Activity at the Springfield Township zoning department remains busy heading into late fall.
At the November 1 township trustees meeting, Jacob Barnes, planning director, presented the zoning report for October. The department issued 21 permits and collected fees of $2,500.
“We had a good month,” Mr. Barnes said, adding, “It’s encouraging to see new dwellings going forward.”
Issued last month were permits for new dwellings, seven; followed by sheds, signs and tower co-locations, three apiece; additions and commercial, two each, a pool and a deck.
Mr. Barnes also provided the trustees with an update on 308 Roseanna Drive. “The parcel and its dilapidated home have been a problem for about 10 years,” he said, but Habitat for Humanity acquired the property and has torn down the home and cleared the lot.
“I spoke with a neighbor and he said that Habitat for Humanity is planning on an April build for a new house at the site. It will be a great improvement for that area,” the planning director noted.
In other zoning news, Mr. Barnes went to his first in-person conference since the pandemic began, attending the Ohio Township Association conference in Columbus October 29. He also spoke at the conference about the impact COVID-19 had on various aspects of zoning.
Mr. Barnes said the department continues to handle a number of on-street parking violations with assistance from the public services department.
The planning director concluded his presentation with a report on business inventory in the joint economic development zone, which runs from Holland-Sylvania Road west along Airport Highway to Holloway Road.
In the past six months, he said, “We had nine new businesses and lost six for a net gain of three.”
There are more than 400 businesses in the JEDZ, and he believes the area is doing well despite the pandemic and lack of available employees. “It’s good to see, considering all the chaos going on.”
He pointed out there is room for business growth in the zone. “We have a great amount of potential–at least 50 to 60 businesses with some room for big businesses as well.”
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Renewed their annual membership with the Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District for $1,300.
“This is pretty much a no brainer,” said Trustee Bob Bethel. “They do a nice job.”
Trustee Andy Glenn agreed, adding, “We get far more bang for our buck.”
The LSWCD implements agricultural conservation practices, educates the public and provides services to help homeowners improve conservation on their property.
They are funded through Lucas County and municipality contributions matched by Continued from page 1 the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
•Heard from administrator Mike Hampton that U.S. Senate Bill 3011 is under review. The bill is designed to give townships and municipalities more flexibility on the use of American Rescue Plan funds.
•Opted not to request a hearing with the Ohio Division of Liquor Control for a liquor license transfer at Chilis, 6505 Centers Drive. The transfer is from Southwest Dining Inc. to Brinker Restaurant Corp.
•Entered into executive session to discuss details regarding security and bargaining negotiations, but took no action.
•Paid bills from October 12 to November 2 of $201,152, including $83,201 for a public services department truck chassis and electronic payments from October 15 to 28 of $289,506 which includes the bi-weekly payroll of $248,215.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, November 15, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public. ~Jane Maiolo
