The city filed an injunction today to stop Sugarcreek Twp. from receiving tax district funds from the Cornerstone of Centerville North project.
The city asserts that Sugarcreek Twp. is receiving the funds improperly from the tax increment financing (TIF) district and also is using the funds improperly to pay for an unrelated project. The injunction filed in Greene County Common Pleas Court seeks to block further payments to the township.
Centerville officials said the township received about $542,000 from 2014 to 2015, citing Greene County Auditor’s Office records. In its court action, the city says the township is not allowed to collect the Cornerstoe of Centerville North funds because that property was annexed to the city of Centerville. Also, the city claims Ohio law states the funds may only be used to pay for public improvements on the property from which the money was collected.
Centerville said it will have spent more than $8 million improving Wilmington Pike and Feedwire Road and adding sidewalks, medians and upgrades to traffic signals for these properties while Sugarcreek Twp. has not made any improvements.
A Bagger Dave’s Burger Tavern, Chick-fil-A and Domino’s Pizza have already opened at the Cornerstone of Centerville site. A Kroger store, Cheddar’s Casual Cafe and Panda Express restaurant are under construction, and a Cabela’s outdoor store recently opened at the multi-use development that also features a Costco.