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Findlay council adopts services resolution for Shady Grove annexation amid resident opposition
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Summary
Findlay City Council adopted a third‑reading resolution describing services the city would provide if 45.937 acres known as Shady Grove are annexed, despite residents’ flood, traffic and water‑pressure concerns. Council approved the resolution after debate about tax abatements and infrastructure responsibility.
Findlay City Council on April 21 adopted a resolution setting out what city services it would provide if the 45.937‑acre Shady Grove property in Marion Township is annexed into the city, after multiple residents urged the council to delay action and seek more studies on traffic, drainage and water service.
The resolution (Res. 20‑20‑26) passed on its third reading after a motion to adopt by Councilmember DeArmond and a second by Councilmember Preston. The roll call recorded two nays and the motion carried.
Residents who spoke during the public comment period said existing flooding and narrow roads make high‑density development inappropriate. "I almost get killed every time I go to get my mail," said Patrick Hunt, who gave his address as 7864 Township Road 237 and described repeated basement flooding near his home. Miss Hutton told council, "Table tonight's vote, if there is, for further discussions," and asked members to consider a lower‑density R‑1 zoning option.
Council members pressed staff on fiscal and process details. Councilmember Phillips asked whether the developer had requested a post‑94 CRA 75% abatement for 15 years; Mayor Muren said developers had discussed a 75%/15‑year abatement but that revenue‑sharing arrangements mean the township would continue to receive a portion of property tax revenue and that the city’s net immediate tax would be limited by the abatement structure. Finance staff noted the larger fiscal consideration for the city is income tax revenue, not real‑estate tax.
Mayor Muren and staff emphasized the annexation and the services resolution do not authorize specific site plans or zoning changes. "Everything is hypothetical until someone actually begins the process," the mayor said, noting that traffic, stormwater and utility requirements would be evaluated later as part of site‑plan and zoning reviews. Staff told council the developer had indicated it would construct the necessary infrastructure if the project proceeded as proposed and that, under that plan, internal roads could remain private.
The item moves next through the planning and zoning process for any required zoning decisions and detailed engineering review. Council members and residents said they expect additional public notices and opportunity for comment before final zoning or building approvals.
The council concurrently took first reading of a separate services resolution for KGD Properties (about 80.937 acres on County Road 99/Township Road 142). That matter will return for later consideration.
