Speeding cars on neighborhood streets prompted several residents to seek assistance from the Springfield Township trustees.
At the July 10 meeting, Squire Lowe Jr. of Dorcas Street said he has seen two cars drag racing along Dorcas and Clarion, and the problem occurs at all hours of the day.
“Anything you can do would help,” he said, adding, “Somebody’s going to get killed.”
Samantha Kretz, also of Dorcas, agreed. She noted the neighborhood has an autistic youth and deaf child and worries about their safety when outside.
One speeding car “almost hit the neighbor’s house,” she said. “Something has got to be done.”
Trustee Tom Anderson Jr. suggested trying to get a description of the cars or even photos of the license plates when they race through the neighborhood.
He noted the sheriff’s department is patrolling more frequently, but can’t always be there, so any information would help in tracking the drivers.
Trustee Bob Bethel advised residents to call 911 as soon as residents see it happening.
Trustee Andy Glenn also recommended that neighbors with security cameras point them toward the road to obtain a video of the vehicles.
Zoning Report
Jacob Barnes, planning director, presented the zoning report for June.
They issued 31 permits and collected fees of $3,320.
Issued last month were permits for fencing, six; followed by new dwellings, pools, decks and signs, three apiece; accessory structure and sheds, two each; and addition, new occupant, commercial addition, commercial remodel and co-location on tower, one a piece.
He noted that the department is in the process of developing a text amendment to solar regulations.
“The plan commission recommended approval on June 28, and the zoning commission public hearing is scheduled for August 7,” Mr. Barnes said, adding, it should be back for the trustees’ consideration by September.
In other zoning matters, he noted that the variance request for a monument sign submitted by the township for the administration complex was approved by the board of zoning appeals on June 19.
The BZA also continued a hearing on a request to allow an illegally constructed pond to remain at 2051 North Centennial Road.
The planning director concluded his report with an update on a new business that submitted a site plan for review.
Sheetz, a gas station and convenience store, is planning to locate at 6633 Dorr Street. “It will be the first Sheetz in the metro Toledo area,” said Mr. Barnes. “It’s going to be an absolutely beautiful building.”
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Approved a resolution of necessity for a 4.4-mill renewal fire levy, the first step toward placing it on the fall ballot.
Because it is a renewal, the levy will not cost homeowners any additional money on their property taxes.
“We have been trying to run the department as efficiently as possible,” Fire Chief Barry Cousino said, noting the department has looked for grants and other areas for additional revenue sources.
Contracting to provide services with other jurisdictions has helped the department maintain its fleet of equipment to serve residents. He noted that funds from those contracts are used for capital expenses such as a new fire truck or ambulance.
Mr. Glenn added, “Those additional contracts are provided at no expense to township residents.”
•Received an update from Mr. Hampton on the Quality Inn issues, which included people using the hotel as a permanent residence and failure on the hotel’s part to properly maintain the facility.
With a change in management, their behavior has changed and there have been fewer service calls, the administrator said, adding, “They are behaving like a good neighbor should.”
Heard from Mr. Hampton that efforts are under way to remedy problems on 319 Layer Road where the police have been called on a number of occasions.
Mr. Hampton said the home is a rental and the owner resides in Arizona. “We are initiating a nuisance complaint.”
He noted the township has an issue with another property on Hill Avenue and will be taking similar action.
•Set the date for next year’s Freedom Celebration for Saturday, June 29, 2024.
Mr. Hampton noted that this year’s event was “very successful.”
Mr. Bethel agreed, “I heard a lot of positive comments. It was well done by the team.”
In a related matter, Mr. Hampton said an event coordinator has been selected but declined to disclose the name pending an agreement.
•Heard from Mr. Hampton that meetings with planners of the Dorr Street Station continue to be held.
He noted that the acreage presents a challenge for development since the 16 acres sits on a political subdivision line with Toledo.
•Learned that construction of the divergent diamond intersection planned for the Airport Highway and I-475 interchange is expected to begin in 2027.
•Heard a complaint from Lawrence Leon of Cheswick Road regarding an issue with rats in the neighborhood.
“I caught 45 last year and 50 so far this year.”
Mr. Glenn said the problem is a health department issue and suggested calling the department to see if they can bait storm sewers to determine the severity of the problem.
•Paid bills from June 27 to July 10 totaling $90,831.
They also approved electronic bills from June 23 to July 6 of $383,756, including a biweekly payroll of $283,658.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, July 24, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public. It also may be viewed via livestream at springfield township.net.
