AUSTINTOWN Developer seeks delay on park presentation
Local residents will be able to comment on the park at two public hearings.
THE VINDICATOR, YOUNGSTOWN
AUSTINTOWN -- Township residents most likely will have to wait two weeks to hear Jonathan Levy's next presentation about the proposed Centerpointe business park.
Levy, the park's developer and president of Route 46 Land Partners in Youngstown, was to give the presentation at a public hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday in township hall. On Monday, Levy told the trustees he wanted two more weeks to develop the presentation and to work with local residents to address some of their concerns about the park.
Developers have said the park could include $90 million in warehouses, retail buildings and offices and create 1,500 jobs. The park is slated to be built on 379 acres south of Interstate 80 near state Route 11.
Worried about impact
Some residents have said they're concerned that the park could cause drainage, noise and traffic problems and destroy the natural setting of the area. Residents also have said they're not sure if Levy can attract businesses to the park.
Levy must officially ask trustees to postpone the presentation at Wednesday's hearing. Trustee David Ditzler said Levy's request most likely will be granted.
A second public hearing is expected to be scheduled for Nov. 14 to allow Levy to give his presentation. Trustees added that residents can comment on the proposed business park at both hearings.
Rezoning request
The hearings are being held in response to Levy's request to rezone the 379 acres from agricultural, business and residential to light industrial for the park. Both the Mahoning County Planning Commission and the Austintown Zoning Commission have recommended approving the zoning change.
Trustees are slated to decide on the request by Nov. 19.