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From the 4/13/07 Enquirer: Ohio's carbon emissions near top BY JON CRAIG | [email protected] COLUMBUS - Ohio is the fourth-leading producer among the states of pollution that causes global warming, according to a new study. Environment Ohio, a public advocacy group, reported the ranking Thursday in a national study of carbon dioxide emissions. Since 1990, Ohio's carbon dioxide emissions increased by 7 percent, primarily from coal-burning power plants and cars, the study found. Indiana placed sixth and Kentucky 12th among the nation's dirtiest states. States with the lowest emissions of the so-called greenhouse gas were Vermont, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Idaho and Hawaii. Using data compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy, the study examined trends in carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel consumption through 2004, the most recent year for which state-by-state data are available. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070413/NEWS01/704130419/1059/rss13

From the 4/4/07 Dispatch: * GRAPHIC: How Ohio compares CARBON DIOXIDE Emissions fight puts Ohio in tough spot Wednesday, April 4, 2007 3:36 AM By Spencer Hunt THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Ohioans could find themselves paying higher electricity bills and more for their cars as the federal government begins to confront global warming. Ohio-based power plants, cars, trucks, factories, businesses and homes spewed an estimated 287.3 million tons of carbon dioxide into Earth's atmosphere in 2003. That ranked Ohio fourth worst among states for the key greenhouse gas. And it makes the state a battleground in a growing political fight that could pit power companies and carmakers against Washington lawmakers looking to set the first limits on carbon dioxide. On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government has the authority to limit carbon dioxide from cars, further opening the door to stricter regulations for all sources. Environmentalists expect to see a bill in Congress before summer. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/content/local_news/stories/2007/04/04/Ohclimate.ART_ART_04-04-07_A1_S869H5K.html

From Business First of Columbus, 4/9/07: Clean-coal technology gets a lift Business First of Columbus - April 6, 2007 by Jeff Bell Business First With help from Battelle Memorial Institute, the state is ready to begin a $2.3 million project to study a way to energize the development of clean-coal technology. The Strickland administration has selected a site in eastern Ohio where scientists from Battelle and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will drill deep into the earth to determine if carbon dioxide emissions generated by industries can be stored underground instead of released into the air. Drilling is scheduled to begin by summer with a report on the findings to be completed by the end of 2008. The work will be done at a test site near the village of Port Washington in Tuscarawas County. MORE: http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2007/04/09/story4.html

From the 3/30/07 ABJ: Tuscarawas site to hold research well Storing carbon dioxide might cut pollution By Bob Downing Beacon Journal staff writer Ohio intends to drill a nearly 9,000-foot-deep borehole in southern Tuscarawas County to develop a means of fighting global warming and boosting Ohio's clean-coal efforts. The $2.3 million test well -- called the Ohio StratigraphicBorehole -- will be drilled about two miles northeast of Port Washington in Salem Township, Gov. Ted Strickland announced Thursday. The site was chosen over places in Carroll and Meigs counties by scientists from Battelle, the Columbus research facility, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The borehole is designed to identify underground geological formations capable of sequestering, or storing, carbon dioxide, a gas identified as the No. 1 source of global warming. Storing carbon dioxide underground is seen by many as a means by which Ohio coal could still be used for energy -- without adding to global warming. Drilling is scheduled to begin between April and July with testing conducted for several months after that. The entire project, including analysis of the data collected, is scheduled for completion by late 2008. Evidence indicates that Ohio is well positioned for such boreholes because of deep saline formations where the carbon dioxide could be safely stored and nearby rock layers that would seal it underground, once the technologies are fully developed to capture emissions. The carbon dioxide would be pumped underground under pressure as a liquid, not a gas. If the test well confirms favorable conditions for carbon dioxide storage, it could lead to future industrial development in the Port Washington region, state officials said. MORE: http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/16998938.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

From the 3/23/07 Times-Reporter: Test site near Port? By PAUL E. KOSTYU, Copley Columbus Bureau Chief COLUMBUS – Tuscarawas County appears to be a leading candidate for a carbon dioxide sequestration test site. The 9,000-foot deep well, the deepest ever drilled in Ohio, could open an area near Port Washington to economic development for companies that generate carbon dioxide, which would be pumped into the ground instead of the atmosphere. Last year, a 750-acre site north of Rt. 36 near Port Washington and another site in Meigs County were the state’s entries in a competition for a federal project called FutureGen, a $1 billion electric coal-fired power plant with zero emissions. The government is expected to pick a final site in Illinois or Texas for that project sometime this summer. The state is considering three sites for the test well – in Tuscarawas, Carroll and Meigs counties. But the Meigs site is under option to a company that could locate a coal-to- liquid fuel plant there and the Carroll site originally was rejected by the state’s FutureGen task force for being too close to a dam. MORE: http://www.timesreporter.com/index.php?ID=65730&r=3

