Homestead to become wedding site

FINDLAY — Findlay City Planning Commission approved plans Thursday to convert an Ohio 568 barn and homestead, several hundred feet east of Bright Road, to a wedding venue. What will become Hope Barn Venue, at 14120 Ohio 568, has a 1,572-square-foot house and a 3,200-square-foot barn. Plans call for a 5,400-square-foot building to be added and connected to the barn to accommodate ceremonies. The plans were submitted by Matt and Rebecca Douglas, of Findlay. It is uncertain exactly when Hope Barn Venue will open, Matt Douglas said following the meeting. Permits still must be obtained. The Douglases must still work out details with city officials on a parking plan. City planners also stipulated that a tree line north of the property and along the south bank of the Blanchard River be maintained for nature conservation and to buffer nearby neighborhoods. Among additional conditions set by city planners is a requirement that Hope Barn Venue comply with city code noise limitations, a concern raised by neighbors on Old Mill Road to the north. Failure to comply with noise limitations could result in revocation of Hope Barn's permit. Separately, the planning commission recommended City Council assign condominium zoning for a tract north of town upon annexation. Twenty-four acres south of County Road 99, west of Interstate 75 and east of Forest Trail Drive, will become the site of 47 condominium buildings, each with two units. Construction is planned to start at the east end of the development about one-fourth mile west of Wellness Way. The west end of the development would extend to the east end of Silver Creek. An access drive off of County Road 99, at the east end of the development will prevent traffic congestion and hazards on Forest Trail and Silver Creek, city officials have said.