PLAIN TWP. – Developers want a zoning change for the former Sanctuary Golf Club property to build a senior living center, residential homes, apartments and a reserve with walking trails.
Dozens of people packed into Township Hall for a public hearing on May 13 to voice opinions — some pro and mostly con — about the proposed housing development along Applegrove Street NW.
Ford Principle is lobbying for a change from R-1 single-family residential to low-density R-3 residential on two parcels, totaling nearly 70 acres for about 60 lots at the former course. Bill Lemmon and Dan DeHoff are partners of Ford Principle, which is based in North Canton.
“We feel this (housing project) is the next chapter for the property, lining up residential to residential,” said DeHoff, noting that the golf course business at the Sanctuary had become stale on profit.
The Plain Township Zoning Commission hosted the public hearing on the rezoning issue. The meeting drew about 60 people and ran nearly two hours.
Commission members agreed 5-0 to recommend approval to township trustees, who are the final authority on the matter. Trustees could consider the rezoning as soon as June 9.
If the rezoning is approved, homes would likely start being built in 2027 and continue for multiple years.
Plain residents voice opinions on Sanctuary property rezoning proposal
Most residents who spoke against the rezoning proposal said they were concerned about additional traffic along Applegrove, child safety, rising utility costs and possible property value declines from a large housing project.
“I’ve seen many changes in this area and grew up here,” said Melissa Trickett, a Plain Township homeowner for 33 years. “We’ve gone away from that small town, rural setting. I think we’re going to have more traffic, and my property value will probably go down. Enough is enough.”
Rod Simmons said higher traffic volume is his main concern.
“The addition of the traffic may impact the safety of my children, as they are learning how to ride bikes,” he said.
The Sanctuary, an 18-hole public golf course, closed at the end of the 2023 season, to the chagrin of many local golfers. It was one of several closures in recent years within Stark County, in addition to Tam O’Shanter, Skyland Pines and Seven Hills. Sanctuary owners said at the time that it wasn’t a financially sustainable business.
Since the course’s closure, the nearly 140 acres north of Applegrove Street NW have remained mostly idle.
Donna Dannemiller said she endorses the planned housing effort, as it allows a chance for local seniors to downsize.
“I think our township will get a lot more money from the improved property, and (the project) provides an employment opportunity for people.”
Reach Steven Grazier at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @sgrazierINDE
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Developers seek new zoning for housing at former Sanctuary Golf Club
Reporting by Steven M. Grazier, Massillon Independent / The Repository
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