December 5, 200618 yr From the 11/16/06 Toledo Blade: Bass Pro commits to buying 225 acres Land deal is signed for store in Rossford By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER If there was any doubt about Bass Pro Shops’ intention to build a $50 million superstore in Rossford, local officials said the sports outfitter demonstrated this week just how serious it is. On Tuesday, just one day before its options to buy about 225 acres in the Crossroads of America were scheduled to expire, the company signed contracts with property owners, committing itself to purchasing the land. “I think it’s significant in that when we had the announcement with the county commissioners last month, Bass Pro was saying they would accept the civic incentives being offered. They hadn’t committed themselves to the property yet,” said Tom Blaha, executive director of the Wood County Economic Development Commission. “I feel pretty good about it, although it’s not over till it’s over.” Bass Pro President James Hagale publicly acknowledged plans for the Rossford store Oct. 17 after Wood County commissioners agreed to refund to Bass Pro 75 percent of the county’s 1 percent sales tax on sales at the store for 10 years or until the company had recouped its construction costs. MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061116/NEWS18/61116022/-1/NEWS
December 5, 200618 yr Rossford: 8-year plan is proposed for facilities' construction Toledo Blade, 11/30/06 If the Rossford school district's operating budget remains stable for the next eight years, each of its school buildings could see a major overhaul. At last week's school board meeting, board member Brian Hughes presented a facilities master plan flow chart outlining a course of action the district could follow over the next eight years to alleviate the district's space constraints and fix problems with its aging school buildings. He began creating the plan after seeing that school buildings topped the list of where district officials felt that enterprise zone money should be directed throughout the district. Enterprise zone funding comes from tax abatements with companies - limited donations typically 10 years in duration. The district's enterprise zone fund has a $1.2 million balance. The district has also been battling an issue with expanding enrollment figures in its elementary schools for two years, forcing some students to learn in rooms the size of closets.
December 7, 200618 yr Yes, just north of Toledo in Dundee. "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
December 13, 200618 yr From the 12/10/06 Toledo Blade: Removal of brush hurt lot values, developer's suit against city says One of the developers of an upscale subdivision in Perrysburg Township is suing the city of Toledo for more than $3 million for its alleged role in clearing out thick brambles and brush that had shielded its unsold lots from the sight of a nearby railroad. Old Granite Development Ltd. of Waterville claims in the suit filed on Friday in U.S. District Court in Toledo that the 13 lots it is developing in the Cambridge subdivision along River Road have depreciated in value since late spring when the brush was cut, going from about $145,000 apiece to $40,000 each. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061210/NEWS02/612100328/-1/NEWS
December 15, 200618 yr Committee seeks site for new senior center Toledo Blade, 12/14/06 Senior citizens living in the southeastern part of Wood County will soon have another senior center to visit that's closer to home. Representatives from the Wood County Committee on Aging (WCCOA) have just begun meeting with officials from four Wood County villages to determine where its newest senior center should be located. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 21, 200618 yr From the 12/19/06 Blade: PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP Trustees OKs new zoning for 160-acre Henry Farm The Perrysburg Township trustees approved a zoning change last night for about 160 acres along Fremont Pike, west of Lime City Road. The site, now known as Henry Farm, is proposed for residential and commercial redevelopment, according to George Oravecz, a consulting engineer. The zoning change calls for about 100 acres of various kinds of residential use, and 60 acres for commercial use. Mr. Oravecz said the commercial portion of the development will resemble other large shopping plazas along Fremont Pike. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061219/NEWS17/612190419/-1/NEWS
December 24, 200618 yr From BG News, 12/6/06: Rumors of plan for land not on target By: Lisa Early Issue date: 12/6/06 Section: Local There is a possibility of a new store or restaurant being built next door to the Super Wal-Mart, located on South Main Street near Gypsy Lane. For months there have been rumors of a Target or Kohl's being placed on the site where the old Wal-Mart once stood. However, Ken Taylor, member of Bowling Green's City Planning Commissions, assures there is no truth to the rumors. More at http://www.bgnews.com/media/storage/paper883/news/2006/12/06/Local/Rumors.Of.Plan.For.Land.Not.On.Target-2524215.shtml?norewrite200612240008&sourcedomain=www.bgnews.com
January 7, 200718 yr Two groups eye uses for building in Perrysburg Toledo Blade, 12/19/06 Two not-for-profit organizations will submit feasibility studies regarding the future use of the Perrysburg school district's Commodore Building by Jan. 19, Superintendent Michael Cline said yesterday. Mr. Cline said the Perrysburg Arts Council and the Commodore Preservation Committee are working to find solutions for the Commodore, which is located along Louisiana Avenue and was built in 1894. Last summer, the school board decided not to use the Commodore as a school and put the building up for sale. It is currently being used to house the district's administrative offices. The two organizations conducting feasibility studies were directed to provide possible uses for the Commodore and what it would cost to improve and operate the building. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 23, 200718 yr From the 12/28/06 Fostoria Review Times: Mega farming concerns By RUSS ZIMMER staff writer Rumors of a megafarm moving in to the area have raised the eyebrows of enough Perry Township citizens to warrant a possible change in the zoning code. A zoning commission meeting is expected to be well attended at 7 p.m. today as residents are to speak on the impact of concentrated animal feeding operations within the township limits. Teri Reinhart said she has been researching massive dairy farms since she heard one may be constructed about a mile from her home. "I'm not sure what we can do," she said. "But if I'm going down, I'm going down fighting." Teri and her husband Ralph, both retired from Honeywell, have lived in their Dindore Road home since 1992. The couple has made a significant investment in their home and are concerned a megafarm would make their housing value plummet, she said. MORE: http://www.reviewtimes.com/News/backissues/2006/Dec/ar_news_122806.asp#story2
