SALEM, Ohio - An annexation agreement made in the 1990s is catching up to properties along one Perry Township street that borders the City of Salem. 

This agreement could force property owners to annex their land into Salem.

It's a rising issue that's leaving many homeowners living along Beechwood Road, confused and frustrated as they're not interested in becoming Salem residents. Now, city and township officials working to solve the problem. 

"Are there any other developments that have deed restrictions?" asked Barb Fink of Beechwood Road at a city council meeting Wednesday.  

This issue stems from a previously approved annexation of a 30-acre industrial property along Beechwood Road. A deed restriction created in the 90s mandates one home across the street to also annex within 90 days or the homeowners could have their water and sewer service cut off.

"In an attempt to get our population up, the council at that time passed an ordinance that said, 'Hey the city's growing into the township. If this land ever becomes continuous with the city in an attempt to grow the population, we'll supply water, sewer, but they need to annex in," explained Jake Gano, Councilman At-Large and Chair of Economic Development with the City of Salem. Gano is concerned the annexation mandate could spur lawsuits from residents. 

From higher taxes to paying for city water, the homeowner, who did not wish to be interviewed is hoping to find a way to keep her property in the township.

"They don't want to pay the income tax, they like the township because of different zoning laws and they like more of a small town feel," Gano explained. "I think there are 32 other houses that could be affected."

The concern is also growing for other people living along Beechwood because they're concerned their properties could almost be like a ripple effect and also annex into Salem.

Neighbors told 21 News Wednesday if their homes were annexed into Salem as well, they would pick up and move.

Ian Robinson spoke in the meeting and explained he supports the annexation because it brings financial assistance to businesses in town. He believes homeowners should be able to choose if they want to move forward with annexing their own homes.  

Salem officials sympathized with the homeowner affected but their hands are tied. They agreed to pass a 6-month annexation hold based on concerns Wednesday evening.

Perry Township trustees are thankful both towns are working together to find a possible solution.

"You're dealing with people's homes," Gano added. "The last thing you want is to feel like someone's taking it from you."

Salem officials mentioned in the meeting they could even extend that hold based on the public's concerns. Mayor Dickey assured residents annexing of neighboring properties would not likely not happen.