From the 1/28/07 Dispatch: * GRAPHIC: Smog makers COMMON CHEMICALS Smog-fighters focus on glue, hair spray ... Sunday, January 28, 2007 Spencer Hunt THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Cars and power plants are the prime culprits behind Ohio's smog problems. But the state's latest effort to clear the unhealthful haze from summer skies focuses on such products as hair sprays, deodorants, furniture polish, glass cleaners and even urinal cakes. Estimates indicate that these products release about 100 tons of smog-forming chemicals into Ohio's air every day. Throw in cars and mowers, gas stations, dry cleaners and paint, and the amount grows by more than tenfold, says the Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium, which offers technical assistance on air-pollution issues to officials in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/01/28/20070128-A1-02.html

From the 1/19/07 Dispatch: Franklin County, 5 others may be taken off smog list Friday, January 19, 2007 Spencer Hunt THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Columbus and surrounding communities might soon be removed from a list of smogridden cities. Officials at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency said yesterday that central Ohio's air already meets a health standard for smog that the U.S EPA wanted Ohio and other states to reach by 2009. Now, the state wants the U.S. EPA to take Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Knox, Licking and Madison counties off its list. Cleaner exhaust from newer cars and recent pollution cuts at Ohio's coal-burning power plants helped Columbus stay under the smog limit, said Bill Spires, a manager in the Ohio EPA's air-pollution control program. Businesses could have faced tougher pollution limits if the air didn't meet the standard by June 15, 2009. State and local government officials also could have lost money for highway projects. "This is good news for our region," said Laura Koprowski, spokeswoman for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. MORPC has been working with environmental advocates and industry leaders to come up with a plan to meet the new standard. She said the group's work isn't done. "We're not out of the woods," Koprowski said. "We have to ensure that our air stays clean." MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/01/19/20070119-G1-04.html

Link contains two photos. From the 1/28/07 Dispatch: SLOW TURNAROUND Hardly a deluge Perceptions that it's a dangerous neighborhood have held back the resurgence of Franklinton despite the $140 million floodwall's opening in '04 Sunday, January 28, 2007 Debbie Gebolys THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The Franklinton Floodwall was supposed to hold more than just floodwaters from a swollen Scioto River. It also was to hold hope for rebuilding the last derelict neighborhood bordering Downtown. But since the $140 million floodwall opened in March 2004, fewer building permits have been issued each year than before it opened. The city issued just four permits to build single-family houses in Franklinton between the beginning of 1998 and July 2006, city records show. Although city leaders and nonprofit groups attempt to support improvements along W. Broad Street, others perceive that the neighborhood is not safe. Although he doesn't have statistics to compare, "I don?t think our problems are any worse than other areas of the city," said Columbus Police Sgt. Michael Evans, of the 18th Precinct. "There are some areas that are pretty rough and areas that are fine." But even if crime rates aren't higher, the perception works against revitalization, Franklinton backers said. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/01/28/20070128-C1-00.html

From the 1/28/07 Lima News: Mammoth facility: Procter & Gamble now using 1-million square foot distribution center Tim Rausch | [email protected] - 01.28.2007 LIMA — It invokes memories of the inside of the ships of the Star Trek: The Next Generation enemy, the Borg, with 2,000 tons of steel criss-crossing from floor to ceiling. At 1.1 million square feet, it is large enough to hold four Lima Senior high schools. Anyone who can run a 5-minute mile will finish over that time in a run around the outside. There are 140 dock doors to load and unload trucks. The parking lot can hold more than 1,000 trucks and trailers. P&G distribution center timeline April 2005: P&G officials say they are interested in two sites, one in Jackson Township and another in Bath Township, for a new warehouse. May 2005: Officials pick a site in Bath Township on Reservoir Road for a 1.1-million square foot distribution center. July 2005: Bath Township trustees vote to change the zoning on 312 acres of land on Reservoir Road. November 2005: Bath Township voters support the zoning change during the general election. January 2006: P&G buys the land for the distribution center, paying $6.2 million. March 2006: Bath Township trustees approved rezoning 136 acres of land for a mile-long private connector road between the plant and the distribution center. May 2006: P&G buys 150 acres of land for $3.4 million for the connector road. December 2006: P&G takes occupancy of the low bay area. April 2006: Expected completion of the first module of the Automated Storage Retrieval System, also known as “The Rack.” May 2006: Shipping will begin from the Rack. November to December 2007: All five Rack modules running. January 2008: Shipping customization area ready in the low bay area. The center is complete. http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=34579

