LEETONIA- A Walnut Street resident voiced concerns about a possible business in the former Tony’s Pizzeria at the regular village council meeting Wednesday.

Ryan Adkins said he believes a possible sports bar may be introduced to the area and said he feels it would be detrimental to the surrounding property owners. He asked council if residents will be heard if there is a request for a variance change.

Ronald Stouffer, who owns the building, said that the business being considered is not a bar but a restaurant and pizzeria, no different that what it was before it closed. He said there has been no liquor license applied for at this time.

Mayor Artie Altomare also noted that nothing has been brought before village officials regarding any possible business at the location, but added that village Solicitor Walter Newton said the business can be grandfathered in for commercial use since there was no apparent attempt to abandon its use as such. Any attempt to change it to a bar will have to be sought through a variance change.

Councilwoman Sue Buchanan assured Adkins that any request for a zoning variance change will have to be made as a formal request to the village administration and a public hearing held for residents to respond.

In other business Village Administrator Gary Phillips reminded residents that spring cleanup will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Saturday at Village hall, with car tires, scrap metal and household items being accepted. He said no electronics or televisions will be accepted. He said anyone with scrap appliances or televisions should contact the Habitat ReStore in Salem, which will hold an electronics drive from 3 to 6 p.m. May 28, with a $5 fee for televisions and monitors. He suggested residents call 330-337-4808 before going to make sure the business is still taking items.

He also reminded residents that brush and bagged leaf pickup will continue through May 15.

Council approved the new contract to provide fire protection to Salem Township at $21,500 annually for five years retroactive to March, as well as the second reading to accept the completed section of Woods Boulevard at Woods Condominiums.

Additionally council approved the addition of Adam Averill and Julie Morrow as EMTs; granted permission to the Italian American Club to use Main Street between Walnut and Elm for a car show June 20; and approved the purchase of a road sign indicating the direction of Walnut Street – with the library and downtown area – and Washington Street to be erected north of the fork at the school.

Also at the meeting, Buchanan voiced disgust with Les Crowe, the owner of a group home in the former Presbyterian church at High and Elm streets, noting that he told the community that none of the residents will be violent or sexual offenders. She said that both types of offenders are currently living at the home and she feels Crowe “put one over” on the village.

Altomare said that Newton will look into any possible violations of the home’s license due to the issue. Zoning inspector John Rydarowicz said he will also speak to Crowe regarding the situation.

An Arbor Day celebration is 11 a.m. Saturday at the Coke Ovens.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 20 at Village Hall.