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Zoning makes it tougher for sex related businesses in Austintown
By Susan Tebben
AUSTINTOWN
Township trustees have approved rezoning that might help discourage “sex-related” businesses from coming into the area.
They approved a resolution Monday, rezoning and reclassifying 11 lots on Interstate Boulevard from industrial to business.
“We have to allow sexually oriented businesses in the township, but we can regulate where they are,” Crivelli said.
It was his last meeting Monday before he moves to Boardman Township’s zoning office.
As a business regulation, zoning of the area is more geared toward restaurants and hotels than the broader industrial zoning.
“None of the property owners there will be hurt,” Crivelli said.
The regulations are not geared toward legitimate therapeutic massage parlors, including those licensed or registered by the State of Ohio Medical Board; licensed cosmetologists, barbers, barber apprentices, chiropractors, podiatrists or practical or registered nurses; or anyone working under the supervision of the other exempted professionals, according to the zoning ordinance. Hospitals, nursing homes and public health centers also are not a part of the provisions of the regulations.
“We’re talking about the ones that are open at 3 a.m.,” Crivelli said.
Trustees also had a public hearing on the matter Monday, in which no one other than Crivelli spoke for or against it.
Trustees also approved a resolution declaring properties at 348 Westminster Ave., 6526 Mahoning Ave., 2450 South Turner Road, 5511 Silica Road, 1204 South Meridian Road, 245 South Main St. and 2531 Amberly St. as nuisances. Two parcels on Crum Road were also rezoned and reclassified from residential to industrial districts.
Road-department head Todd Shaffer announced the impending completion of the new splash pad in Township Park.
“I made mention to [Shaffer] that maybe we built this thing too small,” said Trustee Jim Davis of the anticipation for the new water feature at the park. A ribbon-cutting will be May 22 to open the splash pad, which will be open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Shaffer said.
Bringing closer the chance of more summer festivities, Ed Reese of the Briarfield rehabilitiation, senior-care and retirement facilities, made a donation of $8,000 to the effort to get Fourth of July fireworks back to the township. The donation brings the effort to about half the funding needed to bring back the event, according to Trustee Lisa Oles.
“A lot of people are under the misconception that Austintown pays for the fireworks, and that isn’t true,” Oles said. “Without [the community’s] help, this would not be possible.”