Jerome Village

Jerome Township, Ohio

Conservation Development Master Planning:
Bird Houk Collaborative completed the 10-15 year Master Plan and Zoning Documents for Jerome Village, a +/-1350 acre, planned, conservation-style development in Jerome Township. This village-style development utilizes Smart Growth Planning practices and low-impact storm water techniques. Housing is densely clustered in open areas to allow for more than 40% of the site to remain as open space. This clustering allows the site’s important ecological features and rural identity to be preserved. A variety of housing options, schools, community centers, commercial and retail districts are intersected by a network of walking trails, parks and natural spaces. A village town center is located within walking distance (10 minutes) of 55% of residents. When complete, the village center will include a post office, library, churches, boutiques and restaurants.

Design Guidelines:
A goal for the Township was to preserve its heritage and rural history while establishing a suitable pattern for growth. To complement the Master Plan and Zoning Documents, BHC prepared a comprehensive set of design and review guidelines to ensure that both the developer and the Township are able to maintain high quality development in the future. Such standards include:

I. Property Codes, which define:
•Review Process
•Land Use
•Open Space Standards

II. The Architectural Pattern Book, which defines:
•Building Styles
•Construction Materials

Infrastructure and Park Maintenance Financing:
A Community Authority District has been established to help alleviate the financial burden of infrastructure development, roadway, and community park maintenance on the Township. The development team is working with the Township to extend the boundaries of the Community Authority beyond Jerome Village. This will insure the quality of future development, preserve natural features within the Township, and relieve the burden of maintenance on the Township.

Community Outreach:
Early planning efforts for Jerome Village included expanding study areas to include land use recommendations for a larger portion of the Township. This was done to demonstrate to Township Trustees and residents how the project could be an enhancement in the overall community. BHC and the development team held a series of 8 public meetings and conducted an extensive mailing and internet campaign to discuss the project and growth in the Township as a whole. In the end, BHC was able to create a master land use plan that has helped to provide a plan for Township development.