State Lawmakers Propose Sweeping Reduction in local Control of Zoning – Purpose – Affordable Housing – Negative Reaction from Area Elected Officials

Bob Yager

At 2/24/26 Board of Trustees meeting Supervisor Robin Buxar asked Manager Joe Merucci to summarize the changes proposed. His comments can be seen on the meeting video starting at about 42:20 https://videoplayer.telvue.com/player/KGL-y_dHhCluQTy7c6YoVBzzQ5eHj7Lr/media/1006966

See a SEMCOG summary here

here:https://smcg.informz.net/InformzDataService/OnlineVersion/Pub/bWFpbGluZ0luc3RhbmNlSWQ9MTIyNjQ1NzI=

The link below provided by Supervisor Buxar shows local officials opposition.

https://smcg.informz.net/InformzDataService/OnlineVersion/Pub/bWFpbGluZ0luc3RhbmNlSWQ9MTIyNjc4NzE=

Important Public Meeting, March 10, 2-5 PM, Township Hall. Township Board and County Road Commission (RCOC) to Review Detailed Proposal for Paving Gallagher and Silverbell from Gallagher West to Existing Pavement.

Bob Yager

What we residents know about this project is in the 5/13/25 board meeting packet on pages 103-107

Click to access 753151741.pdf

Key Points in Packet Information

Cost to Township $1,200,000 – $1,400,000 plus property acquisition costs.

Total cost $12,000,000 – $14,000,000

Large Federal grant to RCOC.

“Hundreds of trees to be removed”.

“Property acquisition” (For what? Traffic Circle??)

Manager Joe Merucci said that RCOC wants approval by May.

We paid $48,000 for the study so far.

Two Board of Trustees Meetings on Tuesday, February 24

Bob Yager

First at 6 PM is a Special Meeting. The only agenda item (click on link below) is a closed session to discuss two topics. But note that there is an opportunity for public comment after the closed session.

Click to access 753231350.pdf

Then at 7 PM is the Regular Meeting for second Tuesday of the month. Below is a link to the agenda and meeting packet

Click to access 753231310.pdf

The main items are:

Request by the Gallo Family, 703 East Gunn Road, to conduct its annual fireworks display on
August 1st.

Consideration of approving the Stoney Creek Ravine Nature Park site plan.

Consideration of receiving and filing the 2025 Planning Commission annual report.

Consideration of establishing a meeting date and time to review the Gallagher Road and Silver
Bell Road preliminary paving project report.