Austintown officials work to improve Wickcliffe area

July 22, 2016 at 12:00a.m.

Township Zoning Inspector Darren Crivelli put his final signatures on grant forms to accept 75 percent reimbursement from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on a $16,000 project to preserve green space in the Wickliffe area.

A triangular-shaped 3.61-acre plot of land on the northwest corner of Oakwood Avenue and North Four Run Mile Road is now part of a national effort to preserve wildlife – animals and plants.

With the help of the Clean Ohio Grant, Austintown officials have ensured that land will remain an undeveloped, wooded area for the sake of surrounding property owners and the township.

The grant will pay about $12,000 of project costs; the remaining 25 percent – $4,000 – is being paid by the township’s general fund.

Crivelli said keeping the area undeveloped is one of many efforts to better preserve and improve the Wickliffe area, one of the most densely populated and developed areas in the township.

“It serves as a nice buffer for residents on Navarre Avenue and the Wickliffe area from industrial areas,” he said. “It was a great acquisition for the township, as well.”

The land is owned by township trustees and is managed and maintained by Austintown Township Park.

Todd Shaffer, park supervisor, said he was pleased about the natural barrier, which will look nicer than a man-made look.

“I’m all for what’s going to make the residents in that area happy and content,” he said.