Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan

Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan 2003

“Ashtabula County is currently a beautiful and unique area in this country. In order to maintain and improve upon that beauty and uniqueness, there is a

need for vision and long-term planning….

Land and Living Bold Statement

Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan Table of Contents

Citizen Advisory Council Members...... iv History/Heritage Committee ...... iv Economic Development/Transportation Committee...... iv Recreation Committee...... v Greenspace Committee...... v Farmland Preservation Committee...... v Chapter 1 The Planning Process ...... 1 What is a county comprehensive plan?...... 1 What is the need for a county comprehensive plan? ...... 1 Past Public Involvement ...... 2 1993-1994: ACT 2000 (Ashtabula County Tomorrow)...... 2 1997 Ashtabula County Telephone Survey...... 2 1999 Land and Living in Ashtabula County...... 3 Developing This Comprehensive Plan ...... 3 Appreciative Interviews...... 3 Future Search...... 4 The Citizen Advisory Council - CAC...... 5 Visions ...... 6 Greenspace...... 6 Farmland Preservation ...... 6 Transportation ...... 6 Economic Development ...... 6 History and Heritage...... 6 Recreation ...... 7 General Recommendations...... 7 Township Level ...... 7 Public Hearings and Official Filing ...... 7 Amendment Process ...... 7 General Land Use and Demographic Information...... 8 Chapter 2 Greenspace Preservation ...... 14 Vision ...... 14 Introduction ...... 14 Why is Comprehensive Planning Important to Greenspace Preservation? ...... 14 Greenspace Priorities: Areas of Concern and Focus...... 15 Threats to the Watershed ...... 16 Greenspace Preservation Tools and Programs ...... 21 Priority Areas ...... 23 Primary Importance ...... 24 Secondary Importance ...... 25 Evaluating Ecologically Sensitive Areas...... 28 Land Holders and Their Importance in Greenspace Preservation ...... 29 Recommendations...... 32 Water Resources...... 32 Woodlands...... 32 Development ...... 32 i Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan Zoning...... 33 Significant Lands ...... 33 Chapter 3 Farmland Preservation...... 34 Vision...... 34 Introduction...... 34 Why a Land Use Plan is Important to Farmland Preservation in Ashtabula County...... 35 Areas of Concern & Focus ...... 36 Issues & Challenges to Farmland Preservation ...... 37 Farmland Preservation Tools ...... 39 Chapter 4 Transportation...... 44 Vision...... 44 Introduction...... 44 Transportation Goals and Priorities...... 44 Intergovernmental Coordination...... 44 Consistency and Concurrency ...... 45 Alternative Modes of Travel...... 45 Public Transportation ...... 46 Non-motorized Travel - Bicycle and Pedestrian ...... 47 Rail Transportation...... 47 Air Transportation ...... 48 Ports...... 50 Transportation System Design ...... 52 Urban/Suburban Road Functional Classifications...... 52 Design of Urban/Suburban Roads ...... 53 Rural Road Functional Classifications ...... 54 Design of Rural Roads ...... 55 Safety ...... 55 Level of Service...... 56 Public Participation...... 56 Environment...... 57 CHAPTER 5 Economic & Community Development...... 59 Vision...... 59 Introduction...... 59 Why a Plan is Important for Development?...... 59 Areas of Concern...... 60 Appropriate Areas ...... 60 Sewer & Water Infrastructure Capacity...... 60 Telecommunication Services ...... 60 Urban Sprawl...... 60 Issues and Challenges ...... 60 Residential Development ...... 60 Commercial Development ...... 61 Industrial Development...... 61 Infrastructure ...... 61 Development Goals ...... 61 Action/Priority Items...... 62 Guiding Principals...... 62 Industrial Property Assets...... 63 Chapter 6 Heritage: The Future of Our History ...... 66 Vision...... 66 Why is Planning Important to Historic Preservation?...... 66

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Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan Areas of Concern and Focus...... 67 Heritage Priorities ...... 68 Historic Preservation Tools...... 70 Owner Participation ...... 70 Subdivision Regulation...... 71 Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit...... 71 Zoning...... 71 CDBG Review and Funding ...... 72 Adoption of Limited Home Rule Government by Townships...... 72 Implementation Strategies/Recommendations...... 72 Criteria for Evaluating Historic Sites...... 73 Final Commentary ...... 76 Chapter 7 Recreation ...... 73 Vision...... 73 Introduction...... 73 Why a Comprehensive Plan is important to Recreation ...... 75 Areas of Concern & Focus ...... 75 Listing of Parks and Recreation...... 77 Top Recreational Areas within Ashtabula County...... 77 State Parks...... 77 State Wildlife Areas and Designated Hunting Lands ...... 78 County Lands ...... 79 Identifying Issues & Challenges to the Topic ...... 81 Recreation Priorities ...... 81 Tools/Funding Sources to Sustain and Develop Recreational Opportunities ...... 85 Implementation Strategies/Recommendations...... 88

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Citizen Advisory Council Members

Ester Belvins Martin Kuula Robert Boggs Marilyn Leehan Konrad Crockford Leroy McNeilly Albert Dispenza Betty Morrison William Douglass Deborah Newcomb Bert Drennen Ted Ocepek Duane Feher Jim Pabody Linda Fowlie Ann Rapose Kevin Grippi Evelyn Schaeffer Raymond F. Gruber, Jr. Pat Simpson Todd Humphrey Gary Timonere Sandra Kanicki

History/Heritage Committee

Bert Drennen Ted Ocepek Raymond F. Gruber, Jr. Evelyn Schaeffer Marilyn Leehan Betty Morrison

Economic Development/Transportation Committee

Esther Blevins Joe Mayernick Robert Boggs Leroy McNeilly William Dingledine Deborah Newcomb Albert Dispenza Nathan Paskey William Douglass Evelyn Schaeffer Duane Feher Gary Timonere Martin Kuula Todd Humphrey

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Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan

Recreation Committee

Konrad Crockford Betty Morrison Kevin Grippi Deborah Newcomb Sandra Kanicki Pat Simpson

Greenspace Committee

Chuck Ashcroft Charlie Kohli Jim Bissell Elizabeth Lehtola Kay Carlson Jo Misener Marty Clark-Kampf Betty Morrison Richard Coski Karen Rang Albert Dispenza Ann Rapose Al Fazenbaker Steve Searl Kevin Grippi Pat Simpson Mark Hanneman Bob Smeby Mary Howe Zavier Turchetta

Farmland Preservation Committee

Harlan Baldwin Charlie Krzic Robert Boggs Laddie Kubichek Dick Brail John Kusar Tom Coltman Charles Lewis Jim Comp Ruth Ann Manners Albert Dispenza Laddie Marous, Jr. Bob Gale David Marrison Ray Gruber, Jr. Nathan Paskey Glen Haines Erick Smith Harold Haines Kathy Smolinski Mike Heiner Jim Smolinski George Hogle Jim Welker Greg Johns Robert Wilson Lee Kellogg

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Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan Chapter 1 The Planning Process

What is a county comprehensive plan?

A county comprehensive plan is a formally adopted guide for the development of the unincorporated parts of a county. It is an expression of how a community sees itself in the future and a blueprint of how the community will achieve that future.

Section 713 of the Ohio Revised Code invests counties with the legal authority to adopt county comprehensive plans.

What is the need for a county comprehensive plan?

Plans are an important foundation for modern decision-making. No one thinks of taking a trip, buying a home or choosing to retire without having some type of plan in place. Counties also need to plan in order to protect residents from haphazard development that increases costs to taxpayers and makes the provision of essential county services more difficult.

In addition, federal and state agencies are increasingly requiring that counties have up to date comprehensive plans before a county can receive grants and loans for county projects, such as farmland preservation and recreation.

Ashtabula County has some very unique areas that distinguish it from other counties in the state. The wide-open spaces of Ashtabula County are a valued treasure. People are attracted to the county because it still retains a sense of place, a feel for its history and uncluttered vistas of natural beauty. This is illustrated in a survey by Ohio Magazine that voted the covered bridges of Ashtabula County as Best Scenic Drive 2001. The magazine described the covered bridge tour, which transverses 130 miles of the county, as the perfect blend of scenery, water, and architecture available year-round.

The County is also blessed with natural and built resources. Natural resources include Lake Erie, the Grand River, which has both scenic and wild river designations, the Ashtabula River Gulf and the Conneaut Creek. Built resources include but are not limited to two seaports, two state parks, a major interstate, a state route thoroughfare system, a railroad system, and a county airport.

Without adequate planning these resources could be threatened by haphazard development. Ashtabula County is in a position today that many communities would envy. Ashtabula County has an opportunity to shape the future of the County with the implementation of this comprehensive plan to assure best uses of its most valuable resource, its land, while encouraging growth.

Planning is an ongoing activity in a community, a conversation that never ends. While this document is the culmination of three years’ work, it is a mere stop on the road to the future. Planning is a process and the Plan shall be revisited and updated, as necessary, but no later than five years from the date of its adoption.

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Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan

A good plan ought to delineate mechanisms required to make the plan a reality. Individuals in county decision making positions come and go. There must be a compass so that decisions made over time will move us in the direction the citizens desire to go. A county comprehensive plan is not a regulatory instrument. It does not control the use of land throughout the unincorporated parts of the county, nor does it reduce or supplant the authority of townships to adopt their own plans and zoning regulations. However, the plan does define direction within the county regarding development and provides a coordinated, balanced effort to influence future growth. In this way, the county can protect and enhance the natural, historical and cultural treasures even as it develops county policies that promote development.

“All of the planning has to be, “Not your way, not my way, but the best way!" Land and Living Participant

Past Public Involvement “I value being involved and part of the process, to have a hand in the progress of Ashtabula County.” Land and Living Participant

Ashtabula County residents have been vocal about their communities and are willing to come forward to participate in creating a future for their county. Knowing that public involvement is a critical component to the creation of a useful comprehensive plan for communities, the Ashtabula County Commissioners invited citizen input in all phases of the planning process. They also encouraged the utilization of community projects and initiatives previously done that involved citizens in establishing community visions and goals. Groups that have led important land use issues include:

1. 1993-1994: ACT 2000 (Ashtabula County Tomorrow) This public county-wide visioning process set goals for improving the quality of life in Ashtabula County with over 2500 citizens participating. The process, called ACT 2000, was sponsored by The Civic Development Corporation of Ashtabula County, The Ashtabula Foundation, LEADERship Ashtabula County, and the Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County. The majority of political subdivisions passed resolutions and/or statements of support for the process.

2. 1997 Ashtabula County Telephone Survey Ashtabula County Department of Planning initiated the Telephone Survey with technical statistical assistance from Youngstown State University. Volunteers made hundreds of phone calls to residents of Ashtabula County regarding these topics:

 Land Use: Forty-seven (47) questions on attitudes towards housing, recreational uses, commercial uses, architectural design, state parks, the Ashtabula Gulf

 Services: Fifty-three (53) questions on attitudes of utility providers, recycling, medical services, cellular phones, and other general technology.

 Transportation: Forty-two (42) questions on attitudes towards public transportation, regional transit authorities, air travel, traffic management and congestion. Chapter 1, The Planning Process Page 2

Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan

3. 1999 Land and Living in Ashtabula County; A Community in Conversation About Its Future. In 1999 the County Commissioners initiated a process that invited citizens into a conversation about land and living in Ashtabula County. The process became known as Land and Living in Ashtabula County; A Community in Conversation About Its Future (Land and Living). The intent was to involve citizens and tap individuals and stakeholder groups concerning their perspectives of the past, present and future use of land in Ashtabula County.

The process was facilitated by OSU Extension and LEADERship Ashtabula County. The local media has been active in relaying the story of each component, as well as inviting participation through regular articles, written by the OSU Extension staff.

Land and Living involved over 400 citizens in its three components: Appreciative Interviews, Future Search, and the appointment of the Citizen Advisory Council (CAC) to oversee the development of this comprehensive plan.

Developing This Comprehensive Plan

The Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan is the culmination of three years of discussion and planning by County residents, elected officials and county planners. It represents a vision for the overall development of the county for the next fifteen years and is the most significant effort in countywide comprehensive planning since 1974. The Plan will be monitored regularly, revisited every five years, and redone fifteen years from the date of its adoption with full citizen engagement.

This Plan, as it will be referred to throughout this document, pertains to the unincorporated areas found in the twenty-seven (27) townships of Ashtabula County. This is the area that falls under the jurisdiction of the Ashtabula County Department of Planning and the Ashtabula County Commissioners. The 27 townships have zoning authority, as do the incorporated municipalities of the County.

This plan is not intended to supplant in any way the independent autonomy of township or other local governments. Instead, it is hoped that this Plan will be the framework incorporated by those county townships, villages, and cities that desire to use it.

Appreciative Interviews

“Ashtabula County is a community where newcomers are welcome and an individual can make a difference. People are ready and willing to help one another and come out for new initiatives and partnerships that work to move the community forward. They care about what is happening in their backyards.” Land and Living Bold Statement

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Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan The Appreciative Interviews (AI) of citizens accelerated and enhanced the community wide conversation. Interested citizens were trained to use the AI process and were matched with three individuals in the county to interview. In this project, land use and the related living conditions and quality of life were the focus. The questions were designed to draw out citizens’ best experiences of appropriate land use and quality living conditions in Ashtabula County. People were invited to share stories and dreams about the county where they live and raise their families. The interviews also framed and provided meaningful content for the Future Search Conference, which was held at Kent State University - Ashtabula in February 2000.

Future Search

Future Search is a planning process involving 70 or more people. It is used by communities to help discover values, purposes, and projects they hold in common as a foundation for creating immediate action toward a desired future. It is especially helpful in uncertain, fast-changing communities. Citizens need no prior training or expertise because they build on what they already know.

The optimal length is 16 hours over three days. Being engaged in a task for that long helps community members build the relationships necessary for action. They are sometimes surprised by how much they agree and how many values they hold in common. Many communities discover capabilities they did not know they had and take actions they did not believe were possible.

Rather than speeches by experts, Future Search uses working sessions by citizens to do complex planning. These citizens have the information, the authority to act, and a stake in the outcome. Future Search works on the premise that planning issues require value choices more than expertise or data, and that people make better choices when they are in dialogue. The assumption is that people already have the skills and motivation to do more than they are doing now; what they need is opportunity. Each person has a piece of reality, and each needs access to others' reality in order to get a more complete picture. Reducing or simplifying the picture will not help communities do things.

On October 11, 1999, a Future Search Host Committee was formed. Over the next five months the Host Committee spent over 20 hours selecting a date, location, and identifying the stakeholder groups for the Future Search. Stakeholders included individuals, organizations and groups that would be most instrumental in shaping the future for the county. Host Committee Members wrote and sent letters of invitations and followed up with personal contact to assure that a cross section of the community would be present at the Future Search.

On February 25-27, 2000, the Future Search was held in the Blue and Gold room on the Ashtabula Campus of Kent State University. There were sixty-seven (67) people from all across Ashtabula County in attendance. A list of those attending can be found in the Project Report dated September 2000. They included representatives from government, economic development, agriculture, heritage, youth, social services, business, parks and recreation, conservation and naturalists.

Participants grappled with many complex issues and multiple opportunities. The Future Search process encouraged participants to think both as big as possible and as small as necessary; to Chapter 1, The Planning Process Page 4

Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan brainstorm without boundaries; to think “outside the box;” to work toward common ground and desired futures; and, finally to imagine the necessary steps that might lead to the exacting possibilities that would emerge during the conference. Participants engaged in discussion and realized that despite various unresolved differences, there were many common themes for the County’s future desired by all participants.

The Future Search started with a look by the group at the most significant events in the world, the county and their own lives over the past fifty years. Then the group identified the most significant trends of the present. Future scenarios created by the groups were a high point of the Search. Numerous common themes and community development projects were described during the presentations.

Following the presentations, the participants compiled a list of all the themes and projects which included:

Development Regionalism Infrastructure Government Agriculture Improvement Vision & Leadership Education Cooperation & Youth Activities Citizen Involvement Partnerships Employment Recreation Tourism Housing Land Use Protection Senior Services Heritage and Culture Consolidation of Resources Transportation Enhancement of Media Diversity Natural Resources

Numerous goals in the areas of agriculture, development, land use, government, housing, senior housing, transportation, regionalism, diversity, tourism and citizen involvement were drafted. During the conference, each participant voluntarily invested more than sixteen hours in intense, thoughtful discussions, synthesizing an abundance of information and ultimately finding common ground. Together they envisioned a future for the County and committed themselves to crafting a comprehensive plan that would guide the community into the future.

Through all phases of the planning process, there has been recognition about the need to plan for the future growth and development of the County. Action Planning Teams emerged from the Future Search. Those teams that moved forward included Greenspace, Farmland Preservation, Comprehensive Plan, Historic Preservation, and Recreation. Farmland Preservation organized quickly and drafted the Farmland Preservation Plan in the Fall of 2000.

The Citizen Advisory Council - CAC

The Ashtabula County Commissioners created the Citizen Advisory Council (CAC) for the purpose of continuing the land use conservation and drafting a Comprehensive Plan.

In the Fall of 2000, the County Commissioners and Planning Commission submitted names of people to be members to CAC. These people represent all aspects of developmental needs and concerns of the community, not just conservation of natural resources.

