The Portage County Land Bank, also called the Portage County Land Reutilization Corporation, recently received nearly $2 million in funds to aid in its mission of rehabilitating homes and buildings and returning them to viability.
Local government
Streetsboro The City of Streetsboro is upgrading its camera system on its traffic lights. When the original cameras were installed...
Kent City Council on March 19 approved an ordinance prohibiting more than three vehicles registered to a given address being parked in the right of way at any given time.
The trustees updated zoning regulation to require non-residential projects to have plans for emergency response and clean-up incidents. They are also required to provide the fire department a copy of the plans every year.
Zoning official Tori Walker presented sample resolutions that could allow the township to have an actionable solution for properties with junk vehicles, tall grass and trash and debris issues. Upon recommendation from zoning, a resolution for each property would be required with a deadline for compliance. A lien could be placed on the property if non-compliant. Hardship cases would be handled on a case by case basis.
County roundup: Mantua roads are getting a facelift, plus news from Charlestown, Paris and Rootstown
Mantua Township road crews are out patching potholes and replacing and repairing street signs. This winter has been brutal for infrastructure, but the service is determined to get the roads back to satisfactory condition very soon. Preparations are also being made to get the cemeteries and ballfields spruced up for spring visitors and youth baseball, respectively.
Treasurer Brian Haines explained that the district is expecting an $85,412 reduction in funding for the 2026 fiscal year and a reduction of $103,911 in 2027 if the state budget passes as in its current form. Other pending state government decisions could take away $1 million annually from the district.
New Business review began with Council President Tom Hardesty explaining that the planning/zoning commission had been approached by an aspiring business owner to open a new tattoo shop in Garrettsville.
Welcome to The Portager’s legislative round-up, which will regularly track what Portage County lawmakers are doing in Washington and in Columbus.
It’s an open question whether the federal government will cut or freeze Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, but Kent city leaders are proceeding as if the funds will keep flowing.
Mass layoffs and funding freezes spurred by the Trump administration have caused confusion and concern for federal agencies and organizations that depend on them. But so far, Portage County leaders say local programs and grants are still on track.
First, Brian Miller reported that the roads are in good condition. Winter weather has been harsh this year, and winter storms have been handled well by the storm team. Salt supply is adequate for the end of the season. A contract to chip and seal roads is prepared for spring or summer.