With an eye toward inevitable future development, supporters of a Granville Township levy are thinking green.

Little, if any, public opposition has surfaced against the township's proposed five-year, 1-mill property tax for open space acquisition. Though the issue has been criticized for failing to address many of the Granville's development concerns, levy organizers say it's a step in the right direction.

"There really have been few negatives to it," said trustee Chairman James Havens, who also chairs the levy campaign.

"To actually have a concrete plan to go out and do something is a relief to some people."

Trustees opted to try for the Nov. 4 levy after a Comprehensive Plan Review Committee survey indicated residents are willing to be taxed for open space preservation, Havens said.

Many development issues have spurred controversy in the village recently, and tax supporters hope to capitalize on the community's recent efforts to preserve the area's natural landscapes and character.

The levy would bring in about $175,000 each year, which would be used to purchase and preserve scenic, open wooded areas and wetlands, and to purchase development rights.

It would cost a $100,000 homeowner about $31 each year in additional property taxes.

An advisory committee of seven couples from the village and township will help determine what land is to be purchased, with the final decisions resting with township trustees. Village and township residents will vote on the issue.

Township resident Robert Rutherford, who is challenging incumbents Havens and Eric Jones for a trustee seat in the elections, says he probably will vote for the issue, but called it a "piddling effort" in the face of fast-approaching development. Rutherford said the decision to try for the levy is contradictory to recent township policy, such as proposing cluster housing and the extension of sewer lines to parts of the township.

Granville Land Conservancy Chairman Don Wiper has endorsed the levy because its goals are consistent with his organization's plans.

"It fits in with our objectives - to maintain green space, to maintain habitat, and to maintain wetlands," he said.

Though some vacant land has been donated to the village and township in recent years, Wiper said some capital is necessary to enable the township to make purchases when donations are not an option.

"This effort by the greater community is an effort to put some money in the bank so these opportunities will be available," he said.

The levy language specifically rules out purchases for recreational uses, but Havens said the township could kick in its own finances to develop portions of acquired land for such purposes.