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Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan The Commissioners ultimately decided upon 26 people who were officially appointed to the CAC, which are listed at the beginning of this Comprehensive Plan. Many of these 26 people, from varying walks of life ranging from government employees, developers, land conservationists, community volunteers to teachers, had participated in the Appreciative Interviews and Future Search. The membership expanded as the subcommittees were formed. Most, but not all, members saw the 18-month long process all the way through.

From the outset, the CAC recognized the need for shared visions and collaboration of all governments so that all of our planning efforts integrate and make the best use of our resources.

Areas discussed in this Plan include Economic Development, Farmland Preservation, Greenspace, History and Heritage, Recreation and Transportation.

Members of the CAC and the Ashtabula County Township Association met and reviewed areas of concern, developed and submitted language acceptable to both bodies to the Ashtabula County Commissioners for their review.

Visions

Throughout the planning process, citizen input has shaped the overall direction that guided the development of this Plan. Subcommittees of the CAC met for over a year to study, discuss and make recommendations on particular priorities related to the Plan. The subcommittees focused on the following visions:

Greenspace To treasure the County’s openness, waterways, woodlands, and wildlife as important parts of our lives. County residents desire to preserve and sustain these natural resources for the health and enjoyment of present and future generations by planning for the protection and prudent use of its land and water.

Farmland Preservation To maintain and enhance the rural character of prime and unique farmland, balanced with commercial and residential development and the important areas of natural resources.

Transportation To promote a safe, convenient, efficient, and economical transportation system to move people and goods, that will provide improved conditions make better use of inter-modal resources, and create a greater array of transportation choices for the residents of Ashtabula County.

Economic Development To promote areas within Ashtabula County, which are suited for infrastructure improvements, benefiting and stimulating residential, recreational, commercial, and industrial economic prosperity through expanded employment opportunities, while enhancing and protecting community assets and quality of life.

History and Heritage Chapter 1, The Planning Process Page 6

Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan To value the county’s history and heritage of the past, present and future. The physical reminders of historical, architectural and archeological sites help form our sense of community. In order to preserve the uniqueness of history and heritage, Ashtabula County will include the preservation and protection of our significant historical resources with other county policies in order to guide development of any type and size.

Recreation To enjoy access to many unique and diverse places and spaces that provides opportunities for active and passive recreation. These recreational opportunities make the best use of our land, water and natural resources throughout the four seasons.

General Recommendations

Township Level

1. If the township wishes to use the Plan as its Land Use Plan, it should consult it for individual planning and zoning activities. 2. Encourage all townships to review their zoning resolutions and zoning maps and make updates as needed.

Public Hearings and Official Filing The CAC voted on June 10, 2002, to approve the final version of the Plan. The Plan was submitted to the Department of Planning for final processing and compiling. The CAC held a public work session with the Planning Commission on June 24, 2002, to familiarize the Planning Commission members with the Plan.

The CAC also held one public meeting with members of the OSU Agricultural Extension Office and Land and Living Participants to hear comments on June 25, 2002.

The Planning Commission held a special meeting and public hearing on July 22, 2002 for public input. The Planning Commission subsequently approved a Resolution endorsing and recommending adoption of the Plan by the County Commissioners on September 16, 2002. The County Commissioners held a public hearing on November 26, 2002. A series of Public Meetings for open discussion of the Plan were held in the City of Geneva and Rome Township on May 28, 2003 and in Pierpont and Cherry Valley Townships on June 3, 2003. The Plan was adopted by the Board of Commissioners on December 9, 2003.

Amendment Process Five years from the date of the adoption of this Land Use Plan, the County Planning Commission will assess the progress of the Comprehensive Plan and notify the Board of Commissioners of its findings.

If the Board of Commissioners believes that there has been inadequate progress in achieving the goals of the Plan, it shall instruct the Planning Commission to determine the reasons for the lack of progress. The Planning Commission shall also assess the impact that new state and federal laws and regulations or any other factor might have on the Plan. The Planning Commission shall Chapter 1, The Planning Process Page 7

Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan hold a public meeting for public comment concerning the progress of the implementation of the Plan.

General Land Use and Demographic Information Table No. 1 and Chart No. 1 show the percentage and acreage breakdown of the land in Ashtabula County (including the municipalities) and how it was used in 1997: residential, commercial, industrial, farmland, forest, wetland, and many others. This valuable information source was compiled by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources during the Ohio Land Use/Land Cover project. During this project, 1"=2000' aerial photos were interpreted, and the land use of the County was determined by using the Ohio Land Use/Land Cover Classification System.

Table No. 2 displays the population in Ashtabula County has remained relatively constant except for a lull in the early 1990's. Chart No. 2 depicts five regional county population comparisons for 1970-1990. Although Ashtabula County is the second smallest county in population within a five county area in Northeast Ohio (see Table No. 3), new housing starts have doubled since the early 1990's. The county shows signs of continued growth with consistently busy building seasons. (see Chart No. 3).

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Table No. 1 Land Use/Land Cover

Land Use Category Acreage Percentage of total acreage of Ashtabula County

Residential 34,702.60 7.64 %

Commercial 3,371.31 0.74 %

Industrial 1,734.54 0.38 %

Recreational 3,030.63 0.67 %

Agricultural 141,821.04 31.23 %

Fruit/Nurseries 3,385.55 0.75 %

Woodland 203,792.52 44.9 %

Shrub/Brushland 31,273.96 6.89 %

Wetlands 15,907.33 3.48 %

Water Bodies 6,011.26 1.32 %

Streams/Rivers 969.74 0.21 %

Quarries/Pits/Landfills 1,454.96 0.32 %

Transportation 4,266.29 0.94 %

Utilities 1,142.24 0.25 %

Religious/Health 585.20 0.13 %

Education 665.76 0.15 %

Total 454,114.93 100.00%

The map of this information is available at the Ashtabula County Department of Planning.

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Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan Chart No. 1

Land Use/Land Cover Breakdown of Land Uses from 1997 Land Use/Land Cover data from ODNR Residential 34,703 Commercial 3.371 Industrial 1,735 Recreational 3,031 Agriculture 141,821 Fruit/Nurseries 3,386 Woodland 203,793 Shrub/Brush 31,274 Wetlands 15,907 Water Bodies 6,011 Streams/Rivers 970 Quarries/Landfills 1,455 Transportation 4,266 Utilities 1,142 Health/Edu/Religous 1,250

0 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000

Acres

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Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan

Table No. 2 Population Change, 1970-2000, Ashtabula County, Ohio

# # Percent Percent Change Change Change Change Jurisdiction 1970 1980 1990 2000 1970-00 1990-00 1970-00 1990-00

Andover 963 1,219 1,265 1,403 440 138 45.7% 10.9% Andover Vill 1,179 1,205 1,216 1,269 90 53 7.6% 4.4% Ashtabula Twp 7,392 7,308 6,654 6,371 -1,021 -283 -13.8% -4.3% Ashtabula City 24,313 23,449 21,633 20,962 -3,351 -671 -13.8% -3.1% Austinburg 1,487 1,869 1,902 2,234 747 332 50.2% 17.5% Cherry Valley 631 765 738 857 226 119 35.8% 16.1% Colebrook 731 731 747 887 156 140 21.3% 18.7% Conneaut City 14,552 13,835 13,241 12,485 -2,067 -756 -14.2% -5.7% Denmark 773 818 706 880 107 174 13.8% 24.6% Dorset 886 952 850 892 6 42 0.68% 4.9% Geneva City 6,449 6,655 6,597 6,595 146 -2 2.3% -0.03% Geneva Twp 3,773 3,728 3,689 3,814 41 125 1.1% 3.4% GOTL Village 877 1,634 1,626 1,545 668 -81 76.2% -5.0% Harpersfield 1,584 2,331 2,487 2,603 1,019 116 64.3% 4.7% Hartsgrove 903 1,214 1,157 1,395 492 238 54.5% 20.6% Jefferson 1,668 2,035 2,024 1,987 319 -37 19.1% -1.8% Jefferson Vill 2,472 2,952 3,331 3,572 1,100 241 44.5% 7.2% Kingsville 1,723 2,162 2,007 1,847 124 -160 7.2% -7.9% Lenox 1,182 1,291 1,266 1,388 206 122 17.4% 9.6% Monroe 1,712 2,079 1,883 2,268 556 385 32.5% 20.5% Morgan 770 707 682 780 10 98 1.3% 14.4% New Lyme 873 1,058 1,015 1,072 199 57 22.8% 5.6% N. Kingsville Vill 2,458 2,939 2,672 2,658 200 -14 8.1% -0.5% Orwell 762 1,153 1,163 1,311 549 148 72.1% 12.7% Orwell Vill 965 1,067 1,258 1,519 554 261 57.4% 20.7% Pierpont 978 1,074 1,042 1,197 219 155 22.4% 14.9% Plymouth 2,225 2,029 2,020 2,081 -144 61 -6.5% 3.0% Richmond 793 887 850 937 144 87 18.2% 10.2% Roaming Shores V N/A 581 775 1,239 1,239 464 N/A 59.9% Rock Creek V 731 652 553 584 -147 31 -20.1% 5.6% Rome 707 863 839 919 212 80 29.9% 9.5% Saybrook 6,576 6,769 5,866 5,957 -619 91 -9.4% 1.5% Sheffield 1,160 1,513 1,362 1,491 331 129 28.5% 9.5% Trumbull 963 1,330 1,295 1,461 498 166 51.7% 12.8% Wayne 591 652 610 653 62 43 10.5% 7.1% Williamsfield 988 1,224 1,319 1,683 695 364 70.3% 27.6% Windsor 1,447 1,485 1,481 1,932 485 451 33.5% 30.4%

Ashtabula County 98,237 104,215 99,821 102,728 4,491 2,907 4.6% 2.9%

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Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan

Table No. 3

Population Totals 1970 1980 1990 2000 Number Percent by County Change Change 1970-00 1970-00 Ashtabula 98,237 104,215 99,821 102,728 + 4,491 +4.6 Cuyahoga 1,720,835 1,498,400 1,412,140 1,393,978 326,857 -18.9 Geauga 62,977 74,474 81,129 90,895 +27,918 +44.3 Lake 197,200 212,801 215,499 227,511 +30,311 +15.4 Trumbull 232,579 241,863 227,813 225,116 - 7,463 - 3.2

Chart No. 2

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Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan Chart No. 3

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Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan

Chapter 2 Greenspace Preservation

Vision

To treasure the county’s openness, waterways, woodlands and wildlife as important parts of their lives, county residents desire to preserve and sustain these natural resources for the health and enjoyment of present and future generations by planning for the protection and prudent use of its land and water.

Introduction

Preserving the natural beauty of our county is important for many reasons, which affect our quality of life. Watershed protection insures the source, health, and ecology of our water supply. Habitat protection for plants and wildlife insures a strong ecosystem that can support an abundance of wildlife, and provides people with places to hike, hunt, fish, and observe birds and other wildlife. The tourism dollars generated by these activities, as well as covered bridges, wineries, and waterways, also depend on the rural vistas and natural areas that surround them.

The protection and enhancement of the natural resources of Ashtabula County was one of the goals that emerged from the Future Search Conference. Furthermore, citizen commentary provided during public hearings on the Comprehensive Plan consistently prioritized the preservation of the best of the county’s greenspace.

“Ashtabula County’s openness, farms, nature, and wildlife are important parts of all our lives. It is something that keeps people here, draws others to the area, and something we can leave to the future. It’s our peaceful place, our family place and wondrous place to enjoy and raise a family.” Citizen response, community interviews for Land and Living in Ashtabula County, 1999

Why is Comprehensive Planning Important to Greenspace Preservation?

Ashtabula County’s open spaces make this county unique in Northeast Ohio and leave county residents with a responsibility. As population growth continues, it falls upon this generation to ensure that the next generation has the opportunity to appreciate and experience the county’s natural landscape. This Comprehensive Plan will focus on the preservation of land inside and outside of the residential subdivision by encouraging the use of many different land use preservation tools.

This Comprehensive Plan desires to maintain greenspace in its many varied forms, and yet support a growing economy for years to come. Greenspace is often referred to as open space; however, there are subtle differences between the two. Open space can be any type of open land, and is what most of us typically think of as a park or recreational area within a subdivision. For Chapter 2, Greenspace Page 14

Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan

the purpose of this Comprehensive Plan, greenspace shall be defined as any system of open land, which may or may not be connected, that is determined to have cultural, ecological, agricultural, or recreational value to the community.

Specific examples of greenspace include rivers, streams, adjacent flood plains and buffer zones; wetlands and swamps; forest land; public and private parks; and, land held for conservation purposes by private and public organizations.

Greenspace Priorities: Areas of Concern and Focus

Greenspace preservation is a complex goal and must be examined from a variety of different viewpoints to ensure success. This Plan recognizes that there are many land uses that affect the open spaces within the County. The following are priorities of greenspace preservation in Ashtabula County:

1. To protect streams, rivers, wetlands and floodplains of all watersheds. A watershed is an area of land from which surface water drains into a common outlet such as a river, lake, stream, or wetland. Depending on its size and location, a watershed can contain one or many of the following features: permanent or intermittent streams, ditches, ponds, lakes, and/or wetlands. Within each watershed, all water runs to the lowest point such as a stream, river, or lake. On its way, water travels over the surface of the land including farm fields, forest land, lawns, rooftops, and streets. It also seeps into the soil and travels as ground water.

2. To protect sensitive and significant wildlife and plant habitats, consideration must be given to the watershed by eliminating excessive pollution or misuse. If respect is paid to the watershed by eliminating excessive pollution or misuse, sensitive and significant wildlife and plant habitats that need these special places for their survival, will be protected. Conneaut Creek, Grand River, Ashtabula River, and Pymatuning Lake are the main watersheds within the county (See Table No. 1). These waterways are the pipelines of water, as well as pollution, which drain, or “shed” into a larger body of water such as Lake Erie.

Watershed stability has a profound influence on the health of streams, rivers and lakes. A river cannot be protected without protecting the soils around it. Over time, changes to the watershed can occur when a stream is polluted, a landfill or septic system does not function properly, a swamp or wetland is filled, or a stream or river is blocked or diverted.

Some of the changes occur naturally over centuries of weathering and upheaval, but man can place unnatural stresses on the ecosystem with the spreading of large quantities of chemicals as fertilizers and pesticides, and the construction of farms homes, roads, and other infrastructure. When water quality declines, there can be health and economic costs.

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The Grand River Courtesy: Marta Stone

Threats to the Watershed

There are many stresses that can threaten the health of any watershed, and thus affect Ashtabula County’s land in its entirety. The following are threats to all watersheds in Ashtabula County and neighboring areas:

 Incompatible agriculture and forestry practices. These activities can be especially harmful when there is no vegetative buffer along the creeks, contributing to sedimentation problems.  Degradation or diversion of headwater streams throughout the watershed.  Superfund hazardous waste sites.  The invasion of plant and animal species, such as Zebra Mussels and Phragmites.  Occasional operating problems of municipal wastewater treatment plants.  Problems with storm water retention or overflows into nearby streams.  Failing septic systems increase nutrients in surface water and lower the amount of dissolved oxygen that is required for the health of many aquatic organisms.  Incompatible residential, commercial, and industrial development, especially when it occurs within a floodplain along a river corridor.

These threats are complex and are not limited to those listed in this Plan. However, the simple act of creating a vegetative buffer along a stream will greatly reduce sedimentation and other pollutants from reaching the water body. Establishing and maintaining vegetative riparian areas are key objectives for protecting watersheds. The process and criteria in establishing vegetative buffers is discussed in this Chapter.

Priority 1. Protect small and large tracts of forests. There are few tracts of woodlands that have not been timbered since the county was first settled in the late 1700’s. A minimum of 100 acres is needed for the health of most interior forest birds. A contiguous tract of 3,000 forested acres is ideal.

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The County should encourage the preservation of trees in all developmental types. In addition, property owners should be encouraged to use best management practices when choosing to remove trees.

Priority 2. To protect wetlands. Wetlands perform an important ecological function in the ecosystem that benefits plants, wildlife, and humans. They filter out pollution and sediments before water reaches a stream or river, which eventually drains into a larger river or lake that provides our drinking water. Wetlands act like sponges that have the ability to lessen the severity of floods by holding large volumes of storm water and then releasing it slowly over time.

Communities that depend on well water have a vested interest in wetland protection because they act as recharge areas for underground aquifers. Wetlands are also plant and wildlife habitats to many of Ohio’s rare, threatened, and endangered species. Many of these plants and animals are dependent on wetlands for some part or all of their life cycle. The elimination and/or degradation of wetlands have a detrimental affect on the natural environment.

Priority 3. To encourage compatible commercial and residential development. Particular attention should be paid to specific growth areas such as the Ashtabula Mall District, all Interstate 90 interchanges, State Route 20, and several town centers. These areas are under great pressure for economic development and require proper planning. Failure to implement a comprehensive, long-range planning process in these areas could harm the economic and social structure of the county. Cities, villages, and townships should consider creating their own plans that are compatible with this Comprehensive Plan.

Site plan review procedures are site specific. Site plan review varies from one community to another. They are packaged with zoning regulations. The zoning regulations themselves are a form of site plan review. However, true site plan review procedures permit the township to have a stronger voice in suggesting and also requiring specific items with regard to the design of a project. Landscaping, buffers, curb cuts, and traffic flow are just a few of the items that can be addressed within site plan review procedures.

