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From the 4/29/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: GM workers don’t dwell By JOE GORMAN Tribune Chronicle LORDSTOWN — Vince Martini said he does not get too high or too low when he hears rumors or news about the General Motors Corp. Lordstown Assembly Plant, where he has worked for 30 years. ‘‘Thirty years ago, they were saying the same things, stuff like, ‘Don’t buy a house,’’’ Martini said Saturday as he was leaving work. ‘‘Now I just say, ‘Dude, I work for today.’’’ Martini was commenting on a report that surfaced during the week that auto maker told the Lordstown Complex union and management leaders that it was suspending its Delta program — the platform on which Lordstown’s current product, the Chevrolet Cobalt, is built — and its larger Epsilon program in Kansas City, Mo. ... Tribune Chronicle Business Editor Larry Ringler and The Associated Press contributed to this report. [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17466

From the 3/26/07 Dayton Business Journal: Overall vacancy rates decline one percent Dayton Business Journal - March 23, 2007 by Tim Tresslar DBJ Senior Reporter Demand for suburban offices and cheaper office space in downtown Dayton continued to climb last year, while vacancies at some of the city's best addresses jumped, according to a local real estate study. In 2006, the region had a vacancy rate of about 14.6 percent, or 2.1 million square feet, down from 15.6 percent, or 2.2 million square feet, in 2005, according to the Gem Real Estate Office Market Study. David Dickerson, president of Gem Real Estate, said the overall office market remains healthy, with areas around the Interstate 675 beltway and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base staying strong. And while downtown's vacancies stayed flat, more class A space -- marked by its amenities and decor -- came onto the market last year, while class B/C space held its own. The study's other findings: * South Market: Vacancy fell to 11.9 percent, versus 13.7 percent the previous year in cities such as Kettering and Washington Township. Lease rates range between $5.50 to $21.50. * East Market: Vacancy dropped to 11.7 percent, compared to 12.1 percent the previous year in areas such as Beavercreek and Fairborn. Lease rates: $7 to $23. * North and West markets: Vacancy slipped to 18.5 percent, versus 20.1 percent in 2005 in areas such as Huber Heights and Vandalia. * Downtown Market: Remained virtually flat year over year. Lease rates: $6 to $21.95. Jerry Hummel, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Commercial Heritage, said downtown tenants continue to contact him for space in the southern suburbs, in part because businesses want access to more parking. But he does see signs that demand has begun to cool, he said. For example, when office space that he represents in Washington Township became available a year ago, it filled within three months. Now it takes twice that long, which also drags down lease rates, he said. "When you see that, you're going to see moderation in rents," he said. Mark Fornes, president of Mark Fornes Realty of Centerville, said he continues to see office space in south Dayton fill up quickly. The July sale of the former Van Dyne Crotty headquarters in Miami Township to Danis Building Construction Co. illustrates the demand for property in the south suburbs, he said. The building sold for nearly $3 million before being publicly listed for sale, he said. Dickerson said the influx of medical offices into the northern suburbs helped that market grow last year. The study found that downtown's class A market -- a collection of nine buildings -- took some hits, with vacancy in that category jumping 4 percent, or 92,000 square feet, last year. Vacancy rates for class B and C buildings in the downtown fell to nearly 20 percent, or 550,000 square feet, as opposed to 22.3 percent, or 628,000 square feet, of empty space in 2005. Fornes said a perception of the city as unsafe as well as a lack of new buildings have hurt the downtown. Like a new restaurant coming to town, new office space draws tenants more easily, he said. When companies such as WorkflowOne's predecessor, Relizon, or CareSource Management Group, can secure new buildings, they stay downtown, he said. If developers added more new buildings to the mix, downtown would benefit, he said. And the buildings wouldn't necessarily need to be the office towers that one typically associates with big cities, he said. An office component with the proposed $230 million Dayton Waterfront project would help fill the need for new space, Fornes said. "What the downtown needs is new product," Fornes said. Jeff Levine of Colliers Turley Martin Tucker said the downtown has more space than users. But he still knows of large tenants such as banks and law firms scouring the city for new space, though it's primarily companies that already have a presence downtown. "There are big users looking," he said. "But whether anything comes from it remains to be seen." Levine, who represents 10 West Second Street, the former MeadWestvaco Tower, said the building will remain 100 percent leased until the end of the month when MeadWestvaco's master lease expires, taking occupancy to 50 percent. CareSource has agreed to move 80 employees into the building until 2008. But he also points out that other big cities have trouble filling their downtown office towers. "It's not that we're unique," he said. E-mail [email protected]. Call 222-6900, ext. 119. http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2007/03/26/focus2.html

