Development controversy resurfaces at state Capitol

(Park Record) Candidates who campaigned last year for open seats on the Summit County Council pledged to work toward more transparency in how records are released to the public.

Tipped off by a Summit County landowner, however, state Senate President Michael Waddoups questioned councilpersons last week about a flap over a set of rules that have allowed builders in Summit County to transfer valuable development rights from one parcel to another.

Critics of the county claim private developers have used the so-called TDR transactions to line their own pockets with money.

"I'm still trying to get my mind around [TDRs,]" Waddoups told the County Council in a meeting at the state Capitol Oct. 21. "I'm getting a lot of bad vibes on that, even accusations of corruption."

Waddoups said a landowner in Summit County has contacted him alleging the rules that govern how development rights were transferred were misused.

"Until a year ago, I had never heard of it," Waddoups said.

The controversy came as voters went to the polls last November and Summit County was criticized in newspaper ads and on an anonymous Web site, which deemed the dust up "TDRgate."

Summit County Councilman John Hanrahan said county officials intend to respond to Waddoups' concerns.

"I was a little concerned, but I'm absolutely certain that we'll be able to answer any questions that were raised to him," Hanrahan said in a telephone interview Tuesday.

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