Centerville officials discuss Kettering boundary issues

Centerville officials have met with residents regarding how to move ahead with a proposal made to Kettering leaders regarding the adjustment of some adjoining boundaries for the two cities. FILE

Centerville officials have met with residents regarding how to move ahead with a proposal made to Kettering leaders regarding the adjustment of some adjoining boundaries for the two cities. FILE

Centerville officials have met with several residents regarding how to move ahead with a proposal made to Kettering leaders regarding clarifying some adjoining boundaries for the two cities.

The area is in the vicinity of Bigger Road and Interstate 675. The adjustment would also clarify a boundary issue for the historic Pondview Park, which Kettering has maintained for years, although some of the property falls into Centerville’s jurisdiction.

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The cities are exploring clearing up about a dozen residential parcels of property that are physically located in both jurisdictions, an issue that spans several decades.

“The recent informational meeting and individual conversations with residents have been positive thus far,” according to Centerville spokesman John Davis. “The boundary adjustment process is progressing slowly to ensure individuals understand the fact the issue was created many years ago, along with the legal ramifications of today.”

“If the boundary adjustments move forward, it will be over a several-month period and in conjunction with Kettering,” Davis explained, adding that no other meetings are scheduled at this time, “At this point no final decision has been made.”

Kettering spokeswoman Stacy Schweikhart explained that — in addition to the Pondview Park issue — there are 12 properties in the East Whipp Road area that have parcels located both in Centerville and Kettering.

Kettering will wait for more details from Centerville before considering action.

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The adjustment would put all of Pondview Park in Kettering, which has performed all of the maintenance there, so nothing would change in terms of park operations.

Pondview Park has been part of the Kettering Parks system for years, and it is billed as Ohio’s first self-guided environmental park designed to help people of all abilities experience nature.

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The park, at 2320 Pondview Drive, has an accessible trail system consisting of six learning pods, scenic overlooks and observation points for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, canes and strollers.

A forest-growth learning site, prairie restoration programs and a butterfly garden are part of the park’s outdoor learning experience.

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According to the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office, any two adjoining municipal corporations may agree to change a boundary line.

The parties in agreement must submit to the state: transcripts of the ordinances, the agreement, resolution certified by each city and a $25 filing fee in order to make the adjustment official.

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