A group of Mantua residents has formed an initiative to oppose a proposed subdivision at Woodlawn Avenue that would create 13 residential lots and one basin lot in the area, covering seven acres of land.
Construction has yet to begin, but residents of the Save the Woods initiative feel that without proper precautions, the areas of Cold Springs Forest, Villages of Berkley, Mantua Heights and Berkley Crossings would be negatively impacted by the subdivision.
“We received a notice two weeks before June 16 that a developer bought the land in Cold Springs Forest,” said Ashley Levinson, a resident of that area. “However, it would bypass many issues that the developer needs to take into consideration.
“The land is home to many animals that would be affected,” she added. “We need to begin reversing the tide of habitat loss and fragmentation for wildlife and plant species – which is a major factor in species decline – and conserve our local history, as well.”
The goal of Save the Woods is to either stop the subdivision or at least ensure developers adhere to proper protocols and consider possible consequences. Levinson estimates there are about 500 people in the group.
Among the animals expected to be affected by the subdivision are barred owls who nest there, along with turtles and plant life. The proposed sites are home to several species of trees, including oak, black walnut and poplar.
Some trees are protected by a township ordinance that prohibits removing more than five of them between 6 and 16 inches or 16 and 30 inches in diameter from a lot that is more than three acres without an application.
“Preserving these natural areas is not just about protecting animals and plants,” noted resident Terie Cornelio Wanger. “These ecosystems provide clean air and water, regulate temperatures and offer recreational opportunities. Losing them weakens the very foundation of our community’s well-being.”
Save the Woods is also concerned about heavy vehicle traffic that could result from the proposed subdivision.
“Traffic would be tripled in the area,” explained Levinson. “We don’t know how we can fit much more back here.”
The approval process for the project is in the hands of the Mantua land use board; the township has not had an environmental commission since 2019. Members of Save the Woods voiced their concerns at the board’s June 18 meeting, and a hearing on the issue has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, at the municipal building.
“The land use board are aware and are making all the necessary steps,” Levinson said. “We’re just worried about the potential damages from this. Changes in Mantua affect everyone. Residents need to get involved to save our natural resources.”
