CONCERNED CITIZENS OF BOSTON HEIGHTS, OHIO
CHAIRMAN: MARC MILLER 330 656-2021
Dear Neighbor and Village Resident:
A representative of the US Army Reserves told the mayor of Boston Heights that it would "take an act of Congress" to alter plans for a proposed armory on Olde Route Eight, south of Hines Hill Rd., the Village of Boston Hts.
The Concerned Citizens are communicating with its federal representatives in requesting the US Army Reserves to locate elsewhere.
We are not against the US military. But the Village, that has lost land to both the Ohio Turnpike and the parkland, respectfully ask it to find a more suitable location for its military units.
You and your neighbors are key to this civic undertaking.
As Village residents, we believe there are compelling reasons why our Village is not a suitable environment for the proposed facility that would house 10 military units, composed of 1,079 military personnel.
First, we are a Village of 1,200 persons, including children. We have approximately 400 voters. The Village is rural, residential and recreational.
The Village site, 22 acres of virgin forest, for anyone traveling the Ohio Turnpike and for its citizens, is one of the most picturesque in the State of Ohio. It is directly adjacent to the only National Park, an emerald of green, in beautiful Ohio. It contains tree 50-100 years old.
The Village area supports deer, wild turkey, small game, hawks etc.. It is a buffer to the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, created with forethought by our leading legislators including Congressman Ralph Regula of Canton, Ohio.
The Village's small country road that this military site would be placed upon is the community's main road and serves as the Gateway to the National Park, for all the residents of Summit County and visitors from nearby counties
The Village is host daily, most heavily on weekends, to bicyclists and hikers. The introduction of 1,097 army reservists over a months' time would created safety issues beyond comprehension.
The Village site was picked by the Army Reserves because it was cheaper than other existing (mostly industrial) sites and because there would be no objections from the Ohio EPA, since it is uncontaminated soil. The Village was informed by the army that it rejected sites in Bedford Heights, Middleburg Heights, Strongsville and Macedonia for a variety of reasons, including access, price, wetland issue ,remoteness, and cost of installation of utilities.
The Village officials were told by the army representatives that they do not have to respect or comply with our current zoning and building ordinances.
The Village is further aware that a federal property will pay NO TAXES to the Village for its occupancy. We will also lose potential income tax as well. The devaluation of personal property is also envisioned in an area that has enhanced its values.
The Village is painfully and shockingly aware that the use of virgin land for a military complex is an assault on the esthetic value of the land. Villagers view this encroachment as a loss of entry into one of Ohio's jewels of recreation that affects not just Boston Heights but Northern Ohio.
Village officials are keenly aware that an installation of this magnitude would damage roads caused by increased traffic that exceed the weight limits for adjoining roads.
Villagers are also aware of the increased burden on the safety services of the police, fire and emergency services.
Villagers recall that at one time developers planned to place a racetrack here. Another time it was a shopping mall. Now the military complex. The Village has sustained the loss of one-third of Village property to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
The Village was given the "Act of Congress" ultimatum although its study states that the process for the military is "designed to involve the public in federal decision making". Villagers have held a Rally, had 150 in attendance for public meeting, signed petitions and plan future endeavors.
The Akron Beacon Journal on Sept. 4, 2002, in an editorial wrote: "That's not to say an Army Reserve Center is the best use of that land. Its nearness to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park should make anyone pause before creating a military installation. Indeed, it would have been nice had Army staff at least given their federal colleagues in the Cuyahoga Valley Park a heads up. State officials might have wanted to tout a long abandoned Ohio National Guard site nearby that is nearer to the Turnpike. If this latest incursion offers any lessons, it is for Boston Heights officials to begin to plan for the inevitable so that when development does come - and it will - it will be the kind that the community welcomes instead of gearing up for another fight." (The present site is zoned for commercial buildings)
We, the concerned Citizens, with your support, are delivering a strong message of opposition to the construction of the Center in the Village of Boston Heights!
You can help. Write - in your own words, your thoughts and opinions, to our lawmakers.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
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Honorable Steven C. LaTourette |
Senator George Voinovich |
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Senator Mike DeWine |
Thank You. Time is of the Essence. Write Immediately!