On the agenda: Middlefield 08.13.2026 — Data Center (Aug 13)

Village of Middlefield Planning & Zoning Minutes
AUGUST 13, 2026
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The Village of Middlefield’s Planning & Zoning meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. with the
following members present: Mayor Garlich, Mr. Scott Klein, Mr. Linberg, Ms. Carissa Shaffer, and
Mr. Dietrich.
Also present: Leslie McCoy-Village Administrator, Mr. Mike Cicero- Village Solicitor, Mr. John
Boksansky-Zoning Inspector, Ms. Sabine Weizer, Ms. Ann Wishart- Maple Leaf, Mr. Brian
Guarniere, Mr. Anderson Ohman, Mr. Christian Ohman, Mr. John Bojec- Geauga Highway, Mr.
Tim McGarry- Attorney for Geauga Highway, Mr. Chris Alusheff- Zoning Consultant for Geauga
Highway, and Mr. Thomas Dudinsky.
Agenda: No Deletions. Addition: 3: in regards to Middlefield Village and Middlefield Township, the
lay of the land on the East portion of the Village as you exit Glen Valley.
Minutes: The minutes of the July 7, 2026 meeting were presented for approval. Mr. Dietrich
made a motion to approve the minutes of July 7, 2026 as presented, motion seconded by
Mr. Linberg. Roll Call. All in favor: Yeas (5).
PUBLIC HEARING:
Mr. Klein opened the public hearing 6:02PM.
Mr. Mike Cicero had anyone who will be providing evidence to the commission for the
Public Hearings raise their right hand to be sworn in under oath. “Do you swear or affirm
that the evidence you shall give in the matter now and the hearing before the commission
shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God, or under
penalty of perjury? Mayor Ben Garlich, Mr. Scott Klein, Mr. Jim Linberg, Mr. Dave Dietrich,
Ms. Carissa Shaffer, Mr. Mike Cicero, Mr. John Boksansky, Ms. Leslie McCoy, Mr. Christian
Ohman, Mr. Anderson Ohman, Mr. Tom Dudinsky, Mr. John Bojec- Geauga Highway, Mr.
Tim McGarry- Attorney for John Bojec, and Mr. Chris Alusheff- Zoning Consultant all
raised their hands and were sworn in under oath.
1. 15651 W HIGH ST Geauga Highway Conditional Use Application as well as a
variance for a lot coverage of 77% where 60% is permitted located in a General
Commercial Zoning district. Mr. Boksansky stated the discussion regarding this project
with Mr. Bojec- Geauga Highway began in January of 2026. It resulted in an application
for a zoning exemption as well as occupancy for the address 15651 West High Street
and after a period of time of discussing the project and what essentially the property was
going to be used for, Mr. Bojec's business was going to have his office there, as well as
repair of vehicles and equipment for his business. Mr. Boksansky stated once that
occurred, he went through a period of learning about his business and what he was going
to do there which resulted in an occupancy permit being issued after the fire department
had a chance to inspect the premises. The Fire Department gave their approval on March
27, 2026. Mr. Boksansky stated he issued the occupancy permit and a zoning exemption
permit on March 31, 2026 and so it was legally able to operate there on that site with the
intended use. Mr. Boksansky stated in mid-May of 2026 he saw that there was an
alternate use going on there meaning storage of vehicles and equipment related to his
business. Mr. Boksansky stated it is a paving business called Geauga Highway so in midMay Mr. Boksansky issued a cease and desist order not to expand to additional areas on
the site. Mr. Boksansky stated the original zoning permit granted was for office use and
equipment repair within the structure located to the rear of the property. The cease and