This Comprehensive Plan encourages townships, where appropriate, to adopt corridor plans and site plan review through the zoning certificate process in addition to the zoning authority they are already permitted under ORC 519.

Additionally, embracing the idea of the “old town center” will refocus attention back on the geographic center of towns and townships for more dense commercial and residential development. Promoting development where development is logical will conserve greenspace while supporting economic development.

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Walnut Beach Conneaut Township Park Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images, Volume I

Priority 4. To protect rare species, high quality natural communities and habitats. In several areas of the county, rare species and high quality natural communities and habitats are thriving. Protecting these areas and encouraging development to occur elsewhere will contribute to their continued endurance and longevity. See this Chapter: Priority Areas.

Priority 5. To continue and support the balance between greenspace and recreational needs. While greenspace does not necessarily equate with recreation, the two often overlap. Parks, beaches, and hiking trails are all greenspace and recreational in nature. But recreation should be prohibited in highly sensitive ecological areas. Inter-connectivity of the two will only come with comprehensive planning.

Priority 6. To educate the public on the important benefits gained from greenspace preservation and regional thinking. Greenspace preservation will only occur if the public understands its importance and agrees with the preservation priorities. Availability of information through many sources including the newspapers, radio, pamphlets, the Internet, and public meetings will assist in support of greenspace preservation.

Ashtabula County should also keep informed about greenspace and environmental developments in surrounding counties, since an ecosystem knows no jurisdictional boundary.

Priority 7. To protect farmland and encourage the use of farmland preservation tools as laid out in the Farmland Preservation Plan. Rolling farmland is a scenic vista that is often conjured up in any person’s mind when the word greenspace is mentioned. The use of farmland preservation tools will greatly affect the continuance of farmland as just that farmland. Support the ability of farmers to maintain their land as farmland.

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Table No. 1 Major and Minor Watersheds, Ashtabula County Watershed Total Acres Area in % of Population Persons per Watershed Drained Square Total within acre within Acreage Within Miles* Acreage Ashtabula Ashtabula Ashtabula

Ashtabula 87,698 52,787 82.5 30,810 0.38 East 13,493 21.1 Branch West 17,535 27.4 Branch T= 83,815 130.9 92.42%

Conneaut 124,685 25,430 39.7 20.39% 11,666 0.46

Grand River 455,680 104,323 163 26,447 0.12 Mill Creek 66,771 104.3 Rock Creek 35,943 56.1 Three Bro. 12,700 19.8 T=219,737 343.3 48.22%

Pymatuning 182,520 34,461 53.8 5,663 0.08 Shenango 25,765 40.3 Mosquito 11,257 17.6 T= 71,483 111.7 33.37%

Sub N/A 54,384 84.9 28,142 0.52 watershed Wheeler Cr. Not Avail. Cowles Cr. Not Avail. Indian Cr. Not Avail. Un-named Not Avail.

Total 454,849 710.9 N/A 102,728 Average 0.32

Notes 1. Source: 1994 Ohio Land Cover Classification, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (Landsat), Ashtabula County Soil and Water Conservation District. 2. *Square mile area to be used to determine the minimum vegetative buffer width described Section 2.4, No. 2. 3. Map and data table prepared by the Ashtabula County Department of Planning. 4. Map is not intended to show the exact boundaries of the watersheds. Official maps are available for viewing at the Soil and Water Conservation Office. 5. Approximately 690 acres in Monroe and Pierpont Townships drains directly into PA and is not part of an Ashtabula County watershed. 6. Population data is from the 2000 Census. Approximations were calculated using block group level data.

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Greenspace Preservation Tools and Programs

Greenspace preservation tools and programs are numerous and vary in their intent and intensity. The public and private sectors should be encouraged to use the following preservation tools in order to preserve greenspace. For more detailed information on these tools and programs, contact the agency or organization listed under each tool or program.

1. Conservation Easements A conservation easement is a voluntary and negotiable restriction that the owner agrees to place on a property he or she owns in order to protect specific resources associated with the property. An easement is a legally binding covenant that is publicly recorded. An easement is given for a specified period of time and is noted on the property’s deed.

A property owner can either sell or donate the development rights in the easement. The purchaser or holder of the easement has the responsibility to monitor the development restrictions created by the easement. Contact: Ashtabula Soil and Conservation District, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Grand River Partners, Inc. or the Nature Conservancy

2. Riparian Buffers Riparian buffers are strips of land maintained along any body of water by the land owner. They benefit the stream by absorbing and removing pollutants from runoff, reduce temperature extremes in the water, and supply organic matter to provide carbon nutrients.

Preserving riparian buffers is crucial to the health of streams and rivers that make up the watershed. Building within the vegetative buffer is discouraged and may not be permitted within some jurisdictions. There are certain exceptions in some circumstances in order to assist public infrastructure development.

The destruction of a riparian buffer is often the first step in the death of a stream or river. The minimum size of the riparian buffer should be determined by the size of the watershed that the stream drains.

Determining the width of the vegetative buffer is based upon the smaller sub-watershed area. For example, Mill Creek is part of the Grand River Watershed. Its size is 104.3 square miles. The minimum vegetative buffer advised within the Mill Creek sub- watershed is 120 feet wide. Contact: Ashtabula Soil and Conservation District, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Grand River Partners, Inc. or the Nature Conservancy

3. Agricultural Easements, Agricultural Districts, Agricultural Security Areas There are a variety of preservation tools that farmers can select from to support the land preservation movement. Chapter Three of the Plan provides detailed information about these farmland preservation tools. Contact: Ohio State University Agriculture Extension Office or Ashtabula County Soil and Water Conservation District

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4. Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) A PDR is the option to sell the right to develop a particular piece of property, but all other rights remain. It is voluntary and negotiable. Once an agreement is reached between the land owner and a land trust (typically one associated with local government) a permanent deed restriction is placed on the property to ensure that the subject land will not be developed. A PDR may also be referred to as a conservation easement or agricultural conservation easement. Contact: Ohio State University Agriculture Extension Office

5. Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) A TDR is a voluntary program, which accomplishes preservation by transferring the right to develop land from one area to another. If a particular area is under the eye of development, this area would be the focus of development. Conversely, the growth in the area for which the transfer was obtained would be more limited. Contact: Ohio State University Agriculture Extension Office

6. Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) This program offers compensation to a landowner for the protection and restoration of wetlands that exists on a piece of property. The WRP obtains a conservation easement, which is managed while the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). The NRCS also provides technical and financial support to land owners. The owner still maintains the right to farm, hunt, fish, or undertake other activities that would not interfere with the protection of the wetland. The USDA may be able to supply funding for buffer areas 300' in width or more. Contact: USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

7. Subdivision Design and Significant Areas Subdivision regulations control the development within the county that is platted. A detailed review is made of a proposed development from several agencies including but not limited to the Department of Planning, County Engineer, County Sanitary Engineer, Soil and Water Conservation District, Health Department, Local Zoning, and the utility companies.

A Significant Areas review is performed of the proposed subdivision to determine if any natural or man-made features exist that may be of particular importance to the environment or people of Ashtabula County. The Significant Areas are enforced by the Ashtabula County Department of Planning through its Significant Areas Policies, subject to Section 426 of the Ashtabula County Subdivision Regulations. Contact: Ashtabula County Department of Planning

8. Conservation Developments Conservation Developments can be residential or commercial projects where a particular characteristic of the land is preserved. An analysis of the land is performed to determine where best to locate the structures, typically away from steep slopes, wetland areas or mature trees. This has the effect of retaining rural views, drainage patterns, agricultural uses and historic structures.

A conservation development does not stress the environment as a typical subdivision may. The width and linear feet of streets is often reduced thereby decreasing the total

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amount of impervious surfaces. Infrastructure extensions such as water and sewer lines are reduced as well. Contact: The Countryside Program and the Ashtabula County Department of Planning

9. Forestry Tax Program and CAUV Tax Program These two programs provide real estate tax reductions for qualifying property that is used for forestry and agricultural purposes. Property owners must apply for the tax deductions. The Ashtabula County Auditor's Office supervises the programs. Contact: Ashtabula County Auditor’s Office

10. Modernization and Liberalization of Local Zoning Codes Local zoning resolutions should be updated periodically. Townships should consider adding conservation developments and Planned Unit Developments (PUD’s) to their zoning texts Contact: Individual Township, Ashtabula County Department of Planning

11. Planned Infrastructure Extensions and Adequate Public Facilities Plans The County and each township should perform a comprehensive review of where the water and sewer line expansion would be appropriate in each township. Contact: Ashtabula County Department of Environmental Services, Individual Townships

12. Bargain Sales A bargain sale is the sale of land for permanent protection to a conservation organization. The sale price is negotiable but is lower than the fair market value of the property. It benefits the conservation organization in that the land can be bought for a lesser price. The landowner benefits because he/she receives a profit from the sale, rather than an outright donation of the property. The landowner may be eligible for income and capital gains tax benefits on the land that was donated. Contact: Ohio State University Agricultural Extension Office, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, The Nature Conservancy or Grand River Partners, Inc.

13. Land Trusts Land trusts are local, regional, statewide, or national non-profit organizations that are established to protect land and its resources. Their goal is to protect land that has natural, ecological, recreational, scenic, historic, or productive value to the community. Land trusts may use land protection tools such as conservation easements, bargain sales, and land donation to protect these resources. Contact: Ohio State University Agricultural Extension Office, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Grand River Partners Inc., or The Nature Conservancy

14. Storm Water Management Plan A comprehensive storm water management plan should be developed to address storm water runoff produced by developments that are not subject to the Subdivision Regulations. An example would be private commercial developments where no subdivision of land takes place, but where soil conditions and drainage are changed due to severe grading, bulldozing, and filling. Contact: County Engineer’s Office

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The following is a list of priority areas identified by representatives of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Grand River Partners, Inc., and The Nature Conservancy. These areas are considered to be the primary and secondary most ecologically important, unprotected areas within Ashtabula County. See Map No. 2 showing the general locations of the Priority Areas.

Primary Importance

Ashtabula Beach Grass Dunes The sand dunes on Walnut Beach and private lands west of Walnut Beach in the City of Ashtabula support the best beach grass dunes on the Ohio shoreline of Lake Erie. The best Ohio populations of two rare plants, beach grass and beach pea, grow on the dunes.

Ashtabula River Headwaters The headwater of the East Branch of the Ashtabula River contains one of the most important wetlands within Ohio. A high quality fen harboring several state endangered plants and extensive emergent marshes are present in the headwater area.

Big Bluestem Slump The Big Bluestem Slump is a natural opening along the north valley wall of the Grand River downstream from the Harpersfield Covered Bridge. Several rare plants and insects are restricted to the open slope that is locally dominated by the prairie grass big bluestem with scattered red cedars.

Grand River mainstream, tributaries, riparian areas, and floodplains The Grand River, its tributaries, its riparian areas and floodplains support several rare natural communities, including some of the finest Hemlock Hardwood Swamps within Ohio. Dozens of state-endangered and state-threatened plants, birds, fish and mussels have been documented within the basin.

Austinburg Hemlock Swamp Several rare plants and birds have been documented within the Austinburg Hemlock Swamp. The forest wetland is located on the Grand River Lowland in southern Austinburg Township. State-endangered and state-threatened plants and birds have been mapped within the complex of wetlands.

Kingsville Swamp Kingsville Swamp is an extensive Buttonbush Swamp and Pumpkin Ash Swamp Forest located between inland beach ridges south of U.S. Rt. 20. Several rare species occur in the swamp including a rare beetle recently described as a new species. The wetland provides ground water to spring fed wetlands located one mile north of the swamp at the North Kingsville Sand Barrens.

Lake Cardinal Swamp Lake Cardinal Swamp consists of vernal ponds and Swamp White Oak Swamp Forest. Several rare species within the wetland are known nowhere else within the Grand River Lowland. One rare moth at Lake Cardinal feeds exclusively on the state threatened velvet-leaf blueberry. The rare blueberry is locally common at the swamp.

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Morgan Woods Morgan Woods is one of the finest Hemlock Hardwood Swamps on the Grand River Lowland.

Rome Swamp Forest Wetland Rome Swamp Forest wetland is a 350-acre wetland interspersed with numerous vernal ponds. The dominant tree in the wetland is swamp white oak. More than a dozen rare plants and the globally rare Massasauga rattlesnake occur within the large wetland.

Trumbull Township Swamp Forest This swamp forest, located in northern Trumbull Township, is a several hundred acre forest wetland. Many rare birds and plants have been mapped within the site.

Wheeler Creek Riverine Marsh The wetland at the mouth of Wheeler Creek, within the western section of Geneva State Park, is one of the finest riverine marshes along the shore of Lake Erie. The wetland is threatened by two invasive plants, Phragmites and hybrid cattail.

Conneaut Creek mainstream, tributaries, riparian areas, tributaries and floodplains This pristine river basin supports several rare plants, birds, insects, reptiles and fish. Many of the species within the river have endangered status within Ohio. Recent work by The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has documented dozens of important native species.

The Ashtabula River mainstream, tributaries, riparian areas and floodplains The Ashtabula River above the City of Ashtabula supports high quality Mixed Mesophytic Forests and Hemlock Northern Hardwood Forests. The water quality upstream from the city is excellent. Several rare plants and birds have been documented along the river. Recent inventories by The Cleveland Museum of Natural History have revealed dozens of rare species occurrences within the basin.

Pymatuning Creek Valley The Pymatuning Creek Valley, within the Ohio River watershed, supports a very rare natural community within Ohio, the fen wetland. Fens are glacial relict plant communities located within permanent spring seeps. Some of the fens located along the creek are considered among the best within Ohio. The stream supports the only federally listed species within Ashtabula County, the clubshell mussel

Secondary Importance

Conneaut Hemlock Swamp A fine quality Hemlock Swamp Forest on the Lake Plain in Conneaut.

Turkey Creek A Lake Erie tributary stream that has a natural sand beach and riverine marsh in Conneaut just west of the Pennsylvania line. The headwaters of the creek in Pennsylvania have been protected. The Ohio portion is still unprotected

Geneva Swamp Forest A several hundred acre Elm-Ash-Maple Swamp Forest with scattered buttonbush ponds and shrub swamps on the Lake Plain flats along the west side of Ohio Route 534 between the City of Chapter 2, Greenspace Page 25

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Geneva and Geneva-on-the-Lake Village. Few examples of this once extensive swamp forest system have been protected anywhere along the southern shore of Lake Erie.

Linton Road Beaver Pond A several-hundred-acre beaver pond system located on the Cherry Valley/Wayne Township line. The wetland complex includes open ponds, emergent marshes and swamp forests. During a very minimal survey by the Museum, several rare plants were found along the wetlands and many more are certainly present.

Monroe Township Hemlock Woods One of the few Hemlock Hardwood Swamps known in Monroe Township. It has several rare plant species.

Monroe Woods Along the Pennsylvania line, is an extensive yellow birch dominated wetland. The area has been recognized as an important site for rare plants since 1930.

Padanarum Woods An extensive Hemlock Hardwood Swamp along the Pennsylvania line north of Pymatuning State Park. Several very rare species have been documented within the wetland.

Pymatuning Headwaters An extensive system of swamp forests, beaver ponds and wetlands. It is also the headwaters for the Mill Creek tributary to the Grand River.

Mosquito Creek A tributary stream to the Ohio River, supports several species including a rare crayfish not known within the Lake Erie drainage streams.

Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images, Volume II

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Evaluating Ecologically Sensitive Areas

Characteristics of ecologically sensitive areas include the following:

 Areas where there are rare plant and animal species;  High quality examples of native biological diversity and plant communities;  Communities exhibiting a diversity of habitat structure, age and size classes of populations, connections between breeding and feeding habitats for native species;  Presence of key ecological functions for habitats, such as flooding, seasonal wetlands, natural disturbances, downed logs and snags, adequate shade or light, etc.; and,  Absence of irreversible threats to the ecosystem.

Threats to Ecologically Sensitive Areas

Threats to ecologically sensitive areas include but are not limited to the following:

 Impacts to the biological composition and interactions of species (including serious invasive species);  Fragmentation of habitat leading to a loss of connectivity between areas needed for species life cycles;  Disruption of natural surface or groundwater flow or levels; and,  Impacts to soil and water quality, sedimentation, excessive grazing, or habitat conversion or destruction.

Strategies for preserving ecologically Sensitive Areas

It is essential for land conservationists and preservationists to describe the specific values of particular features, such as woodlands or wetlands, which comprise an ecologically sensitive area because such features will guide its evaluation. The evaluation will then consider the following:

 Current quality and condition of the site;  Potential for the areas to be sustained through natural processes; and,  Potential for further restoration or buffering.

Three categories should be considered in evaluating the long-term health of a sensitive area:

Size  The site needs enough space or habitat area for the species and natural communities to thrive, and it must be large enough to continue or improve over time.

Condition  Does the area have all the necessary components (species, habitat characteristics) for it to perpetuate itself in good condition? Can it be improved?

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 Does it contain threatened or rare species, or good examples of native plant and animal communities?  Are there significant or irreversible threats to the area?

