HUBBARD Travel plaza's plans remain on hold

Trustees will look into having the township join a countywide transit system.
By SUSAN BERLIN
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
HUBBARD -- The future of Flying J Travel Plaza is still undecided.
Project developers want to begin the $8.5 million project in August, but the Ohio Department of Transportation must approve alterations to a median strip so northbound traffic can turn left into the property.
Despite a request by Hubbard Township trustees that Gov. Bob Taft accelerate the process, ODOT has not yet issued the necessary clearance.
Trustee Fred Hanley said Monday he has information that the state did not accept the land appraisal by Eagle Realty of Columbus because it lacked detail.
Additional problems involve a proposed Joint Economic Development District with the city of Hubbard.
No more information: Township trustees say they have not received any additional communication from the city about the JEDD since an initial meeting March 8.
The plaza is being proposed on 25 acres at routes 7 and 62, between Interstate 80 and Hibler Road. Northbound traffic would not be able to cross the four-lane highway into the plaza because of the grass median.
Township and city officials said in June that if the issue is not resolved soon, developers will take their planned plaza to Pennsylvania.
Meanwhile, trustees got a 60-day extension allowing them to amend their petition concerning the city's attempt to annex the sewage treatment plant, which serves both. Although the city wants the plant in its jurisdiction, officials want the roads around it to remain the township's responsibility, trustees said.
Transit system: Trustees also said they will investigate the township's costs involved in a countywide transit system being proposed.
Niles Mayor Ralph Infante wrote to the township, asking trustees to join the proposed system. The cost is to be based on population.
Niles would run the system. Several communities have voiced support; others have it under consideration.
Trustees announced that they will send a letter to Trumbull County officials requesting the proper procedure to change the speed limit on county roads.
Trustee Joseph Gleydura said people have requested a reduced speed limit on Lewis-Siefert Road, from state Route 304 to Youngstown-Hubbard Road.
Resident John Dowell indicated he is investigating the possibility of creating a lighting district where Bell Wick and Mount Everett roads meet.
Trustees announced a public meeting with the county planning commission for 6 p.m. July 26 in the township administration building to review the first draft of the township's comprehensive plan.