From the 4/29/07 Springfield News-Sun: Home foreclosures affecting every part of local economy Predatory lending and loss of income are the main reasons so many houses end up on auction block. By Samantha Sommer Sunday, April 29, 2007 Homes remain the cornerstone of investment for families. They also prop up the economy, said Tina Koumoutsos, executive director of Neighborhood Housing Partnership. So foreclosures can affect almost every level of a community— families, businesses, lenders, government officials and neighborhoods. ... More at: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/04/28/sns042907foreclosure.html From the 4/29/07 Lima News: Foreclosures skyrocket, tripling in Allen County Bart Mills | [email protected] - 04.29.2007 CRIDERSVILLE — A stack of envelopes sits at the center of the kitchen table, spilling ominously from a smallish wicker basket. Judy Keller stares at them with a mix of dread and disbelief. One by one, she slices the envelopes open, raining a shower of pink and yellow warning slips onto the table. With each new bill, she scratches another number on a yellow legal pad. When she’s finally done, the pad is more than a third full, and Keller’s eyes fill with tears. At the bottom of the list is a mortgage three months past due. If she doesn’t pay some of it soon, she fears her family will lose its house. “It’s all too much. It’s more than we have,” Judy Keller said, gazing over the list of debt. “It just makes you want to cry. It’s hard to believe it really.” ... More at: http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=37903

From the 4/26/07 Blade: HOME OWNERSHIP Toledo 29th in big cities in rates of foreclosure 2nd study finds shift in delinquency causes FROM BLADE STAFF AND WIRE SERVICES Ohio and Michigan remain among the states with the highest foreclosure filing rates for the first quarter, and Toledo ranked 29th out of the 100 largest cities, a new study shows. Meanwhile, a separate study found that fewer homeowners blamed job losses and marital strife for late mortgage payments in 2006. More people cited excessive debt and sick family members as the cause. In 2006, Ohio had the highest home loan delinquency rate in the country, and Michigan was No. 3. Layoffs and plant closures were blamed by experts for some of the problem, along with the higher cost subprime loans. ... More at: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070426/BUSINESS06/704260410/-1/RSS04

ODOD press release, 3/12/07: FISHER ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO BUSINESSES Projects to Help Spur Local Economies, Generate Jobs for Ohioans FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 12, 2007 Mondo Polymer Technologies (Mondo), located in Marietta Township (Washington County), will receive a $25,000 Business Development grant (412) for costs associated with the acquisition of machinery and equipment. Mondo was established in 1995 as a recycler of low-end films (polybags, shrink and stretch wraps, etc.) and became the first manufacturer of polymer guardrail offset blocks. The company recycles low-end films, such as polybags and shrink wrap, that are difficult to recycle due to high levels of contamination and mixes in the polymer contents. Mondo plans to construct a new 84,000 square-foot facility to be utilized as a manufacturing operation and administrative offices. The machinery and equipment to be purchased includes fire suppression equipment, specialized recycling shredders, extruders, a mixing silo, granulators, conveyors and related equipment. This more than $3.8 million project is expected to create 30 jobs and retain 44 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operation. The Business Development Account (412) is a grant program to assist companies and communities that are creating or retaining jobs in Ohio. http://www.odod.state.oh.us/newsroom/2007PR/releases/1714.asp

