Oct 01

This story is about the 30-year-long process of developing Birchwood Hills.

In 1964, developer Alex Seigler & Son, who built “Southgate,” came to Twinsburg with plans to build a 30-store shopping center between Routes 82 and 14. Their plan included 150 apartments, 100 new homes, a service station, a 100-room motel, a 50-room medical office building, and a 100-seat restaurant. Construction was to start in 1965.
1974/1975 Phase 1 of Birchwood Hills began with homes built on Ashdale and a short section of Birchwood and White Oak Drive.
In 1976, the City’s Sewer Treatment Plant had become too small for its needs. During the summer rainy season, the amount of water entering the plant exceeded its maximum capacity of 7 million gallons, causing the untreated water to flow directly into Tinkers Creek.
City Council President Anthony Perici proposed a six-month ban on all home construction until the Council could have engineers assess the problems. Mayor Edmund Thirkel suggested that Council finda compromise, but on July 27th the Council voted 5 to 2 in favor of the building Ban.
Within a month of passing the Ban, six builders filed lawsuits against the City, and Ryan Homes sued for damages. The Ban also stopped 40 existing homes in Twinsburg Heights from connecting to the sewers after decades of waiting.
By the end of September, the Judge ruled against the City. In an executive session, the City Council decided not to appeal the Court ruling. The court declared Twinsburg’s building ban unlawful. The newspaper articles implied that the Mayor’s dispute with the City Council caused Twinsburg Mayor Edmund Thirkel to resign days before the Judge ruled against the City. The City Council agreed not to appeal the verdict.

In 1973, the City Council widened Twin Hills Drive to four lanes, significantly alleviating traffic congestion on Church Street and the Square. The demand for Condominiums for seniors and empty nesters coincided with a changing local real estate market. The Birchwood developers dropped the zoning fight for apartment buildings to develop a series of 130 condominiums. The condominiums offered a new form of housing that promised more ownership and private space for residents, aligning with the broader trends in real estate development during that period.

In 1983, a few days before Christmas, McDonald’s opened its restaurant at the corner of Twin Hills Drive and Rt 82. By 1993, the developer and City Council zoning problems were resolved, and the Burridge Place Condominiums entered the Twinsburg housing market.

Sep 01

Unique Border

The area straddling the Twinsburg and Hudson border presents a unique case of urban planning and jurisdictional complexity. This housing development, accessible only through Twinsburg via Stow or Ravenna Roads. Residents navigating this area experience a seamless transition between locales, yet they are subject to the differing property tax rates and school districts of Twinsburg and Hudson.  Such developments raise interesting questions about community identity, governance, and the allocation of municipal services. It underscores the ongoing efforts to provide quality housing while navigating the complexities of local governance and community planning. 

Aug 01

Engine 444 of the TP&R Railroad

The story of Locomotive 444 of the TP&R railroad is a heartwarming tale of community spirit and ingenuity. Crafted from the remnants of a bygone era, this charming train was not just a means of entertainment but a symbol of unity and support for the local police force in Twinsburg. The collaborative effort of the police officers and townspeople, embodies the essence of civic duty and resourcefulness. The train’s journey from a creative fundraising idea to a beloved local attraction 70 years ago highlights the power of community-driven initiatives. Over the years, Locomotive 444 not only provided joyous memories to its passengers but also contributed significantly to the safety and well-being of the community by funding essential police training and equipment. Its legacy continues to be celebrated by those who remember the joy of riding her in their youth, a testament to the lasting impact of small-town solidarity.