Council adopts developer’s revised Timber Ridge plan, preserves Ridge Road cul‑de‑sac

Xenia City Council voted unanimously Sept. 10 to approve Ordinance 20‑26‑31, adopting Arbor Homes’ resubmitted PUD for the Timber Ridge area with two entrances on U.S. Route 68 and no extension of Ridge Road through the new subdivision.

Residents from Ridge Road told council the neighborhood’s character, safety and environment would be harmed if Ridge Road were connected. Howard Orsman, a 17‑year Timber Ridge resident, told council the revised plan “is a reasonable compromise that takes into account a lot of the concerns that were raised by the adjoining neighbors.” Several speakers cited safety (no sidewalks, no streetlights), the age of protected trees, and wildlife concerns, asking council to keep Ridge Road as a cul‑de‑sac.

Bridal Henning, speaking for the developer, said the project has been retitled Miller Grove and noted the plan conforms to the Xenia Next comprehensive plan density guidance (2.39 units per acre at 82 lots). The developer agreed to enhanced architectural standards and a 50‑foot no‑disturb buffer adjacent to existing homes, and said it can place certain utility improvements on HOA property rather than private yards.

During deliberations councilmembers debated whether replacing the planning commission’s modified concept plan with the developer’s submittal was a “matter of substance” that would require reintroduction and another public hearing. After counsel’s explanation and discussion, council treated the amendment as not requiring a new hearing and moved forward. The motion to approve the developer’s plan, moved by Mayor Ethan Reynolds and seconded by the vice president, passed on a roll call with all members voting Aye.

The ordinance as approved includes the developer’s two US‑68 access points, a larger open‑space buffer adjacent to existing homes, and higher minimum home sizes near Ridge Road. City staff cautioned that the absence of a Ridge Road connection does not strictly conform to city connectivity policy but said the developer had addressed many neighborhood concerns.