A press release from ODOD, 2/5/07: FISHER ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES Projects to Help Spur Local Economies, Create 520 Jobs FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 5, 2007 Village of Leipsic, located in Putnam County, will receive a $50,000 Business Development Grant (412) for costs associated with off-site infrastructure improvements and a $500,000 Roadwork Development Grant (629) in support of Summit Ethanol LLC's (Summit Ethanol) new ethanol production facility. Summit Ethanol is a fully owned subsidiary of Broin Companies, the second largest producer of ethanol in the U.S., which designs, constructs and manages its own production facilities. The company has been in business in five states for 20 years and currently manages 750 million gallons of ethanol production annually. The company proposes to construct and operate a new ethanol production facility in the Iron Highway Industrial Park. The 50,000 square-foot building will produce 60 million gallons per year and utilize 21 million bushels of corn annually. The Village will upgrade its sanitary sewer system, complete rail improvements and roadwork to support Summit Ethanol and open up an additional 2,000 acres of industrial development property. Ohio is in competition with Indiana and Michigan for this $74.6 million project, which is expected to create 41 new jobs within the first three years of the project's initial operation. The Business Development Account (412) is a grant program to assist companies and communities that are creating or retaining jobs in Ohio. The Roadwork Development Account (629) provides grant assistance to communities for highway and road projects related to job creation and retention. The 629 Program is funded with gas tax dollars and is restricted to public road projects only. http://www.odod.state.oh.us/newsroom/2007PR/releases/1699.asp

From the 4/28/07 DDN: Brookville project favored for top ED/GE grant The state, county and city are planning an incentive package to lure the center; seven other grants also recommended. By Lisa A. Bernard Staff Writer Saturday, April 28, 2007 DAYTON — A new $30 million global logistics center and a host of local companies looking to expand may get a boost through a local grant program. All told, more than $1.7 million from Montgomery County's Economic Development Grant Equity program has been recommended for eight projects that together would create more than 840 new jobs. An additional five applicants for the program were declined. The largest project on tap calls for a 600,000-square-foot distribution center to be built on 60 acres in Brookville's industrial campus off of Interstate 70, about 10 miles northwest of Dayton. Read More...

From the 1/11/07 Dispatch: GOP lines up probable Coleman challenger Thursday, January 11, 2007 Mark Ferenchik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Four years ago, Republicans scrambled to find someone to run against Mayor Michael B. Coleman. No luck. This year, they apparently have found a candidate for Columbus mayor, a lawyer and political insider heavily involved in state Republican causes. He's William M. Todd, who has represented controversial groups that campaigned against Ted Strickland in his run for governor last year and against an Ohio Supreme Court justice seven years ago. Todd, 54, was the only mayoral candidate to screen for Republican officials yesterday evening at Franklin County GOP headquarters. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/01/11/20070111-C1-05.html

First link contains a photo. Both from the 1/1/07 Dispatch: IN HIGH GEAR Mayor Coleman's ambitious plans suggest he's running for a third term Monday, January 01, 2007 Jodi Andes and Mark Ferenchik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Facing the last year of a second term, many politicians focus on what they can finish. Mayor Michael B. Coleman is gearing up for long-term projects. Twelve months before his term expires, he is looking for a way to pay for streetcars. He also is telling his crew to proceed with the first full year of a six-year plan called Home Again, aimed at tearing down blighted houses and helping low-income families keep their homes from falling into disrepair. And Coleman is starting to talk about plans for the city?s bicentennial in 2012. Coleman would have to win a third and fourth term to see those plans carried out. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/01/01/20070101-A1-00.html Mayor's to-do list Monday, January 01, 2007 At the beginning of 2006, Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman outlined some things he hoped city employees would accomplish by year end. Where those initiatives stand: * Investigate bringing streetcars to Columbus. Done. City employees now have been asked to determine how streetcars can be paid for without increasing city taxes. * Start a six-year, $25 million program to attack blight and help keep inner-city homes from becoming blighted. Two months after Coleman announced the program, 12 of the worst homes cited, all owned by the city, remained standing with numerous code violations. Another 99 homes have been demolished by the city or private entities facing court action. In addition, 104 roofs have been repaired. * Beef up strike forces to combat crime and guns on the street. Police arrested more than 900 people and took 387 guns off the street. However, homicides continue to be a problem. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/01/01/20070101-A1-05.html