Landscape Context  How does the site fit into its adjacent landscape?  What kinds of natural or human-made disturbances can the area sustain and still retain the features or values for which it was protected?  Will the habitat and inhabitants be able to respond to disturbances by moving or re- colonizing?  Are there certain ecological functions which keep the area intact (e.g., flooding or seasonal wetlands)?  Do species have adequate access to habitat and resources needed to complete their life cycles?

Land Holders and Their Importance in Greenspace Preservation

There are several agencies and organizations that promote greenspace by preserving large tracts of land throughout Ashtabula County. They include but are not limited to:

 Township Park Commissions  Ashtabula County Metropolitan Parks District  Ashtabula Soil and Water Conservation District  Cleveland Museum of Natural History  Grand River Partners, Incorporated  The Nature Conservancy  Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Supporting the efforts of these agencies and organizations will bolster the land preservation movement within the county. A brief description of the goal of each agency is given below:

Ashtabula County Soil and Water Conservation District The Ashtabula County Soil and Water Conservation District is an independent body of state government responsible for the conservation of soil and water resources. It acts as the holder of conservation easements and anchor easements totaling over 800 acres in the county. They help to educate property owners on whether a conservation easement is appropriate for a particular tract of land.

Ashtabula County Metropolitan Park District The Ashtabula Metropolitan Park District’s mission is to preserve adequate open space, to provide park and recreational areas to meet our growing needs; to maintain examples of the natural beauty and rural character of our county; to enhance our natural resources; to educate about our natural surroundings; and, to promote a pleasant and health giving environment for the people of Ashtabula County.

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The Cleveland Museum of Natural History The goal of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is to acquire a system of preserves that best represent the bio-diversity of the Cleveland region. The Museum works to acquire tracts of viable high quality forest, sand barrens, fens, stream corridors, emergent marshes, and shrub swamps.

Grand River Partners, Inc. This private, non-profit land trust is working to protect the water quality, open space, natural, recreational, agricultural, and scenic resources of the Grand River and its watershed in Ashtabula County by uniting residents, landowners, businesses and communities in the stewardship and permanent protection of the Grand River watershed. Grand River Partners, Inc. acts as a holder of conservation easements in the county.

The Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy is a private, non-profit, 501 (c) (3) worldwide membership organization. Its mission is to preserve plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources The ODNR is dedicated to conserving and improving the fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. It also promotes their use and appreciation by the public so that these resources can continue to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Ohio.

Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images, Volume I

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Recommendations

This section provides general and specific recommendations for both the public and private sectors to consider for greenspace preservation in the County.

Water Resources

 Establish protection for all rivers and watersheds by encouraging the use of vegetative buffers and other tools as prescribed in Chapter 3.

 Connect river corridors of Ashtabula County with protected lands and parks.

 Recommend public and private groups work together to protect county watersheds.

 Maintain and provide for more public access to such waterways and lakeshores.

 Promote the Wild and Scenic River designations for the Ashtabula River, Conneaut Creek and the Grand River.

 Provide additional public access to the Lake Erie shoreline and increase recreational opportunities such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

 Seek funding for the creation of educational materials to educate the public on the greenspace preservation tools available, and the many advantages to preserving local ecological features.

Woodlands

 Preserve remaining large tracts of woodlands as wildlife and bird habitat.

 Landowners should be encouraged to selectively cut trees for lumber.

Development

 Update the county’s water and sewer plans to reduce any potential problems with failing septic systems

 Encourage vegetative buffer requirements for any development in or adjacent to the following land areas: riparian corridors, isolated wetlands/lakes, ponds, and unique landforms (e.g., beaches/sand barrens, old growth forests, etc. as prescribed in this chapter).

 Development should be discouraged within 300' feet of the delineation boundary line for wetlands that support state endangered and/or state threatened species (Exceptional value wetlands) Storm water should not be discharged into an "Exceptional Value Wetland". Chapter 2, Greenspace Page 32

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 When development occurs, the banking of resources should be encouraged so that the Prioritized Greenspace Areas in Ashtabula County might be protected.

 Encourage and reward the use of Brownfield sites for industrial development. Discourage development of natural areas when Brownfield areas are available. Local agencies should apply for Clean Ohio Fund monies to assist with these projects.

 Encourage the use of conservation easements and other conservation tools and programs.

Zoning

 Consider supporting a comprehensive revision to the 1989 Ohio Model Zoning Code.

 Consider updating zoning codes to support soil conservation and “significant area” preservation and consider encouraging townships, cities, and villages to update their zoning codes to encourage conservation developments/cluster zoning.

Significant Lands

 Protect areas containing “ecologically significant” plants and animals and the habitat they need to survive.

 Catalogue species present on significant lands to document what is within the county.

 Encourage public and private entities to complete a mapping system that inventories ecologically significant lands that should be protected from development and identifies lands already protected by public or private entities.

 Set aside public parks or open spaces around Ashtabula County’s covered bridges to insure public enjoyment and preserve the natural setting.

 Protect and enhance public access to Lake Erie and its shoreline.

 Recommend that the Greenspace Committee meet at least once a year to monitor the status of the Plan’s recommendations.

 Increase awareness and funding for the Ashtabula County Metropolitan Park District.

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Chapter 3 Farmland Preservation

Vision

The mission statement of the Ashtabula County Farmland Preservation Committee was established March 29, 2000. The mission statement provides guidance for those who will work toward the preservation of farmland within Ashtabula County.

Mission Statement: “To maintain and enhance the rural character of prime and unique farmland, balanced with commercial and residential development and the important areas of natural resources.”

Introduction

At the invitation of the Ashtabula County Commissioners, a diverse group of citizens and supporters of Ashtabula County met in February 2000, at the Ashtabula Campus of Kent State University to create a shared vision for the county that would take it into the next century.

The County’s Future Search Conference, Land and Living in Ashtabula County: A Community in Conversation About Its Future, utilized the diverse knowledge and expertise of participants to identify the key trends and issues the county will face in the beginning of this century. Together, they envisioned a future for Ashtabula County.

One of the specific goals recommended at the conference was to develop a farmland and farm business preservation plan. As a result, a Farmland Preservation Committee was established to address the concerns and goals identified at the conference. Key agricultural members were identified in each township to serve on the committee.

The Farmland Preservation Plan, completed in early 2001, is the combined effort of the following community members: Harlan Baldwin-Chairman, David Marrison-Secretary, Robert Boggs, Albert Dispenza, Jim Welker, Jim Comp, Bob Gale, Ray Gruber, Jr., Harold Haines, Glen Haines, Dick Brail, Mike Heiner, George Hogle, Lee Kellogg, Charlie Krzic, Laddie Kubichek, John Kusar, Charles Lewis, Ruth Ann Manners, Laddie Marous, Jr., Nathan Paskey, Erick Smith, Jim and Kathy Smolinski, Tom Coltman, Greg Johns, and Robert Wilson. Since the initial gathering of the farmland preservation committee, numerous other individuals have contributed and continue to contribute to farmland preservation efforts within the county.

Agriculture plays a vital role in Ashtabula County. In total, the agricultural industry generates nearly 50 million dollars of gross cash receipts yearly. Over 22% of the county is described as prime farmland. The county has a total acreage of 455,100 acres with 189,510 acres (42%) enrolled in the “Current Agricultural Use Valuation” program and 116,958 acres (26%) enrolled in agricultural districts (see Chart No. 1). The most recent Agricultural Census indicates the number of farms in Ashtabula County to be 1,090 with the average farm Chapter 3, Farmland Page 34

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containing 166 acres. A net loss of land in farms of approximately 15,000 acres has occurred since1980 (see Chart No. 2).

Ashtabula County’s agricultural industry should be recognized for its contribution to the local and regional economy. Dairy production, cattle, and grain commodities have been and continue to be the major source of agricultural economic strength. Vineyards, nurseries, tree farms, orchards and other specialty agricultural production add to that strength. The unique microclimate produced by Lake Erie provides the ability for orchard and vineyard crops to be produced and flourish in the northern section of the county. From this specialty agricultural production, the local economy has benefited through increased tourism due to festivals and special events held at wineries and farm markets.

Why a Land Use Plan is Important to Farmland Preservation in Ashtabula County.

The types of agriculture and traditional practices utilized by agriculture in the county are changing. The continual increase in development occurring outside of the municipal and village jurisdictions has had and will continue to have a negative impact on traditional agriculture. Farming will continue to offer opportunities for direct marketing and value- added agriculture such as fruits, vegetables, vineyards, nursery plants and tree farms in adjacent urban areas if these areas can be maintained as agricultural lands.

Private and public sector cooperation will be needed to curb activities that negatively impact agriculture in the county to ensure farming remains a viable economic activity. Just as important as remaining economically viable, the rights of the agricultural sector and individuals who chose to establish residences and/or commercial enterprises in a predominantly agricultural area must be balanced.

Areas of agricultural activity that currently exist on prime farmland, which are viable due to microclimates or are concentrated in a certain geographical area, should be considered for protection. No single program or tool may achieve farmland protection goals in the county. A protection program should be in accord with the desires of the community and its landowners, the status of farming in the area, and a clear strategy on which land to preserve and how to do so. Farmland preservation should be focused not simply on saving land from development, but ensuring that agriculture is a profitable venture that enhances the local economic base.

Farmland preservation is a long-term process. It may take years of careful planning, public and private investment, and most of all, landowner support, to be successful. Several Cost of Community Services studies (American Farmland Trust’s report for Lake County, Ohio) have been completed recently. The conclusions reached indicate the conversion of active farmland into residential development places a financial burden on a community.

Growth needs to occur carefully, taking into consideration the impacts on property taxes, schools, safety forces, roads and other infrastructure. Growth management, however, does involve costs. Regulations and other land use controls must be compatible with the business of farming as well.

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Agriculture within the county is coming under increased pressure as new residential development expands, land values increase, infrastructure is expanded and urban/rural conflicts arise. The concerns surrounding farmland preservation, wildlife habitat preservation, quality of life, open and green space preservation, history, heritage, residential and commercial development, protecting unique and natural resource areas are all related. The time to begin to look for solutions to these challenges is now.

The development of a Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Ashtabula County would be very beneficial for guiding future development and land use decisions by both public and private sectors. Addressing the issues of agriculture and farmland preservation within a comprehensive land use plan will assure agriculture’s sustainability, viability and compatibility with other land users.

Areas of Concern & Focus

It is important for everyone within the County to recognize the unique and prime farmland in Ashtabula County and the economic benefits these areas provide to the community. Without this understanding, land use decision makers no doubt will make choices to the detriment of agriculture. The committee encourages the top priority be given to the preservation of key agricultural areas such as the Harpersfield Grape Region, Pymatuning Region and the Grand River Corridor (See Map No.1). However, areas not designated will still be eligible for any preservation tool adopted.

Harpersfield Vineyard Summer Farm, Monroe Township Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images Volumes I and II

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Issues & Challenges to Farmland Preservation

Farmland preservation efforts in many instances are looked upon as an opposition to new subdivisions or the extension of infrastructure. As communications between all parties involved improve, it is understood this is not the case. Many people can come to the realization that the agricultural community is actually attempting to safeguard a way of life. In protecting the family farm, the rural atmosphere may be perpetuated and the local economy the agricultural community supports can be maintained. Therefore, by encouraging the continued existence of agriculture, people were actually promoting various public purposes related to the general welfare of the community as opposed to saving a piece of land from development.

Agricultural interests must be kept as a priority in budget considerations for groups supporting agriculture. These groups would include extension programs, Soil and Water Conservation District programs, and coordinated efforts between agricultural groups and the public for education purposes that discuss the viability of agriculture, awareness of agricultural programming, and the effect of community development on agriculture.

The underlying challenge is to maintain a viable agricultural presence within the county that is mindful of individual property rights and has community wide support through positive relationship building and education among residents, farmers and public officials.

Farmland Preservation Priorities

The following general concepts are offered for consideration and guidance to voluntarily preserve farmland within Ashtabula County. The statements are not in any order of priority but are considered to be goals of the farmland preservation:

 Priority No. 1 Work to maintain a viable agricultural presence in Ashtabula County that is mindful of individual private property rights and has community wide support through positive relationship building and education among residents, farmers and public officials.

 Priority No. 2 Encourage public officials to utilize a mix of tools to preserve prime and unique farmland in Ashtabula County. Officials should seek opportunities to tie local resources with state and national resources.

 Priority No. 3 Recognize the unique and prime farmland in Ashtabula County. The committee encourages the top priority be given to the preservation of key agricultural areas such as the Harpersfield Grape Region, Pymatuning Region and the Grand River Corridor. However, areas not designated will still be eligible for any preservation tool adopted.

 Priority No. 4 Promote the establishment of Agricultural Security Areas (ASA’s) where farmland preservation activities are encouraged. Criteria to consider for proposed ASA areas are parcels currently in CAUV (Current Agricultural Use Valuation) program, agricultural

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districts, forestry tax program, prime farmland soils, concentration of contiguous agricultural lands and unique microclimates.

 Priority No. 5 Continue to promote an understanding of the importance of the agricultural community to Ashtabula County through support of voluntary methods such as CAUV and agricultural districts.

 Priority No. 6 Pursue legislation that revises the Ohio Revised Code to add an agricultural disclosure item to the Real Estate Disclosure form for real estate and vacant land that is adjacent to land enrolled in CAUV and an agricultural district. The suggested verbiage for the agricultural disclosure would be: “Your property is located adjacent to land that may be used for agricultural/farming purposes. You can expect noise from farm machinery, dust from farming operations, the application of chemicals to soil and crops, odors or noise from livestock and other typical farming nuisances. You can expect farming operations to happen day or night. You can expect hunting on agricultural land.”

 Priority No. 7 Encourage public officials to consider the impact of their actions on the vitality of the agricultural industry before making decisions affecting community, economic, and social development in the county. Support the Ashtabula County Planning Commission, the Ashtabula County Department of Planning and the Ashtabula County Community Services in requiring notification on the disclosure form, which shall be transferred to the deed, on property under review for subdivision regulation and that is adjacent to land enrolled in CAUV and an agricultural district.

 Priority No. 8 Support the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ashtabula County Commissioners in funding a voluntary purchase of development rights program. It is recommended that a local funding source be established for agricultural preservation programs. Potential sources of funding to consider include the Ashtabula County general fund, additional permissive property transfer taxes, a sales tax or an additional inside millage property tax.

 Priority No. 9 Support the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Ashtabula County Commissioners or any other entity to finance conservation easements in Ashtabula County.

 Priority No. 10 Establish a local farmland preservation office. Encourage the Ashtabula County Commissioners to hire a coordinator who will be responsible for the farmland preservation initiative. This coordinator would be responsible for education of agricultural and non-agricultural communities.

 Priority No. 11 Support the designation of countywide resources to help increase the appreciation and awareness of the importance of agriculture among the residents of Ashtabula County. Educational outreach is critical for both the public and private sectors to have a better

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understanding of agricultural issues so that rational decisions may be made concerning use of resources, environmental policies, and basic farm management. The general public must be made aware of the ongoing transition of agriculture due to economics and technology.

 Priority No. 12 As part of the educational component, distribute the pamphlet “Good Neighbor Relations” to all landowners with land enrolled in CAUV and develop a packet of information to be given to realtors, builders, new residents, social and community organizations to inform them about the industry of agriculture in Ashtabula County.

 Priority No. 13 Recommend that the Farmland Preservation Committee meet at least once a year to monitor the status of this plan’s recommendations and that a comprehensive review be conducted in 2005.

Farmland Preservation Tools

Various farmland preservation methods and tools were presented to the farmland preservation committee. The group developed the following priority ranking (highly suggested method to least suggested method):

No. 1 Agricultural Security Areas No. 2 Agricultural Districts No. 3 Purchase of Development Right (PDR) No. 4 Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) No. 5 Current Agriculture Use Value (CAUV) No. 6 Forestry Tax Program No. 7 Agricultural Conservation Easements No. 8 Bargain Sales No. 9 Urban Growth Boundaries No. 10 Land Trusts No. 11 County Comprehensive Planning No. 12 Agricultural Zoning

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Courtesy: Farmland Preservation Plan

Map No. 1

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Contained within the Farmland Preservation Plan for Ashtabula County is support data on which recommendations were based. Copies of the plan may be obtained by contacting the County Department of Planning, OSU Extension or Ashtabula Soil and Water Conservation District.

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Chapter 4 Transportation

Vision

To promote a safe, efficient, and effective transportation system to move people and goods, that improves conditions, make better use of inter-modal resources, and expands transportation choices for the residents of Ashtabula County.

Introduction

Ashtabula County is located in a major east-west transportation corridor. The county offers the best opportunities in terms of highway, rail and port transportation mix. People and places are connected to one another by the current transportation system, although not at optimal levels. The transportation system consists of facilities that can be expanded to enhance Ashtabula’s many modes of transport including cars, trucks, buses, trains, ships, airplanes, bicycles, and pedestrians.

The primary focus of this chapter is meeting Ashtabula County’s future transportation needs for roads, trails/pathways, walkways, public transit (including commuter rail), railroads, ports, and airports by further developing the existing framework.

Ashtabula County’s population is expected to increase over the next twenty years. Existing transportation capacities are not sufficient to accommodate the additional demand. Transportation strategies must be developed to maintain acceptable levels of service within the transportation systems as growth occurs.

