Brimfield Trustee Defends Zoning, Economic Development Record

Brimfield Township Trustee Mike Kostensky defended the township’s economic development and zoning record during the October 29 trustees meeting, pushing back against what he called “untruths circulating” about zoning boards during the election season.

“Zoning has become a very hot topic during this election,” Kostensky said, noting that slowing growth and limiting development has become a common campaign theme.

Reading from a prepared statement, Kostensky detailed the financial impact of economic development on township services. Since 2018, zoning fees have contributed $989,288 to the general fund. This year’s Joint Economic Development District revenues reached $1.74 million, with 30% each allocated to police, fire and roads departments, and 10% to the general fund. The distribution percentages have remained unchanged since the JEDDs’ inception 20 years ago.

Tax increment financing agreements generate additional dollars for Portage County and Field Local Schools, which received a check for over $90,000 this week. Additional TIF revenue has been directed to police, fire, roads and parks.

Economic Development Director Michael Hlad identified revenue streams that brought the fire department an additional $14,420 this year. “Without his guidance, this would have been dollars fire would not have received,” Kostensky said.

Read more: Brimfield Trustees Approve Contract Extensions, Address Road Concerns

Addressing Growth Critics

Kostensky addressed new residents opposing further subdivisions, pointing out many moved into newer developments themselves. He recounted speaking with a younger resident against new subdivisions who admitted living in one of the township’s newer subdivisions.

“By you buying a home in a subdivision, you are helping drive the numbers up and a big part of the reason why developers want to build in Brimfield,” Kostensky told the resident. “All these new residents who have chosen Brimfield as a home have contributed to its growth. This is not a bad thing.”

Kostensky warned residents they cannot have it both ways, either finding common ground with zoning boards or facing more tax levies.

“Without economic development, we cannot continue to support our police, fire and roads departments to the extent needed to fund them. The only other option would be to run more levies to attempt to fill in the gaps,” he said. “I, for one, have paid enough in taxes, and so have those from newlyweds to young families to senior citizens. They are overtaxed.”

Kostensky urged elected officials to remember they work for Brimfield citizens. “We just do what we must do for the benefit of all. Please use common sense and support the zoning board members who are your neighbors and friends.”

The board approved a five-year contract extension for Hlad through 2030 in a 2-1 vote, with Trustee Nicholas Coia dissenting over the timing of the extension just days before the election.