Comprehensive Report on Recent Township Activities
Northfield Center Township has been tackling several important issues across multiple recent meetings, with a persistent feral cat problem taking center stage alongside zoning code updates and infrastructure projects.
ZONING COMMISSION
Feral Cat Crisis Dominates Discussions
The township’s most pressing issue involves residents feeding feral cats, creating a significant neighborhood problem. During the July 14 Zoning Commission meeting, multiple residents from Lowell Lane testified about an overwhelming cat population causing property damage and health concerns.
A resident of Lowell Lane described the scope of the problem: approximately 40 cats being fed at multiple feeding stations on a neighboring property on Lowell Lane. Residents reported dead animals on patio furniture, basement window wells being used as litter boxes, and the attraction of raccoons and skunks to the food.
“I had the health department over. She’s seen the dead babies on my patio,” one resident testified.
The zoning commission and trustees are working to address the feeding through updates to the exterior property maintenance code. During an Aug. 5 work session, the commission developed new language prohibiting “leaving food on the ground or in an open container outside to feed wild animals,” with exceptions for pets and bird feeders.
The proposed amendment would be added to the maintenance code with penalties up to $150 per day, though enforcement remains challenging since violations may occur in backyards not visible from public areas.
Zoning Code Updates Move Forward
The commission approved several important zoning resolution amendments during recent meetings:
Definition Updates:
- Modified the definition of “assisted living facility” to replace “frail and elderly” with “older individuals and individuals that need additional supportive services”
- Added new definitions for “vehicle” and “zoning inspector”
Recreational Vehicle Parking:Â The township removed gravel as an acceptable surface for RV parking, requiring concrete or similar hard surfaces for new installations. Properties with existing gravel RV pads will be grandfathered, though enforcement questions remain about whether new surface requirements apply when grandfathered properties are sold. One trustee noted potential costs could reach $100,000 for properties with long driveways requiring complete repaving.
Driveway Requirements:Â The commission is addressing a regulatory gap where houses could be built without driveways. Proposed amendments would require “one dwelling and one driveway” per residential lot under Section 310.04, while commercial properties would need “at least one driveway in accordance with applicable code.” The township already limits properties to one driveway per lot through access manual requirements, prohibiting horseshoe-style driveways. The issue arose when officials discovered no specific mandate for driveways during a recent house reconstruction project.
Hardscape Regulations:Â Pool hardscape regulations received preliminary discussion after a resident inquired about cement requirements around in-ground pools. Currently, no specific regulations exist beyond general three-foot property line setbacks. Officials noted enforcement challenges since pool work typically occurs in backyards not visible from public areas. The commission postponed detailed discussion while researching regulations in surrounding jurisdictions.
TRUSTEES
Water Infrastructure Projects
During the Aug. 4 trustee meeting, North Hills Water District representative Jeff Snell presented a comprehensive plan for water main replacements in partnership with the township.
The water district is proposing to apply for District 8 funding in 2026 for a $1.3 million water main replacement project covering Surrey, Morningside and Fairhaven roads. By partnering with the township for concurrent road work, both entities could benefit from 30-year loan terms instead of the typical 20-year payback period.
“When we put a water main in and there’s a trench in the road, I think most residents are not going to be happy with us,” Snell explained, advocating for coordinated infrastructure improvements.
Zoning Resolution Amendments Approved
Trustees approved the zoning commission’s recommended amendments, including:
- Updates linking the zoning inspector’s authority to enforce both zoning and exterior maintenance codes
- Prohibition of gravel surfaces for RV parking (with grandfathering provisions)
- Enhanced definition consistency across codes
Technology and Infrastructure Updates
The Aug. 28 special meeting focused on operational improvements:
- Authorized $3,000 for computer equipment upgrades to Windows 11
- Approved $5,000 for PMG road condition assessment of recently completed Benedetti construction projects
- Approved placement of educational signage by Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners
- Authorized participation in Summit County’s surface water management district program
Legal Matters
Trustees approved a second amended consent decree regarding property at 99 West Highland Road, requiring the property owner to post a $50,000 bond to ensure completion of required improvements by Dec. 31.
The township also formally objected to Summit County’s preliminary plans for the Dorwick Ditch improvement project, citing concerns about proposed maintenance easements that would impact private property without compensation.
ONGOING INITIATIVES
Comprehensive Plan Update
The trustees are moving forward with a request for qualifications to update the township’s comprehensive plan, which hasn’t been revised since 1998. The updated plan would guide future zoning decisions and development patterns.
Animal Feeding Deterrents
The zoning inspector compiled a list of humane cat deterrent methods for residents dealing with feral cat problems, including:
- Motion-activated sprinklers
- Specific plant varieties cats avoid
- Physical barriers like bubble wrap in window wells
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Regular trustee meetings occur the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. The zoning commission meets monthly on the second Monday at 7 p.m. All meetings are held at the township offices at 8484 Olde Eight Road.
