JEFFERSON — Ashtabula County commissioners unanimously agreed Thursday to vacate a stretch of North Bend Road in Geneva-on-the-Lake, a vote that could lead to an expansion of a popular village resort.
The action, requested more than two years ago by Ed Andrus of Indian Creek Camping Resort on Route 531, proved an important step, he said.
“This was a big hurdle,” said Andrus, who attended the meeting. “Now we can develop our strategy regarding permitting.”
The section of road in question has not been maintained by the village or Geneva Township for years and is in the vicinity of the campground, commissioners said.
Initially, GOTL council objected to any vacation, believing the road could some day play a role in the development of a possible bypass around the busy tourist district on Route 531. The village changed its mind last month, according to a June letter to the commissioners from GOTL Mayor Frances Cervas.
“After much discussion and reflection, the council of the village of Geneva-on-the-Lake has authorize me to notify you that the village no longer has any objections to the vacation of North Bend Road as set forth in the petition for vacation filed almost two years ago by Indian Creek Campground,” Cervas wrote. “Although the village continues to dream of an alternate route from Myers Road to Route 534, bypassing the ‘strip,’ we believe the village does not possess the right to object to the vacation of a county road, particularly when the deeds of the affected landowners make no mention of any reservations or easements for such a road.
“Indian Creek has been a good corporate citizen to Geneva-on-the-Lake and we are happy to accommodate their plans to expand their campgrounds and bring more tourists and residents to the village,” Cervas wrote.
Andrus thanked commissioners for their support and help. Commissioner Joseph Moroski said GOTL council, township trustees and other county offices also had a hand in the action, he said.
“A lot of people kept working on this,” Moroski said.
In other business, commissioners approved a budget resolution that included more than $100,000 in appropriations to cover soaring fuel bills for some departments. The requests are a harbinger of things to come, said James Hardin, budget director.
“(Fuel costs) are a significant point to be aware of,” he said. “It’s a trend that is manifesting itself now.”
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