Boardman officials have news conference Wednesday on proposed land swap

BOARDMAN — School district and township officials will host a joint news conference at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the township administration building to announce a possible property exchange between the Boardman School District and the township.

The proposal involves the main fire station located on U.S. Route 224 and a proposed new school district bus garage.

“The Boardman Fire Station located along Route 224 is almost 100 years old, and fire officials say it is no longer big enough for the needs of the department. Issues with the foundation and sewage backup at that site have been expensive. The township has been looking for property to replace the aging station,” a joint news release stated.

“Boardman School District is also in need of a new bus garage where all the district’s transportation can be under one roof. A property exchange with the township would enable this to happen,” the release reads. “While many details are still being finalized, school board members and township trustees want to let the community know the reasons for the plan, how public safety will benefit, and taxpayer money will be saved.”

Trustees, board members, fire Chief Mark Pitzer, township Administrator Jason Loree, Schools Superintendent Frank Lazzeri and Tim Saxton, school district director of operations, are slated to attend the news conference.