Commission expected to vote on annexation

Land in Howland, Weathersfield would go to Niles for housing

WARREN - Trumbull County Commissioners are expected to vote today on an annexation petition of 61.65 acres of land in Howland and Weathersfield townships to Niles that is owned by JRD Holdings Inc. that is expected to be used for a housing development.

Jason Altobelli, a managing partner of JRD Holdings, noted getting the petition passed is one step needed to be able to do any future development on the land.

"We are here to give the commissioners the annexation petition that has been agreed upon by the various townships and cities," Altobelli said after the completion of the commissioners workshop Tuesday. "This is the next step in developing residential housing."

Altobelli said the proposed development will provide market-rate housing for those who may be looking to downsize from larger homes. The developer suggested the commissioners look at the development of Community Reinvestment Areas, which will provide incentives for future residents to purchase homes.

"It gives those looking at building new homes an incentive to build new homes at reduced tax rates."

Officials in Niles, Weathersfield and Howland passed resolutions in January and March approving the proposed annexation.

Commissioners Tony Bernard agreed that the concept of a CRA is something the commissioners need to look at by bringing in people from the building trades, contractors, its planning commission and the Western Reserve Port Authority.

"We need to look at anything that'll help bring in housing," Bernard said. "There is a need for affordable housing. We need to bring everyone in and start a discussion."

Commissioner Rick Hernandez said he began talking to the other commissioners about the county exploring the idea of establishing some type of CRA program on the county level about a year ago in order to stimulate home building.

"I believe Trumbull County in the past lost some building projects to other communities because we did not have this type of incentive program," Hernandez said. "Buyers are looking for tax savings."

Hernandez said critics argue the county will lose out on some property tax revenue in the short term, but the property owners will spend money in the communities where they live in restaurants, grocery stores, car dealerships and other businesses.

He hopes a committee of business owners, real estate professionals, bankers and developers are formed to discuss the pros and cons of this type of tax incentive program.

"I'm really excited about it," Hernandez said.