Officials from Perrysburg and Perrysburg Township have set a date for a joint meeting to resolve problems stemming from the overlap of zoning codes between the two neighbors.
The meeting - tentatively set for 9 a.m. March 30 at the township offices - follows recent disagreement about whether businesses that build within the township but receive water and sewer services from the city should have to pay zoning permit fees for both communities.
One hope for the meeting is that it will diffuse rising tensions between some members of the communities' governing bodies.
"It's time to get it out in the public," said Township Administrator John Hrosko.
"It's always a different pitch every month with Perrysburg, and we're tired of them changing the rules," Mr. Hrosko said.
Perrysburg Administrator John Alexander said about the scheduled meeting: "It is my expectation that there will be a thoughtful civil discussion that will bring a resolution of issues."Mr. Alexander said among those at the meeting will be himself and Mayor Nelson Evans, some city council members, the township's three trustees, and zoning and other officials from both communities.
The recent zoning dispute came to a head last month after a Perrysburg City Council subcommittee voted down a request by Wal-Mart for a waiver of $21,400 in city zoning permit fees.
The company plans to build a store on U.S. 20 at Simmons Road in the township, but it needs an extension of the city's utilities.
Wal-Mart has already paid about $9,000 for a township zoning permit and has since withdrawn its city waiver request.
Wal-Mart is the first business subject to a provision in the city's new zoning code - adopted in March 2006 - requiring that applicants building in other jurisdictions take out a Perrysburg zoning permit if they receive a utility extension from the city.
Township Trustee Bob Mack said whatever the outcome of the meeting, it could potentially affect the township's ability to attract new business.
Right now, he said, companies might shy away from building in the township if they know that they must satisfy two sets of zoning requirements and accompanying fees.
"We think we're sending the wrong message to businesses that might be fond of our locale," Mr. Mack said.
Staff writer Joe Vardon contributed to this report.
Contact JC Reindl at:
jreindl@theblade.com or
419-724-6050.
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