SEVEN HILLS, Ohio -- When talking about the development of roughly 50 acres along the southside of Rockside Road, Seven Hills Mayor Anthony D. Biasiotta has always been cautiously optimistic.
It now appears such patience could finally be yielding the major economic development project -- the type Independence has created time and time again -- city officials have dreamed about for decades.
A more than 60,000-square-foot Cleveland rehabilitation hospital with four out lots (retail, commercial, office) located on six acres directly south of Rockside Road, as well as a residential component with single-family homes and townhouses on the southern portion of the property are close to coming to fruition.
“This project has gone farther than all the other iterations,” Biasiotta said. “There are no votes, ordinances, variances remaining.
“There’s nothing left to happen from a governmental or city standpoint, other than issuing of permits in accordance with our current laws.”
Seven Hills Planning Commission in March gave final approval to the $100 million project.
Previously it was reported a completed rehabilitation hospital is estimated to annually bring in nearly $500,000 in taxes to the city, as well as more than $700,000 to Parma City Schools.
Also, the city could expect nearly $400,000 in income taxes related to construction.
Biasiotta noted the figures would be potentially higher.
Next up, he said residents will soon see something many thought would never happen.
“Progress is moving along, albeit slowly,” he said. “There will be some general maintenance on the property, like grass cutting and removal of fallen trees.
“Residents can expect to see some activity on their property this week and next. But it’s not related to construction just yet.”
Once the land moving is complete, the next and final step will be the city issuing a building permit.
“The stage we’re at now is the developer is working with the various utility companies to get plans for that infrastructure approved,” he said.
“When working with the Cleveland water, sewers and the energy companies, they have their own timetables.”
The installation of utilities for the project could begin soon with Biasiotta reticent to give a firm timeline.
“The developer is communicating that it’s still on track for 2025,” he said.
“But when you have the contingencies with multiple utility companies, I would just tell our residents to be cautiously optimistic on the timetable.”
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