From The Sun, 2/15/07: More stores on the way Retailers eying 50 acres Thursday, February 15, 2007 By Kim Guffey The Sun AVON A trio of planned commercial developments seek to transform more than 50 acres into retail and restaurant establishments. Lowe's is the only business that has filed paperwork to secure its place in the upcoming Avon Crossings development, set for 40 acres on Route 83 just north of Chester Road, planning coordinator Jim Piazza said. The home improvement company plans to open a 140,000-square-foot store with an additional garden center, he said. Other businesses, which may include restaurants and other retailers, have not filed any paperwork with the city, he said. The project is being developed by Jacobs Group and is expected to begin construction by spring 2008. http://www.cleveland.com/sun/sun/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1171561612246390.xml&coll=3 From the 3/15/07 Sun: Value Place hotel chain has plans for Avon site Thursday, March 15, 2007 By Brian Lisik The Sun AVON Joining a growing number of businesses moving to the city, the Wichita, Kansas-based Value Place hotel chain will be constructing two new hotels in northeast Ohio, including one on Moore Road, north of Interstate 90. Planning Department approval was granted Feb. 28 and Jennifer Kramp, brand communications manager for Value Place, said the company will be closing on the property this month. http://www.cleveland.com/sun/sun/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1173980804228750.xml&coll=3 From Crain's Cleveland Business, 2/19/07: Moving company plans Sheffield Village move By STAN BULLARD 6:00 am, February 19, 2007 Carney-McNicholas Inc. in Youngstown plans to move its Berea operation to a 40,000-square-foot warehouse at 2931 Abbe Road, Sheffield Village, at months end.

From ThisWeek Canal Winchester, 4/19/07: Council approves JEDD memorandum Thursday, April 19, 2007 By ROBERT PASCHEN ThisWeek Staff Writer Canal Winchester Village Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday authorizing the mayor to enter into a memorandum of understanding to create Joint Economic Development Districts (JEDDs) with Pickerington, Lancaster, Violet Township and Bloom Township. Officials from Pickerington, Lancaster and the townships have already approved the memorandum of understanding. Mayor Jeff Miller asked council to suspend the rules and approve the memorandum on its second reading. By normal procedures, resolutions go into effect 30 days after the third reading. Miller said approval of the memorandum would show "good faith" on the village's part during an upcoming meeting with private businesses and members of the Route 33 Growth Alliance. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/041907/CanalWinchester/News/041907-News-338815.html

Link contains a photo. From the 4/19/07 Enquirer: Industrial park gets rejected Board: Roads can't handle it BY BRENNA R. KELLY | [email protected] Widen narrow, overburdened roads before sending thousands of tractor-trailers down them, Boone County Planning Commissioners said Wednesday, while rejecting a proposed industrial park. It will now be up to Boone Fiscal Court whether to allow the park with 3.4 million square feet of industrial warehouse space to be built on U.S. 25 in Richwood. Planning Commissioners voted 8-2 to recommend denial of a zone change Duke Realty needs for the park, called Commonwealth Logistics Center. Read more here: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070419/NEWS0103/704190379/

From the 4/19/07 Martins Ferry Times Leader: Narcisi touts funding amendment By MICHAEL SCHULER, Times Leader Staff Writer The Shadyside Board of Education welcomed back a familiar face for its regular monthly meeting Wednesday. Former Shadyside Superintendent Jerry Narcisi returned to the school district, this time as an advocate for school funding change, explaining how a proposed state constitutional amendment can help the financially strapped district while lowering property taxes. The amendment, “Getting it Right for Ohio’s Future,” is similar to the “Educate Ohio” amendment which failed to make the ballot. MORE: http://timesleaderonline.com/news/articles.asp?articleID=6968

