Zoning codes don't mean much in Poland, Ohio

Zoning codes don't meanmuch in Poland, Ohio
EDITOR:
Where in the United States are zoning codes selectively applied? Poland, Ohio. Where in the United States are citizens' petitions for referendum thwarted by technicalities and no recourse offered? Why, yes, Poland, Ohio.
The village zoning code clearly states that new business structures must not exceed 4,000 square feet and have specified associated parking. The new Walgreens store will be 14,400 square feet with fewer parking spaces than specified by code. The variance granted to Walgreens by the Poland Board of Zoning Appeals and upheld by the village council is in stark contrast to the specifications of law. This same planning ordinance was used in 2000 to refuse a construction permit to a 14,400-square-foot Rite Aid outlet.
When variances are granted for excesses of the magnitude issued for the Walgreens store, one wonders about the motivation of our village officials. Is it possible that avarice and greed have trumped the village zoning code? Poland Village is distinguished by its well-kept homes, quiet tree-lined streets, stylish public buildings, abundance of historic homes and, above all, by the absence of the crass commercial strip development that characterizes nearly every other city and town in the Mahoning Valley. The zoning codes were intended to preserve the village ambiance of Poland. With the granting of this extraordinary variance, Poland Village has forfeited its ability to preserve the distinctive village charm that distinguishes it from other developing areas in the Mahoning Valley.
When the request for the excessive variance by Walgreens became public, civic-minded citizens sought a referendum that would have allowed all Poland Village citizens to vote on the issue (which is sometimes permitted in a democracy). Despite the constraints of time, over 900 signatures were collected and the petitions submitted to the Mahoning County Board of Elections for a referendum to be placed on the November ballot. A court subsequently removed the petition from the ballot because the granted variance was declared to be an administrative decision, not subject to citizen review.
The board of zoning appeals, rather than delay the project or take other action that would permit a referendum on the issue, reaffirmed its endorsement of the variance.
It isn't even as if a drugstore is needed to serve the community. There is a drugstore one block south of the Walgreens site (which probably will close), two others within a mile east, and at least two more within two miles of the village center. Why then was it granted?
Three council members steadfastly opposed the extraordinary variance: Robert Limmer, Al Lind and Marc Cossette.
LAUREN SCHROEDER
Poland
Universities shouldn't sellnames to credit companies
EDITOR:
I would like to make a comment on this recent revelation about Ohio State University selling, for quite a sizable amount, a list of alumni to a credit-card company. The school's explanation appears to be to protect the alumni from other credit-card companies they would sell to one select company. I think this transaction was motivated by greed, and I consider it shameful.
I also wish to add that I am glad that the money for the arena secured by Jim Traficant was not used for remodeling at Youngstown State University. All I have seen in recent years at YSU is increases in tuition and salaries; is this justified? Where are the priorities? Student education or buildings and salaries?
JOSEPH P. HILKO
Hermitage, Pa.