FINDLAY – Additional seating was brought into the August 1, 2023 Findlay City Council meeting to accommodate residents with concerns about plans for an apartment building on West McPherson Street. The council listened to those concerned residents but did vote to pass the legislation, moving the plan forward.

Six residents filled out forms to address the city council. Of those, three had concerns about a three story apartment building that will eventually house twenty-four residents. Residents who live in the neighborhood said they are concerned the project will decrease the value of their property because the structure does not fit in with the appeal of the neighborhood. Residents applauded as their neighbors voiced their concerns. Parking spaces and increased traffic were also brought up as possible consequences of the addition of this multi-family apartment. One resident described the building as looking like a motel in their quiet historical neighborhood. 

The developer of the apartment project was the last to speak. Also a Findlay resident, Andrew Yates said that he understands their concerns and would do his best to address them as the plans continue. According to Yates, the project helps alleviate Findlay’s housing shortage. Yates has asked for zoning changes to the property from commercial to high density residential. Variances requested would reduce the number of required parking spaces and increase the number of units in the building. City council voted to change the zoning of the lot by a vote of six to four. An upset resident in the chambers yelled, “our own representative voted for it” upon completion of the vote.

A discussion about excessive water bills that residents received due to inoperable meter transmitters continued from prior meetings. A Shinkle Avenue resident questioned the formula used to determine that residents whose recalculated bills were 500 percent above the norm. City council members offered to explain the decision and share the data for that decision. 

Other agenda items resulted in discussion of a truck for the city water department. Council members clarified changes in the bids and followed the rules and procedures for finalizing that purchase. Councilman Wobser brought new business with a motion to extend the time limit that residents are able to speak before council from four minutes to six minutes. This proposal was the result of discussions with the Findlay Area Apartment Association who have been circulating petitions for an initiative to extend that time. Several council members expressed that the current time of four minutes was satisfactory since they have historically been flexible with residents who speak at meetings. The motion was voted down by a vote of six to four.

Findlay City Council meetings are held the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers located on the first floor of the Municipal Building.