Holland, Springfield Township, Springfield: 3 entities to form development team

5/13/2004

A joint economic development team will be formed by Holland, Springfield Township, and Springfield Local Schools, officials of those entities decided last night.

The move, at a joint meeting of the three groups at the school administration building, will include one member from each of those bodies and a resident to be appointed by Holland Village Council and one by the Springfield Township trustees.

Andy Glenn, a township trustee who proposed formation of the group, said he viewed it primarily as a promotional team.

He said members may hear of a company looking to locate in the general Toledo area and try to direct them toward Springfield Township-Holland.

Mr. Glenn said he would like to have an initial meeting of the group by the end of July, and bring in representatives from area agencies involved in economic development.

Holland council president Lee Irons said after the meeting the village is almost completely developed, "but what we're looking at is redevelopment."

Noah Stone, a member of the village council, said the township and village have different assets and different needs, but together could provide an attractive site for development.

Mr. Glenn said by teaming up to work on economic development, the two bodies may find other areas for cooperation.

The meeting was meant primarily as a means of discussing issues of common interest, said Bob Anderson, Springfield Township administrator.

General conversation included topics ranging from a youth group based in the school system to the need and possible sites for a senior center.

Though no action was taken on most items, the group generally called the meeting worthwhile.