Maumee slaps big-box retail petition move

8/13/2003

Maumee City Council has approved a resolution of opposition to a proposed initiative aimed at placing controls on big-box stores.

The initiative hasn't yet made it to the November ballot, but Maumee residents have submitted to the city petitions signed by more than 800 people. About 540 valid signatures are needed.

The resolution, approved unanimously Monday night, contends that the citizens' ordinance, which would require voter approval of retail construction over 60,000 square feet or developments with more than 30 percent retail space in commercial-manufacturing zoning districts, would be invalidated by the court system.

The proposed ordinance, according to council's resolution, would discourage all new retail construction in CM zoning districts.

The resolution notes that council, city officials, the municipal planning commission, developers, citizens, and others are working to draft amendments to the city's zoning code to regulate the construction of such retail uses in the city.