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Village of Middlefield Planning & Zoning Minutes
AUGUST 13, 2026
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desist order were not complied with during the 30-day compliance period stated in that
correspondence May 13th, 2026. Mr. Boksansky stated based on these facts the Village
of Middlefield filed a complaint. Mr. Boksansky stated before that he actually wrote
another letter dated May 21, 2026, stating the opportunity to come before the planning
commission and essentially appeal for a conditional use for the premise and not seeing
any activity moving towards what we ultimately wanted to have there was an application
for a zoning permit to expand on the site. Mr. Boksansky stated the expansion on the site
continued to occur and there was no compliance. The cease and desist order was not
complied with. The Village of Middlefield filed a complaint in court on June 18th, 2026
regarding expanding out to the site without filing for a zoning permit, a violation of
1114.01, zoning permit, a variance or conditional use permit for said property. The Village
of Middlefield continued to monitor the site and with each day, materials and vehicles
occupied the non-permitted areas of the site. Mr. Boksansky stated the Village of
Middlefield received several permit applications from Geauga Highway as well as a
representative of zoning application fees on June 25th, 2026, and that's why we're here
tonight. Mr. Boksansky stated the applications included applying for a conditional use, a
lot coverage variance, as well as open storage and display of equipment and material
and equipment. The applicant, Mr. John Bojec, is asking to be heard in this application
request for conditional use and lot coverage variance on this date, August 11th, 2026, at
6:00 PM, as several of Geauga Highways LLC representatives were not available for the
July 7th, 2026, meeting.
Mr. Klein asked if there was anyone present to speak on this matter.
Mr. Tim McGarry- Attorney for Geauga Highway- 231 E 214th St Euclid, OH, is present to
speak. Mr. John Bojec- Geauga Highway is also present but has been advised by Mr.
McGarry to not speak due to the criminal proceedings that are pending. Mr. Chris
Alusheff- Geauga Highways Zoning Consultant is also present on behalf of Mr. John
Bojec.
Mr. Tim McGarry stated he believes that the Village of Middlefield Zoning Inspector- Mr.
John Boksansky, stated much of it correctly in that the parties met together before
Geauga Highway signed a three-year lease. Mr. McGarry stated that Geauga Highway
explained its use of what the business was going to do. Mr. McGarry stated the only thing
he believes was mistaken is that the zoning exemption clearly says that vehicles were
going to be stored outside, waiting for their maintenance use. Mr. McGarry stated that
was clearly provided for in the original zoning exemption.
Mr. Klein asked if Mr. McGarry has paperwork on this and Mr. McGarry stated he does in
an email and gave it to Mr. Linberg.
Mr. McGarry stated in reliance on the zoning exemption Geauga Highway signed a threeyear lease and brought about 100 jobs to Middlefield. He stated that he believes there's a
bit of a misunderstanding here. Mr. McGarry stated this is not Geauga Highway's paving
operations or where it operates. He stated Geauga Highway has two locations, a location
in Painesville, and a location in Auburn. Mr. McGarry stated the location in Middlefield is
a place that it uses as its office and it does have vehicles there waiting to be worked on
for ordinary maintenance. Mr. McGarry stated Geauga Highway probably has 100 pieces
of equipment and they're stored in Auburn and Middlefield and almost all of those have
now been removed as a result of the criminal filing. Mr. McGarry stated there was clearly
an implication that was needed to file for a conditional use variance, which he stated they

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have done. Mr. McGarry stated Geauga Highway wants to be a good neighbor and wants
to be somewhere where they are welcomed. Mr. McGarry stated they are here tonight in
good faith to see if they can resolve these differences.
Mr. Klein asked if there was anyone else from the public that wanted to speak. Ms.
McCoy stated there were some letters that were submitted from the public and mailed to
Zoning Inspector, Mr. John Boksansky.
Ms. McCoy reads the letters out loud at the Planning & Zoning meeting. The letters
submitted and read were from Middlefield residents and Ruth Womack on behalf of the
Helen Harrington Trust. An email that was sent from Shasta Properties, LLC was also
read out loud. The first letter that was read out loud was dated 6/9/2026 and was to
Mayor Garlich, Village Administrator, and all Council members from concerned Village of
Middlefield citizens. The second letter was ready out loud and was submitted from
Shasta Properties LLC. The third letter was ready out loud and was submitted from Ruth
Womack- the trustee of the Helen Harrington Trust.
Once the letters were read out loud Mr. Klein asked Mr. McGarry if he had any final
remarks. Mr. McGarry stated he does want to comment again that there are no materials
being stored at the site as the materials are stored at other locations. Mr. Klein stated
Geauga Highway is asking for a variance tonight for display of material and equipment.
Mr. McGarry stated that is following what was requested of Geauga Highway in the letter.
Mr. McGarry stated Geauga Highway does not have materials inside and there are some
materials that they had that they were going to use for their own use depending on what
happens with the area variance. Mr. McGarry stated there is equipment there that
belongs to another tenant who supposedly have already moved out so he doesn’t know if
some of these issues or some of the photos are showing things that are not Geauga
Highways property.
Mr. Linberg asked if the display requirements are for purposes of sales. Mr. Klein stated
yes and all other displays. Mr. Linberg asked if there was any documentation of what the
Village shared to Geauga Highway prior to them signing the three-year lease. Mr.
McGarry stated it was via email discussion. Mr. Klein asked if all Geauga Highway is
looking to do is have a couple vehicles that they’re doing repairs on and office space, and
it's a pretty big lot, why is 77% lot coverage needed as a variance.
Mr. Chris Alusheff- Geauga Clean Zoning Consultant for Geauga Highway, stated that in
the site plan they are including gravel or asphalt grinding surfaces in the lot coverage
percentage to be conservative rather than trying to argue over whether asphalt grindings
are an improved surface so all the green on the plans is where there's currently
equipment but that would be true green space and landscape screening. Mr. Alusheff
stated the whole front half of the property is already at its maximum lot coverage and
stated it could be argued now with the condition the property is in before Geauga Paving
occupied the property that they have exceeded it just by virtue of the number of grindings
that are in the back portion of the lot. Mr. Alusheff stated that this would clean it up,
square off the areas, and the darker shade right at the bordering, the green, would simply
be an open turnaround area for the purpose of moving vehicles in and out and then the
lighter shaded pink would be the actual parking area while vehicles are on their way in or
out of the enclosed maintenance space in the back of the building.
Mr. Dietrich stated he recalls that when they considered this outdoor storage and display
areas in other locations in the Commercial zone, those areas have all been paved but