From the 4/19/07 Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune: * PHOTO: New “KEEP OUT” signs and fencing now sit in front of the courthouse. Photo by By Zachary Petit Falling debris a concern By Zachary Petit, [email protected] Citing recommendations from an engineer who said chunks of the Seneca County Courthouse could fall off and injure passers-by, officials erected a fence Wednesday morning that now quarantines half of the building. An e-mail to the Seneca County commissioners from structural engineer William Dickey Jr. said he was at the courthouse to gather data about options for the structure’s future, but while there, noticed deterioration and “significant” cracking on the southwest side of the building. The document from the Marshall Miller and Associates official further notes the issue needs attention and involves a “particularly high possibility (of) someone being injured due to falling debris.” Commissioner Mike Bridinger said the county had the maintenance department install the fence and associated “KEEP OUT” signs in response to the potential safety issues, and added he’s glad they did. Full story: http://www.advertiser-tribune.com/articles.asp?articleID=7703

From the 4/19/07 Pulse-Journal: Deerfield Twp.: No deal for illegals Township votes to suspend contracts with vendors who employ illegal immigrants. By Denise G. Callahan Staff Writer Thursday, April 19, 2007 Applause punctuated a unanimous vote Tuesday by the Deerfield Board of Trustees to address the issue of illegal immigration. The township is the first Warren County community to take official action on the issue — and it chose to hit the pocketbooks of vendors it deals with to do it. Township Trustee Chris Romano proposed legislation that would require a vendor — the township deals with approximately 100 outside contractors — to sign an affidavit vowing that the company does not employ illegal immigrants. Romano said he likes to lead by example. MORE: http://www.pulsejournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/04/19/pjm041907immigrationA1.html

Second link contains a photo. Both from the 4/19/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: GM asks for ‘vital’ union concessions By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle LORDSTOWN — Ten-hour shifts on straight time and nonunion janitors are among General Motors Corp.’s demands during contract talks with union locals at the Lordstown Complex, according to a trade publication. Failure to reach agreement could put the complex, which built its first car 41 years ago this month, in jeopardy of closing, an analyst said. GM spokesman Dan Flores, however, stressed everyone is interested in putting the plant in the best position to win a future product. ... [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17080 Lordstown showcases cost-cutting tech tools By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle LORDSTOWN — What if you knew before ball bearings in a motor were about to fail? Or if more insulation was needed in a wall to save heating or cooling costs? Workers at the General Motors Corp. Lordstown Complex can do exactly that, and much more, as the car assembly factory tries to slash costs to become more competitive. Lordstown officials, along with vendors, displayed high-tech equipment during Wednesday’s first-ever Technology Trade Show at the complex. ... [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17077

From the 4/19/07 DDN: Hamilton Twp. hears pros, cons of proposed fees By Danyrae Lockwood Staff Writer Thursday, April 19, 2007 The Hamilton Twp. Administration Building was packed April 11 with builders and developers who wanted their voices heard about proposed impact fees. "By adding this fee to each and every house, you effectively eliminate the ability for some to take part in the American dream of owning a home," said Dan Hendricks, Homeowners Association of Cincinnati executive director. Township Zoning and Planning Administrator Gary Boeres said the township conducted research from 2004-06 that included public meetings and estimated the future costs and needs if the township's population continues to grow. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/04/19/pjl041907impactfeesinside.html From same: Impact fees raise concerns Meeting packed with developers who oppose payments on new construction. Thursday, April 19, 2007 By Danyrae Lockwood Staff Writer Builders and developers aren't shy about their opposition to a proposed Hamilton Twp. impact fee. The administration building was packed at an April 11 public hearing on the subject. Such a fee would be a one-time payment for new infrastructures being built and would go into four separate accounts — park, police, fire and roads. It would pay for new infrastructure costs, but not the continued operational costs or salaries. "One of the reasons they're looking at these fees is the township provides what we consider a very high level of service," Township Zoning and Planning Administrator Gary Boeres said. "With them, we can continue having excellent police, excellent fire, great parks and roads operating correctly." http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/04/19/pjl041907impactfeesA1.html From Cincinnati.com, 4/16/07: Kingswood closed for good in Deerfield Township Contributed By Carrie Whitaker | The Enquirer Deerfield Township Board of Trustees decided at an April meeting to close Kingswood Golf Course indefinitely. The 100-acres course was purchased by the township for $8 million in March 2006 to keep the land from being annexed by the City of Mason, according to the township’s spokeswoman, Fran Klatte. “It’s a pretty valuable piece of land,” Klatte said. “The township never purchased it with the intention to keep it as a golf course.” http://rodeo.cincinnati.com/getlocal/gpstory.aspx?id=100227&sid=111155

