Allen Twp. voters approve zoning on 2nd attempt

ALLEN TWP. — Residents voted Tuesday to reinstate zoning in Allen Township, approving the measure for the second time after a court invalidated the previous election's vote. Unofficial results showed 69% of voters supported the zoning resolution, while 30% opposed it. Voters first approved zoning in 2025, but the township reverted to unzoned status after Hancock County Judge Jonathan Starn overturned the results in November. The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit filed by One Power Co. against the Hancock County Board of Elections, alleging the ballot language was unclear and prevented voters from making an informed decision. "Ballot language must fairly and accurately present the question or issue to be decided in order to assure a free, intelligent and informed vote by the average citizen affected," Starn wrote in his decision. The zoning resolution spans more than 70 pages. Allen Township Trustee Roger Clark said the renewed ballot measure was driven by residents who were "unhappy with some things being built in their backyard." One Power Co., which describes itself as the largest installer of on-site wind energy in the U.S., owns 262-foot wind turbines in the township and has stated plans to build more. A statement on the company's website says it will begin the process of annexing its properties into the city of Findlay if the township becomes zoned.