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Village of Middlefield Planning & Zoning Minutes
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there has never been a situation that there were asphalt grindings in those areas. Mr.
Dietrich stated he does not recall anything regarding display being used in this context as
it has always been used in the context of retail merchandise that is stored outdoors and
offered for display. Mr. Boksansky stated that is correct.
Mr. Klein stated up until maybe 6-8 months ago lot coverage in the Village was 40%, and
people would come and ask for 50% and it was recently changed to 60% so to go to 77%
is almost double the 40% of where the Village was just 6-8 months ago.
Mr. Dietrich stated at the bottom of the paragraph in the materials it indicates that the
applicant is actually requesting approval of exterior storage with variance to increase lot
coverage to 84%. Mr. Dietrich asked if it is 77% or 84%. Mr. Boksansky stated he
adjusted it because there was a gap in presenting that wasn't accounted for and it
actually lessened the number that they need. Mr. Boksansky stated to also keep in mind
that for Ace Hardware as well as this rear lot that is all one parcel so he had to view the
lot coverage for the whole parcel not just the spot that Geauga Highway is operating on
so in fact the lot coverage would be much more if we just calculated their use.
Mr. Dietrich asked Mr. Alusheff if the request is for temporary storage or for permanent
storage for rotating vehicles and equipment. Mr. Alusheff stated it is for permanent
storage but the individual pieces being stored would all be temporary because they'd be
rotating what's there at any given time so this wouldn't be a machine graveyard or a
dump site. Mr. Alusheff stated they would have it there until it's ready to go inside, be
worked on, and taken back out on the road or one of the other facilities operated by the
company. Mr. Alusheff stated there are proposed landscape screenings in the material
provided and it is noted on there as an evergreen screening in accordance with what was
in the suggestions in 1159.06 and then it said per the zoning ordinances that it was
subject to approval of the planning commission so they put together this as a starting
point to come for the approval of the planning commission whether that would be
acceptable or if the Planning commission wanted a different form of screening. Mr.
Dietrich asked if this is adjacent to a residential zone and Mr. Boksansky stated it is
adjacent on the East side. Mr. Dietrich asked whether there was additional buffering and
setbacks when a use like this is adjacent to a residential zone. Mr. Klein stated the
setback is 50ft. Mr. Boksansky stated that the 50ft is shown on Geauga Highways site
plan but it is currently occupied by materials for Geauga Highway.
Mayor Garlich stated there is a car repair business there and they want to place a
maintenance shed somewhere close to operate in there but stated this is a job site yard.
Mayor Garlich stated he cannot connect the dots on how this is General Commercial
since it is an industrial operation in a General Commercial. Mayor Garlich stated it is
unfair to everyone around the business that has to look at that and put up with what is
going on. Mayor Garlich stated it is not a good fit for this area and it was misrepresented
from the start. Mr. McGarry stated Geauga Highway has in total about 120 vehicles and
there is only 15-20 at the Middlefield location waiting to be maintained. Mayor Garlich
stated an operation similar to what was there beforehand is what is expected. Mayor
Garlich stated this is not a commercial area use and stated if they ask for 75% lot
coverage all the storage would be outside, not inside. Mr. McGarry stated not all of the
stuff there is Geauga Highways property. Mr. McGarry stated nobody said anything to
Geauga Highway when they first approached about 3-4 cars and stated they can only
have 3-4 cars. Mr. McGarry stated had that been a conversation they could have
discussed the limited number of vehicles but stated there was no misrepresentation.

