Monclova seeks post office relocation, while Whitehouse begins park improvements
Monclova Township, with help from U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo), is lobbying for the relocation of its post office from 7959 Monclova Rd. to township-owned property at 8353 Monclova Rd.
The village of Whitehouse has several park improvement slated for this fall, including the replacement of the entryway sign to Whitehouse Park.
And the Waterville Township Zoning Commission recommends adding language to its zoning book to allow data centers in agriculturally-zoned areas, with the addition of a conditional use permit. You can read more about this issue from an earlier TFP story here.
These are just a few of the news items coming out of meetings from the past few weeks in the Anthony Wayne area.
Monclova
Kaptur sent a letter to acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino on July 15, asking him to consider relocating Monclova Township’s post office from the 1,160-square-foot location at the southeast corner of Monclova and Waterville Monclova Road to a 4,794-square-foot former church that the township purchased in spring 2024.
The current post “lacks the infrastructure necessary to accommodate current demand,” Kaptur wrote, explaining that the lack of a drive-thru drop box, inadequate storage and restricted parking present service and safety issues. The current post office, constructed in 1961, will have traffic just 20 feet from its entrance after the construction of a roundabout at the corner of Waterville-Monclova and Monclova roads in 2026.
The township is ready to collaborate with the USPS on necessary modifications to serve the 15,000 residents, Kaptur said.
During the August 18 meeting, the trustees:
•Discussed Fire Chief Matt Homik‘s request to fill a vacant position with a firefighter/EMT unanimously recommended by all members of a hiring committee. Trustee Trudy Vicary voted no, stating a desire to hire a paramedic in order to fulfill the requirements of a three-year SAFER grant. Trustee Chuck Hoecherl voted in favor of the hire. Homik asked whether another voted could be held when trustee Barbara Lang is present to break the tie.
•Heard that the township’s Zoning Commission will review a request to rezone 8350 Stitt Rd. rear from Agricultural/Resident (A/R) to R-B Suburban Residential for developer Mark Rich to construct a housing subdivision. The property is landlocked and is designed for access through a southern, Waterville Township portion, through an existing street in Coventry Glen. The hearing was held on Monday, August 25 at 5:30 p.m.
•Set a public hearing for Tuesday, September 2 at 5:30 p.m. to hear a request to rezone 6740 Monclova Rd. from Agriculture/Residential to C-1 Neighborhood Commercial. The property owners, Marygrace Miller and Steven Chovanec, want the new zoning in order to market the property for sale.
•Heard that zoning administrator Eric Wagner recently joined discussions about preliminary site plans for a Casey’s gas station and convenience store at the northeast corner of US 20A and Briarfield Boulevard, and for a Ridi’s gas station at the northeast corner of Albon and US 20A. Wagner has also been working with Tigon Golf Carts, which is planning to open in the former Knucklehead Sports location at 10420 Airport Hwy.
•Heard that plans are under way for a Saturday, October 4 township open house, with tours of the fire station, games and other activities. The open house, set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., is for township residents only. The Monclova Community Center is also hosting a Maker’s Mart – open to all – that same day, from noon to 4 p.m. with local vendors and a Monclova class reunion for any former Monclova School students.
Whitehouse
The village will embark on several Whitehouse Park improvements this fall, including: a new sign and landscaping at the front of the park; the removal of the section of Gilead Street, which runs north/south through the park; renovations to convert the shelterhouse to a four-season building; and the painting and restoration of the exterior of the caboose near the train depot restrooms.
During the August 19 meeting, village council:
•Heard administrator Jordan Daugherty say that he has received several phone calls about the big increase in electric bills. This is not a local issue but one that is affecting the entire PJM grid, he said. The village is set to offer electric aggregation once it can lock in a lower rate.
•Urged residents to participate in the annual police survey that will be open during the month of September.
•Authorized a $48,000 contract with Kleinfelder Group for engineering services for Finzel Road resurfacing and a $33,125 contract for engineering services with OHM Advisors for Cemetery Road resurfacing.
Waterville Township
The Waterville Township Zoning Board recommended, during its August 18 meeting, adding language that would allow data centers to be built on agriculturally-zoned property with a conditional use permit. The next step is for the township trustees to hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August 27 at 6:30 p.m. at 621 Farnsworth Rd. in Waterville
During the meeting, the board also:
•Learned that the township’s Land Use Plan Update Committee met and is developing a 17-question survey to send out to residents. The information provided will help guide the future of the township, Moosman said.
•Heard that the Sisters of Notre Dame plan to install a solar array on its Davis Road property.
•Heard that the Lucas County Planning Commission will hear a request for a zoning change from Agricultural to RA-PUD (Planned Unit Development) 8346 Dutch Rd. The developer, Mark Rich, plans to build 71 houses on the site, with the only access through Jewel Crest Drive in Coventry Glen. An additional parcel to the north is being considered for rezoning by Monclova Township, as the Jenny Rogers property covers two jurisdictions. The county staff recommends rezoning, but a hearing is slated for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27 at 1 Government Center. The township trustees will also hold public hearings at a later time.