Both from ThisWeek Olentangy, 4/19/07: Wal-Mart case facing possible delay Thursday, April 19, 2007 By KELLEY YOUMAN TRUXALL ThisWeek Staff Writer A federal lawsuit between Liberty Township and Wedgewood Limited Partnership filed over a proposed Wal-Mart likely will be delayed again. The battle over a proposed 220,500-square-foot Wal-Mart at the corner of Sawmill Parkway and North Hampton Road has been ongoing since summer 2003. The federal lawsuit -- one of two involving the township and Wedgewood -- probably will be held up by recent motions filed by attorneys for both sides, said Bill Loveland, attorney for Liberty Township. The federal court set a discovery deadline of April 30, meaning all documents must be turned over to opposing sides and witnesses must be deposed. That deadline soon will pass and depositions haven't started yet. Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/041907/Powell/News/041907-News-340827.html

From ThisWeek Northland, 4/19/07: Casto plan might not get April NCC vote Thursday, April 19, 2007 By RANDY NAVAROLI ThisWeek Staff Writer It's unlikely the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will have a new wetlands delineation study for a site near Albany Park completed in time for the next Northland Community Council development committee meeting April 25. Wetlands proponents and residents of the Albany Park Reserve subdivision have asked the USACE office in Huntington, W.Va., to conduct a new study to verify the location and boundaries of wetlands on almost 138 acres near the intersection of state Route 161 and Hamilton Road. Casto Corp. wants to develop that site as well as another 300 acres in the area for commercial and residential uses. Casto and the wetlands advocates disagree on two delineation studies, one competed in 1998 and a second done in 2003, that arrived at different conclusions concerning the size of the wetlands on the site. The 1998 study, commissioned by M/I Homes, shows a 10.89-acre wetlands on a site to the west of Albany Park. The 2003 study done for Casto by Bill Acton, a wetlands scientist with CEC Consultants, concluded that the wetlands on the site cover only 3.4 acres. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/041907/Northland/News/041907-News-340766.html

From the 4/19/07 Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Levy supporters rally at Elyria High Shawn Foucher | The Chronicle-Telegram ELYRIA — Surely a levy campaign committee that can make a pizza delivery seem like a gala deserves credit for invigorating the troops. The committee certainly did a bang-up job doing just that Wednesday evening, when a man in a fleece pullover wheeled a cart of pizzas into Elyria High School’s gymnasium and was greeted by cheers from the 250 people gathered there... Contact Shawn Foucher at 329-7197 or [email protected]. http://www.chroniclet.com/2007/04/19/levy-supporters-rally-at-elyria-high/ Bridge work continuing Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, 4/19/07 Work on the Henderson Bridge is on schedule and set for completion Aug. 31, according to Ohio Department of Transportation spokesman Brian Stacy...

From the 3/23/07 DDN: Rehabbed Dayton high-rise will house the homeless By Margo Rutledge Kissell Staff Writer Friday, March 23, 2007 DAYTON — The Homeless Solutions Policy Board on Thursday unanimously approved a $1.78 million agreement between the city of Dayton, Montgomery County and the Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority to refurbish the Helena Hi-Rise to provide permanent supportive housing of homeless single adults. The DMHA site near Parkside Homes — once slated for demolition — is considered to have "the most immediate potential to break the logjam at the gateway shelters," a homeless task force reported. Fifty of the building's 102 units would house homeless single adults later this year, said Joyce Probst MacAlpine, manager of housing and homeless solutions in Montgomery County's office of Family and Children First. Those homeless tenants would join 50 public housing residents who already live in the four-story building at 144 E. Helena St. MORE: http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/23/ddn032307helena.html