January 23, 200718 yr From the 1/17/07 Fostoria Review Times: Perry eyes options to keep megafarm at bay By SEAN CORP staff writer Perry Township's plans to implement restrictions in its zoning code were put on hold Tuesday after questions about the legality of the actions and the liability of the zoning commission and trustees were left unanswered. The zoning commission was considering changing its zoning restrictions in order to regulate a megafarm which may be constructed in the area. However, after hearing from the township attorney Linda Holmes, and insurance agent Bob Miller, it was decided the most prudent action would be no action at all. The trustees and zoning commission were considering adopting an insurance policy called the Ohio Township Risk Management Authority, which is a risk management pool of townships within Ohio where all premiums are pooled together, according to township attorney Linda Holmes. MORE: http://www.reviewtimes.com/News/backissues/2007/Jan/ar_news_011707.asp#story6
January 23, 200718 yr From the 1/18/07 Blade: Panel targets dairy plan; zoning changes mulled in Wood County case By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER WEST MILLGROVE, Ohio - The prospect of a fifth large-scale dairy coming to southern Wood County has prompted Perry Township to get creative. The township's zoning commission has recommended trustees adopt a series of zoning changes that would classify concentrated animal feeding operations as agribusiness rather than agriculture. Supporters hope that will discourage prospective dairy farmers, or at least give the township some oversight over any dairies that are built in the southeast corner of Wood County. "We know we cannot stop them," said John Bresler, a zoning commission member who lives less than a mile from a new proposed dairy site. "You just get a little local control so that you can limit the numbers and where they locate." Cecilia Conway, spokesman for Vreba-Hoff Dairy Development, said the company is working with a family from the Netherlands that has an option to purchase 60 acres on Portage View Road between Cygnet and Yates roads just a mile or so west of the village of West Millgrove. Full article: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070118/NEWS17/701180374/-1/NEWS
January 23, 200718 yr From the 1/20/07 Findlay Courier: Megafarm meeting scheduled WEST MILLGROVE -- Teri Reinhart, who lives about a mile from the site of a proposed dairy megafarm in Wood County's Perry Township, hopes the West Millgrove Volunteer Fire Department building is packed with residents for a 7 p.m. Jan. 30 meeting about the megafarm. The township trustees and the township zoning board will discuss the megafarm proposal and the township's zoning options with area residents, who will have a chance to comment. Reinhart said the township's zoning commission has recommended zoning changes to the township trustees, who haven't acted yet. The changes would classify the proposed farm's 60-acre location as agribusiness, rather than agriculture. The Wood County Planning Commission has supported that change, which could give the township some oversight over the farm. This megafarm -- the fifth that's been proposed for Wood County -- "will only benefit a handful of people," Teri Reinhart said. She has urged area residents to contact state representatives and senators to voice their opposition. MORE: http://www.thecourier.com/Issues/2007/Jan/ar_news_012007.asp#story6
February 6, 200718 yr From the 12/21/06 Blade: Court action over Bass Pro real estate sale is dropped BOWLING GREEN - A Perrysburg attorney and real estate agent who claims he is owed a portion of the commissions on land to be sold for Bass Pro Shops' planned mega-store dropped his request yesterday for an injunction to prevent those commissions from being disbursed. William Caughey sued Brian McMahon; his company, Danberry National Ltd., and American Title Agency this month, claiming Mr. McMahon had agreed to divide the real estate commissions on land in Rossford's Golden Triangle area near I-75 and the Ohio Turnpike. Mr. Caughey said Mr. McMahon was now refusing to pay him his share, which he said was in excess of $300,000. Wood County Common Pleas Court Judge Robert Pollex immediately issued a temporary restraining order that said all commissions were to be held in escrow until further order of the court. But yesterday, Mr. Caughey asked that the restraining order be dissolved. He also said he no longer was seeking a temporary injunction in the case. MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061221/NEWS02/612210369/-1/NEWS
February 6, 200718 yr From the 12/23/06 Blade: MAP: Probable Bass Pro Shops location Bass Pro purchases 234 acres for $19.1M Deals pave way for Rossford store By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER BOWLING GREEN - What's predicted to be an explosion of development in Rossford's coveted Golden Triangle was ignited yesterday when land sales totaling more than $19.1 million were recorded in Wood County for Bass Pro Shops' planned $50 million superstore. The Springfield, Mo.-based sports retailer purchased just over 234 acres south of State Rt. 795 where I-75 and the Ohio Turnpike come together. Twelve parcels held by seven different owners were purchased at an average per-acre price of $81,615, records in the county auditor's office show. Those who have been working to attract Bass Pro and other development to the area said real estate values in what is now known as the Crossroads of America are likely to skyrocket now that Bass Pro has officially staked its claim in Rossford. Other stores, hotels, restaurants, and leisure-type destinations like water parks are expected to follow Bass Pro. MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061223/NEWS18/612230413/-1/NEWS
