Two Rezonings, School Levy on March 6 Ballot

Strongsville voters will see three local issues on the March 6 primary ballot, in addition to county, judicial, state and federal races.

• School levy -- A that was voted down in November will be back on the ballot with a major change. Instead of running for a continuing period, Issue 14 would run for five years. 

It would not raise taxes and would replace an existing 6-mill levy that expires this year. The issue generates $7.6 million a year -- about 11 percent of the school district's budget. If it is not renewed, school officials say they will have to cut more than $7 million out of the budget for the 2012-2013 school year, which would likely mean , extracurriculars, gifted programs and other areas.

• Strongsville Golf rezoning -- The owners of the property on Pearl Road are seeking to rezone part of the land from single-family residential to general business with Issue 4.

If the rezoning passes both citywide and in Ward 2, Giant Eagle representatives have said they want to close at and there. 

Proponents say the store would give residents a unique shopping experience and revitalize south Pearl Road; to potential traffic woes and noise from the business.

• Strongsville United Church of Christ rezoning -- The 19130 Royalton Rd., wants to rezone part of its property at the corner of Pearl and Route 82 from single-family residential to public facilities.

Church officials say there is no plan for the property right now, but the rezoning will be needed to utilize it in the future for an expansion. There has been little or no opposition to Issue 5.