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County Commissioners Annexation Manual for explanation of annexation process in Ohio.

Petition to Oppose Expedited Type 1 Annexation of 10905 and 10945 West Lincoln Highway, Delphos, Ohio

We, the undersigned residents and stakeholders of Delphos, Ohio, and Marion Township, call on the City of Delphos and the Allen County Commissioners to reject the proposed Expedited Type 1 Annexation of the properties at 10905 and 10945 West Lincoln Highway, as requested by GBT Realty Corporation on May 7, 2025. We urge the adoption of a Regular Annexation process to ensure transparency, public input, and thorough evaluation of the annexation’s impact.

Reasons for Opposition:

• Lack of Public Hearing: Expedited Type 1 Annexation under Ohio Revised Code 709.022 does not require a public hearing, denying residents the opportunity to voice concerns or examine the proposal’s implications.
• No Right to Appeal: Unlike standard annexation, this expedited process eliminates the right to appeal the decision, limiting accountability and community recourse.
• Need for Economic Analysis: There is no evidence of a completed economic development analysis. We question whether annexing this property for potential commercial use, such as another gas station, is the best use of this land.
• Traffic Concerns: The West Lincoln Highway area already experiences significant congestion. Without a completed traffic study, the impact of additional development remains unclear and could exacerbate existing issues.
• Lack of Long-Term Planning: The City of Delphos has not shared a comprehensive long-term development plan for this area, leaving residents uninformed about how this annexation aligns with community goals.

We demand that the City of Delphos and Allen County Commissioners:

• Deny the Expedited Type 1 Annexation petition.
• Require a Regular Annexation process under Ohio Revised Code, which mandates a public hearing, allows for appeals, and ensures a thorough review of the proposal’s impact.
• Conduct and share an economic development analysis, traffic study, and long-term development plan before any annexation is considered.
  By signing this petition, we stand together to protect our community’s right to transparency, participation, and informed decision-making in the annexation process. Let’s ensure the future of Delphos and Marion Township reflects the best interests of all residents.