Boston Township

In November, 2013 the residents of Boston Township approved the creation of a second Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) within the township. The primary purpose of the JEDD is to provide the Township with an improved revenue base.

JEDD's give a township the authority to impose an income tax; they are a mechanism to allow municipalities and townships to unite to foster economic development without modifications to jurisdictional boundaries. The Township remains intact and preserves its geographic integrity. This Boston-Peninsula JEDD partners Boston Township with the Village of Peninsula. The income tax rate is consistent with Peninsula's income tax rate.

Real estate tax is the only tax a township is authorized to receive. However, a JEDD allows a Township to receive revenue from income taxes levied on the income earned by persons working within the District and the income of businesses located within the District through partnering with the Village, which can levy income tax.

Over ninety percent of the real estate in the township is gone from the tax rolls; it is nontaxable property owned by the federal government, the MetroParks, the Boy Scouts, and others. While this contributes to the greater good of the millions who use the facilities, it impairs the financial health of this Township that must provide road maintenance and police services to everyone in its jurisdiction.

The income derived from this JEDD is essential for the continued economic welfare of our residents and businesses. It is still important to note the income tax the township will realize is a fraction of the annual real estate tax lost to the nontaxable property owners.

Areas and organizations included within the District are the Cuyahoga Valley National Park lands, MetroPark lands, Cuyahoga Valley Railroad, Scout camps, the Summit County Garage and the Boston Mills Ski Resort.

Businesses and nonprofit groups in the area as of the JEDD formation in November, 2013 are the National Park, the Conservancy for the CVNP, the Countryside Conservancy, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway, Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort, the BSA Great Lakes Council, the Summit County Engineer; and three farm leaseholds, Goatfeathers Point, Greenfield Berry and Basket of Life farms.

It is important to note only individuals who work for the District's businesses and non-profit organizations are subject to this tax. The residents of Boston Township pay no income tax unless they are also employed within the District.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact any one of us at 330-657-2059.

Jerry Ritch, Trustee
Amy Anderson, Trustee
Randy Bergdorf, Trustee

Maps and documents

• JEDD Zoning Map

Last updated September 15, 2026