February 6, 200718 yr From the 1/20/07 Blade: ADVICE FOR ROSSFORD Don't overestimate Bass Pro's impact, Dundee official says By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER BOWLING GREEN - As someone who's been there and done that, Dundee, Mich., Village Manager Patrick Burtch had some advice for Rossford officials preparing for the arrival of Bass Pro Shops. Mr. Burtch, whose small community was transformed into a tourist attraction when Cabela's came to town in 2000, said the impact on village services has been surprisingly small, but so has the impact on local businesses. He said everyone assumed that when 6 million people started coming to Dundee every year to shop at the giant outdoors clothing and retail store, existing businesses would get some residual benefits. That didn't happen. "People got off the expressway, went into that store, maybe got something to eat at one of the fast-food restaurants, and they were back on the expressway," Mr. Burtch told municipal and township administrators gathered yesterday at the Northwestern Water and Sewer District's office on State Rt. 582. He suggested Rossford area officials start planning a marketing strategy now to try to convince Bass Pro customers to check out other attractions while they're in the area. MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070120/NEWS17/701200413/-1/NEWS
February 17, 200718 yr From the 2/1/07 Blade: PERRYSBURG Downtown overlay district studied Commission could drop the proposal By JOE VARDON BLADE STAFF WRITER Perrysburg Planning Commission members are mulling changes to a proposal for the creation of a downtown overlay district, or whether to even have such a district. Mayor Nelson Evans said at a planning commission meeting last week that commission members simply may decide to abort the idea of such a district, which would allow for additional zoning requirements on an area without changing its assigned zoning classification. The proposed downtown district originally was included in Perrysburg's new planning and zoning code and was defined as running from the Maumee River south to Fifth Street, and from the alley west of Walnut Street to the alley between Locust and Elm streets. It was removed from the new code in March after some citizens who live in the proposed district complained because the additional guidelines were intended for both commercial and residential buildings. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070201/NEIGHBORS03/701310342/-1/NEIGHBORS
February 19, 200718 yr From the 2/13/07 Blade: Perrysburg seeks input for 20-year master plan By JOE VARDON BLADE STAFF WRITER Much of what Perrysburg looks like in 20 years could be determined by discussions taking place outside City Council chambers. Rick Thielen, Perrysburg's planning, zoning, and economic development director, said the city's drafting of its next master development plan is to be an all-inclusive process in which anyone from kindergartners to retirees can participate. Mayor Nelson Evans will announce the start of the city's development-plan campaign, called People Planning Perrysburg, during a news conference at 3 p.m. today at the city's municipal building. Mr. Thielen said the mayor's announcement will be just the first of several efforts to encourage average citizens to offer their opinions on Perrysburg's future aesthetic design. Perrysburg previously drafted a master plan in 1993 and updated portions of it in 2001. Mr. Thielen said such plans are meant to last for about two decades, but officials felt Perrysburg's last plan was outdated because of the city's growth. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070213/NEWS18/702130394/-1/RSS09
February 20, 200718 yr From the 2/15/07 Blade: Toledo Blade: 2 proposals made to use vacant 1894 structure (2/8/07) Commodore Building to be auctioned March 16 BLADE STAFF The Perrysburg Board of Education yesterday scheduled a public auction at 12:30 p.m. March 16 for the Commodore Building. The board placed a reserve price of $1.7 million on the property. It will require any buyer to keep the auditorium and gymnasium intact as part of the purchase agreement. Located at 140 East Indiana Avenue and positioned along Louisiana Avenue, the Commodore was built in 1894 and has housed every level of schooling in Perrysburg. It is now used as the school district’s administration offices. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070215/NEWS18/70214029/-1/RSS09
February 23, 200718 yr From the 2/23/07 Blade: Perrysburg panel rejects fee waiver for Wal-Mart By JOE VARDON BLADE STAFF WRITER Wal-Mart had the support of prominent members in Perrysburg's government to waive zoning permit fees for its proposed store on U.S. 20 at Simmons Road, but apparently that support didn't include some City Council members. Council's planning and zoning committee voted unanimously Wednesday night not to recommend the waiver of the fees, which total $21,400. Councilman Kevin Rantanen, one of the three planning and zoning committee members, said he disagreed with waiving the fee because it will cover the city's cost of conducting inspections at the store's site. The committee directed Rick Thielen, the city's planning, zoning, and economic development director, to consider a formula for adjusting the fee in instances where companies have to obtain permits from the city and township. Mr. Thielen said the formula probably would take Perrysburg's fee and subtract the township's fee from the cost. Perrysburg's fee is based on the size of the building, which in Wal-Mart's case amounts to 184,000 square feet. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070223/NEWS18/702230348/-1/RSS09