Transportation Goals and Priorities

The transportation goals and priorities are intended to provide a variety of local and regional transportation choices to serve current and future residents of Ashtabula County. They encourage multi-modal and pedestrian friendly facilities that support and advocate coordination with an array of land uses. The transportation goals emphasize the movement of people and products effectively and safely; and, maintain and/or improve environmental conditions.

Intergovernmental Coordination

It is important that comprehensive plans, and especially transportation plans, be coordinated between neighboring governmental jurisdictions. The following goals and policies are intended to address these vital planning principles.

Goal No. 1 Develop transportation plans that complement, support, and are consistent with land use plans from other jurisdictions and within multi jurisdictional agencies.

Priorities

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1.1 Coordinate planning and operational aspects of the regional transportation system with cities/villages/townships within Ashtabula County, Ashtabula County Transportation System (ACTS), the County Engineer, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Northeast Ohio Area Coordinating Agency (NOACA ), Federal Highway Administration (FHA), Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), adjacent jurisdictions, and any other affected agencies;

1.2 The localized transportation elements of the Comprehensive Plan shall be consistent with regional transportation plans; and,

1.3 Development of regional transportation plans shall be coordinated and consistent with adopted comprehensive land use and transportation plans of adjacent jurisdictions.

Consistency and Concurrency

ODOT’s Surface Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) identifies specific State projects that are needed to mitigate impacts to the transportation system due to existing deficiencies and expected growth.

Goal No. 2 Provide transportation system improvements concurrent with development and consistent with adopted land use, corridor, and transportation plans.

Priorities

2.1 Maintain an inventory of transportation facilities and services to support management of the transportation system and to monitor system performance;

2.2 Transportation improvements intended to serve new development shall be in place at the time new development impacts occur. If this is not feasible, then a financial commitment, consistent with the County Subdivision Regulations, shall be made to assure completion of the improvement within a specified period of time;

2.3 Transportation improvements should be consistent with land use plans, capital facilities funding resources, and other planning elements;

2.4 Coordinate planning with appropriate jurisdictions and utility companies for corridors that may affect the transportation system;

2.5 Use ten (10) to twenty (20) year horizons when preparing transportation forecasts to provide information on the location, timing, and capacity needs of future growth; and,

2.6 The transportation system should support the Land Use Element of the Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan and any other adopted Corridor Plans.

Alternative Modes of Travel

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Countywide planning policies encourage the development of a transportation plan to embrace alternative modes of transportation in contrast to individual automobiles including public transportation, pedestrian walkways, bikeways, air transportation, port, and rail facilities. It is expected that the automobile will continue to be the dominant mode of transportation in the foreseeable future, both in terms of the number of trips generated and the distance traveled. However, alternative modes of transportation can play an important and beneficiary role in the transportation system. Encouraging alternative modes of transportation can lessen congestion, reduce air pollution, attenuate consumption of natural resources and curtail maintenance costs. To encourage the use of alternative travel modes, transportation facilities must be provided that are convenient, safe, and economical.

Goal No. 3a Provide a range of transportation choices within the Ashtabula County Region.

Priorities

3a.1 The transportation system should provide a range of transportation modes.

Public Transportation

Goal No. 3b Provide a safe, convenient and economical public transportation system.

Priorities

3b.1 Coordinate effective public transportation services and facilities with other governments and communities to create a regional network;

3b.2 Develop transit services and facilities that support land use plans and integrate regional and local transportation needs;

3b.3 Support development of park and ride areas;

3b.4 Encourage the use of buses, ride sharing, and higher capacity transit services to improve efficiency of the transportation system; and,

3b.5 Provide inter-modal connections to enhance the efficiency and convenience of public transportation.

Goal No. 3c Encourage land uses that will support a high capacity transportation system.

Priorities

3c.1 Preserve existing rights-of-way (ROW) and designate new potential ROW where identified needs are anticipated;

3c.2 Support high capacity transit facilities and services that are consistent with the actions and plans of the ACTS, County Engineer, ODOT, Federal TEA-21 Acts, and other jurisdictions; and, Chapter 4, Transportation Page 46

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3c.3 Provide for mixed use activity centers that complement and encourage high capacity transportation corridors

Non-motorized Travel - Bicycle and Pedestrian

Goal No. 3d Promote pedestrian and bicycle transportation countywide and increase safety, mobility, and convenience for non-motorized modes of travel.

Priorities

3d.1 The transportation network should provide safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian access between housing, recreation, commercial centers, schools, community facilities, and mass transit station points;

3d.2 Sidewalks and other types of pathways shall be designed, constructed, and encouraged within ROW. Public bicycle and pedestrian facilities, where approved by the applicable authority, shall be clearly marked and maintained;

3d.3 Promote hard surface pathway systems, including concrete, asphalt, rubber, and pseudo brick as an alternative to conventional sidewalks that are considered separate from the road if they are compatible with characteristics of the area and/or neighborhood and maintenance mechanisms are assured;

3d.4 Convenient and secure off-street parking facilities should be required at major destinations and transportation centers;

3d.5 Promote the identification and preservation of abandoned railroad ROW for development of bike, pedestrian, and equestrian routes or other types of non- motorized transportation; and,

3d.6 Develop ROW and pedestrian/bike pathway standards that contribute to a network of fully interconnected routes.

Rail Transportation

Goal No. 3e Support and advocate for the continued viability of the passenger and freight rail system as existing or proposed in the region.

Priorities

3e.1 Participate with other jurisdictions to facilitate safe and efficient rail systems;

3e.2 Promote cooperation with railroads to develop traffic safety and convenience, including grade separations (e.g., over/under passes), improving crossings, and siting passenger rail stations;

3e.3 Land use types and densities should be established along rail corridors that Chapter 4, Transportation Page 47

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support and are conducive to freight and commuter rail transportation;

3e.4 Advance the continuation of rail service that fosters the viability of local economies; and,

3e.5 Encourage consolidation of operating rail lines and corridors to facilitate safety, improve cost effectiveness, and reduce impacts on surrounding lands.

Air Transportation

Goal No. 3f Assure future land uses are compatible with airport operations, to protect and preserve the airport and the public investment in the airport.

Priorities

3f.1 Prevent incompatible uses:

(a) Residential and other noise sensitive uses. (b) Congregations of people in approach and departure areas to protect people and property on the ground. (c) Man-made and natural structures that can interfere with flight. (d) Uses which may be affected by vibration or fumes from aircraft operations. (e) Uses of land on the airport that interfere with areas needed for aviation related activities.

3f.2 Encourage commercial and industrial uses that benefit from or enhance airport operations;

3f.3 Decisions on zoning reclassifications and land use developments should consider probable noise nuisances and accident potentials of airport operations;

3f.4 Coordinate nearby developments with the Airport’s Master Plan, Airport Layout Plan, and Airport zoning;

3f.5 Ensure that the County’s Comprehensive Plan and other land use guidance is coordinated with federal and state regulations regarding airport operations;

3f.6 Seek to modify subdivision regulations to include a recording of an Airport Disclosure Agreement – basic disclosure of airport noise situations for development within three (3) miles of airport property; and,

3f.7. Provide for adequate services and facilities in scale with the airport’s needs.

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Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images I

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Ports

Goal No. 3g Protect, support, and enhance Ashtabula County’s Ports along Lake Erie.

PrioritiesPriorities

3g.1 Ensure that port planning and expansion is coordinated and consistent with the goals and priorities of the Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan.

Map No. 3 Map No. 4

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Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Image II s

Transportation System Design

Urban/Suburban Road Functional Classifications

Principal Arterials: Principle arterials are typically two (2) or more lane, moderately fast thoroughfares designed to permit relatively unimpeded traffic flow between major traffic generators such as central business districts, large shopping centers, and primary employment areas for example. They are generally in the highest volume corridors and serve the longer trip destinations. Access to principle arterials should be managed per accepted access management principles and standards.

Minor Arterials: Minor arterials interconnect and augment the principle arterial system. They are also two (2) or more lane thoroughfares, yet provide less mobility than principle arterials, with greater access to adjacent property frontage.

Collector Arterials: Collector arterials provide both land access and traffic circulation within residential neighborhoods, commercial, and industrial areas. They primarily serve individual neighborhoods by distributing traffic from such generators as elementary schools and neighborhood stores to minor and principle arterials. Collector arterials are relatively low speed, two (2) lane facilities that often provide for on-street parking. Local Access Roads: Local access roads provide access to adjacent property and generally do not support through traffic. They can be located in both urban and rural settings. The alignment and traffic control measures on local access roads should encourage a slow, safe speed.

Special Sections: The County Engineer may allow special ROW sections incorporating certain design elements (e.g., planting strips, median treatments, etc.) that enhance the roadway’s geographic location, scenic vistas, or recreational opportunities. The design should not degrade the functionality or safety of the ROW. Where a special section is desired and includes a landscaping element, a maintenance plan should also be required.

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Design of Urban/Suburban Roads

The design of streets can have a tremendous impact on the character of a community. Over the past fifty years, the emphasis in street design has been on increasing capacity for the automobile. The citizens of Ashtabula County have expressed a desire to consider the needs of all potential street users when transportation facilities are being designed. Designs shall accommodate pedestrians, bicycles, and other modes of transit as well as the individual automobile. An emphasis should be placed on advocating for streets designed to form a network with multiple routes to any given point and minimize cul-de-sacs, which lead to fragmentation. Connected street design allows for dispersal of traffic and provides easier access for emergency and service vehicles. Besides those important issues, street design should support adjacent land uses. These and other design issues are addressed in the following goals and priorities.

Goal No. 4 Ensure that urban/suburban ROW systems are designed to preserve and be consistent with community character.

Priorities

4.1 Utilize the best available engineering practices to ensure a safe and efficient roadway system;

4.2 Optimize the capacity of existing ROW to minimize the need for new or expanded roads through the use of improved signage, signalization, lane striping/marking, road maintenance, and other appropriate means;

4.3 Provide coordinated and integrated traffic control measures to greatest extent possible;

4.4 Discourage private roads as a principle means of access to developments. Contemplate private drives or alleyways within developments as a passable means of circulation, provided adequate provisions are in place to assure safe travel, emergency access, and permanent private maintenance;

4.5 Transportation facility design standards should support the creation and preservation of communities and neighborhoods consistent with Smart Growth initiatives, while simultaneously providing for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods;

4.6 Develop an arterial ROW plan(s) that emphasizes planned corridors for higher capacity roadways;

4.7 Design of new transportation facilities and/or ROW improvements should incorporate ample consideration of the cultural, historical, and aesthetic issues associated with a proposed transportation improvement;

4.8 Adequate access to and circulation within all developments should be maintained for emergency, service, and public transportation vehicles;

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of commercial and industrial park centers rather than strip projects to minimize traffic congestion on arterials;

4.10 Encourage ROW designs, which reduce the number of access points on principle arterials by combining curb cuts for adjacent properties and using marginal or frontage roads if feasible;

4.11 Advocate for new developments, including multifamily projects, to be arranged in a pattern of connecting streets and blocks to allow people to circulate conveniently and safely by foot, bicycle, bus or car. Cul-de-sacs or other closed street systems may be appropriate where topography and other physical limitations make connecting streets impractical;

4.12 Encourage local access streets that are curvilinear, narrower and/or use other street designs consistent with safety requirements to discourage through traffic in neighborhoods where such design fits into the surrounding street systems and furthers implementing specific land use designs, corridor planning, and access management methods;

4.13 Allow paved alleys that are privately owned and maintained where appropriate;

4.14 Develop ROW and storm water management standards within regulations that reduce the opportunity and impact of spilled contaminants from reaching surface and ground water; and,

4.15 Reduce ROW width dedications to the minimum necessary to provide for safe and efficient transportation needs while decreasing the amounts of impervious surface.

Rural Road Functional Classifications

Major Collectors: Rural major collector roads serve towns not already served by higher-class roadways. This road classification may also serve to connect one portion of a denser area to another denser area. They are moderately fast facilities that are two to four lanes wide. Rural major collector roads are wider and carry more traffic than the rural minor collectors.

Minor Collectors: Rural minor collector roads are moderately fast facilities that are two lanes wide and provide a link between the major collector arterials and rural local access roads. They typically provide service to remaining smaller communities and link locally important traffic generators with their more rural hinterland.

Local Access Roads: Local access roads provide ingress/egress to adjacent property and generally do not support through traffic. They are located in both urban and rural areas. The alignment and traffic control measures on local access roads should encourage a slow, safe, and efficient speed.

Special Sections: The County Engineer may allow special ROW sections incorporating certain design elements (e.g., planting strips, median treatments, etc.) that enhance the roadway’s Chapter 4, Transportation Page 54

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geographic location, scenic vistas, or recreational opportunities. The design should not degrade the functionality or safety of the ROW. Where a special section is desired and includes a landscaping element, a maintenance plan will also be required

Design of Rural Roads

Goal No. 5 Provide a safe and efficient system of rural roads. To the maximum extent possible, Ashtabula County shall provide all weather roads to serve the rural environment and inclement climate typical of northeast Ohio.

Priorities

5.1 Develop and maintain safe, efficient transportation connections between more suburbanized population centers where improvements emphasize operations, safety, and maintenance;

5.2 Discourage new commercial strip development directly along rural collector and state route frontage;

5.3 Ensure the preservation of rural character and prevent urban sprawl by managing access to major rural collectors; and,

5.4 Prohibit proposed ROW and development from encroaching on significant natural areas or historic resources consistent with the Significant Areas Policies.

Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images, Volume II

Safety

The citizens of Ashtabula County place considerable importance on the safety of the transportation system. Traffic accidents are not only traumatic on a personal level, but they are also costly for public at large. These costs are felt in the form of medical expenses, lost

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productivity, and property losses. When a new road or improvements to existing roads are planned, safety factors shall be a primary design consideration.

Goal No. 6 Provide a safe and efficient transportation system, which responds to the needs of the communities within the County, with special consideration for the elderly, handicapped, and low-income individuals.

Priorities

6.1 Adopt standards and techniques to slow vehicle traffic and reduce the volume of traffic in residential neighborhoods; and,

6.2 Advocate safe and effective traffic control or grade separation at railroad grade crossings.

Level of Service

“Level of service” (LOS) sets qualitative standards for the operating characteristics of the transportation system. Specifically, it can be defined as ways or measures of describing a range of traffic functioning conditions such as traffic interruptions, travel speed and time, freedom to maneuver, and comfort and convenience as experienced and perceived by the passengers and motorists who enlist the roads for mobility. For example, in terms of average time delay at intersections, six (6) levels are defined ranging from “A - F” with “A” representing the best set of conditions [i.e., little to no delay] and “F” the worst [i.e., excessive delay] (State Highway Access Management Manual, Ohio Department of Transportation, Columbus, Ohio). Generally accepted transportation planning, principles require level of service standards for all arterials, and other roads as well, maintain a certain LOS and be coordinated locally, regionally, and state wide. The LOS standards may be thought of as goals that the County desires to maintain for the operation of the transportation system.

Goal No. 7 Establish and maintain County LOS standards consistent with and/or that exceed ODOT’s.

Priorities

7.1 Transportation system improvements should be consistent with and/or exceed adopted levels of service; and,

7.2 Utilize corridor travel time as the minimum level of service for the regional transportation system. The use of a network of local and collector roads versus using only major arterials and collectors is encouraged.

Public Participation

When transportation improvements are proposed, it is important to address the needs and desires of the general public, property owners, and communities affected by the project. Ashtabula County should work with local residents and property owners, in the form of public hearings if Chapter 4, Transportation Page 56

Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan necessary dependent on the magnitude of the project, prior to the design phase to assure and ensure that all needs are considered. A citizen based process via public input from the onset can result in more acceptable facilities to enhance access and mobility for vehicles and other modes of transportation.

Goal No. 8 Incorporate community participation in the transportation planning process and actively involve residential and nonresidential concerns in transportation choices and decisions.

Priorities

8.1 Encourage and facilitate meaningful public involvement throughout plan development and implementation, including at the project level.

Environment

The transportation system can contribute to negative affects on the environment. Air, water, and noise pollution are often associated with the transportation network. Air pollution can best be reduced by minimizing traffic congestion. There are many ways to reduce traffic congestion other than new or expanded roads. Transit use and alternative transportation modes can reduce air pollution. Storm water runoff from road surfaces can be a major contributor to water quality. Treatment of storm water in grassy percolation areas or retention/detention basins can substantially minimize water pollution, runoff rates, and sediment erosion. Noise pollution from traffic can have adverse impacts on adjacent land uses. Noise attenuation practices in the form of berms, landscaping, or other sound barriers may be necessary to mitigate impacts.

Goal No. 9 Develop transportation systems that avoid negative environmental impacts where possible and mitigate detrimental consequences where avoidance is impossible. Create transportation networks that work toward sustainable communities and are consistent with Smart Growth initiatives.

Priorities

9.1 Design transportation improvements to minimize air, water, and noise pollution;

9.2 Ensure that new transportation systems avoid or minimize negative impacts to natural, cultural, aesthetic, and historic resources in compliance with the Significant Areas Policies;

9.3 Protect and preserve environmentally sensitive areas to the greatest extent possible when developing new transportation facilities or improvements;

9.4 The transportation system in Ashtabula County should conform to the federal Clean Water and TEA-21 Acts; and,

9.5 View financial inducements (e.g., tax abatements, TIF, etc.) as tools to encourage development to occur in areas with existing infrastructure, or adjacent to already built-out areas with appropriate and up-gradable systems. Chapter 4, Transportation Page 57

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Chapter 5 Economic & Community Development

Vision

To promote areas within Ashtabula County which are suited for infrastructure improvements benefiting and stimulating residential, recreational, commercial, and industrial economic prosperity through expanded employment opportunities, while enhancing and protecting community assets and quality of life.

