Howland & Vienna Townships, City of Niles reach tentative agreement on annexation
NILES, Ohio - Howland and Vienna Townships and the City of Niles have reached a tentative agreement to resolve the annexation of 31 acres to the city.
A joint news release from township and city leaders announced that the townships will not object to the pending annexation and that existing customers of Niles utility services will not be required to annex into the City. Existing customers of Niles utilities will also not be required to enter into a development incentive agreement to continue utility services from the City.
A terms sheet regarding the proposed annexation says the townships will continue to receive the current tax revenue generated from the 31 acres being annexed to Niles for 99 years.
Property owners living in along Stillwagon Road adjacent to the annexed property will be treated as existing customers to any future sewer line installed there, but a "reasonable development incentive fee" on the owner who voluntarily requests the extension of the additional City utility.
"The position of the city since the inception of Ordinance 58-19 has been to allow for community growth and stabilization, while following state annexation laws. The ordinance allows my administration to determine what is in the best interest of the City of Niles and forced residential annexation is not that, hence the reason why not a single residential township utility customer has been forced to annex. Niles has always taken the high road as all sides worked through this complicated matter. This collaboration allows for individual communities and property owners to prosper. I will continue to work with our surrounding elected officials, leaders, and developers to benefit Niles and Trumbull County as a whole," said Mayor Mientkiewcz.
Residents from Howland and Vienna Township voiced their opinions against the annexation since 2019. About 20 acres included in the annex are part of Howland and 10 or so are in Vienna.
In November 2022, trustees in the townships passed a resolution formally opposing the annexation.
Just about a month ago, people living in the area surrounding the annexed property voiced their concerns to Trumbull County Commissioners. A continuance had been given at that meeting with Niles attorneys saying they were closer to an agreement than they had ever been.
Now that tentative agreement is in place and trustees believe they did the best they could.
"Vienna Township feels that we have obtained the best that we could in this matter, given the facts on the ground and the law that governs townships and cities. We look forward to moving forward," said Trustee Phil Pegg.
"I appreciate the time and consideration that Mayor Mientkiewcz and the City gave to the residents who have been concerned about their future in Howland Township since the City adopted Ordinance 58-19. This proposed agreement will give those residents peace of mind, knowing that they will not be forced to agree to annex into the City and pay a development fee to continue to receive the utilities that they have been receiving from the City for decades. I am looking forward to working with – and not against – the City on future projects that move us all forward," said Trustee Matthew Vansuch.
