A request to rezone 2.35 acres at 10127 Airport Highway was approved by the Springfield Township trustees.
At the November 7 meeting, the trustees reviewed the request by Jim Sutphin, submitted on behalf of Dan Ridi of S&G Real Estate.
Jacob Barnes, planning director, said the applicant is seeking to change the zoning from C-2 general commercial and RA-3 large lot rural residential to C-2 general commercial.
The acreage lies east of a gas station at Airport and Eber Road, and Mr. Ridi plans to raze the existing structure and rebuild and expand the station.
Mr. Barnes said the change is compatible with surrounding zoning and uses as well as the township’s comprehensive plan.
He added that the request was recommended for approval by the Lucas County Plan commission and township planning commission.
Mr. Sutphin pointed out the change will be a “definite added value to the area,” and that current structure “is weathered and has seen better days.”
Zoning Report
Mr. Barnes presented his report on zoning activity in October. The department issued 22 permits and collected fees of $1,370.
“It was a pretty solid month overall,” he said, noting that it included a permit for a new commercial business at 6814 Spring Valley Drive, next to TAS Electronics.
Issued last month were five permits for signage and one for temporary signs, followed by fence, sheds, addition and new dwellings, two apiece, and pool, garage, pole barn, deck, remodel, commercial remodel, and new commercial, one each.
Also last month, Mr. Barnes joined the fire department and state fire marshal on an inspection of the former Red Roof Inn. “They are working on some items and are hoping to reopen soon in compliance with their conditional use approval,” he said.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Signed a letter of recommendation for Conner Houser. Conner is applying for an Ohio Township Association scholarship, which, if received, will help with his educational costs at the University of Cincinnati next fall where he plans to major in cyber security.
“I’m glad to see someone is truly taking advantage of it,” Trustee Bob Bethel said.
•Looked into a speeding concern on Pilliod Road following a complaint. Administrator Mike Hampton said that if the township were to submit the road to ODOT for a study, they will more than likely increase the speed from 35 to 45 miles per hour.
•Heard from the administrator that the township has taken over maintenance of the King and Dorr roundabout, and has redone the Nebraska at King roundabout, reducing vegetation.
“The residents really appreciate the simplified maintenance,” he added.
Mr. Hampton said plans are being worked out with the county engineer’s office to maintain Centennial at Dorr as well “We will get an agreement soon,” he noted, adding that township roundabouts will no longer look like a “weed fest.”
•Authorized an additional holiday police patrol along Airport Highway from Holland Sylvania to Holloway roads for $22,500.
“This is one of the great things we do to support this township and make shopping safer,” Trustee Andy Glenn said.
Mr. Hampton noted that the joint economic development zone will contribute an equal amount toward police protection services.
The extra patrols run from Thanksgiving to December 31.
•Received an update on ODOT’s plans for Airport Highway and I-475, a congested intersection.
To help with pedestrians using the overpass for work or to shop, the township will construct a side path using a $320,000 grant. The work will be performed next summer.
ODOT plans to construct a divergent diamond intersection in a few years, which will result in the sidepath moved to the center portion of the intersection similar to the divergent diamond at the State Route 25 overpass at I-475, the administrator explained.
•Agreed to pay one-half the cost of $11,000 to repair a utility line damaged during construction of the roundabout at the administration building on Angola Road.
The Lucas County engineer’s office has agreed to pay the other half, Mr. Hampton noted.
•Accepted a check for $2,441 from Gary Leasure and Rochelle Frank of the Community Homecoming Corporation.
The funds, proceeds from the Strawberry Festival in June, will go toward township parks and maintenance, said Mr. Glenn.
Mr. Leasure also informed the trustees that he is stepping down as chair of the CHC and Ms. Frank will be taking over those duties.
“After 30 years, it’s time for me to pass the baton,” he said, adding that he plans to remain involved in the organization.
•Approved the payment of bills from October 4 to November 7 totaling $365,307, which includes the quarterly payment of $75,000 to the sheriff’s department for police protection services and the OPWC road projects payment of $41,159 to Bowers Asphalt and Paving.
They also approved electronic payments of $683,766 from September 30 to November 3, including two biweekly payrolls of $239,816 and $277,259.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, November 21, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public.