Definition of Community Development: Community Development is the process of developing and maintaining suitable economic, social and political environments, in which balanced growth may be realized, community assets enhanced, while increasing the wealth of the community.

Definition of Economic Development: Economic development is the process that leads to enterprise expansion, location, or startup in a place positioned to accommodate it. It occurs when a job is created and/or when an enterprise takes an action that increases the economic vitality of a community. It is the location-response side of the business expansion, facilities location, site selection, and new-venture-startup processes. From the glossary of the Economic Development Contacts Network

Introduction

Located in the northeast corner of Ohio, Ashtabula County is ideally positioned to deliver endless opportunities to all business arenas including agricultural, manufacturing, service, recreation, retail and tourism. The County is surrounded by three major metropolitan areas (Cleveland, Youngstown/Warren, and Erie, PA) and within 500 miles of the major eastern markets of the United States and Canada.

The county boasts facilities of 17 of the Fortune 500 companies. With historical strengths in fiberglass, plastics, and related chemical industries, the county has over 350 manufacturing and industrial firms, and 2,800 businesses employing 43,000 people. A significant portion of the County is dedicated to the agricultural industry. A growing tourism industry is built on the unique agricultural, historical and natural resources of Ashtabula County.

Why a Plan is Important for Development?

A well-designed economic and community development plan will help Ashtabula County establish widely accepted economic development priorities, reduce sprawl, avoid duplication of costly infrastructure, and foster retention of local identity. There is a need for an approach to development that will build on the strengths of the County, maximize the use of existing infrastructure and coordinate with local and regional development strategies.

A county-wide effort should be directed towards job creation, retention and expansion. Planning for development requires flexibility to be effective as markets and technology changes. While Chapter 5, Economic & Community Development Page 59

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each community has unique challenges and opportunities, land-use strategies can guide an integrated approach by all sectors to promote economic vitality in partnership with their neighbors.

Areas of Concern

Appropriate Areas The County should identify sufficient land, with proper zoning, available infrastructure and access to suitable transportation systems for successful economic development projects.

Sewer & Water Infrastructure Capacity Existing sewer capacity is stressed by current growth in some areas. Lack of a regional water district hampers efforts to bring central water service to various parts of the County. The development of a regional master water and sewer plan showing specific tributary area relationships to the existing trunk lines and indicating the capacity for each one is strongly recommended.

Telecommunication Services Ashtabula County is served by four different incumbent local telephone exchange providers, and difference in local service has created an uneven provision of telecommunication services. Ashtabula County should work with the telecommunication providers to develop countywide full spectrum communication services.

Urban Sprawl Sprawl, is not as obviously apparent in Ashtabula County as it is in some neighboring counties, new retail, residential and industrial development in the 1990s has created concerns within the county regarding sprawl. Through the many participation sessions, citizens do not want unchecked development.

The County should encourage, through local zoning, higher density development in those areas already zoned for development. The County should discourage rezoning of vacant land without planned or available infrastructure and other services to support development.

Issues and Challenges

Land use regulation is tremendously important both in promoting growth and in managing it. Ashtabula County’s focus to promote positive growth and avoid sprawl are as follows:

 Residential Development Quality and design of residential development strongly influences community identity. Encourage communities to tailor their local regulations to achieve the best design. Encourage townships to adopt regulations within their Zoning Resolutions, to encourage and promote cluster type residential development where appropriate to preserve rural character, open space, and/or significant areas.

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 Commercial Development The development of corridor plans for the Ashtabula Township Mall District and the Austinburg/Saybrook Township I-90 Interchange area has begun. Other areas that might benefit from corridor planning would be the other major interchanges in the county, and township areas immediately adjacent to cities and villages. Identification of funding for implementation of corridor plans should be an integral part of the planning process.

Existing vacant commercial space needs to be brought back into productive use if it contributes to blight and the appearance of depressed areas. Communities need to incorporate alternative uses in zoning texts to revitalize existing vacant commercial (retail) structures.

 Industrial Development Encourage continued development of industrial parks where adequate infrastructure exists or extension is practical. Seek to leverage state and federal assistance and incentives which encourage efforts to redevelop vacant, underutilized “brownfield” sites.

 Infrastructure For purposes of this Comprehensive Plan, infrastructure is defined as potable water treatment and distribution, sanitary and storm sewers, wastewater treatment, telecommunications, natural gas and electricity distribution, and transportation.

Current residential growth is placing demands for potable water in central and southern portions of the County. Adequate wastewater treatment capacities and sewer line collection systems are challenged. To minimize public costs and efficiently use resources, new development should occur in areas where adequate capacity exists or can be reasonably extended. Attention needs to be given to areas of the county that are presently under-served by utilities.

Development Goals

Local and County plans and policies should contain these physical and development tenets to encourage development activities in suitable areas:

 Economic development planning should be promoted. Studies may be undertaken to identify economic patterns, which may be of benefit to local communities and businesses. Information should be shared to review trends, development needs, and coordinate projects.

 County economic development strategies should identify opportunities and manufacturing sectors that its economies can fill. Future economic stability may be achieved through diversification of industry clusters that can capitalize on local advantages to serve local, national and international markets.

 Develop actions and policies that encourage public and private investment in technologies that support the ability of local enterprises to succeed, improve community life, and enhance and improve access to information. Chapter 5, Economic & Community Development Page 61

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 Continue publicly supported economic development programs, investments, and incentives have proven their long-term benefits and impacts on the County as a whole. These programs have attracted committed, diversified industries that provide employment choices for county residents. Employment expands the individual’s opportunities for property ownership, improvement, and consumption. The tax incentive programs have attracted industrial property investment, and increased the county’s long-term property tax base.

Projects should be consistent with local economic development objectives as set forth in land use or economic development plans.

 Economic development incentives and tools should continue to be used to promote appropriate growth, industrial diversification, encourage small business, and nurture emergent technologies.

Action/Priority Items

1.1 Seek to develop data indicating existing and planned capacities for water, wastewater; storm water management, telecommunications, electric and natural gas.

1.2 Collect data for soil types (suitability), current land use, and local zoning.

1.3 Map data from 1.1 and 1.2 above into geographically referenced electronic formats (GIS).

1.4 Identify areas of greatest potential for development based upon the data mapped above.

1.5 Encourage orderly sequencing of growth in targeted areas in order to efficiently invest public and private development funds; seek to leverage development projects for state and federal funds that will enhance/expand infrastructure, and hence opportunities, in targeted areas.

1.6 View financial inducements (e.g. tax abatements, TIF, etc.) as tools to encourage development to occur in targeted areas defined above.

1.7 Encourage all agencies involved in economic development to pursue these goals.

1.8 Expand and market programs that assist and encourage entrepreneurs and small businesses.

1.9 Encourage public lending programs to consider a business’s neighborhood and community contributions in addition to the formal lending guidelines.

Guiding Principals

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Economic development efforts recognize that support to existing local enterprises is the best source of business expansion and job growth.

Economic development and transportation investments should encourage these land use patterns, and movement of people and goods by non-automotive transportation whenever feasible.

A distinctive identity will help communities cultivate, maintain, and enhance a quality-of-life that is attractive for residential development and business retention, expansion, and establishment, culminating in additional private investment to benefit residents and the County, while providing value to the investors. A distinctive identity is also critical to the health of the tourism industry. County community development efforts should aspire to preserve each community’s unique sense of attractiveness, history, heritage, and cultural/social diversity. A balance should be sought between the development of highly specialized retail areas such as commercial corridors, residential options and nurturing of local businesses. At the Community level, a wide range of commercial, residential, cultural, civic, and recreational uses should be encouraged in order to serve the daily needs of residents. At the County level, facilities should be located in centers that are accessible by transit, recognizing the unique challenges posed by the demands of low population densities over such a large geographic area.

Since industries, transportation, land uses, natural resources, and other key elements of a healthy economy are regional in scope, communities and the private sector within Ashtabula County should cooperate to create regional facilities that promote a coherent and complimentary whole that considers and respects local character and identity.

Enterprises should be encouraged to work as civic partners, contribute to the support of the communities where they operate, and provide workers with a living wage, opportunities for advancement, and a healthy work environment. Communities should encourage lifelong skills and learning opportunities by investing in excellent schools, post-secondary institutions, and occasions for continuous education and training for citizens.

Industrial Property Assets

The County experienced a renaissance in the 1990’s, leading to the creation of numerous new industrial parks.

AGTEC Industrial Park – Orwell Village A privately developed 200-acre rural, industrial park with full improvements in southern Ashtabula County 5 miles west of SR 11. Approx. 50 acres developed. Approx. 100 acres impacted by wetlands.

Andover Industrial Park – Andover Village This privately developed 80 acre rural, industrial park with full improvements in southern Ashtabula County 5 miles east of SR 11. Approx. 30 acres remain available for development.

Ashtabula City Industrial Park – Ashtabula City A 50 acre industrial park in the preliminary planning stages adjacent to SR 11.

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Coffee Creek Industrial Park – Austinburg Twp. A rural 50 acre industrial park, fully built out, 1.2 miles from the SR 45/I-90 interchange. No lots available.

Eagle Industrial Park – Geneva City A 75-acre industrial park with full improvements that is located 3.5 miles north of I-90 in the city of Geneva. 10 acres remain available for development. Inside City limits.

East Conneaut Industrial Park – Conneaut City A 200-acre industrial park with utilities at the street located 1.5 miles north of I-90. Lots designed to customer needs. Inside City Limits.

North Bend Industrial Park – Saybrook Twp. A 60-acre industrial park with 35 acres available. Phase I and II full improvements located 4 miles north of I-90. Sub lots from 1.5 to 16 acres.

Reliance Business Park – Ashtabula City A 250,000 sq. ft. multi-tenant facility on 24 acres with full improvements located near SR 11 and I-90. Inside City limits.

Roaming Shores Industrial Park – Roaming Shores Village This park is located on Rome Rock Creek Road, one mile east of SR 45. 60 acres currently remain undeveloped, but water and sewer facilities are available.

Sidley Industrial Park – Austinburg Twp. 180 acre industrial park, Phase I and II improved. Adjacent to I-90 and SR 45.

Total Industrial Park Acreage: 917 Developed Industrial Park Acreage: 265 Available Industrial Park Acreage: 420 Restricted Acreage: 128

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Chapter 6 Heritage: The Future of Our History

Vision

To the people of Ashtabula County who value their history and heritage not only in the past, but also in the present and for the future. The physical reminders of historical, architectural and archeological sites help form our sense of community. In order to preserve the uniqueness of history and heritage, Ashtabula County will include the preservation and protection of our significant historical resources with other county policies in order to guide development of any type and size.

Why is Planning Important to Historic Preservation?

Preservation of the County’s historic resources is important to the residents of Ashtabula County. The museums, covered bridges, depots, early homes, and numerous other architectural and archeological sites must be thought of as a commodity. Historical resources also serve as an important economic force for tourism, and create a sense of place that most county residents recognize as important to overall quality of life.

A balanced, coordinated effort between landowners, developers, and government agencies, to guide future residential, commercial, and industrial growth is crucial to success in protecting historically significant areas.

Understanding that historic sites are valuable to a community’s character and sense of place is the first step toward their preservation. Whereas, some historic resources in the county are already in public ownership and trust, there are many others that remain in private hands. Only some of these are officially recognized by federal, state, and/or local authorities. It must also be understood that structures built today in the early part of the 21st Century will one day be viewed as historic. It is recommended that our local government decisions encourage private owners to protect and preserve these resources.

There have been three programs completed to take the “pulse” of how residents view living in Ashtabula County, in which historic preservation was a topic. The 1993 countywide visioning Chapter 6, Heritage Page 66

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process, ACT 2000, identified “preserve the architectural heritage of the county” as an important goal. The 1997 Ashtabula County Telephone Survey indicates that over half of the respondents viewed architectural design, historic buildings, and historic districts to be “very important,” which was the highest rating.

Through the 2000 Future Search program, Land and Living in Ashtabula County--A Community in Conversation About Its Future, a vision statement expressed the sentiments of the attendees about heritage and history:

“The historic character of the architecture in each community is an integral part of the sense of place and development needs to address this issue.” Land and Living Statement

Christ Church, Museum and Episcopal Church Hartsgrove Gazebo and Town Square Windsor Township Hartsgrove Township

Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images, Volume II

Areas of Concern and Focus

The National Register of Historic Places and the Ohio Historic Preservation Office list numerous sites in Ashtabula County that they have determined to be historically significant. New sites will be added by these federal and state preservation offices as time progresses. Additional Ashtabula County sites should be added at the local level through research, survey, and identification as part of this Comprehensive Plan.

This element is crucial. Without this survey work, planning decisions based on current knowledge will result in a loss of historic resources and delays in project implementation for economic development. See Map No. 1 and Table No. 1 for the sites in Ashtabula County that are listed on the Historic Register.

The National Register of Historic Places lists properties identified at the national, state, and local level that are significant and which are protected by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The Ohio Historic Preservation Office maintains a database of properties only within Ohio that are listed on the Ohio Historic Inventory or Ohio Archeological Inventory. This office also nominates sites to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Numerous local historic societies maintain their own inventories. Areas of concern for preservation can be generalized as follows: Chapter 6, Heritage Page 67

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A. A place that has a historically significant value such as:

 Old town centers including but not limited to Austinburg, Dorset Center, Eagleville, Footville, Hartsgrove Circle, and Windsor Corners  Underground railroad sites  Archeological sites

B. A structure that has a historically significant value such as:

 Schools  Private homes and barns  Private businesses  Town Halls/Granges  Railroad depots  Covered bridges

Historically significant value will depend on several factors. The Criteria for Evaluating Historic Sites, explained in this chapter, describes how to determine the historical significance of a site.

Heritage Priorities

The goal of this Comprehensive Plan is the mindful use of land in Ashtabula County from all perspectives: economic, farmland, greenspace, transportation, recreation, and historic. The following are priorities of historic preservation in Ashtabula County:

Priority No. 1: Continue to protect and preserve sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places and with the Ohio Historic Preservation Office.

Priority No. 2: Create an inventory of historically significant sites beyond those listed on the National Register of Historic Places and with the Ohio Historic Preservation Office.  The inventory should be performed by a competent person with an interest in history and general knowledge of Ashtabula County. Funding, terms, length of employment, and other aspects of this position would be determined by the Board of County Commissioners. An approved Inventory Form should be used. The inventory should be digitized and integrated into the database(s) of Ashtabula County government.

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County Court House, Jefferson Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images, Volume II

Priority No. 3: Continue to promote tourism of historical sites through programs such as the Covered Bridge Festival, local festivals, and historic tours.  The continued promotion of local historic festivals and tours by the County Commissioners and local historic societies maintain public knowledge of the importance of historic areas within the county.

“Ashtabula County offers a wide diversity of fairs, festivals, and family activities where citizens celebrate their community pride. Besides countywide events such as the Covered Bridge Festival or the annual county fair, most of the twenty-seven townships schedule local heritage days.” Land and Living Statement

Olin Bridge, Dewey Road, Plymouth Township Covered Bridge Festival Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images, Volume II

Priority No. 4: Encourage private property owners to apply to have their homes or businesses recognized as significant at the local, state, and federal level.  As with Greenspace and Farmland Preservation, the success of preserving historic sites will depend largely on the private property owner. This Comprehensive Plan encourages private property owners to inform local historic preservation societies of their interest in researching Chapter 6, Heritage Page 69

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and preserving their properties, to inform the County Commissioners Office of information they may have regarding the historic importance of their properties, and to apply to have their homes or businesses placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Map No. 1 shows the general locations of homes, businesses, and other sites that are currently on the National Register of Historic Places. The Ohio Historic Preservation Office may be reached at 567 East Hudson Street, Columbus, Ohio 43211-1030; Phone (614) 298-2000 or visit www.ohiohistory.org.

Priority No. 5: Encourage the updating of zoning resolutions to ensure preservation of historic areas.  Each individual township should review its zoning resolutions and investigate the need to preserve any historic areas that may exist within the township. Creating a different set of bulk standards (e.g., lot frontage and area, building height, setbacks, etc.) in a specific area where historic structures exist, for example, would be the main zoning tool that a township can create that could help protect historic town centers.

Priority No. 6: Create a repository for historical data.  All historic data that is reported in the inventory would be kept on permanent record for public use in a county office and cross-referenced in any county Geographic Information System (GIS) as well as the County Auditor’s database.

Priority No. 7: Create a historical advisory board.  This board would provide oversight for the implementation of the local inventory and monitor the status of historic resources. Make-up and creation of the board should be endorsed by the Board of County Commissioners.

