The decision on whether the Leavittsburg dam will be removed may go into the hands of a Trumbull County judge. 

A trial date has been scheduled for May 19. in Judge Rondal J. Rice’s court for both sides to present their reason for or against taking the dam out.

“We just feel like this is not only a public issue, part of it with our health, but it's also the very existence of the township and our community,” Deb Roth, a concerned Warren Township resident said. 

Those who want the dam to stay say taking it out would cause numerous issues like a possible bridge collapse nearby, sewer issues and erosion to nearby land. 

MetroParks wants to remove the dam because they claim it's a drowning hazard and could cause flooding.

Even though the court date is set, the Trumbull County Commissioners are still hoping to work things out in a meeting with the board. 

“The commissioners do not want to take a stance for or against. We're looking for an amicable solution,” Commissioner Rick Hernandez said. 

Hernadez told 21 News if this goes to trial and the court makes a ruling he’s ready to accept whatever the judge decides.

“The county is in need of many dollars moving forward … to just continue to push forward I don't believe it's in the best interest of the county,” Commissioner Hernandez said. 

The park already started some preliminary work in February by removing trees to make a space for construction equipment. 

We reached out to the Trumbull County MetroParks to find out if they will pause all work on removing the dam until the trial and did not hear back. 

Roth said the trial date gives her hope that the dam will be saved but worries the ruling won't come in time. 

“The legal process as we all know doesn't usually move at record speed so we want some assurances that we can get something done before the beginning of May,” Roth said.