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Mayor Garlich stated that the pictures provided do show misrepresentation. Mayor
Garlich stated that this does not look like a repair shop for Geauga Highway and stated
that it is an operating yard for Geauga Highway. Mr. Linberg stated that in the email that
was shared there was nothing that outlined anything of what is currently going on there.
Mr. Klein stated there is two variances and stated he personally wants to approve
Geauga Highway based on the residents that have not wanted to be next door to this
property and also based on the fact that it is not being used for what was intended.
Mr. Mike Cicero stated even though there is currently litigation regarding this matter the
Planning and Zoning Commission should still act on the matter. Mr. Cicero stated all the
chairman needs to do is call the question and if there is no motion it fails or if there is no
second it fails. Mr. Cicero stated they can also make a motion to deny.
Mr. Klein stated there is a variance request for 70% of lot coverage where 60% is
permitted and asked if anyone would like to take that forward. No motion. Motion is
dropped. Mr. Klein stated there is also a permit request for open storage and
display of material and equipment and asked if anyone would like to take that
forward. No motion. Motion is dropped.
2. 16003 BUTTON ST proposed 1152 SF Accessory Structure garage at height of 26’,
where 15’ is permitted. A 73% variance. Proposed project is for storage located in a
R-2 residential district to the rear of a residential dwelling. Mr. Cicero reminded
those in attendance that they are still under oath. Mr. Boksansky stated this is property
owned by Pierce St Properties- Briar Hill and stated they are proposing an accessory
structure garage at a height of 26 feet, where 15 feet is permitted and it's on the site plan.
Mr. Christian Ohman is present and stated they bought a decent amount of equipment
mostly for snow removal like snow plows, and transporting residents like golf carts. Mr.
Ohman stated they got a large Kubota tractor and things like that for the sidewalks that
they will use for plowing. Mr. Ohman stated they also have a maintenance truck and have
a lot of medical equipment and are just really tight on storage space. Mr. Ohman stated
currently it is being stored on different properties where they can find room and some of it
is sitting outside. Mayor Garlich asked why there is a height requirement needed. Mr.
Ohman responded and stated there is a loft that would be used to store medical records
and medical equipment. Mr. Ohman stated they own the property adjacent to where it
would be. Mr. Boksansky stated this property received a variance to have two accessory
structures on the property so with this one going in that would make it three and one of
the sheds would have to be removed. Mr. Ohman stated they are getting rid of one of the
sheds. Mr. Klein made a motion to approve the 26ft height variance as it is in the
character of the affected neighborhood with the condition that one of the other
accessory structures is removed, motion seconded by Mr. Linberg. Roll Call. All in
favor: Yeas (5).
Mr. Klein closed the public hearings at 7:36PM.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. 15651 W High St Geauga Highway Zoning Application for 1159.06 Open Storage
and Display of Material and Equipment. Motion was dropped.

