11/23/2025
Facts Still Matter, Correcting Misinformation about our Township’s Progress
I want to sincerely thank the residents of Sugarcreek Township for re-electing me as Township Trustee. I am humbled to have earned your confidence for a third term. Our Township is in excellent financial and organizational condition, and I am honored to have been recognized by the Ohio Township Association for leadership.
I am proud of the strong partnerships we have built with our neighboring communities. We are working with Bellbrook on a study to determine whether merging our fire departments or forming a new district could reduce firefighting costs. We were named Centerville’s “Partner of the Year” as we continue securing funding for the five-phase I-675/Wilmington Pike Interchange project, including a $3 million federal earmark. I was also unanimously elected to represent all Greene County Townships in planning the new countywide 9-1-1 system. Additionally, we are collaborating with Bellbrook and Spring Valley to pursue funding for a bike and hike path along the Little Miami River.
Our relationships with state, county, and municipal partners are stronger than ever, saving taxpayer dollars by avoiding costly annexation battles. Before I became a Trustee, the Township spent over $500,000 on annexation lawsuits alone.
We have completed major projects with little or no increase in taxpayer funding. Our Veterans Memorial Park and the statue honoring WWII paratrooper Jim “Pee Wee” Martin were built without tax dollars. We purchased a $1 million ladder truck without raising taxes and moved our systems to the cloud to improve cybersecurity.
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Addressing Rumors & Setting the Record Straight
Rumor: I sold land gifted to the Township for green space by Jim “Pee Wee” Martin.
False. In a public meeting on March 20, 2023, the Township read the portion of Mr. Martin’s will stating he wished his property to go to the Township’s general fund. The statue at the Memorial Park was funded largely through the sale of Mr. Martin’s property.
Rumor: I approved rezoning from 55 to 80 homes resulting in the development of Feedwire Farm.
No. Feedwire Farms was going to be developed regardless of the number of homes. The property was originally zoned R1A, allowing the developer wide latitude. By rezoning it to a PUD, the Township gained control over design standards, green space, trails, and 30 conditions—including prohibiting front-facing garages and vinyl siding. This approach preserves neighborhood home values and allowed the wetlands to be donated for educational use. School and county officials publicly confirmed the development would not overwhelm schools, worsen runoff, or proceed without a traffic study.
Rumor: I approved moving the Huston Cemetery.
False. Townships cannot authorize cemetery relocation. County officials determined relocation was needed for road right-of-way, and the current plan is to move it to Bellbrook’s Pioneer Cemetery. Sugarcreek Township never approved moving it.
Rumor: The Township failed to provide a second School Resource Officer.
We remain committed to the position but are facing the national shortage of police officers. We continue searching for a qualified candidate.
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I will continue making long-term decisions that protect and strengthen Sugarcreek Township. My commitment has always been, and will always be, to serve this community with honesty, transparency, and respect.
We may not always agree on every issue, but I deeply value the trust you place in me, and I will keep working to ensure Sugarcreek Township remains one of the most desirable and welcoming communities in the Miami Valley.
If you ever have questions or need clarity on an issue, please reach out to me directly at [email protected].
I will always make time to listen.
Sincerely,
Fred Cramer
Sugarcreek Township Trustee
