PIQUA — In a split decision on Tuesday, March 18, the Piqua City Commission voted to change the land designation of a 5.079-acre tract near the city’s water treatment plant, paving the way for AES Ohio to build a substation—despite vocal opposition from residents and a previous recommendation for conservation zoning.
The property, located between state Route 66, Hardin Road, and Hardin Alternate Road, was originally reviewed by the Piqua Planning Commission, which voted 4-0 (with one abstention) in favor of designating the area as conservation (CN). However, following a city work session, officials determined that a civic (CV) designation would be more appropriate, as it allows for public utility use, including substations.
During the commission meeting, Community Services Director Kyle Hinkelman clarified the reasoning behind the change. “The CV designation has limited zoning uses,” Hinkelman explained. “However, as discussed in previous meetings, it does permit utilities such as a substation.”
Concerned residents spoke against the change, urging the commission to reconsider. Many cited environmental concerns, including the presence of a bald eagle’s nest and potential impacts on other wildlife. Others raised health concerns related to electromagnetic fields (EMF), noise pollution, and light pollution from the substation’s operations.
“I would urge you to look at perhaps a better place to put this,” said resident Ryan Todd, arguing that the land’s availability was the primary reason for its selection. He also emphasized that the planning commission and residents had already provided thorough research supporting conservation status.
Resident Brittany Brown echoed these concerns. “This land needs to remain zoned for conservation only,” she said. “My family and many others are worried about the negative health effects from EMF exposure and low-frequency noise.”
Commissioner Paul Simmons attempted to reinstate the conservation designation, but his motion failed due to the lack of a second. When the final vote was called, Commissioners Tom Hohman, Jim Vetter, and Frank DeBrosse voted in favor of the civic designation, while Simmons and Mayor Kris Lee opposed it.
Despite the outcome, the discussion highlighted an ongoing debate about balancing infrastructure needs with environmental preservation in Piqua.
Photo Credit: City of Piqua Website
