Trustees hear land-use complaints

The zoning inspector says a property owner faces more citations.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HOWLAND -- Complaints about the use of land, or its misuse, highlighted the township trustees' meeting.
Mark Zuppo Jr., township zoning inspector, reported Wednesday night that Bill Fleming, owner of an unfinished home on Blue Winged Drive in the Camden Pond housing development, has promised to clean up his property.
Fleming has come under criticism from neighbors because the structure hasn't been completed in two or three years and debris fills the property.
Zuppo said Fleming owes a total of $500 in fines for two zoning violations he issued the property owner for abandonment of a structure and accumulated rubbish and debris.
The zoning inspector explained that Fleming told him that he will get rid of the debris, but he can't finish the house.
If the cleanup isn't completed by Monday, Zuppo said, he will file two additional complaints in Warren Municipal Court that have fines totaling $1,000.
Kenyon Drive problems
In addition, two residents who have interests in properties along Kenyon Drive complained to trustees that an unidentified company is building up land at Niles-Cortland Road and Kenyon, causing a drainage problem, filth and theft of property.
"This thing stinks and is a mess," Robert Datchuk, who owns two houses on Kenyon, told trustees.
The parcel along Niles-Cortland, between Lowe's and Home Depot, is being prepared as the site of a restaurant.
Datchuk said trucks are running over his properties, dirt is being spilled on his driveway, the open ditch in front of his properties is filling with dirt, and trees on his land have been removed without his permission.
"I have been very polite and kind to them," Datchuk asserted, adding that he's being ignored.
Joseph Ross, whose grandchildren own a house on Kenyon, said trees on their property have been cut down and removed, and the project lacks a temporary fence to keep the dirt off their property.
Darlene St. George, township administrator, said she and Zuppo will meet with the township law director today do determine what can be done, including obtaining a stop-work order.
Turn arrow
Trustee Rick Clark reported that a turn arrow will be added to the traffic light on Niles-Cortland (state Route 46) and North River Road by the end of September.
Northbound traffic on Niles-Cortland will be able to turn left onto North River much faster. Residents have complained because of traffic congestion at the intersection.
Fire Chief George Brown reported his department has received $100,000 in radio equipment through a grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
The 18 mobile and five portable radios will allow township firefighters to communicate directly with other departments throughout the state during an emergency.
yovich@vindy.com