Sylvania Planning Commission approves Lourdes expansion

As part of a proposed development project, Lourdes University would like to add a new parking lot area to this space at the intersection of Brint and McCord. THE BLADE/KELLY McLENDON Enlarge | Buy This Photo

The Sylvania Planning Commission today recommended that the city approve the Lourdes University planned development of an athletic facility between Brint Road and Convent Boulevard, contingent on the university’s agreement to make changes.

In their non-binding recommendation, planning officials want the locations of the proposed academic center at the north of the site and the athletic facility south of the academic center to be reversed. That would put the athletic facility on Convent Boulevard, moving it farther away from the Bent Creek Crossing condominiums.

The recommendation was approved 3-1 and now moves to Sylvania City Council to consider. Planning commission member Dr. Read Backus voted against the recommendation, stating he liked the original design plan.

Lourdes president Robert Helmer said after the hearing that the university would consider the changes and answer any questions council has at its meeting next week.

About 40 residents attended the hearing, some who expressed concerns during the hearing about traffic and congestion.

Another public hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday before the regular city council meeting in chambers.