Historic Preservation Tools

Successful preservation means being prepared to make thoughtful decisions about historic resources by understanding the locally built environment and what is historically significant and worthy of preservation investment. Historic resources can be preserved through the following means:

Owner Participation

Tool No. 1 is tied with Priority No. 4. Owners of property or buildings, which may be historically significant but not necessarily subject to immediate development, are encouraged to notify local historic preservation societies of their interest in researching and preserving their properties. They should also inform the County Commissioners Office as to the historic importance of their properties and apply to have their sites placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The majority of potential sites will fall under private ownership. Knowing this, and educating the public to preserve such sites, will work to increase historic preservation, adding to our sense of place and pride. The Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, explained in Tool No. 3, may be able

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to assist with this endeavor. Contact: Ohio Historic Preservation Office, County Commissioners, local preservation societies

Subdivision Regulation

Subdivision regulations are a necessity. They strengthen a community’s ability to ensure a development will become a beneficial, working part of the community. Aside from the typical design standards found in all subdivision regulations, the Ashtabula County Subdivision Regulations include Section 426 on Significant Areas and its adopted policies.

It is recognized that many of the historically significant areas valued by Ashtabula County residents are not at this time of national or even state interest, but are an integral part of our unique built environment and cultural history of the county. Identification and protection of these resources will be highly dependent on Priority No. 2, completion of the local inventory. Once identified, these properties could be deemed to be significant areas. Contact: Ashtabula County Department of Planning

Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit

This act makes available a 20% tax credit to any person interested in renovating a historic structure by making necessary improvements and updates for non-residential uses. The credit is available through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The structure must be listed on or be eligible to be on the National Register of Historic Places. More information on this program is available through the Internal Revenue Service. Contact: IRS at: www.ohiohistory.org

Zoning

The preservation of the small town atmosphere is a desire that continually surfaced in conversations about land use during the 1997 Youngstown State University Land Use Survey, Future Search, Farmland Preservation, and this Comprehensive Plan.

Townships can support the historic preservation movement through zoning. Zoning does have its limitations, but a township, if it so desires can designate an area that it considers to be of historic importance. The township could establish bulk and area standards for that specific zoning district. Examples of different standards may be a lesser front and side yard setback, building height, and lot area requirements. More flexible parking standards, such as allowing joint parking agreements, could also be established.

Carefully crafted historic district standards would be of great assistance to owners of historic structures. These owners face complications caused by non-conformity to current zoning regulations. The standards would, however, need to be uniformly applied to any structure within this district, whether historical in nature or not.

While a township cannot require a building to match or closely resemble the existing facade of the historic buildings in the area, making allowances in 21st Century zoning for the distinct

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Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan development patterns of the 19th and early 20th centuries would aid in maintaining the original “small town” feel. A small town atmosphere will greatly benefit from developers willing to spend the time and money on such projects. Buildings and lots that are maintained properly help sustain a community’s sense of place and particularly, pride.

If a community knows how it wants its downtown or its commercial corridors to look and feel, the creation of a different set of standards can make a difference. Contact: Individual Township, Ashtabula County Department of Planning

CDBG Review and Funding

When a community applies for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for structural or other improvements, the community must comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470), Executive Order 11593, and the Preservation of Archeological and Historical Data Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 469a-1, et seq). A consultant performs an environmental assessment of the property to assure compliance.

During this assessment, contact is made with the State Historic Preservation Officer to identify properties that are either listed in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Any adverse effects of the project will either be avoided or mitigated. Ideally, this step should serve as backup for Tool No. 2, the Significant Areas review conducted during the subdivision process. Contact: Ashtabula County Department of Environmental Services

Adoption of Limited Home Rule Government by Townships

Pursuant to ORC Section 504.01, in a township with a population of at least 5,000 residents but no more than 15,000, the Board of Township Trustees, by majority vote, may adopt a resolution causing the Board of Elections to submit the question to the electors of that township whether or not the township should adopt a limited home rule government.

The adoption of limited home rule government allows a township to exercise limited self- government and limited police powers. Under this limited role, a township may create provisions for historic districts that can incorporate design standards, as well as bulk and area standards, as is done in incorporated municipalities. Contact: Ashtabula County Department of Planning

Implementation Strategies/Recommendations

The strategies to preserve historically significant sites are as follows:

 Strategy No. 1: Continue to enforce the Significant Areas Policies of the County Subdivision Regulations.

 Strategy No. 2: Implement the Criteria for Evaluating Historic Sites to determine historically significant sites. Chapter 6, Heritage Page 72

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 Strategy No. 3: Begin the records search, the compilation of local information, and a windshield survey immediately following the adoption of this Plan. Complete a systematic and comprehensive inventory of historically significant areas within two years after the adoption of this Plan. This work will begin with areas already under development, such as, interchanges and major state routes.

 Strategy No. 4: Encourage the use of the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit to encourage the ownership and maintenance of historic structures.

 Strategy No. 5: Create a link in the County Auditor’s tax records identifying a tax parcel that has a historic structure located on it and provide pertinent information about the structure.

Criteria for Evaluating Historic Sites

In collaboration with the Significant Areas Policies and the Comprehensive Plan, the following Criteria for Evaluation will be used to determine a site’s historical significance in Ashtabula County during the time of the inventory and any subsequent review of a potential historic site threatened by development. These criteria are widely used by the National Register of Historic Places and the Ohio Historic Preservation Office.

The level of significance is determined by American history, architecture, archeology, and culture and is present in districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association, and:

 that are associated with events that have made a significant contribution of the broad patterns of our history; or

 that are associated with the lives of persons significant in the past; or

 that embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or

 that have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in pre-history or history.

Old Brick, Orwell Township Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images, Volume II

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Map not intended to show exact location of historic sites.

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Table No. 1 National Register, Historic Sites, Ashtabula County, Ohio No. Location Name

1 Jefferson Township Ashtabula County Courthouse Group 2 Ashtabula City Ashtabula Harbor Light 3 Ashtabula City Ashtabula Harbor Commercial District 4 Austinburg Township Eliphalet Austin House 5 Plymouth Township Blakeslee Log Cabin 6 Wayne Township Fort Boice and Village Site 7 Ashtabula Michael Cahill House 8 Austinburg Township Congregational Church of Austinburg 9 Conneaut Conneaut Harbor West Breakwater Light 10 Conneaut Conneaut Light Station Keeper’s Dwelling 11 Conneaut Conneaut Works 12 Conneaut David Cummins Octagon House 13 Geneva-on-the-Lake Eagle Cliff Hotel 14 Jefferson Village Joshua Reed Giddings Law Office 15 Jefferson Township Griggs Grange No. 1467 16 Ashtabula Township Francis E. Harmon House 17 Harpersfield Township Harpersfield Covered Bridge 18 Conneaut Harwood Block 19 Andover John Henderson House 20 Ashtabula City Hotel Ashtabula 21 Lenox Township Col. Erastus House 22 Ashtabula Col. William Hubbard House 23 Jefferson Village Jefferson Town Hall 24 Conneaut Kilpi Hall 25 Jefferson Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad Station 26 Conneaut Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Passenger Station 27 Ashtabula Mother of Sorrows Church 28 New Lyme Township New Lyme Institute 29 New Lyme Township New Lyme Town Hall 30 Ashtabula City Park Avenue High School 31 Austinburg Township L. W. Peck House 32 Harpersfield Township Shandy Hall 33 Ashtabula City West Fifth Street Bridge 34 Windsor Township Windsor Corners District 35 Windsor Township Windsor Mills Christ Episcopal Church 36 Windsor Township Windsor Mills Fort and Village Site 37 Windsor Township Wiswell Road Covered Bridge

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Final Commentary

A community’s historic resources are unique, finite, and non-renewable. As the nation follows a path toward the global economic community, citizens should remember that it is very possible to participate in a national and global economy and also maintain a unique community identity. County residents should also remember that the stronger the outside forces for change, the stronger the inside forces for preservation of what is truly important must be.

Economic and market forces produce results both positive and negative, but it is certain that only the hearts and minds of people can inject the idea of a big picture and a common good, an over- arching goal, into the operation of these forces. Market forces may sometimes recognize historic significance as a commodity, but generally such recognition occurs long after local efforts at self-preservation have protected historic resources. Thus, the challenge of providing a future for the history of Ashtabula County will be a responsibility of residents and public officials of the county.

Protection of our historic resources is important due to the intrinsic value they have to Ashtabula County. In time the economic rewards may be directly tied to these resources. In fact, those communities who do take steps to preserve their historic resources will find that they become increasingly valuable because other communities lacked the will to do the same. As neighboring counties become paved over and completely franchised, our quality of life, which includes the sense of place and identity provided by our historic resources, becomes more attractive to others and also more precious to us. The citizens of Ashtabula County have spoken.

“The historic character of the architecture in each community is an integral part of the sense of place and development needs to address this issue.” Land and Living in Ashtabula County

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Chapter 7 Recreation

Vision

To enjoy access to many unique and diverse places and spaces that provides opportunities for active and passive recreation. These recreational opportunities make the best use of our land, water and natural resources throughout the four seasons.

Introduction

Recreation is an increasingly important component to the quality of life for Ashtabula County residents. The County has designated recreational and natural areas that provide multi-purpose parks and spaces for active and passive recreation for all ages. Preserving and protecting areas of unique natural and scenic importance for their original and intrinsic value protects our greatest resource, the land. The coordination and cooperation among the private sector, public sector and ALL parks assures that the conservation of the land and its resources are paramount.

“Ashtabula County is a place where people value the open spaces around them and support the development of a parks system to en sure their access to those spaces.” Land and Living in Ashtabula County

Ashtabula County is rich in natural beauty with unique environmental assets. Recreational areas include: beaches, wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes, riparian corridors with vegetative buffers, mature woodlands, scenic rivers and parklands. There is an abundance of parks and spaces for recreational activities. There is a wealth of active and passive forms of recreation. The twenty- seven miles of Lake Erie shoreline provide water activities, sunsets, star gazing and fantastic views on the North Coast of America.

Of the 455,100 acres within Ashtabula County, the two state parks, Pymatuning Lake and Geneva State Park, total 4,198 land acres. These parks offer opportunities to camp, hike, fish, boat, swim and picnic in the summer and in the winter snowmobile, cross-country ski and ice fish. Additionally, there are numerous township parks, village greens, local wineries, community festivals, and other recreational areas that are accessible throughout the year. Sportsmen can take advantage of hunting and fishing seasons within three Wildlife Areas located in Dorset, New Lyme, and Orwell townships, totaling over 2,000 acres.

Recreation is defined as - refreshment of body and mind through forms of play, amusement or relaxation that may be active or passive (American Planning Association, Glossary of Planning, Zoning and Development Terms) - Land devoted to recreation is both private and publicly owned. Recreation, along with tourism, has been a boost to the economy. Private enterprises include golf courses, camps, campgrounds, charter fishing, equestrian and fitness centers, All-Terrain Vehicle tracks and hunting preserves.

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Recreation has been a topic of interest for county citizens and has emerged as a priority at several community forums over the years. During the Ashtabula County Tomorrow (ACT 2000) process, the development of a master recreation plan ranked number one out of ten as an individual action item from the ACTion Fair held at the Ashtabula Mall in 1993. Recreation as a goal from ACT 2000 would enhance existing, and develop new, recreational areas and opportunities for all ages. The goal to create a master recreational plan for the county would address sporting, uses of space, leisure time activities, and cultural opportunities. It was hoped the plan would provide for but not be limited to parks, alternative non-motorized transportation routes, (trails for hiking, biking, walking and jogging) skiing, sledding and snowmobiling, ice skating, indoor and outdoor swimming, development of rivers and lake fronts for recreation, use of school facilities for recreational opportunities and involve theaters and museums. The Recreation Task Force from ACT 2000 continues to meet and has given input to this plan.

During Land and Living in Ashtabula County, A Community In Conversation About Its Future, recreation again was identified as an area where the quality of life of county citizens would be enhanced and the county would benefit economically with focused enhancement on recreation and preservation of open space. Participants gave voice to increasing indoor and outdoor recreation programs and facilities.

Lakeshore Park, Ashtabula Township Canoes on the Ashtabula River at the Olin Covered Bridge, Plymouth Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images, Volume I and II

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Why a Comprehensive Plan is important to Recreation

Ashtabula County is the largest county in area in the State of Ohio. With over 705 square miles, there is a sense that Ashtabula County has an abundance of open space and recreational areas. It is important that a plan identify how to make the best use of the land for generations to come.

In a Star Beacon editorial from 11/20/01:

“Lands are disappearing as there has been an emphasis in recent years to push for industrial and commercial development. But at the same time, there ought to be development designated toward our quality of life. Another factory adds to our tax base of course, but parks and recreation add to our well being as well as our tax base. There needs to be a balance between the two.”

Designating and developing natural recreational areas can provide opportunities for “Ecotourism.” Ecotourism is tourism based upon the natural, rather than the synthetic attractions of the community. It is the tourist industry’s most rapidly expanding sector. It is and can be a significant facet of the economic strategy for communities across the country. As growth in the county occurs, typically near population centers, it is important to have a plan that will focus on parks and recreation to keep these communities vital and growing, thus improving quality of life.

Areas of Concern & Focus

With an area as large as 455,100 acres, Ashtabula County only has 16,664 acres, or 3.7%, of land and water set aside for parks and recreation, according to the 1993 Ohio Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. As ecotourism and the population of the county grow, more land devoted to parks and recreation will be needed. It stands to reason that now is the time to identify, protect, and plan for the following areas for future recreation:

1. All publicly owned land Publicly owned land should be open/accessible to the public. Often times public funds are used to create and maintain public areas. Currently, there are two active ways that funds are generated that can assist with the recreational uses within the county.

A. Lot transfer fee. The transfer fee for all lot transfers made through the County Auditor’s Office was increased from $1.00 per transfer to $3.00 per transfer in July, 2001. The Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution making this effective. These monies may assist with economic development activities, which may include recreational uses.

B. Significant Areas. Under Section 426 of the Ashtabula County Subdivision Regulations and the Significant Areas Policies, upon review of a subdivision, it is determined by the Ashtabula County Planning Commission whether any Significant Areas exist within a proposed subdivision. If one does not exist, the creation of the subdivision would have an affect on the General Area (defined in the Policies), and therefore Payment-in-Lieu of a Significant Area is required. This amount is equal to 5% of either the taxed assessed valuation of the property, Chapter 7, Recreation Page 75

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or based upon a private appraisal. These funds will be reserved for only the acquisition and development of other significant areas.

2. All former railroad right-of-ways Former railroad right-of-ways can serve as an immediate tool to create a recreational area, namely walking and biking trails. The Western Reserve Greenway (WRG) Trail is a fine example of how a former railroad bed is being converted, into a multi-purpose trail. This is discussed at more detail later in this chapter.

3. Paper streets and utility easements for future trails Land that was platted, (the plat was officially recorded in the County Recorder’s Office) but never constructed, are known as paper subdivisions. The streets are referred to as paper streets as well. Such areas could be obtained for use as recreational areas provided that it is reviewed under the Subdivision Regulations to guarantee that no non-conforming or land-locked parcels are created.

4. Established public parks Continued maintenance and expansion of uses such as beaches, outdoor volleyball courts, tennis courts, and swimming within existing parks will maintain constant recreational opportunities.

5. Areas developed for the purpose of wetland remediation It may be possible to create non-intrusive recreational uses such as raised trails for walking only, picnic areas, and platforms for viewing wildlife within natural wetlands or wetland remediation areas. Approval of these types of projects is not governed by one particular government agency, but rather several.

6. River and stream corridors Boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking are attractive uses along rivers and streams throughout the county. The Harpersfield Metropark, for example, offers all of these uses.

7. Road shoulders and sidewalks Wherever possible and logical, road shoulders and sidewalks should be expanded as to permit safe pedestrian and bicycle traffic. There are several proposed locations for pedestrian/bicycle bridges over the Ashtabula River.

8. Ashtabula Gulf Four hundred acres of woods, river, and stream beds make up the Ashtabula Gulf. The site is contemplated for recreational development including trails and picnic areas. Activities would be overseen by the Ashtabula Township Park Commission.

These eight focus areas are the physical features from which new recreational uses can be created. Proper land management for motorized recreational vehicles (land & water), and the ideal use, appreciation, and conservation of the land are overarching concepts that will ensure new uses will be friendly to the environment.

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Listing of Parks and Recreation

Through a conscientious and deliberate effort organized following ACT 2000, the Recreational Task Force inventoried numerous recreational areas in Ashtabula County. The Ashtabula County Parks and Recreation Inventory can be found at the Department of Planning office in Jefferson, Building D, Old Courthouse, 3rd Floor. The following enumerates the uses that were inventoried in 1998.

 Agriculture: Farms, Orchards and Vineyards  Camps/ Campgrounds  Charters/ Marinas/Canoe Liveries  Events, Fairs, Festivals  Historic Sites / Museums / Libraries  Parks / Playgrounds/Trails (including horses)  Schools  Sport Sites: Courts, Courses, Playing Fields, Ranges, Equestrian Centers  Visual Performing Arts

“It’s hard to see a frowning face at the Arts Center” Land and Living in Ashtabula County

Each city, village and township offers recreational opportunities both indoor and outdoor. Various communities throughout the county have private fitness clubs, public recreation programming and establishments for the arts.

