Lebanon, Union Twp. work out annexation

Lebanon and Union Twp. have agreed to an annexation deal that will exchange three acres of city-owned property for 80 acres of privately-owned land that is adjacent to the Kingsview Business Park.

City Manager Scott Brunka said property owner Heather Byer has petitioned the city for a Type 1 expedited annexation of her property that is along Kingsview Drive and adjacent to the city-owned business park. Byer is seeking to annex into the city to obtain public safety and utility services for future development.

Brunka recommended to Lebanon City Council that it accept the annexation petition from the property owner and approve the annexation agreement with Union Twp. trustees for the Byers property. Council approved the agreement Tuesday, which is the first step in the process, he said. The annexation request will move to the Warren County commissioners for consideration.

He said the city is able to provide utility services for the property to be annexed.

“The future land use plan in the updated Lebanon Comprehensive Plan calls for this property to be developed as Industrial, which is the development pattern adjacent to the property,” Brunka said. “The property owner is currently marketing the property for business development and expansion.”

He said the proposed annexation and development concept are consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and will provide an opportunity to expand the business park adding jobs and an expanded tax base to the city.

“This property is very attractive and can be developed for future growth,” Brunka said.

A Type 1 expedited annexation requires an annexation agreement with Union Twp., similar to the Parkside annexation that was recently completed with Turtlecreek Twp.

The township approved the agreement, which is consistent with state law. Brunka said the agreement also includes the transfer of three acres of land to the township to support improved access to Union Twp. Cemetery located off Columbia Road.

Brunka said the land being transferred to the township is located in the flood plain and has limited development potential.

After the county commissioners review and approve the request, it will come back to Lebanon council for further review and consideration. After all of the final approvals, the 80 acres will officially be added to the city and detached from Union Twp.