February 26, 200718 yr From the 2/22/07 Blade: Panel shares its vision for Commodore Building As the Perrysburg Area Arts Council last night explained its proposal to transform the Commodore Building into a community arts center, two questions lingered: • How would the group pay for the $12 million in renovations it was proposing? • What roles would Perrysburg schools and the city of Perrysburg play in the project? The proposal was pieced together by the arts council, a few interested residents, and various engineering firms. Robin Ballmer of the arts council; Abraham Musher-Eizenman of M360 Architects LLC, and his wife, Dara, as well as Perrysburg resident Jennifer Gillespie explained their vision for an arts center to the Perrysburg school board. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070222/NEIGHBORS03/702210452
March 9, 200718 yr Perrysburg won't rezone land near Ft. Meigs Toledo Blade, 3/8/07 Perrysburg City Council has decided not to approve a zoning change for property along the Maumee River next to Fort Meigs. The six-acre parcel at 27761 Rapids Rd., owned by developer Larry LaPointe, is considered to be zoned S-1, which does not permit new residential construction. Mr. LaPointe, who bought the land for $200,000 in 2002, has contended for months that his land was never assigned permanent zoning and was temporarily zoned for residential use when it was annexed into Perrysburg in 1964. Mainly through his attorney, Max Rayle, Mr. LaPointe has asked the city to either recognize his land as eligible for residential construction or issue the appropriate zoning change. Mr. LaPointe was interested in building up to four single-family residential units on his property. All seven Perrysburg council members rejected the zoning change Tuesday. The vote will, in essence, preserve the land as a park or open space. Mr. Rayle said Mr. LaPointe will take legal action against Perrysburg in Wood County Common Pleas Court to receive compensation for what he has described as the taking of his client's property.
March 9, 200718 yr From the 3/6/07 Blade: Perrysburg Township sides with Wal-Mart in zoning-fee dispute Perrysburg Township officials went on record last night as agreeing with Wal-Mart. They don't think it's fair for companies building in the township but receiving Perrysburg water and sewer services to be forced to pay the city's zoning permit fees. Wal-Mart, which plans to build a store on U.S. 20 at Simmons Road, already paid about $9,000 for a township zoning permit, but is being required to pay $21,400 to the city for similar permits. "We've seen a lot of changes in Perrysburg's zoning code and zoning practices over the past few years that are detrimental to residents, or businesses, or anybody trying to make things happen in Perrysburg Township," Trustee Bob Mack said. "They basically have two masters to adhere to as far as zoning compliance, and we think that's unnecessary." More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070306/NEWS17/703060408/-1/RSS08
March 11, 200718 yr Public to hear ideas for Bowling Green aquatic center Toledo Blade, 3/8/07 The first of three public meetings will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Simpson Building on Conneaut Avenue. The other two meetings will be held at 7 p.m. March 13 and 15 at the same location. At the meetings, Michelle Grigore, Bowling Green Parks and Recreation director, will do a PowerPoint presentation showing various indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities, present cost analysis, and gauge public support. "I want to make sure we're all on the same page and moving ahead because it's going to cost people money," she said. In a 2005 survey, residents said they wanted an outdoor pool and an indoor aquatic facility but no new taxes. That's not going to happen, Ms. Grigore said. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 27, 200718 yr From the 3/26/07 Blade: COMMODORE BUILDING Art-center idea gains new life Group takes steps after Perrysburg structure fails to sell By JOE VARDON BLADE STAFF WRITER A lack of bidders for Perrysburg's oldest schoolhouse has piqued the interest of the Perrysburg Area Arts Council even more. The council has had its sights on the old Commodore Building for months. Built in 1894, the schoolhouse failed to sell at public auction March 16. The Perrysburg school district has been using the Commodore, 140 East Indiana Ave., to house administrative offices. But it has been interested in finding a buyer. The arts council would like to get it and convert it into a community arts center. If its plan fails, one of two other potential buyers might turn it into housing. Robin Ballmer, the arts council's executive director, said her organization would like to take over the building and raise at least $12 million for renovations. The work would likely be phased in as the money is raised, she said. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070326/NEWS18/703260343/-1/RSS09
April 3, 200718 yr From the 3/31/07 Blade: COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S FINDINGS Perrysburg's use of city zoning in township 'illegal' By JOE VARDON BLADE STAFF WRITER Perrysburg's practice of enforcing its zoning code along U.S. 20 in Perrysburg Township in exchange for water and sewer services is illegal, according to the Wood County prosecutor. But rather than fight Perrysburg in court over the matter, Prosecutor Ray Fischer said it is in everyone's best interest to compromise. Government officials from Perrysburg and the township as well as Mr. Fischer and Wood County Assistant Prosecutor Linda Holmes met in the township trustees' hall yesterday to discuss the two communities' imposition of zoning rules on development in the township. The dispute involves an area covered by an agreement between the city and township that states Perrysburg will not require annexation for development north of U.S. 20 and east of I-75 in exchange for water and sewer services, but will be the exclusive provider of those services. The township alleges that Perrysburg has violated the agreement by requiring developers to adhere to the city's zoning code and pay permit fees in addition to fulfilling the township's zoning requirements. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070331/NEWS18/703310399/-1/RSS09
