NEW MIDDLETOWN Council vote backs development plans

The nonprofit organization has developed similar housing in Canton and Orrville.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Lawmakers unanimously passed a resolution supporting a 13-home grant-subsidized development to be built in the village.
Allan Forsythe of the National Housing Association, a private, nonprofit organization in Columbus, told council Monday night that his group has an option on a 9-acre parcel at the end of Sandy Court.
He said the proposed one- and two-story homes would be appraised at $127,000 but would be available to buyers who could obtain loans for an $87,000 home. Grants from the Ohio Department of Development's Housing Assistance Program would make up the difference.
The project must compete with others for the funds, but Forsythe said he is 80 percent sure of getting funding. His group has done similar projects in Canton and Orrville.
He said those qualifying would need to obtain a mortgage from a bank and would then go through a homeowner training program. The homes would contain 1,300 square feet, which exceeds the village minimum of 1,000. He said the program's purpose is to encourage stable homeownership, and the homes would be available to families.
Councilman Jack Novicky, who lives near the proposed development, said it is the best plan he has seen for the land.
Forsythe said his group must apply for the project by Oct. 7. If awarded, ground would be broken in the spring and all 13 homes would have to be built over 24 months.
Patrolman hired
Also, council hired Ed Aeppli, 22, as a part-time village patrolman starting Sept. 15. Currently employed by the Brookfield Police Department, Aeppli is a Hubbard Township resident. He will be paid $9.24 hourly and will be on a year's probation. The hiring brings the police force to three full- and eight part-time employees.
Fire Chief Bill Opsitnik announced that the fire department will commemorate the Sept. 11 attacks Wednesday by sounding the fire sirens at 10:05 and 10:28 a.m., the times each of the World Trade Center towers in New York City collapsed.
The village's two churches will then toll their bells in a pattern resembling the old telegraph code used to announce the death of a firefighter. A moment of silence will follow.
Council gave second reading on an ordinance that would prohibit skateboards on streets, sidewalks and parking lots. It allows for impounding of skateboards by police and their release back to the owner only after fines are paid. The ordinance needs one more reading to become law.
Village Administrator Bob Mason reported some problems with mischief in the outdoor restrooms caused by youths using the skateboard park.
Council member Dan Santangelo also reported that the park was left littered in one instance, and council member Rebecca Mason said she had to speak to the youth about their language. The youth have been warned the park could be locked if there are more problems.
Mason said some residents have asked her whether the village could obtain grants to put a swimming pool in the village park. Clerk/Treasurer Carl Flitcraft said in 1972 and 1975 he applied for grants for a pool but learned the required insurance was too expensive for the village. Mayor Robert Carson agreed that a pool is not feasible at this time.