HUBER HEIGHTS— a small group of Bethel Township residents attended the Huber Heights City Council meeting to express their objections to a proposed 296-acre annexation. The annexation, petitioned by a few property owners on January 16, involves land near the Carriage Trails development.
During the meeting, Bethel Township resident Jeff Morford highlighted issues such as traffic and school overcrowding, attributing them to the council’s annexation plans. “Your solutions would not be needed if you had not created the problem in the first place,” he urged the council to reconsider future annexations to allow Bethel Township to grow at its own pace.
The Bethel Township Trustees have unanimously opposed the annexation petition, although state laws do not require their approval for it to proceed. The decision now rests with the Huber Heights City Council, which has yet to schedule a vote.
At the June 10 town hall meeting, many residents, including Bethel Township Trustee President Julie Reese, expressed frustration over their lack of influence in the annexation process. Reese emphasized the community’s concerns about rapid growth and its impact on local schools, which are already struggling with overcrowding and the influx of non-English speaking students.
Huber Heights Mayor Jeff Gore responded to residents’ concerns, acknowledging the situation’s complexity and emphasizing the need for thorough consideration before making a decision. “We care, and that’s why we’re here,” Gore stated, noting that the council aims to find solutions that balance the needs of both communities.
City Council member Mark Campbell requested further research on the financial and logistical aspects of accommodating additional students in the Bethel Local Schools. Discussions also touched on a moratorium on future annexations proposed by Bethel Township Trustees in 2023, which was not approved by the Huber Heights City Council then.
In the Council meeting members, including Campbell, supported revisiting the moratorium to protect Bethel Township’s borders. “If there is no way forward to help with the school issue, I won’t support the annexation,” Gore concluded, highlighting the ongoing search for a viable solution.
The debate over the 296-acre annexation continues, with Bethel Township residents and Huber Heights officials seeking a balanced approach that addresses the concerns of both communities.
