Developer wants to build homes on land in Canfield Township

Township trustees are fighting the annexation.
CANFIELD -- A developer is planning to build single-family homes on 18.5 acres on state Route 446.
The land, at 6445 Route 446, is mostly fallow farmland with a residence on it. It is next to the city, near the county experimental farm and the intersection of Route 446 and Route 62.
Property owner Victor Rucci has petitioned Mahoning County for annexation of the property from the township to the city of Canfield so the development can have sewer and water service, said Sebastian Rucci, Victor's son and the developer of the property.
"The township is fine, but they don't have the utilities," he said.
Sebastian Rucci said the lots will be sold to perhaps one or two builders who will build 54 houses there.
He said the development will use a formula of three units per acre.
He said the homes will likely be from 2,200 to 2,400 square feet, with four bedrooms and two- or three-car garages.
If the county approves the annexation, Rucci anticipates building could start later this year or next year after the winter weather.
Township trustees are fighting the annexation. Trustee chairman Paul Moracco said they have hired a lawyer from Akron who specializes in annexation issues. The primary objection is loss of land.
They plan to object at a hearing, which is set for 10 a.m. April 17 at the township hall on Broad Street in Canfield.