Politics & Government
For Now, Some Neighbors Oppose New Giant Eagle in Solon
Carringtown Court Apartments and Cleveland Jewish Federation, which have properties neighboring the Solar Center, say they have concerns with the current plans.
Representatives from some of Solar Center's neighbors say they oppose plans for a redeveloped Solar Center and new .
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But representatives from Carrington Court Apartments and the say they are willing to sit down and talk with the developers but have a number of concerns now about buffers between the shopping plaza and their properties, stormwater runoff, noise, traffic and others.
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"While a new super market could be a boon, the proposal in its present state we believe is not ready for consideration by this commission," said Harley Gross, vice present of Carrington Court, east of the plaza off of Aurora Road.
Rob Zimmerman, an attorney representing Cleveland Hebrew School on SOM Center Road south of the Giant Eagle site, agreed with many of Gross' concerns, but said he was eager to talk to the developers and come up with solutions.
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"We look forward to being a good neighbor with Giant Eagle," he said.
Phil Bishop of Echo Realty said he will talk with Carrington Court and the Hebrew School to work through those concerns. He said they will develop the project the right way.
"We’re not trying to cut any corners," he said.
Echo Solon, a local arm of Echo Realty, wants to build a new, freestanding 92,000 square foot Giant Eagle and redesign the rest of Solar Center. Solon officials are supporting the project, calling it the first major upgrade of a shopping plaza in Solon history and a key part of the city master plan.
But the project needs roughly 20 variances or other approvals from the Solon Planning Commission, and ultimately other solon city council committees and the full city council, before the developers can build.
The clock is ticking, because Echo must receive its approvals by April 12, when its purchase agreement for the plaza expires.
Solon planning officials have said they , but pledged to analyze it very diligently.
If all goes according to plan, Echo hopes to open the new supermarket by summer 2013.
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