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2. 16236 Kinsman Rd PP# 18-076100 + additional home (16228 Kinsman Rd) Potential
annexation from Middlefield Township to the Village of Middlefield. Additional lot
split as well as consolidation would occur within Middlefield Township jurisdiction.
Lots proposed within the Village of Middlefield are proposed to be on ½ acre of
land. Mr. Tom Dudinsky has spoken to the township about possible annexation and has
given Mr. Boksansky the preliminary survey information. Mr. Dudinsky stated he is doing
a lot of work to clean up the property. Discussion held regarding the potential annexation
of land from Middlefield Township to the Village. Mayor Garlich expressed concern
regarding the 7-acre parcel remaining in the township which could allow for unrestricted
industrial use. Mayor Garlich indicated a preference for the entire parcel to be annexed to
ensure village zoning protections and stated he would call the property owner to discuss.
3. Addition-Middlefield Village/Middlefield Township Properties at Kinsman Rd: Mr.
Klein stated across from Glen Valley Dr. there are stacked pallets and dumpsters on
township property. Mayor Garlich stated he spoke to the property owner and the property
owner stated the roll-off dumpster company is supposed to be there weekly and is not
showing up so he is going to work on getting it cleaned up.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. 16011 Pierce St: Briar Hill adaptive reuse of Jordak School and additional
multifamily building located in the R-PUD Senior Housing zoning district. Review
of project update materials. Mr. Boksansky stated the project is becoming more refined
in the exact footprint of how they will occupy the site. Mr. Anderson Ohman is present
and stated the front of the building is where they will have most of the amenities like the
café and the dining room area which will seat about 80 people. Mr. Ohman stated there is
also an outdoor area that will have two exits, a fire pit, raised garden beds, a stone patio,
and things like that. Mr. Ohman stated they plan to also have a pub area that would serve
beer, wine, coffee, and other drinks as well as a salon, treatment rooms, and bathrooms.
Mr. Ohman stated there is also going to be a club room that will be for socializing, card
room, and a library. Mr. Ohman stated they plan on keeping on the gym and just updating
it and adding a fitness studio. Mr. Ohman stated the lounge area would be open to the
public and the fitness area will only be open to residents 55 years or older. Mr. Klein
stated there is no formal action needed by the commission tonight.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
ZONING INSPECTORS REPORT – Mr. Boksansky stated the report is included in the packet.
Mr. Boksansky was able to issue 8 zoning permits for the month of July.
PENDING
1) Smallwood Subdivision (23 homes). GSWCD Plan review input received, reviewed at
3/11/2025 PnZC mtg. No update available.
2) Heritage Point (209 homes) Lake Avenue 38 homes in the first Phase. Grading and
infrastructure construction underway.
3) Proposed Lot Split regarding PPN 19-043400 (in que) application is pending. Involves Geauga
County Airport.
4) 15885 West High Street Property Nuisance Property update. Incremental progress is being
made regarding improvements.
5) Noise issue in vicinity of S. State Ave/Industrial Parkway/Kenwood. (Periodic updates as
available, remediation project in planning stages. Contract agreement has been prepared).

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6) 14958 South State Ave Coffee Roaster seeking conditional use (granted 1.6.2026) in a GC General Commercial District Space previously occupied by Middlefield Nutrition. Tenant was
seeking the Conditional Use with approval by the Property Owner Robert Potocar. Occupancy
pending. A March opening is planned.
7) 1.6.2026: at PnZC Discussed the Open Storage of materials and equipment, and any changes
to the ordinance that might be contemplated for renewal on a bi annual basis. Draft ordinance
approved and is before council. Public hearing scheduled at Council 2/12/2026 @ 7:30 PM. Third
reading approved and adopted 3/12/2026. Permit holders Were informed via mail and Email.
8) 15511 West High Street Middlefield Express, LLC future Oil Change business. Applicant is
seeking final approval based on altered site plan. Approved pending final site plan review by
zoning inspector. Plans being finalized for approval.
9) Circle K approved pending VE approval, GCSWCD approval. Plans being finalized for
approval.
10) PP# 19-072865 Self Storage Business. Conditional Use required & Variance for Lot
coverage: 65% lot coverage where 60% is required. Tare Creek access is also required to be
approved, + make recommendation to council to approve. (permit pending)
11) Data Center moratorium established.
12) Briar Hill rezone process began for 16011 Pierce St.
13) Hartville Hardware variance for signage approved on June 9, 2026.
Mr. Klein made a motion to adjourn the Planning & Zoning Commission at 7:15pm, motion
seconded by Mr. Dietrich. Roll Call. All in favor: Yeas (5).
Next regular meeting is on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 6PM.
There being no further business before the Planning & Zoning Commission the meeting
adjourned at 6:33 pm.

These Planning and Zoning Meeting Minutes are to be supplemented by any audio
recording of the Meeting, to the extent any such audio recording exists and is kept by the
Village.
_____________________
Leslie McCoy – Village Administrator

_________________________
Scott Klein-Chairman

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