Genoa mulls annexation deal with Columbus for land near Hoover Reservoir

GENOA, Ohio (WCMH) -- Genoa Township's Board of Trustees discussed a resolution Tuesday night to allow Columbus to annex city-owned land around Hoover Reservoir into Columbus city limits.

According to Columbus leaders, the reservoir is a vital source of drinking water in the region, so their focus is on protecting that. 

While Genoa Township officials have no legal standing to stop annexation, leaders said having this type of agreement in place gives township residents protections they wouldn't typically have under the city's jurisdiction. 

"You can have an annexation without this kind of language, so it's tailored specifically to keep Genoa at the table," Genoa Township Trustees Chairman Mark Antonetz said. "So we're fortunate that we're able to participate in it."

The city of Columbus owns substantial property along Hoover Reservoir. 

"First, the city approached Blendon Township and made the decision to annex our property in Franklin County," City of Columbus Deputy Director, Regional Growth Strategies, Bryan Clark said. "At the same time, we approached Genoa Township to make sure that both the trustees and the residents understood this is just about the property Columbus owns."

Now the city has proposed its longest annexation agreement yet. The initial term would last 25 years with the option to extend for at least another 15 years if both parties agree. The agreement would allow the city to annex parcels around Hoover Reservoir including public parklands, Hoover Meadows and Mud Hen Marsh. 

"We want to make sure that it's within the city of Columbus," Clark said. "We can control the zoning. We make sure that it is protected in the way it needs to be protected, not just for the city, but the entire region."

The city of Columbus would not be able to change its use or add additional annexations.

"There is language in there that maintains all of the accesses that we have," Antonetz said. "It's used a lot for fishing and kayaking, paddleboards and so none of that's going to change."

According to Columbus city leaders, they didn't have to enter into this agreement with the township, but thought the best approach was to collaborate to ensure Genoa Township residents, as well as the city of Columbus, are protected.

"Every city in Ohio has the right to annex their own property, just like any other private property owner does," Clark said. "And we could have gone to Delaware County and annexed this without talking to Genoa Township and without agreeing to any additional terms. But we didn't think that was the right thing to do."

However, several concerns were brought up by residents at Tuesday's meeting including what this would mean in terms of police, fire, and emergency services.

Antonetz recognized this as a valid concern because the township currently provides coverage for anything that happens in the Hoover Reservoir. He said they've been in discussions with multiple parties, including adjacent townships and Delaware County Commissioners.

"Our police chief and fire chief are both working with the city of Columbus on whether it's a mutual aid agreement or how that's going to work out because obviously the most important thing is to provide the safety and security that residents demand," Antonetz said. 

Columbus City Council has already approved signing the annexation agreement. Genoa Township trustees said they'd like to propose some minor tweaks to the agreement before adopting the resolution.