11/19/2009 - South Side Leader
     

During the Nov. 12 Coventry Township Board of Trustees meeting, a zoning public hearing took place to discuss and make changes to the zoning text, with one revision restricting skilled game establishments.

Coventry Zoning Inspector George Beckham said the zoning changes were made to “fine tune” the zoning code and fix what needed to be without completely rewriting the chapter. He said the Coventry Zoning Commission worked with the Summit County Planning Commission on the revisions before they were presented to the trustees Nov. 12.

Among several small wording changes, the trustees approved changing the district in which an amusement arcade can operate. Beckham explained a skilled game facility previously could locate in a business district with a permitted-use permit, but the change allows the establishments in an industrial district only and only permitted under a conditional-use permit.

“Our established businesses do not like to be next to these establishments,” he explained. “They see it as gambling.”

According to Beckham, the township can’t outlaw amusement arcades, but township officials can tell them where to locate. He said the industrial districts are more appropriate for the arcades because the areas are more spread out.

Beckham told the trustees the Zoning Commission additionally would like to make anyone wishing to solicit door-to-door to obtain a permit with the township first.

“We were told this should not be put in the zoning code, so the trustees need to approve a resolution soon for this,” he explained.

According to Beckham, the permit process would allow the Summit County Sheriff’s Office to check each person out before he or she is permitted to go door-to-door.

In other business, the trustees approved a $4,899 purchase for new traffic signs for the township. Road Superintendent Lael Stouffer said the bulk of the purchase is for 100 stop signs. He explained the township must install better reflective signs, a new federal requirement.

“We have a few years to get it done,” he said.

Additionally, the trustees approved having the Coventry Fire Department apply for a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant in the amount of $6,250, with the township having to contribute $312, to obtain smoke detectors and batteries for low-income families in the township.

In other township news, the last leaf drop-off day will be Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cottage Grove Park on Daisy Avenue. Stouffer said residents may drop off their bagged leaves during the designated hours, and anyone caught dumping leaves either before or after the drop-off will be fined.

The Coventry trustees next plan to meet Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Coventry Senior Center, 335 E. Willowview Drive.

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