April 17, 200718 yr From the 4/17/07 Toledo Blade: Perrysburg board sees art in future of old school building City mulls 3 'Commodore' plans It's possible that at least part of Perrysburg's oldest school building could be transformed into a community arts center. Perrysburg Board of Education members said last night each of the three main proposals the board has received regarding the sale of the Commodore Building includes a component for the arts. But the Perrysburg Area Arts Council, which in the past had proposed the entire building be transformed into an arts center but has since offered an alternative plan in which only a portion of the building would be used for the arts, is asking the board to sell the Commodore for $1, according to school board President Walt Edinger. The board met in executive session during its regular meeting last night to discuss the sale of the Commodore, part of which was built in 1894. Located at 140 East Indiana Avenue, the building was put up for sale last year after the board decided not to use it as a school. Local government entities did not express an interest in acquiring the Commodore, and no bids were submitted for the building during a public auction last month. Each of the three groups expressing substantial interest in the Commodore made public presentations to the board last week. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070417/NEWS18/704170419/-1/NEWS
April 22, 200718 yr From the 4/19/07 Toledo Blade: U.S. 20 DEVELOPMENT Officials weigh all the options in zoning feud By JOE VARDON BLADE STAFF WRITER A Perrysburg Township official said taking legal action against the city of Perrysburg over a disagreement concerning zoning codes is not the most attractive option, but it's one that he would consider pursuing. Craig LaHote, chairman of the township's board of trustees, said the township will likely agree to form a joint committee with Perrysburg officials and a representative from Wood County to resolve a dispute involving zoning codes for development along U.S. 20 in the township. The dispute is over development in an area covered by a 99-year agreement between the two entities, which was signed in 2001. It states that Perrysburg will not require annexation for development north of U.S. 20 and east of I-75 in exchange for water and sewer services, but will be the exclusive provider of those services. Township officials are upset with Perrysburg because the city charges for zoning permit fees and enforces its zoning code on anyone who requests water and sewer services in the annexation-free area. The township believes the practice is redundant and in some cases has delayed development. The issues were raised with Perrysburg representatives during a public meeting March 30. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070419/NEIGHBORS03/704180332
April 24, 200718 yr From the 1/31/07 Fostoria Review Times: Trustees refrain from zoning restrictions By RUSS ZIMMER staff writer Another informational hearing was planned after the Perry Township trustees indicated they would not pass zoning laws restricting megafarms with their current knowledge. More than 100 people - almost all were against the establishment of a dairy operation - crowded into the West Millgrove volunteer fire station Tuesday to pressure the trustees. Near the conclusion of the nearly three-hour meeting meeting, trustee chairman Gene Stoudinger said he took an oath to uphold Ohio law, which prohibits township control over agriculture, when he was sworn into elected office. "To me, this is doing the opposite," Stoudinger said. That statement sparked groans from the audience, many of whom earlier addressed the trustees with concerns of health risks, property value losses, water shortages and an overall drop in the quality of life. Pam Frankfather, like other residents in attendance, voiced her anger with the lack of influence those potentially most affected by this new neighbor had with elected officials. "If our local government won't protect us, who will?" she asked to applause. Most of the audience, which switched from applause to boos depending on the speaker's stance, were at the end of their line with a battle that has been ongoing for more than a month, beginning with official action at a zoning commission meeting in December. MORE: http://www.reviewtimes.com/News/backissues/2007/Jan/ar_news_012907.asp#story3
April 24, 200718 yr From the 3/6/07 Fostoria Review Times: Megafarm issue dominates meeting with commissioners By RUSS ZIMMER staff writer Few people came to talk to the Wood County commissioners about megafarms during Monday's public meeting, but that did not stop the controversial subject from dominating the discussion. About a dozen people attended the final installment of "Commissioners, Conversations and Coffee" and only two were residents of Perry Township, the potential site of a massive dairy operation, but more than 45 minutes of the hour-long meeting was spent on the subject of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Ellen Gatrell, a Perry Township citizen, said she was surprised to see the turnout of her neighbors so low when township meetings recently have been standing room only. "I can't believe (prominent megafarm critics) are not here," she said. Gatrell proceeded to ask the commissioners if there were ways to fight the arrival of CAFOs despite state law which prohibits the regulation of agriculture, a classification which applies to all forms of dairy collection. Commissioner Tim Brown said the board has not done anything to invite these operations, but is also limited in preventing their establishment. "The law is very clear in Ohio: Townships and villages do not have any right to zone agriculture," he said. Perry Township is exploring the possibility of creating a zoning requirement for agribusiness, but has been advised by the county prosecutor's office that action may be illegal. Brown said unless the new state administration and the general assembly move to restrict CAFOs, local government will have to find other ways to monitor their effect on their surroundings. MORE: http://www.reviewtimes.com/News/backissues/2007/Mar/ar_news_030607.asp#story5
