Wooster annexes property for Wooster Innovation Industrial Park
WOOSTER The city grew by 134 acres overnight.
Wooster City Council on Monday approved the annexation of the former Five L Farms property. The city purchased four parcels totaling 134.215 acres last year with plans to develop the property into the Wooster Innovation Industrial Park.
“I think it will be a real boon for the city and we’ll start reaping the benefits sooner than later,” said Council President Mike Buytendyk.
The property stretches from Melrose Drive to Geyers Chapel Road, directly north of the industries on Old Airport Road and the Daisy Brand plant. Mayor Bob Breneman said in his state of the city address last month that the city has already met with several prospective businesses about building at the park.
The Green Local Schools Board of Education will continue negotiating with Wooster City Schools and the city of Wooster on a potential land transfer from the Green district to the Wooster district.
A 140-acre property purchased by the city of Wooster from Five-L Farms Inc. is split between the two districts, with 74.5-acres located in the Green district.
Green has opposed the city s request to transfer the Green acreage into the Wooster district because of lost revenue for Green, Superintendent Dean Frank had previously said.
After discussion and consultation with attorney Don Mottley at a special remote board meeting on Dec. 14, the school board decided to work on an agreement that would hold (Green) harmless if the land is transferred into the Wooster district.