Newton Falls again asks for annexation of acreage near turnpike.

Staff report

WARREN

Newton Falls officials have again asked the Trumbull County commissioners to allow annexation of about 440 acres near the Ohio Turnpike into the village.

It’s similar to a proposal the commissioners rejected in February except this one addresses two issues the commissioners said stood in the way of their approval.

Village Law Director A. Joseph Fritz said this annexation includes agreements from CSX railroad and the Ohio Turnpike Commission.

For this proposal, Newton Falls also removed three properties the commissioners said created an “island” of land surrounded by the annexed area.

Fritz said this proposal involves the same landowners as the last time.

Mayor Lyle Waddell said the annexation was being proposed to encourage development of the land near the turnpike by providing certain village utilities.

The land would come from Braceville and Newton townships, which actively opposed the proposal the last time by having meetings and collecting signatures on petitions they presented to the commissioners.

Like the last time, the commissioners must decide within 45 days whether to approve or deny the request.

The commissioners have an item on the agenda for today’s meeting asking them to acknowledge that the annexation request was filed.