York Township updates comprehensive plan

YORK TWP. — York aims to keep the township's rural character through managing its future land development, according to its first comprehensive plan update since 2012. A comprehensive plan details an area's intention for growth, development and land use by stating its goals and strategies for the future. The York Zoning Commission developed the updated document while working with consultant George Smerigan. It was available for public review on May 2, and the York Township Board of Trustees approved the update on Thursday. York's population increase was discussed in the comprehensive plan. Nearly 4,300 people live in the township as of the 2020 U.S. Census, which is an approximately 25 percent increase since 2010. Housing also increased by 30 percent from 2010 to 2020 to 1,674 units. Many of the land use plan recommendations relate to preserving York's rural qualities. For instance, one recommendation is to retain or increase the 2.1-acre minimum lot size for most of the township to help control density. The land east of Abbeyville Road will be used as a transition from the higher-density areas of Medina and Medina Township to York's rural areas by planning development. Industrial development will be encouraged in the approximately 280 acres along Branch and Smith roads in the southeastern corner of the township. It is part of the Cooperative Economic Development Agreement with the city of Medina. York intends to seek assistance in planning and funding to revitalize Mallet Creek. The vision is to create a town center that combines residential, commercial, public and institutional uses. Clustering developments using a site plan is the preferred layout for commercial development within the township. Land preservation was also mentioned as a priority. For example, the township aims to acquire more land near the town hall and the fire station and transform it into recreational sites like ball fields and picnic areas. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.