SYLVANIA TOWNSHIP, OH (Toledo News Now) - Lucas County commissioners met Tuesday to approve the annexation of land in Sylvania Township's Arbor Way neighborhood into the city of Sylvania.
More than 20 homeowners have signed a petition asking to be officially moved from the township, which is just outside city limits.
The main reason behind the annexation was to add property owners to Sylvania's sewer system. Currently, residents in Arbor Way have septic tanks. Homeowners also say they are unhappy with other services they receive, including leaf pick-up and street lighting.
Bill Dryer is a property owner and says Sylvania Township had more than a decade to fix the streets' sewer system.
"It's something that should have been done years ago. It was promised to us years ago. It never happened. Water was put in over 14 years ago and at that time, we asked for sewers, and they said within the next few years. And here it is 14 years later, and still nothing," said Dryer.
Dryer, along with almost all the residents of Arbor Way, wanted the annexation.
Sylvania Township Trustee Kevin Haddad is disappointed with the end result, but understands the residents' frustration.
"I just feel bad that we have to lose residents, you know, and I think that we need to do a better job as a township, you know, and make sure the residents are happy. And, at this time, we don't have a lot of township residents that are too happy, because we need to make sure they're getting the services for the money that they're paying for taxes," said Haddad.
Dryer feels the small increase in taxes will be worth the new sewer system. He also believes being a part of the city of Sylvania will help their property values, as well.
