Boardman looks to preserve properties as wetlands

By Jordyn Grzelewski

jgrzelewski@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

The township is working to preserve two parcels from future development.

At a recent meeting, the township board of trustees authorized the administration to move forward with applications to secure grant funding from the Clean Ohio Fund conservation program – which is run through the Ohio Public Works Commission — that helps fund preservation of open spaces, sensitive ecological areas and stream corridors.

Township zoning officials say the two properties in question – one off Western Reserve Road east of the Ivy Hills development, the other comprised of 70 lots in a residential area between Jeanne Lynn Avenue and Homestead Drive – fit the bill.

“By setting aside this land, it’ll prevent development and preserve the homes that are already there from having flooding encroaching upon them,” said Marilyn Kenner, assistant zoning inspector.

The two properties the township is trying to preserve aren’t conducive to development anyway, Kenner said. The township zoning ordinance features riparian setback regulations; due to the nature of the land, any construction would have to be set back far enough to make development difficult.

The 10.7-acre property off Western Reserve is a preservation target because Yellow Creek runs through it, and a wetland and blue heron rookery exist there, Kenner said. The township previously acquired a property adjacent to that one using Clean Ohio funds.

The 18-acre property between Jeanne Lynn and Homestead is a target for similar reasons. It previously was platted but never developed due to the existence of wetlands and a stream that goes through it, Kenner said.

The township intends to eventually preserve roughly 48 acres of forested wetland in that area through the acquisition of additional vacant parcels.

The township is seeking roughly $100,000 in grant funding for each project. The township would cover the cost of appraisal, about $1,500 per project.

If the township acquires the land, it would be kept in perpetuity under the township trustees. Kenner said the wetland areas could be used as “passive parks,” where people could explore and walk around. The township, however, would not interfere with the land in any way.

The township must submit its applications, which first will go through Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, by Jan. 29.