An Angola Road parcel in Springfield Township with unusual split zoning is being rezoned.
At the April 5 meeting, the township trustees changed the zoning from R-A suburban residential and M-3 heavy industrial to M-1 limited industrial.
Planning Director Jacob Barnes said property owner Matt Williams requested the change that was recommended by the Toledo-Lucas County plan commission and the township zoning commission.
“The applicant would like to eventually develop this property, and the current split zoning would make it difficult for any type of use to exist,” Mr. Barnes explained.
The parcel is on the south side of Angola Road, east of I-475. “For some reason, it was zoned residential and heavy industrial,” he said. “It makes total sense to change it, and M-1 is appropriate for the area and aligns with our master plan.”
Trustee Bob Bethel agreed, “That makes sense.” He also suggested they look at nearby parcels that are zoned similarly.
“I like that idea,” Trustee Tom Anderson added.
Zoning Report
Following the hearing, the planning director presented the zoning report for March. The department issued 38 permits and collected fees of $2,320.
“It was one of our busiest months,” Mr. Barnes said, adding he expects the trend to continue.
He noted seven permits were issued for new dwellings. Permits also were issued for fencing, nine; signs and additions, three apiece; pool, commercial remodel, commercial and garage, two each, and new occupant, deck, pole barn, shed, BZA appeal and accessory structure, one apiece.
Mr. Barnes said the department, in conjunction with public services, removed junk and debris from the right-of-way in Lincoln Green. “It’s not something we commonly do, but it was an extreme situation,” he explained, noting the property owner has paid for the cleanup.
The planning director also notified the board that he has completed all sessions of the Ohio Township Association’s leadership academy and will graduate at the next OTA conference.
In other zoning matters, Mr. Barnes met with potential businesses looking to locate in the Dorr Street joint economic development district area. “It’s encouraging to see there is constant interest.”
He also informed the trustees that the department completed a business inventory of companies in the joint economic development zone. “There were a total of 16 new businesses and 19 businesses that either closed or moved from the area for a net loss of 3 businesses,” he said. “All things considered, it wasn’t that bad.”
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Approved a joint cooperation agreement with Lucas County for work on Pilliod, Crissey and other roads in the township. The estimated cost of the work will be $829,000 with the township paying $345,800.
The trustees approved a similar joint agreement with the county for drainage improvements at a cost of $90,000.
•Amended the Freedom Celebration amount to $38,000, an addition of $10,000 over last year, which was canceled due to COVID-19.
•Agreed to participate in ODOT’s joint purchase of rock salt for the 2021-22 winter season.
•Heard that Township Administrator Mike Hampton met with Holland and Maumee administrators about possible future partnerships.
•Paid bills for March 17 to April 6 totaling $130,524 that includes $13,442 to Compass Minerals America for rock salt; $37,066 to the Village of Holland for revenue sharing, and $58,982 to Hylant Administrative Services for insurance.
They also made electronic payments from March 12 to April 1 of $285,801, which includes the bi-weekly payroll of $231,001.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, April 19, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road. Open to the public, social distancing and mask protocols will be followed. Residents also may watch the meeting live by visiting springfieldtown ship.net and clicking on the video stream.
