By Jane Smith
06/28/06
June 27, 2006 09:59 pm
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SUMMIT TOWNSHIP — A marina and condominiums with retail space and a golf course are part of a multimillion-dollar development plan that Meadville resident Jeffrey Davenport has for 200 acres just across from Conneaut Lake Park.
The proposed development, called Snowaters Marina and Golf Village, would include the current Jo-Winn/4-J Trailer Court and Park Golf Course on Route 618.
Davenport is already seeking zoning code changes necessary to make the development happen and construction could begin in spring 2007.
He recently received approval from the Crawford County Planning Commission, the first step toward making the project a reality.
The commission was careful to note its role was to review the zoning changes only — not the development itself. When the project gets to that point, Summit Township supervisors do the actual development review.
The zoning changes would add language to allow restaurants, retail shops, recreational facilities, marinas, hotels and similar facilities.
“It is assumed by the commission that the proposed development would include some, if not most of these features,” the commission said.
Crawford County Planning Director Jack Lynch said he was told the development would cost $45 million and will include the marina, condominiums, the golf course and perhaps other facilities.
As part of the development, a state bridge on Route 618 covering Inlet Run would have to be raised to allow boats to float under the bridge and into Conneaut Lake.
Cost of raising the bridge and modifying the approaches is estimated at $1.5 million, according to information prepared by the commission.
The commission noted several options exist to accommodate the development, including the state Department of Transportation’s “turn back” program. This would allow the state to do the work and then turn it over to the township for upkeep under an annual allocation for 25 years.
Summit Township Supervisor Harry McGrath said he doesn’t know a lot of details about the project yet, noting he has heard development figures ranging from “$20 (million) to $60 million.”
Davenport said Tuesday he will have final details and make them public within the near future.
Park Golf Course owner Karrin Unger said Tuesday that Davenport has an option to purchase the golf course until Aug. 1. “He is doing due diligence and making his plans,” she said. “It’s a great proposal,” she said of Davenport’s plans. “It will be wonderful. It will include (construction of) condos, the golf course and redoing the club house,” she said, speculating that the work and upgrades would add jobs to the area. “He’s credible and he’s ambitious.”
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