Milton Twp. Zoning Board mulls language overhaul

Officials are working to update the township’s zoning regulations.

By SEAN BARRON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

LAKE MILTON — The lake and surrounding areas in the township have changed considerably in the last 20 to 25 years, and zoning ordinances need to be updated to reflect such changes.

That is largely what the five-member Milton Township Zoning Board has in mind as it seeks to overhaul portions of the zoning books and map of the township. The board discussed at its meeting Monday ways to make the language easier to read and understand.

In September 1986, zoning officials worked with the Mahoning County Planning Commission to subject the township’s ordinances to an extensive review and make various amendments. Nevertheless, much of the original wording was kept from the mid-1950s when the ordinances were first drawn up, explained Patrick Kelley, the commission’s chairman.

Complicated

Some of that language is archaic, out of date and difficult to understand; such complicated terminology can lead to disputes related to property descriptions, for example, officials said.

About three years ago, the board began trying to further upgrade the books by going over ordinances in Jackson, Canfield and other area townships. Also looked at were amendments various lake communities made to their books, Kelley noted.

Under consideration is the possibility of changing the status of the township’s four commercial districts by making them business districts. Such a move could entice businesses to come to the area, officials said.

Kelley said the board hopes to soon make a motion to adopt certain changes to the ordinances. Once a motion is made, it will be sent to the Mahoning County Planning Commission for review. After that, Kelley said, the commission will conduct a hearing before sending its recommendations to the board.

By law, the board will have a public hearing on the motion before it can be adopted, he said.