The Identity Crisis of Bethel Township

The Township Trustees meet with the County Commissioners

In late October, the Bethel Township Trustees and Miami County Commissioners met to discuss a pressing issue in a small neighborhood called Woodward Hill. This area, located near where State Route 202 and State Route 571 meet, has a unique water supply problem.

Back in the 1960s, the residents of Woodward Hill took matters into their own hands. They installed their own water pipe, running it under the Great Miami River to connect with Tipp City's water system. While this DIY approach worked at the time, it certainly wouldn't be allowed today due to stricter regulations. Now, after 60 years, this old water line is failing.

The meeting's main goal was to find a solution for Woodward Hill's water needs. However, the conversation expanded to broader questions about Bethel Township's future growth and development.

About 25 years ago, Miami County set up a small water system for Brandt, a community in southern Bethel Township. This was done to address water quality issues in an area with small lots and outdated septic systems. Around the same time, Huber Heights started expanding into the township. Some township residents thought that by expanding their own water system, they could encourage development within the township and reduce the appeal of annexation by Huber Heights.

In 2003, township residents passed a tax levy to fund water system expansion and other efforts to prevent annexations. This levy has been renewed every five years since. The township used this money to extend water service to several areas, including Wonder Way, areas near Bethel School, and an industrial park near Gibson Road.

Despite these efforts, the township still faced annexations. During the recent meeting between the Trustees and the Commissioners, some Trustees expressed concern that the water lines they've built might actually encourage unwanted development, potentially changing the township's rural character.

This situation highlights a key challenge: there's a big difference between stopping annexation and stopping development. Water lines were meant to prevent annexation, but they also make development more likely. Empty fields don't need water lines, and extending water service to sparsely populated areas is expensive. Currently, the average water bill in Bethel Township is about $76 per month.

While many residents want to keep Bethel Township rural, options are limited. The township could try to buy land or development rights (such as agricultural easements), but this requires willing sellers. Many farmers see their land as a retirement asset or a legacy for their children.

One County Commissioner pointed out that the water infrastructure gives the township a chance to shape its own future. Growth is inevitable in any healthy community, but with water infrastructure and zoning powers, Bethel Township can set its own rules for development. For example, while a recent Huber Heights annexation plans for seven homes per acre, Bethel Township could set lower density limits if it chooses.

As for Woodward Hill, there's no clear solution yet. The County Commissioners seem open to helping fund a study to explore centralized water options, but this would require cooperation from both the township and the residents.

In essence, Bethel Township faces a crossroads: it can either take control of its growth through careful planning and use of its water infrastructure, or risk having its future shaped by neighboring communities' expansion plans.

What Do You Think?

How do you think Bethel Township should look towards its future? Should it continue to be a rural community? Should it welcome limited development with the infrastructure it has? Can it achieve both outcomes at the same time? Our paid subscribers are more than welcome to leave their ideas and insights in the comment thread!

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