7/9/14 - A controversial rezoning of 200 acres of land from agricultural to industrial was approved by the Handy Township Board last night. A residential developer walked away from the property when the housing market collapsed, leaving the township with millions in special assessments, taxes, and bond payments associated with the sewer connection installed for the site. Years of litigation followed, and during that time the land could not be sold at tax sale to recoup the townshipâs losses. Meanwhile, the county took on the townshipâs debt, which continued to accrue interest. The township was recently awarded the land by the courts and, to help recoup its losses, approved a motion to rezone it as industrial last night. Officials hope to sell the land to an industrial developer to help pay off the assessments and taxes, while the new usage for the sewer system would help cover the bond debt. However, some residents are unhappy with the decision. They argued during the entire rezoning process that it would reduce their property values, change the character of the community, ruin the view from their homes, create a noise nuisance, and increase traffic in the area. Vaupel says any development there would have to go through site plan review, during which time residents can voice their concerns and township officials will put requirements in place to help protect their interests. Only Trustee Gordon Munsell voted against the rezoning. (TD)
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