Council discusses Summit at Town Mill request to convert private streets to public maintenance; decision deferred
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Summary
The HOA for the Summit at Town Mill asked the city to accept ownership and maintenance of three private streets; staff reported the streets and stormwater infrastructure appear to meet city standards but council delayed final action to a future meeting and asked for additional details on precedent and costs.
The Summit at Town Mill homeowners association requested that Canton City accept maintenance responsibility for the community’s private streets. City staff and the city engineer described the development as roughly 83 homes with three streets totaling about 0.7 miles and approximately 25 streetlights; staff reported the HOA represented that structural and maintenance issues had been addressed.
City staff cautioned council that accepting ownership would transfer maintenance responsibility for pavement, curbs, sidewalks, catch basins and stormwater infrastructure to the city. Historically, when the city has adopted private streets it has in some cases assessed add‑on fees on new developments; staff noted the Summit at Town Mill was not previously included in those add‑on fees. The HOA would be responsible for gate removal costs if the council approves the transfer.
Council members asked about precedent and potential implications for other private communities. Staff said adoption is considered case‑by‑case and the city had updated standards to require private streets be built to public standards before acceptance. Staff said the streets at Summit at Town Mill appear to meet those standards and that the HOA indicated it has budgeted to mitigate outstanding items if needed.
No formal vote was taken Jan. 2; staff said the item will be placed on the next council agenda for formal consideration with additional documentation and cost information.