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CHAMPION -Residents are asking township trustees to see what can be done to have signs taken down at businesses that are closed.
Resident David Jaskowiak told township trustees this week that there are businesses that are vacant or have been demolished, but the signs are still up. He said an example is the Champion roller skating rink sign which is still up despite the building being demolished after a fire.
'Residents are upset that the signs are not taken down and stay up for a long time,” Jaskowiak said.
Trustee Chairman Doug Emerine said he will ask the township planning commission to address the issue. Emerine said if a business closes or the building is taken down, the signs also need to be taken down within a reasonable amount of time.
“This has been and continues to be a problem with signs remaining up. We can have the zoning board take a look at this,” he said.
Emerine said the former Champion Plaza had a laundromat sign stay up for a very long time after the business closed. He said there also was a Champion Chicken/Pizza where the sign stayed up after the business closed.
Silas Dozier of the township planning commission said the board can address business signs.
Residents also asked about data centers being addressed by zoning, which Dozier said also can be addressed at the next meeting at 6 p.m. today.
Several communities have addressed data centers and put moratoriums in place.
Trustees also met in executive session to consider the purchase or sale of property at competitive bidding. Emerine said no action was taken, but officials are looking at the former Central School property off state Route 45 and property in front of the township administration building.
Also, Trustee Tom Jeffers said a bicentennial committee has been established to begin planning for the township's 200th anniversary in 2031.
He said the committee's purpose is to develop an event that honors the heritage and history of Champion. Jeffers said the committee has established a a volunteer organization to assist with fundraising and event planning.
An informational session for volunteers will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at the township administration building.
In other business, trustees:
* Approved a $5,000 cemetery grant for replacing the sign on Route 45 and paid the difference of $1,300.
* Hired Brian Lieppy as a paramedic at $17 per hour.
* Approved the sale of remaining MARCS portable radios to the Brookfield Police Department at $4,000.
* Declared 11 tablets worthless with possible donation to the Cortland Police Department for use as parts.
* Announced the township will host a trunk or treat event 1:30 to 4 p.m. Oct. 24 by the township administration building.