From the 4/28/07 News-Herald: Tobacco Coalition working on smooth transition to ban By: David W. Jones [email protected] 04/28/2007 When enforcement of Ohio's indoor smoking ban begins Thursday, it might be a long day for smokers caught between still wanting a drag or trying to quit. That was among messages given Friday to members of the Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula Tobacco Coalition at the group's fifth annual Legislative Breakfast at the Quail Hollow Resort in Concord Township. Read more: http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18274807&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21849&rfi=6

From the 4/27/07 Enquirer: Rally backs school choice, vouchers BY DENISE SMITH AMOS | [email protected] ROSELAWN – Students at Harmony Community School rallied with state Rep. Tom Brinkman Friday afternoon on behalf of school choice, as some Ohio lawmakers in Columbus sought to preserve charter schools and educational vouchers. Several hundred students at Harmony cut short their Earth Day festival to listen to speakers tell them how to lobby to keep charter schools and vouchers alive in Ohio. Charter schools are run by private boards and receive public funds from the state, funneled through public school districts. Ohio’s EdChoice vouchers are publicly funded tuition payments to private schools for students who would otherwise attend low-performing public schools. Under Gov. Ted Strickland’s recent budget plan, vouchers would be eliminated for the next school year, and charters would face more restrictions in funding and operation. No new charters could open until 2009, and for-profit management companies would be forbidden from operating them. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070427/NEWS01/304270027/1056/COL02

From the 4/27/07 Enquirer: Seven builders will construct 80 homes BY JEFF MCKINNEY | [email protected] MASON – Seven local builders plan to build at least 80 additional homes at Chestnut Hill along Mason-Montgomery Road. Blue Ash-based developer Great Traditions Land & Development Co. says construction has begun and the new development could be completed in about three years. The homes will start at $650,000 and be a minimum of 4,000 square feet, says Nancy Young, spokeswoman at Great Traditions. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070427/BIZ01/304270030/

From the 4/27/07 Lima News: Tribe wants four properties added to land claim settlement Heather Rutz | [email protected] - 04.27.2007 LIMA — An American Indian tribe is tending to one piece of remaining business before settling a land claims suit it filed in 2005. The Eastern Shawnee of Oklahoma asked the court this week to add four new defendants to the settlement, so the court can enforce those agreements along with the others already settled. The tribe wants to add Berns Development Group, which owns land in Warren County; the village of Botkins, which owns land in Shelby County; N&N Development LLC, which owns land in Stark County; and Midwest Highway Opportunities LLC, which is controlled by St. Rita’s Medical Center and owns land in Lima. The tribe said in a legal filing it is concerned that if the new parties are not formally joined to its suit, the court won’t be able to enforce the agreements. The tribe, by suing a limited number of defendants never waived its right to assert other claims or accept an alternative remedy that satisfies its claim. Full article at http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=37828

From the 4/25/07 Dispatch: Race machines are not slots, backers testify Aim is to help tracks, GOP sponsor says Wednesday, April 25, 2007 3:36 AM By James Nash THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH It looks like a slot machine, takes in and coughs up coins like a slot machine and even bleeps like one. But the video racing terminals proposed for Ohio's seven horse-racing tracks aren't slot machines, Sen. Steve Stivers took pains to emphasize during a legislative hearing yesterday. Rather, they're horse races in a box. The Upper Arlington Republican and other supporters of "instant racing" in Ohio engaged in some verbal gymnastics as they pitched the idea for a more user-friendly gambling option in a state that's been hostile to new forms of wagering. Stivers and other members of the Senate Finance Committee heard testimony from four proponents of a bill that would allow instant racing at horse tracks. Full article at http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/content/local_news/stories/2007/04/25/PONYUP.ART_ART_04-25-07_B3_IF6G34K.html

