Workshop held on proposed ARC group home
By John Zornow

With a deadline of October 12 for the village to respond to Wayne ARC, and a conference room full of Grace Avenue residents, Newark Village Board 'workshopped' a proposal Monday night by Wayne ARC to establish a residence at 432 Grace Avenue.

Newark Mayor Peter Blandino began the discussion by indicating that village attorney Arthur Williams has advised against using saturation as an arguing point to object to the proposal.

At the September 21 regular board meeting all five village board members went on record as opposing the plan.

Williams has advised the board to suggest alternative sites to ARC as their official response to the Grace Ave. plan.

Wayne ARC's plan is to replace two current sites, 808 South Main St. and 802 Colton Avenue, with a seven-bedroom residence at 432 Grace Avenue. Neighboring residents oppose the plan citing violation of Newark's zoning.

Cathy Jinks, who lives across the street from the proposed site, said 'It is not about ARC. However this proposal is a business, and is a violation of (Newark's) R-1 zoning.' Jinks added, 'We moved to our home in R-1 to get away from rentals, and business situations.'

Melissa Kumkey, representing Wayne ARC, was asked why ARC wants to move from Colton and South Main. 'Both homes are for sale by the owners and ARC does not want to be put on the spot with a 60 day notice to move,' said Kumkey.

Jim Loson of 430 Grace Avenue asked if there were other sites considered.

Kumkey said that the 432 Grace Ave. site meets the criteria and no other sites were looked at. 'Are there purchase offers on the current homes?' asked Loson, who called the ARC's handling of the situation a 'lopsided scenario.'

Brought to the attention of ARC were alleged unpaid taxes at 432 Grace Avenue, which could have an effect on ARC's plan to lease the residence. Also mentioned by neighbors were possible violations of any mortgage covenants.

Kumkey responded that the information was important to know, and ARC would investigate the situation, but said 'this is the first step of the process; we are waiting for the village to respond.'

Village Trustee Kurt Werts stressed that better communication is needed. 'We shouldn't have to go through this every time.'

Werts suggested that ARC and Newark Community Development work together in the future. Werts pointed out the large percentage of community residences that exist in Newark compared to other Wayne County villages. 'This is not Newark ARC, it is Wayne ARC,' said Werts. Resident Cathy Jinks added: 'It is not about ARC, it is about a business, and violation of R-1 zoning laws.

The Village Board must meet before October 12, and vote whether to approve the site, or offer alternatives.

Kumkey said that if Newark is to suggest other sites, an acceptable alternative could be two homes instead of the one 2600-sq.-ft. residence now being considered. Kumkey promised to work with the board in providing criteria needed to come up with alternatives.

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