We, the undersigned residents of Briarwood Hills and surrounding neighborhoods in Jackson Township, Ohio, oppose the planned deed changes, sale, and subsequent construction of the proposed site for the Redwood Apartments, situated south of Portage Avenue and east of Wales Avenue (SR-241). 

While we recognize the importance of development and growth, this plan poses significant risks to the safety, quality of life and environmental integrity of our community. 

Traffic and Public Safety Concerns 

• The proposed development would increase traffic volumes beyond what Wales Avenue can safely handle. 
• Adding more than 80 homes with a minimum of 210 parking spaces to such a narrow area could lead to an increase in accidents, compromising the safety of our residents.​ 
• According to the Stark County Crash Reports, this area already experiences congested roadways with more than 26,000 vehicles passing through the Portage and Wales intersection daily. This intersection has a high rate of accidents, with 42 crashes reported from 2021 to 2024, and at least 16 crashes already recorded in 2025. 
• The increased traffic flow will negatively impact the lives of current residents. Existing streets are already congested, particularly during peak traffic times. Commute times (School, Work, Worship, etc.) will lengthen, emergency services could face delays, and it will become increasingly difficult for residents to safely merge onto Wales and/or Portage.​ 

Environmental and Noise Impact 

• The construction and operation of Redwood Apartments will result in the loss of more than 20 acres of mature green space.
• ​The project threatens to destroy natural green space that currently provides a buffer against excessive noise pollution, as well as habitat for various local wildlife. 
• This lot also contains multiple active natural gas lines. While these lines are marked on the plans, any disturbance to them during construction or due to so many new residents being in close proximity to the lines poses serious risk of damage to the infrastructure, leaks, or long-term soil contamination. Proper safety assessments and coordination with the utility companies must occur before any work begins. 
• This construction and change in land use will produce excessive noise and white lighting pollution, negatively impacting nearby homes and residents.
• The removal of trees and vegetation could worsen wildlife sprawl into the neighborhood, with animals having nowhere else to go. 

Community Disruption 

• Introducing so many new residents and vehicles will disrupt daily life for the hundreds of residents living next to and near the proposed development.
• Property values may decline due to reduced neighborhood appeal and increased hazards like noise pollution. 
• The proposed use and scale of the site is inconsistent with the residential and community-focused character of our quiet, family-friendly neighborhood. 

We respectfully request that: 

• We urge the Stark County Regional Planning Commission and other involved agencies, including the Ohio Department of Transportation, to reject the current proposal for the Redwood Apartment Communities until a full environmental and traffic impact assessment is completed.  
• Alternative solutions or locations must be explored to address housing needs or revenue interests without compromising our community’s safety, livability and the natural environment. 
• Residents should be included in future planning discussions to ensure transparent and collaborative decision-making. It is essential that such developments are planned thoughtfully and with input from the community. Jackson Township deserves balanced growth that preserves the safety, environment, and quality of life for all its residents.​ 

Please join us in protecting our community by signing this petition to prevent the Redwood Apartment Communities development on SR-241 (Wales Ave.) in Jackson Township, Ohio. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a safer and more sustainable future for our community. Sign this petition and let your voice be heard.