CLAY TOWNSHIP — The Clay Township board of zoning appeals will conduct a public hearing Thursday, May 18, at 5:30 p.m. on a request from AHAVA Tree Ministries for a lot split of the property at 6158 Diamond Mill Road.

The public hearing will take place at the Clay Township offices, located at 8207 Arlington Road.

AHAVA Tree Ministries is requesting that 9.688 acres of the 28.839 acres be rezoned for an activity center and a parking area.

The remaining 19.151 acres will continue to be used for farming.

AHAVA Tree Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, according to the organization’s website.

“We exist for charitable purposes, youth ministries to build character, to relieve poor or distressed in our communities and abroad,” the website states.

According to the website, the activity center’s primary use is for the Old German Baptist Brethren Church (OGBBC) new conference youth group gatherings.

The website states the building will also support other uses for a service fee/donation.

The website states ahava means love in Hebrew.

The website also states the organization’s vision is “for charitable purposes, youth ministries to build character, and to relieve poor or distressed in our communities and abroad.”

The AHAVA Tree Ministries board of directors are:

• Mark Landes (president) owner of Landes Fresh Meats, 9476 Haber Road, Clayton

• Doug Kobel (secretary) owner of Koble Contracting, Inc., 28 S. Weston Road, Troy

• Kent Fullmer (treasurer) Fullmer’s Landscaping Inc, 9547 W Third St., Dayton

• Kevin Filbrum, owner of Ideal Company, Inc., 8313 North Kimmel Road, Suite A, Clayton

•Matt Balsbaugh, owner of B. Concrete Inc., 49 Nutrition Way, Brookville

Reach Terry Baver at [email protected]