Sunday, December 12, 1999
Water tower plan angers residents
Mason trying to buy land in Deerfield
BY KEVIN ALDRIDGE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MASON — Some residents from a Deerfield Township neighborhood are unhappy about the looming prospect of a water tower Mason city leaders plan to build.
City officials are negotiating to buy 6 acres of township land along Mason Road to erect a water tower as part of a $5 million water supply ex pansion project. The tower, the height of which has yet to be determined, is designed to improve water pressure for the city's service area south of Tylersville and Stitt roads.
Some township residents call it a setback for their community.
“It's going to be an eyesore,” said Gary Collins, who lives on 32 acres abutting the proposed land. “Nobody wants to be backed up to a water tower. ... It will cast a shadow over my whole property.”
Mr. Collins said the “unsightly” structure, which would be about 100 feet from his front door, could decrease his property value by roughly 50 percent. He thinks Mason officials are planning to build it in the township rather than the city just to spite Deerfield Township officials and residents.
He claimed Mason officials are seeking “payback” for Warren County commissioners' decision to provide water and sewer service to northwest portions of the township, which took dozens of potential utility customers.
“How unneighborly can you get?” said Mr. Collins, who has lived in the township since 1987.
“Nobody wants to have to look out of their window at this thing every day. And since it is not going to serve anybody in the (township) where it's located, it just seems nonsensical that they would do this.”
Mason City Manager Scot Lahrmer said the Mason Road site is the city's first choice, but other locations have been considered. Mr. Lahrmer said city leaders considered how the tower might affect residents in surrounding neighborhoods.
“Our decision to build the tower at that site is primarily based on the property's location and land elevation,” he said. “The elevation of the land and height of the tower is critical for providing the standard level of water pressure needed for our resi dents.”
Later this month, Mason will nearly double its supply of drinking water through a deal with Cincinnati Water Works to buy an additional 5 million gallons of water daily. The move came as a result of rapid growth and increasing water demands in Ohio's second-fastest-growing city.
Mason City Council on Nov. 22 authorized negotiations with the property owner of the 6 acres, Roger Hoskins. City leaders are apparently prepared to offer Mr. Hoskins $60,000 an acre for the property, which is twice its market value.
Mr. Collins said he fears that if Mason purchases the property, it may try to annex his 32 acres and bring the whole area into the city. Mason also owns property that abuts Mr. Collins' property to the east.
Deerfield Township trustees are keeping a close eye on the project.
“It's evident that a number of property owners in that area are very unhappy about this water tower and don't want it built next to their homes,” said Trustee Larry Backus. “We haven't made any specific commitments to anyone, but we are willing to try to work with the property owners in that regard and offer any assistance we can.”
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Water tower plan angers residents
