AUSTINTOWN Developer wants to reach compromise with residents

Some residents said they want a wider buffer zone between their homes and the business park.
By IAN HILL
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
AUSTINTOWN -- Jonathan Levy thinks he can reach a compromise with residents concerned about how they'll be affected by the proposed Centerpointe Business Park.
Some of those residents, however, don't share his confidence.
"It will be more the [township] trustees resolving it than him," said Richard Bell of Rutland Avenue.
Levy's plans call for Centerpointe to become Bell's new neighbor on 379 acres south of Interstate 80 near state Route 11.
Developers have said the park could include $90 million in warehouses, retail buildings and offices and create 1,500 jobs.
Some residents are concerned the park could cause drainage, noise and traffic problems and destroy the natural setting and they're not sure if Levy can attract businesses to the park.
Residents can express their opinions on the park to trustees at a public hearing at 7 tonight in township hall.
Wants more time
Levy was to give a presentation at tonight's meeting but told trustees Monday he wants two more weeks to work with residents. Levy has met with several residents in the past month to try to address concerns.
"From Day One we have been talking to these people and trying to work out compromises," he said. "I'm confident that we're doing our very best."
Bell said he and his wife, Kathy, last met with Levy on Oct. 20 when he proposed leaving a 200-foot buffer of trees between the Bells' home and the park.
Kathy Bell said she'd like to have a 300-foot buffer of trees and a strip of land zoned for business between her home and Centerpointe. Levy has proposed rezoning the 379 acres from agricultural, business and residential to light industrial.
Trustees to vote
The Mahoning County Planning Commission and the Austintown Zoning Commission have recommended approving the zoning change. Trustees will vote on it by Nov. 19.
Lisa Liposchak, who lives across the street from the Bells, said she also would like to have a 300-foot buffer of trees and the strip of land. Her husband, Mike, doesn't think it was right to have industrial zoning adjacent to residential zoning.
"I don't care where you live, you can't do it," he said, adding, "I'm all for jobs for Austintown as long as it benefits everyone."
hill@vindy.com