Both from the 4/26/07 DDN: Township closer to impact fees By Danyrae Lockwood Staff Writer Thursday, April 26, 2007 The Hamilton Twp. Board of Trustees passed the first reading April 18 to enact impact fees, which would add a payment on new infrastructure. Hamilton Twp. — a home-rule township — could become the first township in the state to impose an impact fee "(New residents) want the same lifestyle of the city with the same services, and this is a way when people move here they'll be able to get those same services," six-year resident Jim Frederick said. "The dollars and cents wouldn't have changed my decision to move here." http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/04/26/pjl042607impactfeesA1.html Hamilton Twp. trustees address concerns over fees Boeres: Developers' donations would count toward fees. By Danyrae Lockwood Staff Writer Thursday, April 26, 2007 On April 18, Hamilton Twp. passed a first reading to enact impact fees — amid more concerns and questions during a lengthy meeting. "This is not a recurring tax that shows up on a bill. It's a one-time fee," Township Zoning and Planning Administrator Gary Boeres said. "It's not retroactive on any existing development and it would only apply to new construction." Developers are worried about reimbursements or credits and how "double dipping" would be handled. Many asked about situations if they added new infrastructure that benefited the community — only to also have to pay an impact fee. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/04/26/pjl042607impactfeesinside.html

From the 4/27/07 Lima News: McGinnis says no to school funding amendment Beth L. Jokinen | [email protected] - 04.27.2007 LIMA — The Lima school board voted Thursday to support a proposed constitutional amendment that proponents believe will solve school-funding issues. But, as is this case most times taxes are discussed, there was one dissenter. Bobbie McGinnis voted against supporting the Getting It Right For Ohio’s Future campaign, which is working to get the amendment on the ballot next fall. McGinnis voiced concern about the wording of the resolution, specifically that it refers to the “full support” of the board. She argued that, since the vote was not unanimous, it is not the full support. Board President Alicia Anderson said the wording would not be changed, as a 3-1 vote is still the board’s full support. Board member C. Ann Miles was not at Thursday’s meeting. “Your vote is one vote,” Anderson said. “But if there is still three other votes, that is full support.” MORE: http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=37827

From the 4/27/07 Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune: Rally set By Zachary Petit, [email protected] The fact he died almost 100 years ago won’t stop the architect of the Seneca County Courthouse from making an appearance this weekend at a rally to save the building. Among other plans for the “Rally ’Round the Courthouse” event at 10 a.m. Saturday — including a declaration of the building as Ohio’s No. 1 most endangered historic site — local resident James Lee Austen is slated to impersonate the 1884 building’s designer, Elijah Myers. But first, those planning the event needed to secure electricity at the courthouse grounds, which they did at Thursday’s Seneca County commissioners meeting. After officials said citizens can’t plug into the building’s power themselves because of risks associated with falling debris quarantined by a newly erected fence, Commissioner Mike Bridinger volunteered to do the job. Full story: http://www.advertiser-tribune.com/articles.asp?articleID=7840

From the 4/27/07 Newark Advocate: First Kraner plans submitted to officials 23 houses could be built on 99 acres of Olde Orchard By CHARLES A. PETERSON Advocate Reporter GRANVILLE -- Developer William Kraner is planning the next phase of his expansive Olde Orchard Farm development in Granville Township. Kraner has applied to the Granville Township Zoning Commission for a 99-acre Planned Unit Development of 23 single-family home parcels in the township's northeast corner, to be called The Estates at Olde Orchard Farm. The overall 831-acre Olde Orchard Farm town center is planned for the northwest corner of Newark Township, which straddles the Granville and Newark school district line in Newark Township. In total, the plan calls for 887 dwelling units of varying sizes, about half of which would be in the Granville school district. If approved as submitted, the 99-acre development would contain 23 homes on parcels averaging 1.8 acres in size. The PUD would set aside 51.4 acres of greenspace, as required by the township's zoning code. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070427/NEWS01/704270349/1002/rss01

From the 4/27/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: Pact may be key to new car By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle LORDSTOWN — Exactly why General Motors Corp. decided to stall its new small-car platform may be unclear, but one auto analyst said he expects the Lordstown complex to play a key role when the program resumes — as long as major changes are made. ‘‘It would surprise the daylights out of me not to see Lordstown as a big factor in future products for the Delta platform. I wouldn’t be discouraged,’’ Center for Automotive Research Director David Cole said Thursday. But, he added, that’s true only if new national and local labor agreements contain major changes. ... [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17395