April 24, 200718 yr From the 3/21/07 Blade: Planning agency withdraws permit to build Wood County dairy megafarm By TOM HENRY BLADE STAFF WRITER Residents opposed to the construction of a 1,765-head dairy megafarm near Cygnet, Ohio feel they have bolstered their case by getting the Wood County Planning Commission to revoke a floodplain permit it issued Oct. 10 for the proposed facility. A March 7 letter to Vreba-Hoff Dairy Development LLC of Wauseon said the planning board's decision for the proposed Naomi Dairy in southern Wood County was being reversed because the "physical footprint of the [proposed] facility has been altered considerably." The letter, signed by Wood County's planning director, Dave Steiner, warned Vreba-Hoff that "legal action, including stop work orders and fines" could be imposed if construction proceeds without the county planning board's consent. Full article: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070321/NEWS17/703210413/-1/RSS08
April 24, 200718 yr From the 3/24/07 Findlay Courier: Hog farm plans causing water, odor concerns By JOHN GRABER STAFF WRITER Not everyone is in love with Cecil Boes Jr.’s idea of putting a 7,500-head hog farm on his property in Cass Township, northeast of Findlay. Township Trustee Jerry Wolford says he’s gotten quite a bit of feedback on the plan over the past few weeks. Topping the list of concerns he’s heard is all the water Boes is going to need to run an operation of that size. The farm will be using wells, and many township residents have raised concerns that the farm will wind up draining everyone else’s water supply -- or lowering the quality of water available to them. Boes estimates that each of the two “finishing” barns will use about 6,000 gallons of water per day and the “farrowing” barn (where the sows will give birth to pigs) will take about 12,000 gallons per day to run. However, he figures the water table won’t be harmed because each of the barns will be connected to separate wells. Based on an average precipitation rate of 35 inches per year, he figures his property gets over 942,000 gallons of water per year -- compared to the 876,000 gallons the hog operation would require. MORE: http://www.thecourier.com/Issues/2007/Mar/ar_news_032407.asp#story3
April 24, 200718 yr From the 3/30/07 Fostoria Review Times: Megafarm opponents unmoved By RUSS ZIMMER staff writer An informational hearing sponsored by the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation featured three experts, but none of them seemed to win over megafarm opponents. Larry Gearhardt, director of local affairs for the OFBF, said he was not surprised that the meeting, which lasted more than two hours, failed to impress some of the approximately 40 attendees. "There are certain people who will never change their minds," he said. During a question-and-answer segment following the individual presentations, a number of people challenged the tenacity of the state's regulations. Questioners grilled the presenters on biodigesters for manure purification, which have yet to be successfully implemented in Ohio, township roads, which could be ravaged by the heavy traffic coming to and from the concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO), and the abundance of uncapped oil wells in Wood County. MORE: http://www.reviewtimes.com/News/backissues/2007/Mar/ar_news_033007.asp#story2
April 24, 200718 yr From the 4/4/07 Findlay Courier: Megafarm restriction rejected By RUSS ZIMMER FOR THE COURIER WEST MILLGROVE -- Despite shouting protests from a number of megafarm opponents, Perry Township trustees on Tuesday refused to ratify a zoning provision that would restrict agribusinesses. "If we pass a zoning change like this, I don't feel we are fulfilling our duty as township trustees," said Gene Stoudinger, chairman of the trustees. The trustees cited legal concerns about passing the language, which would have limited a farm to only a few hundred animals. County officials had previously warned that the restriction could open the township to litigation. Trustee Jeff Stearns said the trustees have to work within the structure of Ohio law, which prohibits townships and counties from regulating agriculture in any form, as they swore to do when elected. "That is exactly the oath we took," Stearns said. "That is exactly the oath I intend to uphold." Stoudinger said the power to exert local control does not come locally. "If you want to change this, it needs to happen in Columbus," he said. MORE: http://www.thecourier.com/Issues/2007/Apr/ar_news_040407.asp#story5
May 3, 200718 yr From the 2/8/07 Blade: Ohio justices won't review lower court's arena ruling The Ohio Supreme Court yesterday declined to review a decision by the 6th District Court of Appeals to reinstate two defendants in a lawsuit filed by Perrysburg Township. The defendants were accused of aiding Rossford in a scheme to get the township to lend $5 million for the failed arena amphitheater project. The appeals court ruled in September that Wood County Common Pleas Court should not have granted summary judgment in favor of Recreational Development & Consulting Inc. of Perrysburg and Richard E. Kavanaugh & Associates of Elkhart, Indiana. The township claimed the two entities acted as financial consultants and advisers to Rossford officials, helping them "devise a scheme to sell the township a security" in the project. The township in 1999 loaned the Rossford Arena Amphitheater Authority $5 million, but the money was not repaid after the RAAA was unable to secure long-term financing and the project failed. Attorneys involved in the litigation could not be reached for comment yesterday. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070208/NEWS02/702080379/-1/NEWS
May 3, 200718 yr hmm......never knew this existed. or really did never existed. i think i saw it once from the turnpike. i don't take the turnpike anymore from toledo to cleveland. 51 to 163 to 2 is more fun and free and not any farther.
