Local News
New rule may kill park land sale
02/06/07 —
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP — The future of Conneaut Lake Park appears to lie in the hands of the Summit Township Board of Supervisors.
A rule the supervisors recently established may scuttle the proposed sale of 3.3 acres of park land. The sale is considered key for the park’s future — it’s expected to raise the money the park needs to open this year and erase much, if not all, of the park’s debt.
Supervisors last summer adopted an ordinance prohibiting more than six condominiums on one acre with a three-acre minimum area in business and residential zoning districts.
However, Conneaut Lake resident Greg Sutterlin had submitted a bid to buy 3.3 acres of land at Conneaut Lake Park and construct 30 condominiums on the site, which is 10 per acre. He plans to erect units with 30 condominiums on the site which once was the Flynn House and adjacent parking lot.
However, under the ordinance, he would need at least five acres of land.
He’s 1.7 acres short.
“I need to get a variance” from the Summitt supervisors, Sutterlin said, noting “20 condos for the amount of money I’m investing is not economically feasible.” He said it’s not just the cost of the land, but the additional expenses of engineering studies and surveys and construction that have to be added.
Without the variance to allow him to build 30 condos, Sutterlin said he’s not certain he can move forward with his plan to purchase the land.
Plans were to sell the property to help pay off the park’s $2.1 million debt and have sufficient revenues to open the park this summer.
“We are trying to make it happen. We definitely want to get the park open,” said Sutterlin.
Supervisors meet today at 7 p.m. at the township building, but there is no formal vote advertised on a variance request.
The 115-year-old amusement park came under court jurisdiction after it was declared a charitable trust following a lawsuit by a former member of the Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park. The park was deeded to the trustees by former park owner/operator Gary Harris to be held in trust for the residents of northwestern Pennsylvania.
Jane Smith can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at jsmith@meadvilletribune.com.
- Local News
-
-
Teens get glimpse into future with Robotics Summer Camp
Five teenagers huddle in front of a big, bright-yellow robotic arm clutching a basketball.
-
Info sought to nab golf course vandals
VERNON TOWNSHIP — A $1,000 reward is being offered for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for destroying the second green at Whispering Pines Golf Course.
-
Gas spill could lead to charges
Investigation continues into gas spill in Mill Run.
-
Saegertown-Brazil connection strengthens with second generation
Dr. Anna Pinto and her kids, Erico and Luanne, said connecting with the world through travel is part of the Brazilian way of life.
-
Woman hurt in crash amid temporary traffic light fix
A Youngstown, Ohio, resident was hospitalized in serious condition in the intensive care unit at Hamot Medical Center in Erie following a Monday-morning Meadville crash.
-
Pardee hopes to achieve 'dream' of national pageant title
For Sue Pardee, pageantry has held a lifelong allure.
-
Pymatuning Pioneer & Art Festival concludes today
JAMESTOWN — Two young men outfitted as soldiers of the 13th Virginia Cavalry played a friendly game of tug-o’-war with Ghost in the Head of the Huron tribe.
-
SUNDAY ISSUE: City hopes enough funds flow to fix historic fountain
Around 1840, almost a quarter-century before he made a gift of an ornate iron fountain to Meadville’s public square, Evans W. Shippen said he saw what is now Diamond Park overrun by 2,000 mules resting on their way from Kentucky to New York.
-
Edinboro Highland Games in full swing
EDINBORO — As promised, the 18th annual Edinboro Highland Games & Scottish Festival began with a song Thursday night and will end with an orchestra Sunday after four days of fun.
-
Meadville native cycling cross-country to aid children in India
Lauren Brown first became interested in bicycling a few years ago while living in Madison, Wis., thanks to what he described as “a wonderful network of bike trails.”
- More Local News Headlines
-
