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Jackson Township Zone change hearing

Jackson Township's Zoning Commission met March 12 to hear public comments and explain a proposed zoning change on properties from Industrial to A-SER (Agricultural-Suburban Estate Residential) or Residential-1. The affected areas are part of Silica, Gladstone, and Pritchard Ohltown Roads.  The township sent out informational letters to notify affected residents of the potential change. There are 66 properties, about 50 residential homes with a 6 businesses in the area.
The commission explained, when zoning was first initiated in Jackson Township back in the mid 50's, it was believed the area would become industrial. Over the years without sewer, water, and narrow roads, this did not and probably will not occur.  It has trended toward an agricultural and residential area.  Many people have come before the commission seeking a zone change to Residential or A-SER. This amendment would save the time and expense of a zone change request.  Current zoning does not permit homes to be built on industrially zoned land, making existing homes non-conforming.  If a fire were to occur on a non-conforming property, a homeowner would be delayed in rebuilding, having to first seek a zone change. Lending institutions are very hesitant to loan money for non-conforming properties. 
The  Jackson Township Comprehensive Land Use Plan gives guidance for the future.  It sees the area as Residential and A-SER.  The Mahoning County Planning Commission also recommended approval of the change. 
Approximately 15 persons in attendance had questions such as the tax consequences of the change and were told taxes are based on use. The size of properties, any limitations on the use, and whether it would be zoned A-SER or Residential were explained.
Current businesses in the area would continue but would be non-conforming.  If a business is closed or the building is unoccupied for 2 years, it's use would no longer be permitted. One property owner stated since his property abuts industrial zoning, he would like to see it remain industrial. 
The commission then voted unanimously to recommend to the Jackson Township Trustees approval of the amendment to the zoning resolutions. It will be addressed at the April 15 township trustee meeting.
In other zoning business, a couple zoning permits were issued for homes.  The prosecutor's office is involved with several properties to bring them into zoning compliance.  There will be a new map from the GIS system in April.

SWCD and Farm Bureau news

Ohio's largest industry - agriculture - is also the largest land user in the state with nearly 60 percent of Ohio's land area used for crop production and pasture.
Not surprisingly, farming has a big impact on the state's land, water, woodland, wildlife, and natural resources. Thus, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts ( SWCD ) and  Farm Bureaus have joined together to recognize farm families doing an outstanding job of managing production and conservation.
The Ohio Conservation Farmer Awards program was started over 20 years ago and is coordinated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Soil and Water Conservation, and co- sponsored by Ohio Farmer Magazine and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. One of the first families to ever receive this honor was George and Ruth Sharec of Newton Township.
Individual farmers, partnerships, or family farm corporations are eligible, provided a substantial portion of their income is derived from farming. Judging is based on the nominee' use of new and traditional conservation techniques, and comprehensive management. Initiative in getting conservation measures applied on the land and the farmer's willingness to share conservation information, experiences, and philosophy with others is vital.
A farm family may nominate themselves or another farm family. An agricultural or conservation agency or organization may also place nominations.
Nomination forms can be obtained from the Trumbull Soil and Water Conservation District, 520 West Main St. Cortland, Ohio 44410, or the Trumbull County Farm Bureau office at PO Box 160 Orwell, Ohio 44076.  Nomination forms must be sent to Ohio Farmer magazine by May 1.
Five area finalists will be chosen form around the state. These top Conservation Farm families will be recognized at a ceremony during the Farm Science Review in September. They will also receive a $400 check courtesy of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and will be featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer magazine.

American
Legion
dinner

American Legion 737 will be having a homemade spaghetti dinner. The menu will be spaghetti dinner w/ homemade meatballs, salad, roll and butter, dessert & beverage. Adults $5-Children 10 and under $3. They will also offer, meatball subs and meatball splashes. Sponsored by: American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary. Open to the public, Thursday March 27
4-8 p.m. 16564 Milton Ave.- Lake Milton.

4-H Cookbook Project

Do you have some family favorite recipes that you'd like to share with others?  What about Great-Grandma's Turkey Tetrazzini recipe that no one seems to be able to remember.  Why not share it with everyone!
The Trumbull County 4-H Advisory Committee is working on compiling a cookbook of all those favorite recipes out there.  We need your help!  The proceeds of the cookbook will benefit the Trumbull County 4-H Youth Program.  It will be used to support both youth and adult programs in the areas of education and leadership.
The cookbook committee would like to receive at least 200 recipes and you can help with just a few clicks of a mouse!  The recipe template is posted on the Trumbull County 4-H Website at http://trumbull.osu.edu/4H. 
Cookbook recipe templates are also available at the Trumbull County Ohio State University Extension Office at 520 W. Main St., Suite 1 in Cortland.  The committee would like to have these cookbooks available at the start of the Trumbull County Fair on July 7, 2008.  Therefore, recipes are due June 1.  For more information, contact Michelle Adkins, OSU
4-H Extension Educator at 330-637-2437.