SCIOTO TOWNSHIP, OH – Scioto Township has scheduled a special meeting for Thursday night, June 19, 2025, to formally oppose a proposed 344-acre annexation along Gibson Road by Commercial Point, with the announcement made just hours ago for a meeting at 3:30 pm. The decision follows concerns raised by two Scioto Township trustees during a meeting with Pickaway County Commissioners.
Trustee Fannin expressed alarm, stating, “I don’t think they’re comprehending the capacity of what’s going to happen and how fast this thing’s going to change. Burt Fannin discussed Gibson Road and Phase One OPWC money. The infrastructure of the road will be costly once more traffic utilizes Gibson Road. Mr. Fannin expressed that Fire and EMS are in a good place. They just received a new squad and it takes about two years for a squad of fire truck to be built out. Once homes come in it has to be made clear if they have the services to handle the growth. Schools already have concerns with growth, levies and bus traffic. Mr. Fannin feels that the schools, township and EMS are not ready for growth so quickly. There needs to be some communication with the township and village regarding the capacity of the growth coming.”
Ralph Wolfe, Scioto Township Trustee, stressed his concerns with the amount of growth in the township and village. It involves the local EMS and services.”
The trustees plan to present an official resolution to the Commissioners to resist the development. Most likely, this resolution will pass with two Trustees already speaking out about the development.
This week, Commercial Point had renewed legislation supporting the annexation and development after it was turned down by the Pickaway Commissioners in April.
Commissioner Wippel explained that they look at water, sanitary, zoning, snow removal, recycling, fire and EMS. Street maintenance is always a concern and made sure in agreements due to the township will no longer be responsible to maintain the road, the village would. Commissioner Wippel gave an example of a past annexation that the Village of Commercial Point did not state in their service resolution that they could provide sewer. The Struckman annexation service agreement from the village stated that they could provide those same services that they previously could not. Commissioner Scherer explained that the ORC is very specific on Type II Annexation, and it states that the Commissioners shall then evaluate 7 criteria. Mr. Scherer further explained that no matter what decision is made it can proceed into the future.
The annexation utilizes an expedited Type 2 procedure under Ohio Revised Code 709.023, a method popular with builders since 2001. This process allows annexation when all property owners in the territory agree, bypassing the need for township consent. Key features include a petition signed by all property owners, a requirement that the annexation not create an unincorporated “island,” and the municipality’s commitment to provide specified services. The county commissioners must approve the petition if legal requirements are met, with no appeal option.
The process involves petition preparation, filing with county commissioners, and a 25-day response period for the municipality and township to consent or object. If objections arise, commissioners evaluate factors like legal compliance, service provision, and boundary impacts. The 344-acre proposal has sparked debate over rapid growth, resources, and limited schools, with Scioto Township seeking to influence the outcome through its resolution.
