Geauga County Landowners, take heed and protect the investment of your land.
Fa
rmers are the backbone of America. It takes everything you’ve got to farm and we are fortunate to have some of the best farmers in the country, right here in Geauga County. But I have a warning for farmers and landowners in our county, the “sustainability” and “smart growth” movement that supports Agenda 21(As documented in the Federal Register) is thriving here, right here in Geauga County.
rmers are the backbone of America. It takes everything you’ve got to farm and we are fortunate to have some of the best farmers in the country, right here in Geauga County. But I have a warning for farmers and landowners in our county, the “sustainability” and “smart growth” movement that supports Agenda 21(As documented in the Federal Register) is thriving here, right here in Geauga County.A local farmer, who farmed his land for more than 60 years decided to retire and offered the land to his family. His family did not choose to continue to farm and so the land was put up for sale. When the farmer petitioned Auburn Township for a minor zoning variance so that the land could be sold and developed, his request was denied. And of course, he could not sell his land for the full value.
Subsequently and not so coincidentally, the land was purchased by the Western Reserve Land Conservancy (at a greatly reduced value), and the zoning issue became irrelevant.
Auburn Township public officials denied ever having a word of conversation with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy regarding the Cathen property. And I don’t believe them for one minute.
It begs the question, is collusion an ugly word? I think so.
Geauga County landowners should take heed and protect the investment of their land, long before they consider selling. I would recommend contacting a real estate/property attorney and making sure your land has all of the zoning requirements necessary to compete on the open market.
But mostly, I think that naming a park after a farmer does not compensate for the taking of his land.
Judy K. Zamlen-Spotts
NORTHEAST OHIO FREEDOM ALLIANCE
NORTHEAST OHIO FREEDOM ALLIANCE