Officials discuss future use of land

The idea of a cost analysis for sewer and water will go before council.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- City officials are not sure what will become of city-owned land surrounding the Upper Girard Lakes, but they are talking about development possibilities.
Councilman Tom Seidler met with Trumbull County officials Monday to discuss the future of the property around the lake.
There are about 275 acres that can be developed around the lake. That does not include land serving as a buffer around the lake, or wetlands around the lake.
Alan Knapp, Trumbull County Planning Commission director, said the property could be used in any number of ways.
"There are people interested in this property. There are people interested in the ideas you guys have for out there," he said. "There are all kind of possibilities as to what you can do up there."
Knapp said some have asked if the property would be suitable for a golf course. Seidler said a similar idea came before city council in the past but was rejected because council, at that time, was more interested in turning the lake into a water source.
Foresees multiple uses
Seidler said he would like to see the land used in multiple ways.
"My ideal end use for this property is a mixed use. I would like to see some recreation, some commercial and some residential," he said.
A bed and breakfast, Seidler said, would be a good commercial use for the land.
Knapp said before any real plans can be made, council will have to determine how much it will cost to install sewer and water lines in that immediate area. He suggested the city hire an engineering firm to do a cost estimate.
According to Seidler, waterlines are more readily available because there are lines on Niles-Vienna Road to the north of the city-owned property.
Seidler said he would take the issue before council to determine if council will accept bids for a cost analysis.
Knapp said the city should also explore grant options to perform work on the property. Knapp said he will supply some of that information.
jgoodwin@vindy.com