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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ashtabula Council passes variety of zoning moratoriums
ASHTABULA — City council passed moratoriums on a wide variety of items in hopes of reviewing city businesses while looking to the future. 'Basically what we are doing is putting a pause in the city,' Ashtabula City Manager Jim Timonere said. He said the city is updating its master plan, and needed to put some businesses on hold so studies can take place to review how they affect the city. Timonere estimated it will take about a year and a half to complete the process. He added if there is a situation where council wanted to lift a moratorium, they could do so, but only once. 'It doesn't affect anyone who is already in business,' Timonere said. Ashtabula City Solicitor Cecilia Cooper said any present business can stay in business and even expand at the same location, but if they move, the moratorium would come into effect. The first moratorium was place a hold on the construction of any accessory structure over 200 square feet. Moratoriums on certain kinds of businesses consist of auto and truck rentals, boarding houses, check cashing or pay day lending businesses, vaping and tobacco stores, food trucks with permanent locations, junk or scrap yards, motor vehicle fuel dispensing, small box retail stores, thrift stores and used or new vehicle stores. Council also passed an ordinance to create a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in the Ashtabula Harbor. A DORA is a designated area which is exempt from certain open container laws. The proposal will be sent to the Ohio Department of Commerce, which regulates DORAs throughout the state. The city of Geneva recently opened a DORA in its downtown area. Council approved an ordinance allowing Timonere to enter into a partnership with Ashtabula County and the Ohio Development Services Agency for housing grant funds. Council also approved a resolution allowing the city to enter into a water pollution loan fund for the design phase for work at the Ashtabula Water Department, not to exceed $700,000. Timonere said this is part of $100 million proposed projects over a 10-year period. Timonere was granted approval to enter into a contract with the Ashtabula County YMCA to hire lifeguards at Walnut Beach, with the cost of the contract not to exceed $25,620.78. The funding to create an Americans with Disabilities Act parking lot adjacent to the inclusive playground at Walnut Beach was approved with Capp Steel, not to exceed $29,500. Council accepted the donation of the playground from the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and approved a $3,100 change order for a paving project. Plans were approved to the transition of a tennis court at Harbor Topky Library into two Pickleball courts, at a cost not to exceed $23,458 with Site Technology Inc. Three potential amendments to the city charter were approved for placement on the Nov. 4 ballot. The amendment would allow the city manager to approve expenditures up to $50,000 without council approval, approve change orders up to $50,000 and allow the city manager to okay contracts if they are not more than 10% over an engineer's estimated cost. Timonere said the change is needed because the cost of almost everything is over the present limit of $10,000, which was created in 1996. A 6th Street restoration project was approved on a contract with Koski Construction not to exceed $19,975. An emergency air line repair at the Ashtabula Wastewater Department was approved by emergency, as the repair is essential to the operation of the plant. A one year contract with Jefferson Healthcare was approved. Council approved proposed renewals for a five-year 1.5 mill levy for parks and recreation and a .3 mill levy for senior citizens. The final item of business involved the approval for Timonere to apply for a more-than-$400,000 grant to resurface the southern part of Hulbert Avenue. Council continued discussions regarding the condition of the CSX underpass on Lake Avenue. Timonere thanked Anthony Oquendo for his ongoing efforts regarding the bridge. Timonere said the city has little ability to do anything related to railroad properties which are overseen by the Federal Railroad Administration. Council voted down a 75% tax abatement for an Ohio Avenue developer, saying they felt the developer should get a seven-year 100% abatement, as other projects have received.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio warns of foreclosure scams
(WKBN) -With June being National Homeownership Month, the Ohio Department of Commerce is warning about foreclosure scams targeting people who may be struggling to make their mortgage payments. Foreclosure 'rescue' scammers promise to save homeowners from foreclosure, but instead convince them to do things that are not in their best interest. The fraudsters can take homeowners' money, ruin their credit and wipe out their home equity. The scammers find victims through false advertisements on various platforms, including online, as well as in newspapers and on TV. Sometimes they create phony government websites to trick homeowners, or they may send personalized letters to homeowners they find by searching public records, like an auditor's website. Many of the scams involve signing a document that looks like you are making your mortgage current, but you are really transferring the deed to your house to the scammer. Another is the rent-to-own or bailout scam that requires you to sign over your deed to the scammer and they rent your house back to you, but the terms or so burdensome to buy back the house that you could eventually get evicted. More scams are listed on the Ohio Department of Commerce website. Red flags for these scammers are the tactics they use, such as: Guaranteeing to save your home Insisting that you NOT contact your lender Collecting a fee before providing the service Accepting payment only by cashier's check or wire transfer Directing you to make mortgage payments to them Encourage you to lease your home and buy it back over time Ask you to transfer your property or deed or title to them Offer to fill out your paperwork for you Pressure you to sign paperwork you have not read thoroughly or don't understand According to ATTOM, a real estate data curator, there were 35,890 properties with foreclosure filings in March 2025, up 11% from the previous month and up 9% from one year ago. Lenders repossessed 9,691 U.S. properties through foreclosure (REO) in Q1 2025, up 8% from the previous quarter but down 4% from a year ago. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ohio agency working to keep cemeteries tidy for Memorial Day
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — A state agency is looking to keep gravesites and cemeteries clean and safe. With Memorial Day here, many are taking time to visit the graves of fallen soldiers. If you notice any issues or have any concerns with a site, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing wants to hear from you. The state agency supervises more than 4,100 active cemeteries in Ohio, working to keep them well maintained. 'We would always encourage individuals to first report these concerns to cemetery management for resolution. However, if an issue persists and is not addressed, individuals may choose to file a complaint with the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission to seek a fair outcome,' said Division Superintendent Daphne Hawk. The Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission is a team of 9 that handles complaints against registered cemeteries or those required to be. To file a complaint, click here to access the commission's complaint form. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ohio agency share how to stay safe on Super Bowl Sunday
CANFIELD, Ohio (WKBN)- This Sunday is Super Bowl 59, and just like most big sporting events, many will be hosting or attending Super Bowl parties. Many are excited for the Super Bowl this weekend. Whether you're hosting or joining the party, there are a few things to remember as you prepare. As you are finalizing plans to enjoy Super Bowl Sunday with friends and family this weekend, it's important to prioritize safety, social responsibility, and responsible consumption. The Ohio Department of Commerce Divisions of Liquor Control and Cannabis Control is providing tips to those who celebrate, to make sure this weekend is not only fun but also safe for everyone. Plan Ahead Have A Designated Driver Never Drink Or Use Cannabis And Drive Stay Hydrated And Nourished: Drink water between alcoholic beverages and eat plenty of food to stay balanced during the game. Obey Ohio's open container laws and respect boundaries for Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORA) when attending public events There are some tips for liquor permit holders to keep in mind: Check IDs: Always verify that customers are 21 or older before selling and serving alcohol. Act Responsibly: Monitor guests for signs of intoxication and refuse service when needed. Follow Legal Guidelines: The use of non-medical cannabis in public spaces is a minor misdemeanor in Ohio, and state law prohibiting smoking or vaping in public indoor spaces also applies to cannabis. Officials say Super Bowl Sunday is about making memories and enjoying the excitement of the game. By making mindful decisions, you can help ensure a great time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
