(a) Council finds that the Village contains lands which have unique scenic, ecological, recreational and scientific value which qualities benefit not only the residents of the Village but also the entire metropolitan area of the County.
(b) Council also finds, based on studies and investigations conducted by the Open Space Commission, on its review of the Open Space Study, and on its own knowledge, that a significant portion of the lands in the Village is comprised of exceedingly steep slopes, is located in flood plains and has unique forest and terrain characteristics.
(c) Council also finds that it is a necessary public purpose to acquire land and incorporeal rights or interests in land, including conservation easements, in order to conserve and retain certain areas within the Village predominantly in their natural, scenic, open or wooded condition, which acquisition will not only result in the preservation of natural beauty and terrain, but also in many instances will, by restricting or limiting development, protect the public health and safety by preventing the erosion of soils, the contamination of water supplies, the increased run-off of surface water and the increased risk of flood damage.
(d) Council also finds, upon its review of the Open Space Study, that the areas in the Village at which this acquisition activity should primarily be directed are the Chagrin Valley Floor (being Zones A1, A1-B.F. and A2 in that Study); the Chagrin Valley Walls (being Zone B1 in that Study); and the Chagrin River Tributaries (being Zone B2 in that Study).
(Ord. 1989-107. Passed 4-11-89.)