Plan for buying land targets flooding
The panel approved allocation of 10,000 from the 2007 budget for the project.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Officials want to use a federal grant, combined with township and Mahoning County funds, to buy property on Mathews Road in an effort to curb flooding.
Trustees at a meeting Tuesday authorized the allocation of 10,000 in next year's budget to buy six parcels, all owned by the same couple, and demolish the house and detached garage there.
Darren Crivelli, zoning inspector, said the township is applying for a federal Community Development Block Grant, a program that funds projects in low-to-moderate-income areas.
The township and county each would kick in 6,000 to total a 10 percent match for the 120,000 grant, he said. The additional 4,000 from the 2007 township budget would cover the costs of demolishing the two buildings.
The house is at 1322 Mathews Road, with the remaining parcels surrounding it. All of the property is owned by Angel and Olga Criado, Mahoning County property records show.
The house has been plagued with flooding problems, Crivelli said.
"It's my recommendation that if we are able to acquire the property, we demolish the house and detached garage," he said.
The land then would be graded and grass planted and belong to the township. Having the property vacant would decrease flooding in that area, officials said.
Home rule resolution
Trustees also approved the second reading of a home rule resolution to promote property owners' and landlords' responsibility for their property.
The resolution takes effect in 30 days.
Under the resolution, if police respond three times within 12 months for the same type of problem and the property owner doesn't take action, the property owner can be fined.
It classifies nuisance activities as animal violations, disorderly conduct, drug abuse, gambling violations, health, safety and sanitation problems, obstructing official business, alcohol or sex offenses, theft, criminal damaging and weapons, fireworks or open-burning violations.
A property owner convicted of a first offense, or causing police to be called to the property a fourth time in 12 months, could be fined 250.
The fines increase for subsequent offenses.