May 15, 200718 yr From the 5/15/07 Blade: Rossford to seek funds for downtown Rossford officials soon will be applying for a grant to revitalize its downtown, but they'll do so knowing they don't have the full support of all city councilmen. Council last night narrowly approved an ordinance and a resolution that were needed before city officials could spend about $7,000 applying for Tier Two funding through the Ohio Department of Development to enhance the city's downtown. The ordinance established a design review district and a design review commission, and the resolution adopted the city's downtown revitalization plan. Councilmen Ken Hermes, Greg Marquette, and Leonard Michaels voted against both measures because they were concerned that the city would be spending $7,000 without a guarantee that they'd be able to find the 3-to-1 match that's required if grant money is awarded. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070515/NEWS18/705150398/-1/RSS09
May 17, 200718 yr How can someone obtain a copy of the site plans for the new Rossford Bass Pro Shop?
May 21, 200718 yr From the 5/21/07 Blade: MAP: U.S. 20 road work U.S. 20 project to start today Road being widened from Pemberville Road to Woodville By DAVID PATCH BLADE STAFF WRITER While one state contractor wraps up an interchange project at State Rt. 420 on U.S. 20/23 in Wood County's Troy Township, another will start construction today on a long-awaited U.S. 20 widening between that new interchange and Woodville. The Shelly Co., of Thornville, Ohio, will begin posting signs and mobilizing equipment to start work on a $20.5 million Ohio Department of Transportation contract to widen 5 1/4 miles of U.S. 20 from two lanes to five from Pemberville Road east into Woodville in Sandusky County. In Wood County, the road also carries the U.S. 23 designation. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070521/NEWS11/705210342/-1/NEWS
May 25, 200718 yr From the 5/24/07 Findlay Courier: Dairy owners criticize citation By JOHN GRABER STAFF WRITER CUSTAR - The owners of a dairy megafarm in Wood County, who were recently cited by the Wood County Health Department for applying liquid manure within 25 to 30 feet of a water well, say the health department was acting outside of its jurisdiction. The Ohio Department of Agriculture issued a letter of warning to the megafarm about the manure incident on Wednesday. Earlier this year, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency cited the farm on Jan. 12 for allowing storm water contaminated through contact with animal feed to indirectly enter the Cygnet Road Ditch, as well for as various minor storm water retention control issues. MORE: http://www.thecourier.com/Issues/2007/May/ar_news_052407.asp#story2
May 31, 200718 yr From the 5/31/07 Findlay Courier: Dairy's plans concern neighbors By JOHN GRABER STAFF WRITER MILTON CENTER -- Brian Simpson doesn’t feel the Manders dairy should be allowed to expand its operations to three times its current size when it is so close to Weston Elementary School. He’s afraid the odors emanating from the farm, which once expanded will be considered a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO), will affect the health of the children in the school about three miles away. The farm, located at 11190 Range Line Road, Weston, currently operates with 690 cows -- 10 under the limit to be regulated as a CAFO. However, Manders is looking to expand the operation to 2,100 cows. That means it would create 26 million gallons of liquid manure and 13,800 tons of sand and separated solids annually. That would be spread over 2,630 acres of cropland. MORE: http://www.thecourier.com/Issues/2007/May/ar_news_053107.asp#story3
June 7, 200718 yr City rezoning reshapes new building on Manville and Lehman BG News, 6/7/07 Those who frequent the streets of Manville and Lehman may have noticed a recent change in scenery. The building sitting on the corner of Manville and Lehman is in the finishing stages of a remodeling project. The area, at current, is zoned as an M-1 area, according to Ken Taylor, the Bowling Green City Planning Director. This means the building may be used for light industrial purposes. According to the city ordinance, light industrial zoning "permits manufacture, assembly, storage, or transfer activities whose nature of operation produces a minimum of noise, odor, dust and smoke." Some of the manufacturing processes allowed with M-1 zoning that are mentioned in the city ordinance include jewelry, sporting goods, clothing, electronic components, research and testing laboratories and even potato chip manufacturing. The ordinance also allows M-1 areas to be used for lumber storage and dealers and greenhouse purposes.
