We are asking those concerned about the Drees Homes development located on McKelvey Road (the old Farm across from the airstrip) in Springfield Township, Ohio and anyone in support of the letter below to sign this petition. For additional information, please contact us at Mckelvey.Lorelei@gmail.com

Thank you for your support!

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Dear Township Trustees and Zoning Board Members, 

As a concerned resident of the neighborhood directly impacted by the potential Drees development on McKelvey Road, we would like to express our community's collective concerns regarding this project. We value the safety and livability of our area, and it is crucial that the proposed changes are carefully considered before moving forward. The new development stands to significantly impact our community and we must address several key issues to protect the interests of current residents.

First and foremost, we want to petition the Township Trustees and Zoning Board Members to ensure any zoning decisions are contingent upon a comprehensive traffic report conducted by independent, local experts at the expense of Drees Homes and request this report be made available to the public. The traffic study should include critical intersections such as McKelvey & Lakeridge, McKelvey & Lorelei, Leejan & Lorelei, McKelvey & Winton, McKelvey & Corbett, and McKelvey & Silvergate. Given the anticipated addition of approximately 140 housing units, leading to many additional new vehicles, it is essential to evaluate whether the existing roads can safely accommodate this projected increase in traffic.

We also request that soil and geotechnical engineering reports by independent, local experts be required at the expense of Drees Homes prior to any zoning changes to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the implications of this development. A soil report will determine the potential for foundational hazards which directly impact the sustainability of this development. A geotechnical report performed by a professional geologist will provide a more detailed analysis of the site identifying issues with groundwater flow and landslide risk. These reports are necessary when determining the safety, stability, and longevity of the potential development. As neighbors already hesitant about the proposed development, we want to make certain that any new construction is high-quality and sustainable to minimize the impact on surrounding homes.

Additionally, the population density of the proposed development should be critically reviewed to safeguard and enhance the livability of the existing residents. This entails discouraging excessive population density by prohibiting spot zoning and prohibiting multifamily units. Rather, we are asking for evenly spaced housing to be consistent with the surrounding neighborhoods. The new housing should harmonize with the surrounding neighborhoods and contribute positively to the character of our community.

Furthermore, the surrounding streets, which will bear the brunt of the impact, currently lack sidewalks and have poor drainage requiring pedestrians and cyclists to regularly use the street for recreational activities. The anticipated increase in traffic from the prospective development poses a significant safety hazard for these pedestrians, cyclists, and other residents. While we recognize the need to create safe pedestrian areas, we are also deeply concerned about the potential loss of our property and increased taxes from the installation of sidewalks as well as the financial burden these changes may impose on current residents. It is our belief that Drees Homes should bear the costs of any necessary modifications, as their development is the catalyst for these changes.

Another traffic concern is specific to the construction traffic flow. We strongly advocate that construction vehicles be banned from Leejan and Lorelei Roads, as this would increase noise and dirt and potentially damage roads built to standards from 1955, which cannot support heavy-weighted construction equipment. In addition, these 70-year old standards did not anticipate the proposed development’s vehicular volumes. Lorelei Drive has served as a legally nonconforming road due to a single neighborhood entrance without issue since 1955. Thus, the argument for needing a second neighborhood entrance for the Lorelei neighborhood on Lorelei Drive is not compelling. The addition of a second entrance through the proposed development will only heighten traffic flow and reduce public safety on Lorelei Drive. For this reason, we are requesting the connection to Lorelei Drive from the new development via Leejan Drive be prohibited for the safety of these residents. 

We, neighbors, have major concerns about the increased traffic flow and the impact on safety as well as the negative impact on commute times. We are requesting the installation of an on-demand traffic light at all streets intersecting with McKelvey Road that will experience heightened traffic flow. These on-demand traffic lights will facilitate safe exits for current residents from existing streets. In addition, we are asking for an additional exit from the proposed development exiting to Lakeridge Drive so traffic can evenly filter out of the proposed subdivision. This dispersion of traffic flow will reduce the vehicles on McKelvey Road creating safer roads for residents. 

Another way to maintain safer roads is designating all new streets as public rather than private. This designation guarantees proper maintenance of the streets and adequate infrastructure to manage the increased traffic flow. An article from Journal News in 2018, specific looked at the financial burden to Cincinnati drivers due to mediocre road conditions. The article estimates poor roads “cost the average Cincinnati-area driver more than $2,000 annually.” Public roads are typically better maintained than private roads as they are the responsibility of the government which increases the safety and integrity of the road. 

Furthermore, we are concerned about the implications of installing sewer and gas lines to support the new development. Residents on McKelvey Road previously faced resistance when requesting these utilities, and we seek clarification on why the township is now permitting their installation. Moreover, if sewer lines are to be installed under the Helwig Park baseball fields, it would severely limit the park’s use during construction. We also wish to understand if current residents will have the opportunity to connect to these new utility lines.

Our dear Township Trustees and Zoning Board Members, remember you are entrusted with maintaining the safety, integrity, and character of our neighborhoods. Your decisions directly influence our lives, our safety, and the heritage we wish to pass onto future generations. We implore you to consider the safety and well-being of the existing residents as you deliberate the Drees development. Our community deserves a thoughtful and responsible approach to growth that prioritizes the interests of long-time residents. Please take our concerns seriously as we strive for a development plan that enhances, rather than compromises, the quality of life in our township.

Thank you for your attention to these critical matters. We look forward to your thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely, 

Concerned Neighbors

(Please sign the petition to be included in the list of concerned neighbors)