Wednesday, December 18, 2002
Action isn't likely to be taken until after the first of the year, one official said.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Sam's Club has submitted official plans to zoning officials for a new site on South Avenue.
Many in the township felt a move by the company would be a moot point after voters rejected a liquor permit request for the location in November. The Sam's Club here is permitted to sell alcoholic beverages.
Assistant zoning inspector Darren Crivelli was not specific as to what the plans entail, but he did say they are pretty much what was anticipated. He said township officials will have to review the plans before a zoning permit is issued.
Comments
"... If they meet zoning regulations and the site plan review, then a permit will likely be issued," said Crivelli. "If there are any problems with the plans, we will address them at that time."
The proposed store would include a full-size grocery store. Many local grocers are opposed, saying the wholesale/ retail giant would force several smaller stores to close.
Sam's Club operates a smaller store at 7461 South Avenue, which would be closed if a new store goes up on a vacant lot at 6361 South Avenue.
There is no word on what Sam's Club will do with the current store, but the building had been listed on a Web site of Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores that are available.
John Bisio, spokesman for Sam's Club, could not be reached.
Opposed to move
Many township residents oppose the store's move for a number of reasons, including the removal of some of the last remaining green space on South Avenue.
The newly formed Concerned Citizens of Boardman and Poland contends a larger store will have an adverse effect on traffic volume, noise levels, drainage, property values and the environment.
The group has said Sam's Club should add onto its store.
Many residents have called on township trustees to put the brakes on the company's move.
Trustees and the Mahoning County Prosecutor's Office, however, have said township government is limited in its ability to stop a private business from making such a move.
Crivelli said the company will be held to zoning standards just as any other company. He said no action is likely to be taken on the permit request until the new year.
jgoodwin@vindy.com