SALEM Mahoning Co. considers annexation

The area proposed lies across from the site where a Wal-Mart is to be built.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- Mahoning County commissioners are considering a proposal to annex into Salem about 105 acres in Green Township that could be developed for retail and housing enterprises.
Commissioners conducted a hearing on the matter Tuesday in Green Township. They have up to 90 days to accept or reject the annexation proposal.
Bruce Capel, a real estate agent from Salem who is representing the four property owners involved, said the annexation is being requested primarily so that the development proposed for the land can benefit from Salem water and sewer.
The property in question, a mix of several homes and vacant fields, lies just east of Salem and north of state Route 14. Part of it also borders Egypt Road.
Capel said developers from Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York are interested in developing the property, if it's annexed.
He wouldn't name the developers, but said they are interested in constructing a shopping center, motel and homes on the property.
"In order to develop this property, water and sewer are the big issues," Capel said.
The land being proposed for annexation is across from the site of a 183,000-square-foot Wal-Mart that's to be built later this year or early next year.
Trustees opposed: Green Township trustees objected to the annexation proposal, citing several reasons.
Among them, they said, are flaws in the annexation petition.
They noted that the annexation was amended by the petitioners, but trustees never received a copy of the amended petition.
Capel said the amendment simply ensured that all eight land parcels and their four owners were properly identified.
The landowners seeking the annexation are Linda Dinsio, Charles Herron, Keith Smith and Jansen Paumier, all of Salem.
Trustees also objected to the traffic and maintenance impact the proposed development of the land would have on Egypt Road, which is maintained by the township.