From the 4/27/07 Lorain Morning Journal: 182,000-square-foot tower will add 74 patient rooms By RICHARD PAYERCHIN, Sandusky Bureau Chief 04/27/2007 SANDUSKY -- Firelands Regional Medical Center's newest project is towering over Sandusky. The hospital's board of directors held a ''hard hat party'' last night to preview the new five-story patient tower under construction. The project will add 74 new patient rooms and dozens of support areas in the 182,000-square-foot tower. ''We are quite pleased with the progress on the hospital's master facility plan,'' said William Springer, chairman of the board of corporate parent Firelands Regional Health System. ''The size and scope of this project are phenomenal,'' Springer said. The tower's exterior is largely complete, but inside it remains a working construction site loaded with tools, conduit, pipes electrical wires and insulation. More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18269181&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

From the 4/26/07 DDN: Report: Miami Valley's personal income increases, but less than average Dayton's growth was 3.1 percent, which remained below the national average of 5.2 percent. By Kristin McAllister Staff Writer Friday, April 27, 2007 DAYTON — Personal income between 2003 and 2005 increased for all residents of the Miami Valley, although it remained lower than the rest of the national average increase, according to a report Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The bureau defines personal income as income received by all persons from all sources. City of Dayton saw a 3.1 percent increase of personal income and is ranked 142 out of 179 metropolitan statistical areas reported in the data. City of Springfield saw a 3.3 percent increase in personal income, ranking 235, while the Cincinnati-Middletown area had a 4.4 percent increase, ranking 77. Nationwide, personal income grew 5.2 percent. The Miami Valley also saw an increase in personal income per capita, according the report. The five largest declines in county personal income were in Louisiana, due to the destruction of housing and businesses caused by Hurricane Katrina. Per capita personal income ranged from $93,377 in New York County in New York, to $5,148 in St. Bernard Parish, in Louisiana. Personal income per capita is calculated as the personal income of residents of a given area divided by the resident population of the area. Contact this reporter at (937) 225-9338 or [email protected]. Per capita personal income in the Miami Valley County 2003 2005 Change Rank Montgomery $30,646 $32,133 +2.9% 13 Miami $29,331 $30,648 +4.0% 18 Greene $31,145 $32,780 +3.4% 11 Preble $23,889 $26,606 +3.6% 49 Warren $31,434 $33,524 +5.7% 7 http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/04/26/ddn042607incomeweb.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=2

From Cincinnati.com, 4/26/07: Fewer homes to be built in Fairfield Falls subdivision Contributed By Sue Kiesewetter | Enquirer contributor The number of units in a Fairfield Township subdivision under construction will drop if trustees approve the change. Officials from Fairfield Falls LLC have requested permission to build fewer three-unit buildings, replacing them with single-family homes. Doing so, would reduce the number from 135 to 130 “The demand for three unit buildings is not as high as for single units,’’ said Terri Corner, a project manager with Bayer & Becker. The 51.5-acre subdivision is located off Liberty-Fairfield Road between it and the Great Miami River. About 15 units are built with about 10 families living there, said Mark Schraffenberger, with Fairfield Falls. The one-story homes are between 1,300 and 2,200 square feet and sell for between $175,000 and $300,000. Finished lower levels are optional. They are being marketed to empty nesters. Ron and Donna Honerlaw moved into one of the units almost 14 months ago. They say they don’t mind fewer units as long as the basic plan for home designs remains the same. “We didn’t want the concept to be radically different than what we bought into,’’ Ron Honerlaw said at a public hearing earlier this week. The change needs trustees approval because the project was developed as a residential planned unit development. If it is approved the amount of green space in the development would increase from about 25 percent to 55 percent of the land. Scraffenberger estimated it would take another five years or so to build out the subdivision. A vote on the requested change is scheduled for the trustees May 22 meeting. http://rodeo.cincinnati.com/getlocal/gpstory.aspx?id=100063&sid=111719

