By John Kiesewetter
Enquirer staff writer

FAIRFIELD TWP. - Lakewood subdivision residents were happy to learn Wednesday that a small shopping center on Princeton Road won't be connected to their community.

The Townsend Co. told the township zoning commission Wednesday it doesn't want access to Clearview Lake Drive.

"We have no objections, if they go forward with the plan as laid out here," said Rex Wolfgang, attorney for the Lakewood Homeowners Association.

But homeowners on adjacent Stonelake Way strongly opposed the developer elevating the land to build a restaurant, bank and small shopping center at the northeast corner of Princeton Road and Ohio 4 Bypass, across from a new Target store.

The driveway into the complex would be 15 feet from Stonelake Way property, on top of a 10-foot retaining wall.

"This plan is unacceptable," said Chad Bjornson, whose property abuts the 7.5-acre tract.

Zoning commission member Paul Tate, an engineer, asked the developer to consider moving the driveway and retention pond.

"If there is another way of configuring the driveway, we should see if it's feasible," Tate said.

E-mail jkiesewetter@enquirer.com