Wood County court to hear issue on zoning

9/29/2009

Because mediation couldn't help Perrysburg and Perrysburg Township resolve the problem of whether city zoning can be enforced outside city limits, the issue will move to court.

A pretrial hearing about the issue will be held in Wood County Common Pleas Court on Oct. 6.

The debate stems from the city's practice of enforcing its planning and zoning rules, as well as fees, to areas of the township where it extends water and sewer services.

The township - joined by the Wood County Planning Commission and county engineer - filed suit against the city last October. The lawsuit says that potential developers have been scared away when faced with two conflicting sets of rules.

It became apparent during the first meeting with court mediator Michael Hyrne held Sept. 9 that the parties involved wouldn't settle out of court, Perrysburg City Law Director Mathew Beredo said. The second mediation session, which was scheduled for Sept. 16, was canceled.

"What goes on in mediation is confidential, but it wasn't one issue that we were stuck on," Mr. Beredo said. "I respect Michael Hyrne a great deal. He can move mountains, if the mountains are willing to be moved."

Perrysburg Township Law Director Walt Celley did not return calls for comment.