CHAMPION — After hearing from several people both for and against the Leavittsburg dam removal, the Trumbull Metroparks Board has decided to wait until the Dec. 19 meeting before making a final decision on the dam’s future.

The board is waiting to receive any additional information in the next four weeks from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency on whether state funding marked for the demolition can be used for an alternate plan that would not involve the dam’s demolition.

More than 40 people, with many from Braceville and Warren townships, attended the Metroparks meeting held at the Kent State University at Trumbull to accommodate the larger crowd.

Park board member Kurt Sauer said the funding concerns him and he is willing to wait until the next meeting to see if additional information is provided.

He said DLZ, an engineering firm the county commissioners and county engineer enlisted to look at possible alternatives to the dam’s removal, is also scheduled to provide information to the board.

“I would like to have sufficient information to make a decision. We need more discussion until we have more definitive answers from DLZ,” Sauer said.

Sauer said he hopes DLZ can provide a budgetary cost to perform alternative ideas proposed in their study and if the alternatives could satisfactorily address the safety hazards that exist with the current dam.

“There have been concerns about dam safety and if the alternatives would provide for a significant reduction in safety hazards,” Sauer said.

There is also a question as to whether the funding already in place can be transferred to an alternative solution other than complete removal of the dam.

“We will see if DLZ can get an answer from the EPA on this within the next four weeks,” Sauer said.

While many residents from Braceville want the dam removed to help alleviate constant flooding in parts of the community, many residents of Warren Township want the dam to stay, indicating problems that will occur if the Mahoning River is lowered, exposing what is in the river.

Residents also have issues and questions regarding possible alternatives to the dam’s removal.

Board member Steve Maas said his main concern is safety with the dam.

Board member John Brown said he is willing to wait to see if additional information and questions are answered before the next meeting, but noted he is concerned about not putting taxpayers in financial liability if problems arise for delaying the project.

OPPOSING VIEWS

Several people who spoke indicated they do not want to see conflicts created between Braceville and Warren township residents for having differing views on whether the dam stays or goes.

Warren Township Trustee Kay Anderson said she doesn’t like the idea that some people are trying “to create a division between Braceville and Warren Township. No one wants a battle.”

Warren Township Trustee Ed Anthony said trustees and township residents want alternative options to consider.

“When are you going to discuss the alternatives?” Anthony asked.

Braceville residents George Gordon and Scott Rowe said there are major concerns of flooding of the Mahoning River in the township, which has caused problems for many residents, including closing of flooded roads.

“We are asking you to consider our plight in our area and how removing the dam will affect our properties. The flooding has been horrendous and damages a lot of personal property” Gordon said, noting both residential and business properties have suffered.

“Our safety matters,” Rowe said.

Braceville residents Sherry and Nick Moliterno said the flooding is constant.

“A huge amount of people are affected by the flooding,” Sherry said, indicating they had to gut their basement three times.

Warren Township Trustee Ryan Yoho questioned if flooding would change even with the dam removed.

Warren Township resident Debra Roth asked the board to at least wait and get more information.

“We want you to have all the information before making a decision. Don’t act irresponsibly before we have all the cards on the table,” Roth said.

Warren Township resident Julia Shutt said the dam and river are what she calls “the gem of Leavittsburg” and should remain in place.

“By utilizing an alternative that works for all we unify the community and encourage further collaboration opportunities and funding,” Shutt said.

Warren Township resident Judy Hetzler said if the dam is removed and the water level recedes, it will expose what is in the water, which she said includes toilets and refrigerators.

“We do not know what is underneath that water,” she said.