From the 4/27/07 Springfield News-Sun: 'Small schools' timetable in doubt Reed, union president and parent say new structure for combined high school won't be ready by time the school opens. By Gail Cetnar Staff Writer Friday, April 27, 2007 Springfield school board member Don Reed believes the design of a "small schools" structure for the new Springfield High School cannot be accomplished by the time the school opens. He echoed the doubts about the planning process expressed by the teachers' union president, a parent and a community member at Thursday's school board meeting. "We are not in the position both to have a successful consolidation (of North and South high schools) and move to a small schools model in the time we have left," Reed said. School leaders have been planning to divide the 2,400-student school being built at 701 E. Home Road into four "small schools within a school." MORE: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/04/26/sns042707smallschools.html Public votes on school designs Celina Daily Standard, 4/26/07 It's down to the wire, and the community is playing a big part in narrowing the choices where new school facilities are concerned. The school district is preparing for the possibility of state funding this year through the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) for new or renovated facilities. Superintendent Ken Baker has urged the board to decide on a master plan design by the May 9 board meeting so that information can be forwarded as requested by OSFC budgeting office. Thus two more community meetings were set to solicit public input. Electronic voting at the two meetings this week shows the 80-plus attendees agreed with the facilities committee's preferred plan. The total cost of that basic project is $45.94 million with the state picking up 61 percent, leaving a local share of $17.91 million. Kids sports complex grows rapidly; facility has room for more offices Dayton Daily News, 4/26/07 A longtime sports complex is growing by leaps and bounds, and surrounding development is hoping to tap into its success. Since opening its new complex in late January, Centerville-based Kids Are Tops Sports Center has grown its client base by nearly 50 percent to nearly 1,200, with expectations for enrollment to reach upwards of 3,000 by this fall. Fueling the growth has been the center's recent move into its custom 40,000-square-foot complex on more than five acres off of Paragon Road. Launched by owners Gary and Debbie Gantz, the center offers training and programs for youths 1 year old through 18 years old in gymnastics, dance, tumbling and swimming. "When we started the business back in 1981, we did so because it gave me a venue to do what I loved to do. We began with just 123 kids," said Gary Gantz. "I've never really thought of myself as a businessman before, but I guess I am. I just came at from a different angle."

From ThisWeek Clintonville, 4/26/07: Schools for blind, deaf Residents question future use of site Thursday, April 26, 2007 By RANDY NAVAROLI ThisWeek Staff Writer Sharon Heights Community Association officials and residents got an update April 17 from Dr. Lou Mazzoli, the superintendent of the Ohio State School for the Blind, about plans to consolidate his school and the Ohio School for the Deaf. The question of what will become of the remaining property on the sprawling campus near the intersection of Indianola Avenue and Morse Road in Clintonville once the consolidation is complete remains an item of significant interest to residents surrounding the site. Sharon Heights borders the site, part of which could become the home of a new football stadium for Bishop Watterson High School. Watterson has been playing its home games at the old North High School Stadium for several years. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/042607/Clintonville/News/042607-News-343475.html

From the 4/27/07 Elyria Chroncile-Telegram: New high school campaign aims to leave no stone unturned, or door unknocked Adam Wright | The Chronicle-Telegram ELYRIA — Is nearly $92,000 enough to change people’s minds about a new high school? That’s what the Citizens Committee for Quality Education is hoping after raising $20,000 more to promote the bond issue going before voters in May compared to the last time the bond issue went on the ballot in 2002...Contact Adam Wright at (440) 329-7151 or at [email protected] http://www.chroniclet.com/2007/04/27/new-high-school-campaign-aims-to-leave-no-stone-unturned-or-door-unknocked/ Library shows off renovation Sun Herald, 4/26/07 Longtime patrons and residents entering the public library may not recognize it after a recent renovation project left it looking like a brand-new building... Lake medical campus eyes big expansion News-Herald, 4/26/07 Lake Hospital System is planning a $1.96 million addition to the Madison Medical Campus it opened four years ago... Group of properties urged for town center Chagrin Valley Times, 4/26/07 There has been discussion over the years on how Bainbridge's town center, south of Route 422, will develop in the future. Some possible ideas are being offered with the listing for sale of properties along the Chillicothe Road (Route 306) corridor... Damaged factory to be rebuilt West Side Sun News, 4/26/07 As soon as he can get permits from the city, the owner of a fire-damaged factory said he intends to rebuild it... Church eyes old Sims Buick site Euclid Sun Journal, 4/26/07 Cathedral Worship Center's leaders have big plans for a Euclid Avenue property. Now all they need is the go-ahead from City Council. The church wants to use the former Sims Buick property, 21601 Euclid Ave. Council will vote May 7 or 21 on granting a use district exception...