Commissioners, Columbia Schools, settle court case

Lorain County commissioners have approved a settlement agreement with Columbia Local Schools Board of Education concerning a tax increment financing agreement on State Route 82.

On Sept. 15, the commissioners voted 2-0 to approve the settlement and enter into a framework to improve the allocation of resources to the school system.

“The Board is pleased to announce a settlement is reached with the Columbia School District that will bring many public improvements to Columbia Township,” Commissioner Matt Lundy wrote in a statement.

“By working through issues the Board of Commissioners and School Board were able to enhance the economic future of our communities.”

Commissioners Lundy and Michelle Hung voted in favor of the settlement; Commissioner Dave Moore was absent.

The extension of sewers down Boone Road from Snell Road to Route 82, and eventually up and down Route 82 from the Lorain County line to East River Road, will eliminate the major roadblock to good solid commercial development along this key corridor creating jobs and investments that will enhance the tax base long term, officials said.

The agreement also allocates funds for the reconstruction of Boone and

Snell roads and a bridge replacement on Snell Road, Lundy said.

The settlement also makes up to $1 million available to Columbia Township for a new fire station if the housing developments at Emerald Woods, Baker Creek and Creek Ridge perform as expected.

In addition, $800,000 in storm water management through stream restoration can be completed as well.

“This agreement addresses the public needs of health and safety, provides economic opportunities and will expand the tax base for our Community,” Lundy wrote.

The lawsuit filed by Columbia Local Schools on Nov. 30, 2020, asked the court to throw out the TIF agreements, arguing it did not receive proper notice or hold a public hearing and were in violation of provisions of Ohio Revised Code.

The land in question involved about 800 acres set for a housing development by MLM Development LLC of hundreds of houses, and includes the former Emerald

Woods golf course from Sprague Road between East River and West River roads to Route 82.

According to the filing, Columbia Schools stood to lose “hundreds of thousands of dollars in property tax revenue if the defective resolutions are adopted.”

Columbia Local Schools Superintendent Graig Bansek declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.

However, Bansek noted an official statement will be released in the coming days.

The settlement also makes up to $1 million available to Columbia Township for a new fire station if the housing developments at Emerald Woods, Baker Creek and Creek Ridge perform as expected.