Rossford’s mayor says Top Golf has expressed interest in building there. People in a neighboring community don’t want it near them.
PERRYSBURG, Ohio — Rossford and Perrysburg could be courting for a Top Golf soon, a popular multi-story golfing drive that’s in a number of other big cities.
However, some of the people who live in Perrysburg don't want it in their backyard.
While a Top Golf hasn’t been confirmed to come to Perrysburg, Planning and Zoning Administrator Brody Walters said there could be changes coming to a lot located behind Costco on Eckel Junction.
Bethel Assembly of God currently owns the property, which is currently zoned as residential use. But Walters said the church is looking to change it to large commercial use.
This has people in Perrysburg speculating Top Golf could eyeing the property. But some don't want any type of commercial development in the area.
Leslie Turpening is one of many who have concerns about what could go in next door. She's lived in The Village of River Place, located right next to the empty land on Eckel Junction, for three years.
"To bring something in like this here, would be devastating," Turpening said about any commercial company coming to the area. "Putting something in that's going to create major traffic flow off of 75, is not what any of us want to see."
The City of Perrysburg has received at least 30 letters from people about some for commercial development and some against it.
Turpening said there's been growing speculation about what could set up shop on the lot behind Costco. Top Golf is among the rumors.
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"Whether it's a Top Golf or not, it doesn't really matter to us," Turpening said.
Walters said while he can't confirm whether it's Top Golf, the area could be good for it.
"It seems like this would meet some of the visibility requirements that that establishment typically prefers," Walters said. "But as far as confirming if Top Golf is the end user or the potential end user, I can't say at this time."
But a Top Golf center could be swinging Rossford's way.
Rossford Mayor Neil MacKinnon III said Top Golf, and another place like it, have expressed interest in land near Bass Pro Shops off I-75 near the turnpike.
"It would be great not only for our great city but also for the entire region," Mackinnon said. "It's probably the single most popular entertainment attraction in the country right now."
He said Rossford is ready for this type of development.
"We have the zoning in place, the land's available, and it's a shovel-ready site," Mackinnon said.
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Turpening and her neighbors held a private meeting Thursday night to strategize a way to stop the development in the lot in their backyard.
"This is not one of the pieces of land that we have any interest in seeing a commercial setting," Turpening said.
WTOL 11 did reach out to Top Golf and in an email a company spokesperson said they have no news to share about Top Golf in the Toledo area.
Perrysburg's Planning Commission will be deciding if that zoning change will be recommended to city council next Thursday.
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