June 8, 200718 yr From the 3/2/07 Blade: Analysts to get firsthand look at local glass-container maker By HOMER BRICKEY BLADE SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER Within the next month, Owens-Illinois Inc. will be host to two groups of analysts and investors at its new headquarters in Perrysburg. It also plans this year to take its show on the road to meet with groups in New York and other large cities, as it has done several times in recent months. Meanwhile, top Owens Corning executives are on a swing this week through East Coast cities to talk to analysts and institutional investors, such as large mutual funds. The Toledo firm also plans a presentation in New York for dozens of analysts and big investors, its first since emerging last fall from a six-year Chapter 11 bankruptcy. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070302/BUSINESS03/703020347/-1/RSS04
June 8, 200718 yr Link contains photos. From the 5/10/07 Blade: Change under way, O-I CEO says Leader presides over first shareholder meeting By HOMER BRICKEY BLADE SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER Albert Stroucken, chairman and chief executive officer of Owens-Illinois Inc., told shareholders yesterday that he "cannot be happy about our performance over the last two years." But Mr. Stroucken, speaking at the glass-container firm's first annual meeting at its Perrysburg headquarters campus, said, "Change is under way." Mr. Stroucken, who took over as CEO in December, told about 100 shareholders that the board of the Fortune 500 firm will make a decision within two months whether to sell its plastics-packaging operation that last year generated $772 million in sales, more than 10 percent of O-I's $7.5 billion in revenues. He replaced CEO Steven McCracken, who resigned after stomach cancer surgery. Mr. Stroucken has been a board member since 2005. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070510/BUSINESS03/705100359/-1/RSS04
June 23, 200717 yr Perrysburg Township Trustees approve new fire station Toledo Blade, 6/14/07 Perrysburg Township trustees have authorized construction of a fire station for $4.5 million. The station will be 28,235 square feet and located on the north side of the police station on Lime City Road, just north of the township administration building and current fire station. The new station will feature: • 1,408 square feet of administrative offices. • A training area of 1,900 square feet. • Living quarters of 3,831 square feet. • A 500-square-foot training hose tower. • Apparatus bays of 21,096 square feet.
June 23, 200717 yr ANOTHER JED'S BARBEQUE ON THE WAY Toledo Blade, 6/17/07 A new Jed’s Barbeque & Brew takes shape in Perrysburg along State Rte. 25 just south of Roachton Road. The 4,600- square-foot restaurant and bar, which is next to a lake in the new Harbor Town Place commercial development, is to open August 1. It will be operated by brothers Michael and Peter Govito, who own the Jed’s in Bowling Green but are not affiliated with Ken Pompora, owner of the Jed’s location in southwest Toledo.
June 23, 200717 yr From the 4/2/07 Toledo Free Press: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Levis Commons symbolizes Wood County success By Duane Ramsey Toledo Free Press Staff Writer [email protected] The Town Center at Levis Commons is anything but common. The open-air lifestyle center offers distinctive stores, diverse dining and entertainment choices for the residents of Levis Commons, Perrysburg and Wood County. As the retail component of the J. Preston Levis Commons, the Town Center includes 39 shops and stores, nine restaurants and the Showcase Cinema theaters. It offers family-friendly shopping with plenty of activities and special events throughout the year. "The Town Center at Levis Commons is a place where guests can shop, eat, work and live, making life simplified," said Casey Pogan, marketing director for The Town Center, which opened in October 2004. MORE: http://toledofreepress.com/?id=5253
June 29, 200717 yr From the 6/28/07 Blade: Wood County official to meet with panel about lawsuit BOWLING GREEN — Assistant Wood County Prosecutor Linda Holmes is scheduled to meet with the county planning commission next week to invite the commission to be part of litigation she plans to file against the city of Perrsyburg for enforcing its zoning regulations outside the city limits. Early in the month, Ms. Holmes and Perrysburg Township Trustee Craig LaHote told county commissioners the dispute between the city and township was headed to court. Ms. Holmes said she wants a judge to determine whether the city can legally require a developer to meet the city’s more extensive zoning requirements to get water and sewer services to a site in the township. She said both the county engineer, who regulates road and storm sewer construction, and the county planning commission, which enforces standards for subdivisions in unincorporated areas, could be parties to the litigation. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070628/NEWS17/70628012/-1/RSS08
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