Franklin

It's been a year and a half since local businessman Tim Adkins bought the 27-hole Turkeyfoot Lake Golf Links that straddles New Franklin and Green.

Adkins said from the start he intended to develop the nine holes situated primarily in New Franklin and retain the rest of the golf course. He presented plans to build single-family units, with lot sales to homeowners who could choose their own builder.

"There will be an architectural review board with limited powers to prevent something crazy from being built," he wrote in a Feb. 15 letter to individuals who had expresses interest in the project.

In the letter, Adkins expressed the hope that he could begin selling lots in about 60 days.

More: 'When can I write you a check?': Interest soars in Water 9 development in Portage Lakes

But the development's timeline has slipped as the Water 9 project, which Adkins had originally hoped to begin early this year, has inched forward.

Where is the project now?

On Thursday, the New Franklin Planning and Zoning Commission held a meeting on the Water 9 project, considering a preliminary subdivision plat. The meeting was held at Manchester Christian Church to accommodate an expected large turnout, and was the first with public comments.

More: Water 9 project makes a splash at first public meeting in New Franklin

The commission reviewed plans that had been revised and updated since earlier meetings, and that process will continue as the concerns of the local, county and state agencies are addressed. Those concerns include sewer, water, roads, lighting, wetlands and dredging.

The preliminary plan now includes 120 lots, up from the 80 homes Adkins originally projected. Adkins could not be immediately reached for comment.

What about residents' concerns?

Several New Franklin residents who live near the project spoke at the meeting, raising concerns about density, infrastructure, boating and docks.

The meeting ran on for 2½ hours, finally being continued to an as-yet undetermined date. As of Tuesday, the date hadn't been scheduled, and it could be several weeks before the meeting resumes.

What's next for the project?

Adkins' development team will continue to work with the city as they resolve issues with project details.

The original timeline to begin earlier this year has slipped, and the planning and zoning commission must still approve a preliminary plat, and then a final one.

Traffic concerns about the Water 9 project

Although a traffic study has been conducted for the development team, one resident who spoke at the meeting expressed concerns about increased traffic in the area. The study was done before the busy summer season when activity and traffic around the lake increase substantially.

She estimated 188 more vehicles will be driving the neighborhood streets if the project is completed as planned.

"That's not going to work," she said.

What does Tim Adkins say?

In a texted response Wednesday, Adkins said his team continues to engage with the city administration and work through the planning process.

"We understand that this is a major development for the Portage Lakes and will take time, but we look forward to building a neighborhood that folks will be proud to call home," he said.

Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj or Facebook at www.facebook.com/alan.newsman.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Residents seize first chance to publicly weigh in on Water 9 development in New Franklin