Concord Township, Lake County, Ohio
Concord Township, Lake County, Ohio: An Overview
Concord Township is one of the five townships located in Lake County, Ohio, and serves as an integral part of the Cleveland-Elyria Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the township had a population of 19,254 residents. Known for its rich history and geographic significance, Concord Township provides a unique blend of suburban lifestyle, community resources, and accessibility to urban amenities.
Geography
Concord Township occupies a central position in Lake County and is bordered by several other townships and municipalities. To the north lies Painesville Township, while Perry Township occupies the northeast corner. LeRoy Township is situated to the east, and Hambden Township in Geauga County is found to the southeast. Chardon Township also in Geauga County lies to the south, with Kirtland Hills to the southwest and Mentor to the west. Finally, Painesville is located to the northwest.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Concord Township covers an area of 23.2 square miles (60.0 km²), with 23.0 square miles (59.6 km²) classified as land and 0.2 square miles (0.4 km²), or 0.58%, as water. Notably, there are no municipalities located within Concord Township itself. The historical settlement of Concord can be traced back to its location at the intersection of Ohio State Route 608 and Ravenna Road/County Highway 360, an area that has seen significant development over time.
Name and History
The name “Concord” has historical significance, commemorating the Battle of Concord from the American Revolutionary War. Established in 1822, Concord Township is part of what is known as the Connecticut Western Reserve—a land area that was originally granted to settlers from Connecticut during westward expansion in the early 19th century.
General Edward Paine was among the first settlers to arrive in the area in 1800 with a group of 66 individuals. Paine had served as a captain in the Connecticut militia during the American Revolution and later represented his community in the territorial legislature of what was then known as the Northwest Territory.
Demographics
The demographic profile of Concord Township reflects its diverse community. According to the 2020 census data, approximately 93% of residents identify as White, with smaller percentages identifying as Asian (2%), Hispanic (3%), or belonging to two or more races (2%). The township has a relatively affluent population, with a median household income reported at $115,381 and a per capita income for families averaging $172,836.
Furthermore, educational attainment levels among residents aged 25 years or older are notably high; 98.3% have graduated from high school, while 26.5% hold bachelor’s degrees and 19.2% have obtained postgraduate degrees. This educational demographic contributes to a well-informed community that values learning and professional development.
Government Structure
Governance in Concord Township is managed by a three-member board of trustees elected every odd-numbered November for four-year terms that commence on January 1 of the following year. Elections stagger such that two trustees are elected following presidential elections while one trustee is elected before them. Additionally, an elected township fiscal officer serves a four-year term starting April 1 following their election held in November preceding presidential elections.
The board members as of 2020 include Carl Dondorfer, Morgan McIntosh, and Amy Lucci, with James Teknipp serving as fiscal officer. Any vacancies that arise within either the fiscal officership or board of trustees may be filled by remaining trustees until a formal election can be held.
Transportation Infrastructure
Concord Township boasts an extensive transportation network crucial for connectivity both within Lake County and beyond. In 2004, it was reported that approximately 134 miles (216 km) of roadway were maintained within township boundaries—most being paved surfaces conducive to efficient travel.
Key transportation routes include U.S. Route 20 and Ohio State Routes 2 and 84; Interstate 90 runs through Concord Township allowing easy access via Ohio State Route 44. While Laketran operates bus lines throughout Lake County—including routes into downtown Cleveland—there are no active bus stops within Concord itself.
Rail transportation also plays a role in Concord’s accessibility with major railroads such as CSX and Norfolk Southern passing through it; however, Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited does not stop directly within township limits—the nearest Amtrak station is located about 28 miles (45 km) southwest in Cleveland.
For air travel needs, residents can access Cleveland Hopkins International Airport situated approximately 43 miles (69 km) away from Concord Township—the largest airport in Ohio.
Education and Community Resources
Educational facilities play an essential role in community engagement within Concord Township. Public library services are provided by Morley Library which caters to residents from nearby Painesville City and Painesville Township alongside Concord’s own residents.
The township primarily falls under Riverside Local Schools but also includes sections served by Mentor Public Schools—particularly for elementary education where students are zoned for Hopkins Elementary School followed by Memorial Middle School and Mentor High School for secondary education.
In addition to public schools, private educational options include Hershey Montessori School which accommodates children from infancy through sixth grade within Concord Township itself; higher education opportunities are available at Lake Erie College located nearby in Painesville and Lakeland Community College situated in Kirtland.
Healthcare Services
The healthcare landscape in Concord Township includes prominent facilities such as University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Tri-Point Medical Center—both vital for serving healthcare needs among residents. With various local hospitals contributing significantly to employment opportunities within Concord’s workforce landscape, these institutions stand as pillars supporting community health initiatives.
Conclusion
Concord Township represents a vibrant community characterized by its rich history, demographic diversity, robust governance structure, efficient transportation system, comprehensive educational resources, and accessible healthcare services. The township continues to thrive as part of Lake County’s metropolitan framework while offering a suburban lifestyle enriched with cultural heritage and modern amenities. As it evolves further into the future amid ongoing development initiatives—like those fostered through its Joint Economic Development District with nearby Painesville—Concord Township remains well-positioned for sustainable growth and community enrichment.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).