However, he voiced concern that the ordinance change not be made to “save the park.” He said the sale of the property “will not save Conneaut Lake Park,” calling it a Band-Aid. He said until there are management changes at the park, its operating losses will continue. He said supervisors should not be held responsible “for the financial condition of Conneaut Lake Park,” urging supervisors to make their decision on a “sound land-use plan.”

Summit Township businessman Jerry Smith voiced his support of the ordinance change, saying it “will be better for our business and the growth of our area.”

Karen Klingensmith Hartmann said the park previously had many more hotels and cottages with no adverse impact. Nadine Morgan and John Bertera both spoke about the negative impact on their businesses should the park not open this season.

Dr. Robert Bazylak opposed the change, saying the park should be developed as a whole, not done in piecemeal fashion.

“The taxpayers elect you to do what is best for the entire township — we did not elect you to be the ‘Saviors of the Park,’ ” said Debbie Stewart, township resident. She said there should be no sale until a qualified board of trustees has been appointed for the park, which is a public trust, and plans for long-term development of the park are in place.

Walker told the audience the supervisors had received 250 letters in support of the ordinance change, citing the revenue that the township would receive from back debt owed by the park and the increase in taxes from the condominiums.

Supervisors will vote on the request Tuesday at 7 p.m.

What to watch for next

Crawford County Court of Common Pleas Judge Anthony Vardaro will hold a hearing in court Tuesday at 3 p.m. to consider the sale of land at Conneaut Lake Park to Gregory Sutterlin for $1.7 million. Because the park is a public trust operated under court oversight, the judge must decide if the sale is appropriate.

At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Summit Township supervisors will act on whether to change the zoning ordinance.