Mike Jones
Legal Representation Contract Approved
Sylvania Township trustees have approved a new contract with the Lucas County Prosecutor’s office to provide legal representation. The contract runs from Oct. 1, 2022 through Sept. 30, 2024, and is for $105,000 annually. The individual who will act as the township attorney will be assigned by Julia Bates, Lucas County Prosecutor. The contract was approved with a 2-1 vote, with John Jennewine voting against it.
Zoning Request
The prospective developers of a proposed large senior housing project in Sylvania Township removed their request for a zoning change from the agenda of the Lucas County Plan Commission. Omni Smart Living, of Solon, Ohio, had been seeking a zoning designation of multi-family residential for the property from its current special use. The area being considered is 14.6 acres in the 7200 and 7300 blocks of Crossleigh Court in the Cobblestone Woods Business Park. It is the same property which had been considered for use for a now defunct plan for a community recreation center.
The proposed senior housing development contains 12 buildings, three main buildings and nine villa-style buildings. The project would include independent-living, assisted living, and memory care.
The county plan commission staff recommended against approval. One of the reasons given is that if the project fell through there would still be a large area which would be zoned in a way that did not conform to the township’s land-use plan.
Daryl Graus, manager of the Sylvania Township planning and zoning office, said officials at Omni said that they will change their request to have the area zoned for a planned unit development. In that way, if the proposed development does not materialize, the zoning will revert to its current status. Graus said the issue is expected to be addressed at the meeting of the Lucas County Plan Commission on Aug. 24.
Township Website Updated
The Sylvania Township administration is revamping its website and is asking the community for input.
“We think of the site as an important means of staying in touch with the community. We’d like to get information about what community members might want more or less of. The site is for them and we want to hear how we can best make the site meet their expectations,” said Samantha Didion, executive assistant and IT coordinator for the township.
Those who visit the site, sylvaniatownship.com, now will find a survey asking just that–what citizens want more or, perhaps, less of.
The site will continue to have basic and historical information on its departments and news stories of current township events.
Sylvania Township is working with Flanders Creatives, a township-based agency to build the revamped website.