A meeting of the Village of Riverlea Planning Commission was held November 10, 2025 at the Sharon Township Meeting Hall. Members present were Planning Commissioner Bryce Jacob, Christopher Bedell, Paul Collini, and Rich Skowronski. Also present were residents Josh and Tammy Watts, Gina Moore, and Marc Benevento. The Planning Commissioner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
- The minutes of the regular Planning Commission meeting of October 13 were not read since each member had received a copy. Collini moved and Bedell seconded the motion that the minutes be approved as submitted by the Clerk-Treasurer. The following vote was recorded on the motion: Yea: 4, Bedell, Collini, Jacob, and Skowronski; Nay: None; Abstain: None. The motion carried (4-0).
- An application for a Certificate of Appropriateness by Joshua & Tamara Watts at 315 Melbourne Pl to add a 6 ft cedar gate at the west side of the property and a 6 ft aluminum fence along the rear of the property. The gate will be fully enclosed with no gaps. The homeowners stated that their house backs up to the woods and the rear fence is desired to keep out deer and dogs from the park. The fence will butt up against the existing fence belonging to the neighbor on the west side of the yard. The yard will not be totally enclosed as there will be no fencing along the east side.
The homeowners presented a letter signed by the neighbors expressing approval of the addition of the gate & fence. The Planning Commissioner inquired why the front gate is to be wood and not aluminum like the back gate and the homeowners explained that this is to tie into the existing fence to the west and also for privacy. Collini asked if a variance was needed for the 6 ft fence and the Planning Commissioner explained that this was not necessary with the signed letter of approval from the owner of the adjoining property. Neighbor Marc Benevento also spoke in approval of the additions.
Bedell moved to approve the plans as submitted and Jacob seconded the motion. The following vote was recorded on the motion: Yea: 4, Bedell, Collini, Jacob, and Skowronski; Nay: None; Abstain: None. The motion carried (4-0).
- An application for a Certificate of Appropriateness by Patricia Smith and Steve Proctor at 141 W Riverglen to remove an existing sliding door and widen the opening. Jacob presented the project on behalf of Element One. The new door will open in the middle and have an ADA compliant threshold as the owner is in a wheelchair and the current opening has a step up from the patio. As part of the project, the siding and trim will be patched, and new Aerie Libra exterior sconces will be added. The existing deck and patio will remain. The door will be Marvin clad exterior. The colors will match the existing fascia, trim, windows, and doors.
Collini moved to approve the plans as submitted and Skowronski seconded the motion. The following vote was recorded on the motion: Yea: 3, Bedell, Collini, and Skowronski; Nay: None; Abstain: 1, Jacob. The motion carried (3-0-1).
- An application for a Certificate of Appropriateness by Gina Moore at 235 W Southington to replace the front door, replace the front window with a garage door, replace the windows with casement windows, and update the stucco, trim, and roof. The homeowner explained that the plans submitted included two different plans for windows as it is not yet known if the Franklin County Building Department will allow a variance for egress windows. If this variance is granted, the new windows will remain the same size as existing; if not, they will be larger to allow for this egress.
The paint color for the whole house will be Accessible Beige. The front door will be steel with a dark oak woodgrain, clear tempered glass, and bronze hardware. The windows will be Next Dimensions black vinyl and will be a mix of casement and double hung, depending on placement. The Planning Commissioner asked if there had been an attempt to make the windows consistent throughout the house. Bedell explained that the contractor can work with Specialty North American Windows to fit casement windows into a double hung slot. The Planning Commissioner stated that he would be willing to write a letter to Franklin County asking to be grandfathered in to using casement windows throughout in order to maintain the architectural integrity of the house & neighborhood. In addition, the homeowner had contacted a surveyor to conduct a survey of the property.
Skowronski moved to approve the paint color, front door, garage door, and windows as submitted, with the stipulation that it is desired to maintain the architectural integrity of the house using casement windows and the Village will work with Franklin County to do so. If this request is denied, it is approved to make changes on the east side for egress windows and maintain the north elevation. Collini seconded the motion. The following vote was recorded on the motion: Yea: 4, Bedell, Collini, Jacob, and Skowronski; Nay: None; Abstain: None. The motion carried (4-0).
- The Planning Commission discussed the potential changes to the Village zoning code around fences. Zipfel had sent a copy of the revised changes to the members for review. Resident Josh Watts stated that he felt that the Village may be overstepping by restricting the fence height and types throughout the Village. The Planning Commissioner stated that he felt that Riverlea feels more open and neighborly than other nearby areas that may permit tall fences to surround each yard and wished to maintain this feeling. Bedell will convert the PDF version of the proposal to a Word document and distribute to members for review & edits.
Collini moved and Skowronski seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion was approved unanimously (4-0). The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Bryce Jacob, Planning Commissioner
Josh Mehling, Clerk