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New township park irks some residents
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - September 11, 2008)
New township park irks some residents
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
As Chardon Township Trustees prepare to clear and grade the 14-acre property at the southwest corner of Auburn and Mentor roads for a park, three residents questioned the need for it.
They challenged trustees last week on their plans for ball fields, walking trail, playground and tennis courts on the property. They said residents have not been included in the process.
Trustees denied shutting out residents and said they have heard from residents who believe a need for the park exists.
Resident Jane Kriz said she believes trustees have "struck out" in their push to establish the recreational park. She said they failed to identify a clear need for it, did not develop a plan or hold public forums to hear from residents. "Not one resident has voted for the park," she said, and the trustees' actions are "unprecedented" in the Chardon Township.
Trustee Michael Brown said the plans being developed were made available to the public and were the subject of two hearings held by trustees.
Trustee Steven Borawski said the township conducted several surveys of residents which clearly showed that they want certain amenities a park could offer. "There was a need and a want," he said.
Mr. Borawski said that need hopefully will be met when the park is opened and children from the township and surrounding areas fill the grounds. For years, the township's children have had to rely on parks provided by other communities, such as Hambden and Munson, for recreational activities, he said. "It's time this community opens its heart to the children in the area."
Mrs. Kriz said the township's last survey showed that one-third of the respondents were positive toward the park, one-third were neutral, and one-third were opposed. She would only be satisfied if trustees put a park levy on the ballot, she said. "Then you will know if there's a need."
Mr. Borawski said trustees attempted to solicit as much comment from residents as possible. They even held a Saturday meeting to discuss the issue, but it only drew 12 people, all of whom live adjacent to the park property, he said.
He said there is no need to go to voters with a levy, because the township wants to build the park without the use of property taxes. He said the township has set aside estate taxes for its development. Mr. Borawski said that money is nearly used up, and the township will seek grants to cover future costs.
Mrs. Kriz said walking trails are unnecessary, because there are sufficient walking trails in the township on Robinson Road in the Geauga Park District's Big Creek Park.
Mr. Brown said, even with the existing trails, they were the No. 1 feature residents requested in a spring survey.
Mrs. Kriz said trustees have ignored one-third of the residents who have stated their opposition to a park.
Resident James Schumann, who chaired the township's survey committee, said that is not an accurate representation. He said the township sent 1,700 surveys and received back slightly under 800, a 47 percent return. He said about 89 of those responding chose to provide comments, although they were unsolicited.
Of those, he said, about one-third were positive, one-third neutral and one-third negative. But he said categorizing them was a "matter of interpretation," because not all were clear on what stand they took.
Mr. Brown agreed, saying Mr. Schumann "very liberally construed" how to rate the comments.
Mr. Schumann said the spring survey was not a referendum on whether to have a park. He said the township already had the land and was only gauging residents on the best use for that land.
Resident Thomas Woods said it appeared that the township had "all this money" for land acquisition and building a park but is now going to residents for money for a fire-department levy. "If we have all this money, why do we have levies?" he asked.
Mr. Brown said, when the township chooses to buy land, it is not considered an expense but an investment. "It doesn't go away," he said.
He said the township has levies to provide money for fire and rescue services and road levies for repairs and salaries. He said the money spent for land would have provided the township with enough money to do one road project.
Mr. Woods said past boards of trustees began setting aside money in 1997 for a park, but no action was taken on it.
Mr. Brown said it they probably didn't have the mind-set to actually do the work.
Mr. Woods and Mrs. Kriz also questioned why the board disregarded the zoning commission's recommendation on proposed setbacks for recreational parks.
Mr. Brown said the proposed setbacks would have reduced the usable portion of the park to a "postage-stamp size."
Resident Emily Sonnie questioned the effectiveness of the survey. She said residents were not asked whether they wanted the park in a certain location or whether they wanted future taxes to support it.
She said the development of the park has hurt her chances to sell her home. "I've had people look at my house, and they don't want anything to do with it," she said.
Mr. Brown said the township attempted to involve Mrs. Sonnie, who has experience in professional surveys, but did not get a response.
Mrs. Sonnie denied ever hearing the request for her services.
Mrs. Kriz said many residents have objections to the park.
Mr. Borawski said they should attend meetings to express their feelings.
Mrs. Kriz said that is not an option. "Why should they?" she asked. "When they come here, they're ignored."
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