VFW Electronic Sign Approved, Parade Safety Violations Reported, Upcoming Events and Illegal Airbnb Operations Targeted

Board of Zoning Appeals grants variance with strict conditions Here is a one-minute video summary of the meetings. The Northfield Center Township Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance request for the VFW Post to install an electronic message sign after extensive negotiations between the organization and nearby residents. The variance allows a 12 square foot size increase and permits an electronic sign in the business residential district, specifically recognizing the VFW's status as a non-profit organization. The approval came with strict conditions including brightness controls at 50 percent during daytime and 30 percent during twilight hours, dark backgrounds only, and message changes limited to one-hour intervals. The decision followed three public hearings where VFW representatives and neighbors worked together to address concerns. A demonstration was held where the VFW showed the sign at 30 percent brightness, which neighbors found acceptable. Board member concerns about setting precedent for other electronic signs in residential areas were addressed by specifically noting the VFW's non-profit status in the approval conditions. Zoning Commission Advances Text Amendments Changes focus on assisted living definitions and recreational vehicle storage The Northfield Center Township Zoning Commission moved forward with text amendments affecting residential districts. Key changes include removing "frail and elderly" language from assisted living facility definitions and requiring paved surfaces for recreational vehicle storage. The amendments, which received approval from Summit County Planning, also clarify vehicle definitions to include any device titled or registered by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Commission members discussed broader zoning concerns for the Route 82 corridor, noting the area contains multiple zoning classifications within just 1.1 miles. Chair suggested considering mixed-use zoning to streamline development standards. Industrial District Shooting Complaints Addressed A resident raised concerns about firearms use on industrial property, citing noise and safety issues. The property owner operates under state law allowing shooting in townships, but the resident argued zoning regulations prohibit the activity due to noise restrictions and proximity to residential areas. The zoning inspector received permission to investigate the property and will review applicable regulations. The commission noted potential conflicts between state firearms law and local zoning ordinances. Community Mural Contest Proposed for Town Center Building Local property owner seeks community input for artistic enhancement Building owner Larry Homolak announced plans for a mural design contest for the Ohio Time Building in the town center district. The proposed contest aims to add beauty and energy to the area while celebrating community pride and enhancing visual appeal. The competition would be open to all participants, with submissions tentatively due June 30. Entries would include a digital copy or sketch of the proposed mural design along with a brief description of the artwork and artist's concept. The Historical Society of Northfield Center would select the winner, who receives community recognition. Trustees acknowledged the initiative but noted they are not part of any formal agreement. Some details about the submission process and final approval requirements remain under discussion. Homolak plans to patch, tuck point and paint the entire building as part of the enhancement project. Sherwin-Williams was approached about donating paint for the initiative. The effort builds on a 2003 enhancement plan developed by the Historical Society that sat unused for over 20 years. Trustee Meeting Highlights New Hires and Infrastructure Projects Road projects advance, new staff added to township workforce Trustees approved hiring Dawson Brown as a part-time road worker at $18.21 per hour and authorized Scott Peters as the new Zoning Inspector at $22.00 per hour. Peters previously served as alternate on the Board of Zoning Appeals. The township waived the $100 fee for the VFW's electronic sign installation, supporting the veterans organization's community outreach efforts. Infrastructure projects received attention with approval of pavement maintenance contracts. Pin Oak Circle, Pebble Brook Court, and Brookside Lane will receive mill and fill treatment through Summit County's regional program at a cost of $197,122.50. Comprehensive Planning Discussion Emerges Trustee Russell Mazzola advocated for hiring an architectural firm to develop a comprehensive township plan, noting current discussions about zoning, walkability, and development occur in silos. The township's last comprehensive plan dates to 1994. Discussion included potential partnerships with Miami University's Center for Public Management and Regional Affairs, which assisted other communities with planning initiatives. Parks and Recreation Events Schedule