Top Recreational Areas within Ashtabula County

A. State Parks

Ashtabula County is one of only a few communities in Ohio that can claim to be home to two state parks. Outdoor lovers have opportunities for hiking, boating, nature study, camping, fishing, hunting and other outdoor pursuits on these separate state areas. There is direct access to Lake Erie and 698 acres of land at Geneva State Park located in the extreme northwest corner of the County. And there are 3,500 acres of land and 1,400 acres of water at Pymatuning State Park located at the extreme southeast corner of the County. Summer activities include fishing, hunting, hiking, picnicking, swimming and boating. Winter recreation at Pymatuning includes ice-skating, ice fishing, ice boating and cross-country skiing; snowmobiling is permitted in Geneva State Park.

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Table No. 1

Recreational Facilities

Geneva State Park Pymatuning State Park

Land Area 698 acres 3,500 acres

Water Area Lake Erie 1,400 acres

Activity Geneva State Park Quantity Pymatuning State Park Quantity

Fishing yes yes

Hunting yes yes

Hiking Trail yes 3 miles yes 2 miles

Swimming yes yes

Nature Center no yes

Summer Nature Programs no yes

Boating yes, dock rental 383 yes, rental and launch

Ice Skating no yes

Ice Fishing yes yes

Ice Boating no yes

Cross country skiing yes yes

Snowmobiling yes no

Camping yes yes

Cottages 0 60

Campsites 91 352

Geneva State Park is the site of the Lodge and Conference Center at Geneva State Park. It will feature approximately 110 rooms, mostly with views of Lake Erie and the marina, an indoor pool, restaurant, and a wine-tasting room, among other amenities. The Conference Center will accommodate 250-500 guests for meetings, banquets, and trade shows. Plans are to provide state-of-the-art technology affording local businesses, associations, and groups convenient meeting rooms to conduct board meetings, training sessions and regional conference opportunities.

The complex will be a true gem for the shore of Lake Erie and Ashtabula County, as this will be one of the only resorts situated on the shoreline between Buffalo and Maumee Bay. Future planning has made the design easy to expand for future growth. Resort operations will be contracted with a professional company that handles resorts and parks.

B. State Wildlife Areas and Designated Hunting Lands

There are three (3) state designated Wildlife Areas in Ashtabula County. They include:

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1. Dorset State Wildlife Area (1,080 acres) 2. The New Lyme Preserve (650 acres) 3. Orwell State Wildlife Preserve (193 acres)

These areas provide an approximate total of 1,923 acres for public hunting and fishing. Hunting is permitted only in designated areas with valid hunting licenses during appropriate seasons.

C. County Lands

The Ashtabula County Metropark District manages four (4) different areas covering approximately 450-500 acres for outdoor recreation and nature. They include the following parks in Ashtabula County:

The Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark , located in Harpersfield Township, is the most recognized of the County parks system. It is located on Harpersfield Road at the Grand River dam where many fishermen angle for trout (in spring and fall), bluegill, crappie, large and smallmouth bass, etc. There are public picnic areas and pavilions on both sides of the river, plus recreational fields and public restrooms. Shallows below the dam provide children with hours of entertainment. There also is public access for canoes and two privately run canoe liveries.

Graham Road Covered Bridge Metropark is located on Graham Road in Pierpont Township. The bridge was originally located on Callendar Road in Morgan Township. The bridge was scattered a mile downstream during the 1913 flood. Residents gathered the parts of the bridge and it was moved to Graham Road. In 1971 the County planned to tear down the bridge and replace it with a steel bridge. Robert and Helen Benson, who live to the southwest of the bridge, donated property to the County, which enabled the bridge to be saved. The bridge now sits on property belonging to the County Metropark District. There is a small parking area for public access.

The Grand Lakes - Queen Lake & Prince Lake The Grand Lakes area, located in Dorset Township seven miles west of the Pennsylvania border, consists of 240 acres of forested and open land. The area is undeveloped and mostly owned by the County Metropark District. Plans call for someday creating a recreation facility in the area that would accommodate camping and boating for canoes and small fishing boats. The Queen and Prince Lakes are located close to the former New York Central Railroad right-of-way and near Mells Road, east of SR 193.

The Western Reserve Greenway Trail It is located on a former railroad right-of-way, which was closed in April, 1976. The line was mostly owned throughout its operational life by the Pennsylvania Railroad. The right-of-way, which served industry then, is being converted to serve the community’s recreational needs now.

The Ashtabula County Metropark District secured a 15-year lease agreement from the current property owner, the State of Ohio. The lease, signed by Governor George Voinovich in late May, 1997, and recorded in the Ashtabula County courts, authorizes construction of the bike path on the Ashtabula portion of the former railroad. The Chapter 7, Recreation Page 79

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Western Reserve Greenway (WRG) Trail is 43 miles in length, with Ashtabula County home to 27 miles of trail. The trail begins at the southern edge of Ashtabula City and extends south of Orwell. From there, the trail proceeds to Champion, just north of Warren. The Western Reserve Greenway is the longest section of the 100 mile Great Ohio Lake-to-River Greenway. The ACT 2000 task force on parks & recreation became interested in the Western Reserve Greenway Trail efforts several years ago. It was instrumental in raising further awareness of the project.

Covered Bridges With 16 covered bridges, Ashtabula County is the Covered Bridge Capitol of Ohio. Located in beautiful pristine settings, the bridges are a pleasure to tour any time of the year. The county celebrates its Covered Bridge heritage the second weekend of every October. Two of the bridges have contiguous parks where people can park, picnic, walk and take pictures. A 17th Covered Bridge is slated to be built in the Ashtabula River Gulf area along State Road. It will be the longest covered bridge in the United States and will attract people from around the world.

Township Parks Several townships throughout the county have community parks that offer picnic grounds and open spaces open from dusk till dawn. All townships have a town hall that may have an open area but not necessarily a park. Townships that have a designated park include Pierpont, Kingsville, Ashtabula, Colebrook, Harpersfield, Trumbull, and Hartsgrove.

”My husband and I live to take the grandchildren down to the park or to the beach. We have a wonderful time down there B simply enjoying life. He starts pushing the kids on swings and the next thing I know, he is on a swing himself. He keeps laughing and having such a good time with the kids. It’s awesome. No matter how bad the week has gone or how down we may feel, it always improves your outlook to have a chance to get outdoors and just have fun like that. He even rolls down the hills with the kids, just like he was five years old.” Land & Living Interview

Lake Shore Park Set in lush vegetation and rolling hills with abundant natural wildlife and open space throughout the summer, Lake Shore Park located in Ashtabula Township is a refreshing, relaxing place for the whole family. For the fisherman there is a fine boat ramp and ample parking for vehicles with trailers. With picnic pavilions located in key scenic points, the view can be breathtaking as well as a photographer’s playground. Over 100 picnic tables, many with charcoal grills, are available. Well kept restrooms are in close proximity to the four spacious and scenic pavilions.

The Ashtabula Gulf/Indian Trails Park The park is located along the Ashtabula River. The 400-acre park is part of a deep river valley that was created during the Pleistocene epoch around 1,000,000 years ago when much of the earth’s surface was covered by glaciers. The park’s northern terminus is located just two miles from Lake Erie and adjacent to a part of the Ashtabula River once known for supporting heavy industry. The approximate northern and southern end points for the eleven mile linear park are defined by the West 32nd Street Railroad Bridge in the city of Ashtabula and State Road in Plymouth Township. Potential exists to convert Indian Trails Park into a

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world class area for recreation and outdoor environmental education. However, in order to attract users to the park, the existing and segmented hard pack trail surfaces must be first developed for bicyclists and pedestrians. This task can be mainly accomplished by constructing a series of bridges, ranging from 100' to 200' feet in length, which will connect existing footpaths into one continuous ten mile long bikeway system. Once fully realized and constructed, Indian Trails could be linked to the 100 mile long Great Ohio Lake-to-River Greenway. This connection, theoretically, would allow individuals using the bike paths in the Ashtabula area to experience virtually every type of topography available in Ohio.

Public Fishing Areas Besides the many rivers and streams, there are several designated public fishing areas within the county. They include Conneaut City Park Dock, Geneva-on-the-Lake, Geneva State Park, Lake Shore Park, Pymatuning State Park, and the New Lyme Wildlife Area.

Boating Areas Not including privately run marinas, the Ashtabula River, Lake Erie, Geneva State Park, Pymatuning Reservoir, and Roaming Shores (a private community) offer boating opportunities.

”When asked :What do friends and relatives from outside of the county who visit, what do they like to see and do? They just want to come and relax. They want to look out back at the flowers, wildlife and farmland.” Land & Living Interview

Identifying Issues & Challenges to the Topic

Recreation and land use has generated more passionate responses than any other topic since the land use discussion started in 1999. The development of an Ashtabula County Recreation Master Plan has been discussed since the ACT 2000 process in 1993 and 1994. Maximizing the community’s resources is of utmost importance when it comes not only to land use, but also in the planning and development of all aspects of county wide recreational areas. Funding for parks in Ashtabula County will continue to be a challenge and will come after good plans have been developed and a broad vision for parks and recreation in Ashtabula County has been established.

Opportunities for outdoor pursuits in Ashtabula County are limitless. The natural assets of the region include Lake Erie, Pymatuning Lake, the scenic Grand River, the Ashtabula River and Gulf, Conneaut Creek, interesting landscapes, and an infrastructure of tourist supported activities.

Ashtabula County has the potential to someday have a world class system of inter-connected bike paths, greenways and parks. While using the Western Reserve Greenway as a spine or platform, a network of trails could be developed that would link most of Ashtabula County’s major population centers. All of this has the potential to support ecotourism.

Recreation Priorities

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Recreation has been a topic of interest for county citizens and has emerged as a priority at several community forums over the years. During the ACT 2000 process, improved recreation was listed as what should be the top goal for Ashtabula County in the future. Additional priorities included:

 Priority No. 1: Develop a master recreational plan for the county This plan would promote the development and improvements to existing facilities of all park systems throughout the county. It could be coordinated by the Ashtabula County Metropark District.

 Priority No. 2: Encourage greater public access to scenic resources Suitable public access shall be provided along the lakes, streams, and rivers. Geneva State Park, Pymatuning State Park, and Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark are fine examples of public access to a natural resource.

 Priority No. 3: Assure that there are adequate designated areas for hunting, fishing, birding and wildlife associated activities. Maintaining significant tracts of forested and open land for hunting purposes will allow for hunters to have a legal area on which they can hunt. Problems with illegal trespassing can be reduced.

 Priority No. 4: Enhance and develop existing recreational areas/opportunities for all ages and create more recreational opportunities in the southern part of the county. The majority of the population in Ashtabula County is located north of Interstate 90, leaving the southern part of the county relatively undeveloped. However, expanding upon township parks, public access to the Grand River, among others, can help improve the recreational opportunities for residents in the southern portion of the county.

 Priority No. 5: Promote connecting parks and greenways The creation of the Western Reserve Greenway Trail is a wonderful example of people coming together for the common good. This trail is unique and will be a focal point of Ashtabula County when complete. The connecting of this trail with other trails or parks will create an inter-connected recreational system unique to Northeast Ohio.

 Priority No. 6: Complete the construction of the 27 mile Western Reserve Greenway Trail The clearing of the land for the construction of the Western Reserve Greenway Trail began in 1999. The construction is progressing in phases and has a target completion date of 2005. In addition to the WRG, possible bicycle trail linkages might be created along the following specific corridors:

 Andover to Rock Creek: Convert the former New York Central Railroad (Dorset, Ohio to the Pymatuning State Park and the Ohio-Penn line) into a bike path that would connect to the WRG by way of Footville-Richmond Road;

 Conneaut to Ashtabula: Construct a bike lane along Lake Road that connects with the WRG by way of the North Shore Trail in the city of Ashtabula; and,

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 Ashtabula to Geneva-on-the-Lake: Construct a bike lane from the WRG (West 58th Street) to the proposed Geneva State Park Lodge by way of North Bend Road and existing paper streets.

Western Reserve Greenway Courtesy: Ashtabula County Metropark District

 Priority No. 7: Develop additional recreation facilities, including: trails (walking, biking, jogging and horseback riding) skiing, sledding snowmobiling, ice skating, indoor and outdoor swimming Wherever and whenever possible, in harmony with local zoning, the expansion of existing parks for additional uses and the acquisition of land near existing parks or recreational areas will increase the park system and make it much easier to link parks and trails together.

 Priority No. 8: Use school facilities for recreational opportunities Schools are a good source for youth opportunities outside of the organized sports within the school district. Gymnasiums and playgrounds are accessible to the public.

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Tools/Funding Sources to Sustain and Develop Recreational Opportunities

No. 1: Clean Ohio Conservation Fund Acquisition of park property & trail construction NRAC / Ohio Public Works Commission B District 7

No. 2: Coastal Management Assistance Grants (CMAG) Protect and preserve natural coastal resources ODNR - Coastal Services Center Yetty Alley 1630 Sycamore Line Sandusky, Ohio 44870 (419) 626-7986

No. 3: Cooperative Public Boating Facility Grant Program Construction and improvement of boat launches ODNR - Division of Watercraft 4435 Fountain Square Drive Columbus, Ohio 43224 (614) 265-6443

No. 4: Five-Star Restoration Challenge Grants Habitat restoration projects NFWF 1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 900 Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 857-5662

No. 5: Great Lakes Program Funding Protection and clean-up of the Great Lakes ecosystem USEPA-GLNPO G-17J 77 West Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604 (312) 886-4013

No. 6: Lake Erie Protection Program (Lake Erie Watershed) Large grants: research / Small grants: demonstration projects OLEC 1 Maritime Plaza, 4th Floor Toledo, Ohio 43537 (419) 245-2514

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No. 7: Land and Water Conservation Fund Program (LWCF) Planning, acquisition and development of trails and stream corridors ODNR - Department of REALM 1952 Belcher Drive Columbus, Ohio 43224 (614) 265-6646

No. 8: National Scenic Byway Program (NSBP) Planning, design and development of state scenic byways ODOT 1980 West Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43223 (614) 728-5078

No. 9: Nature Works B Local Parks and Recreation Grants Park improvement/construction; land acquisition; wetlands/stream preservation; trail projects ODNR B Division of REALM 1952 Belcher Drive Columbus, Ohio 43224 (614) 265-6646

No.10: Ohio EPA Nonpoint Source Management Program (Section 319 Funding) Water quality restoration solutions, including greenway applications Ohio EPA - Division of Surface Water P.O. Box 1049 Columbus, Ohio 43216 (614) 644-2020

No.11: Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Land/easement purchases for trails; trail design & engineering; construction; maintenance and restoration projects; trail facilities ODNR - Division of REALM 1952 Belcher Drive Columbus, Ohio 43224 (614) 265-6646

No.12: Transportation Enhancement Funding (TEA-21) Must relate to surface transportation. Activities include trail/land acquisition; site preservation; facility construction; environmental mitigation ODOT 1980 West Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43223 (614) 644-8211

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No.13: Urban Park and Recovery Program (UPARR) Rehabilitation of existing indoor and outdoor public recreation facilities NPS 1709 Jackson Street Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 221-3292

No.14: Visual Arts Project Support (Design Arts and Art in Public Places) One-time projects may be related to trails, with the provision that all projects are based in the arts OAC 727 East Main Street Columbus, Ohio 43205-1796

No.15: Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) Low-interest loans for stream restoration/protection; brownfield clean-up; landfill closure; agricultural improvements Ohio EPA - Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance P.O. Box 1049 Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049 (614) 644-3655

No.16: Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program (WRRSP) Includes riparian easement purchase/protection; wetland/stream protection; water resource restoration implementation Ohio EPA - Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance P.O. Box 1049 Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049 (614) 644-3655

No.17: Watershed Coordinator Grant Program Program funds full-time watershed coordinator position for watershed groups whose primary goal is restoration/preservation of watersheds, based on watershed action plans ODNR - Division of Soil and Water Conservation 4383 Fountain Square Drive, Bldg. B-3 Columbus, Ohio 43324-1362 (614) 265-6647

No.18: Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) Perpetual conservation easements for wetland and riparian areas USDA - NRCS 200 North High Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 (614) 255-2469

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No.19: Ashtabula County Parks Foundation Tax-deductible, 501 (c) 3 conduit for developing parks in Ashtabula County 25 West Jefferson Street Jefferson, Ohio 44047-1092 (440) 576-0727

No.20: Ashtabula River Partnership Natural Restoration Funds 1123 Bridge Street Ashtabula, Ohio 44004 (440) 964-0277

Implementation Strategies/Recommendations

No. 1: Facilitate park development and recreation initiatives; No. 2: Maintain public access to recreational opportunities (e.g., fishing); No. 3: Expand public access to natural recreational opportunities such as Lake Erie, Pymatuning Lake, the Ashtabula and Grand Rivers, Conneaut Creek and the Ashtabula Gulf; No. 4: Support efforts to leverage financial assistance for development of parks from state, federal and pr No. 5: Encourage school districts to use recreational areas for educational field trips; No. 6: Work toward creating a source of local matching funds for parks and recreation related grants; No. 7: Encourage park development where there is potential for success (e.g., Lampson Reservoir, Ashtab No. 8: Establish parks next to each of the covered bridges; No. 9: Eliminate duplication of efforts; and, No. 10: Educate citizens about parks and recreational potential in Ashtabula County;

“The family had picnics and gatherings at our parks, went swimming in our lakes, ice skating, sled riding and tobogganing at Lake Shore Park.” Land & Living Participant

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