Conservancy trying to buy Twinsburg Twp. property east of Hadden Road
TWINSBURG TWP. – Trustees learned at their Jan. 12 meeting that a land conservation group is seeking to purchase and preserve some 80-plus acres east of Hadden Road, which has in the past been targeted for industrial/retail development.
Administrator Rob Kagler reported the West Creek Conservancy, a non-profit group based in Parma, has contracted to purchase the property if funds become available. The conservancy’s mission is to reclaim vacant urban land and restore streams, wetlands, woods and natural habitats.
Some of the previously proposed plans for the land owned by Dr. Bahman Guyuron have been strenuously opposed by several residents of the Twinsburg Heights neighborhood to the south.
Kagler said the conservancy will seek grants to pay for the property and determine future uses, but he cautioned “this is just the beginning of the process.” He added the conservancy has indicated there would be no development on the property, except possibly building some homes on lots where homes once stood before demolition.
“This a very important first step in trying to address residents’ concerns about what might happen on that property and setting in motion a solution that will help protect the neighborhood and enhance the township,” said Kagler.
“We all have worked hard to get this accomplished and hopefully it will be a good end result for residents of the Heights and the township,” said Trustee Jamey DeFabio.
Added fiscal officer Tonia Johnson, “I want to thank the trustees and residents for their concerns about the property. I’m glad residents put their trust in the trustees to work everything out. And I hope the conservancy is willing to seek input from residents on the future of the property.”
OTHER BUSINESS
Trustees set a public hearing for Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. regarding street lighting assessments for Phases 1 and 2 of the Retreat at Liberty Lakes. Lots would be subject to assessments in two districts – one for each of the two phases.
Renewal of the contract with brokerage firm NAI Pleasant Valley was approved in connection with finding a buyer for 15 acres of township land at the west end of Enterprise Parkway.
“The township desires to see the usable part of the property, as well as land further west, put to use as permitted in the industrial district,” Kagler told the Bulletin previously, adding the land is part of the Joint Economic Development District which benefits the township and Reminderville.
The township will advertise for bids for the Heights Phase 18 reconstruction project at the west end of Stanford Street. The local share will be paid for with township general funds.
Kagler said officials soon will find out whether the township will receive state funding for the Heights Phases 19-20 project, which is the last part of a 20-year road upgrades program, and the next phase of the Kensington/Ridgetop improvements.
He noted pay estimates and paperwork are being finalized for the Heights Phases 16-17 project on Case Street, and finishing work will be done in the spring.
Kagler also reported officials received a lot of praise from area residents about the Township Square holiday lighting display, which he credited to the hard work of the service department.
Kagler said the township is awaiting arrival of two traffic speed monitors, which will be moved around on township roads to display drivers’ speeds, but not for issuing citations.
Finally, Kagler urged residents who want to be informed of important township news to sign up for Instant Connect so they can be contacted by phone, text and/or email.
Contact the newspaper at twinsburgbulletin@recordpub.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Conservancy trying to buy Twinsburg Twp. property east of Hadden Road
