by Andre Clayton
Reporter
Twinsburg Township -- Plans for a $100 million retail and medical development, in the works for more than two years, were presented to city and township officials March 18 at Twinsburg Township Municipal Complex.
Lyndhurst-based plastic surgeon Dr. Bahman Guyuron and his representatives presented their "vision" for the retail section of a retail and medical facility, which is planned for 90 acres of land located within both the city and township, east of Hadden Road and south of Interstate 480.
According to Summit County Councilmember Nick Kostandaras, the retail and medical development could bring between 1,000 and 1,500 jobs to the city and township.
Project planner George Smerigan said the development would bring $21,700 in real estate tax revenue to the city, $273,500 in real estate tax revenue to the township and about $1.99 million in real estate tax revenue to Twinsburg schools annually.
Annual income taxes from the project could bring as much as $570,000 to the city and township.
The project will be a joint venture between BG & Sons and Columbus-based Glimcher Realty Trust, a company that specializes in the development of shopping centers, according to Guyuron's attorney Sheldon Berns.
At least four major restaurants and some retail stores are planned for the grounds around outside of the shopping center. More retail stores are planned for inside the facility.
Outdoor gathering places such as fountains, outdoor cafes and benches would be included, as well.
The parking lots would be divided into sections, with signs for easy traffic flow, and garden paths from the parking lots to the facility are planned.
Guyuron said he saw his vision in the 90-acre property when he first purchased the land three-and-a-half years ago.
"My team and I share the same vision," Guyuron said.
"We did a survey of residents to see if they share our vision," Smerigan said.
The survey was taken from 317 registered voters from both the township and the city.
According to the survey, which asked residents if the township and city should develop the land for commercial retail development, 72.9 percent said "yes" while 22.7 percent said "no."
Additional surveys were done as well.
"Over 70 percent said they desire the location of the mall," Smerigan said. "Over 70 percent said they would use it."
According to Smerigan, the location of the project was chosen because of its visibility and access to the freeway, and retail demand is strong in the region.
"There are pockets [in Northeast Ohio] that are under-served and the project's location is one of them," Smerigan added.
According to Guyuron, there will still be a medical facility on the eastern end of the project close to Route 91.
"The next step is to formalize the plan and to then come together with the township and the city," Guyuron said.
E-mail: aclayton@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3172