From the 4/18/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Wal-Mart begins road construction Two traffic lights are being added on Elm Road near the new store. BAZETTA — Earth moving has begun, and actual construction of the Wal-Mart Supercenter a short distance north of the current Elm Road store is expected in May or June of this year. The new store will open as early as March of 2008, said Ron Mosby, Wal-Mart senior manager for public affairs. The 203,819-square-foot store, which will include a grocery, is being built on 24-acres on the north side of the state Route 62/5 bypass. It will be built behind Warren Harley-Davidson and the Four Seasons Car Wash. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/299993125320878.php From the 4/19/07 Lisbon Morning Journal: Court project will be real pane By JEFF MARTIN Journal Staff Writer LISBON — County commissioners will go one step further with renovation at the courthouse, this time voting to replace nearly 120 windows in the building. Commissioner Jim Hoppel said Wednesday the idea to replace the windows and reconstruct frames has been in the planning stages for about two months. The $843,585 project is meant to alleviate utility costs and complement the existing renovation going on inside the building. “The frames rattle, and there are significant drafts in most of the offices and rooms,” said Hoppel. “Sometimes when a truck goes by, the panes practically rattle out of the frame. They’re just bad.” http://morningjournalnews.com/news/articles.asp?articleID=5723

From the 3/30/07 Centerville-Bellbrook Times: Dayton Daily News: Trustees OK plans for housing proposal along Upper Bellbrook (3/29/07) Trustees approve plan for 268 homes By Jodi Brock Times Editor Sugarcreek Township trustees have approved a plan to bring 268 homes to the township. A final development plan for The Traditions of Sugarcreek located at 3820 Upper Bellbrook Road next to Bellbrook city limits was approved by trustees during their regular meeting on Monday, March 19. Jim Ernst, the developer of property, informed trustees that he plans to build 168 smaller, patio homes toward the front of the project along Upper Bellbrook Road, and build 100 larger, single-family homes similar to the homes in his East of Eden project toward the back of the Traditions project. Patio homes are expected to have only two bedrooms and are to be targeted for active adults, said Ernst. Prices for the homes in The Traditions of Sugarcreek are expected to start at $275,000. The property involves 140.109 acres. Ernst's firm, EDCI Partnership, is setting aside 41.957 acres for open space. The development will be built on the remaining acreage. MORE: http://www.tcnewsnet.com/main.asp?SectionID=15&SubSectionID=260&ArticleID=143688&TM=48926.09 From the 4/5/07 DDN: Dayton Daily News: Referendum backers opt to pay fine, avoid jail (2/28/07) Dayton Daily News: Troy referendum organizers held in contempt (2/16/07) Dayton Daily News: Both sides scolded in referendum lawsuit (2/9/07) Developer makes 3rd bid for rezoning 57-acre site on Ohio 718 across from Concord Elementary sought for residential development. By Doug Page Staff Writer Thursday, April 05, 2007 TROY — When the city approved its comprehensive plan in 2005, the section of the town on Ohio 718 across from Concord Elementary School was eyed as the site for upscale residential housing. It was recommended the area be designated for low-density housing with lot sizes of 40,000 square feet or more. The other option was of a higher density but only if it was a planned development, a tightly regulated — with rigorous city oversight — development. Now, for a third time, a developer is asking that a 57-acre site be zoned for housing. The first, in 2003, was for minimum 9,000-square-foot lots —this was allowed under the city's previous Comprehensive Plan. The second in 2005, under the current comprehensive plan, was as a planned development. Both rezonings were approved by the planning commission and city council. Both were overturned by referendum. From the 4/3/07 DDN: 'Rural' subdivision approved north of Piqua's Swift Run water supply By Doug Page Staff Writer Tuesday, April 03, 2007 PIQUA — The City Commission approved Monday an "exclusive, rural-type subdivision" north of Swift Run — the city's water supply — as a planned unit development. Owner Lloyd Fry wants to build 106 houses — most on one-acre lots — and 22 two-family condominiums, principally along the north side of the city reservoir off Ohio 66. The 275-acre project would be built in phases during at least 10 years. The vote was 3-1 with Commissioner Frank Patrizio abstaining. Patrizio said he could not disclose his reason for abstaining. Commissioner Bill Vogt, who said he favored the concept, voted against it because the developer would not be required to install curbs, gutters and sidewalks. The developer asked release from those improvements to retain a "rural" flavor to the subdivision. MORE: http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/04/03/ddn040307piquahouses.html

From the 4/7/07 Dispatch: NEW MEXICO Voters set stage for tourism spaceport Saturday, April 07, 2007 FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Voters in a southern New Mexico county approved a tax to raise an estimated $49 million toward a $198 million tourism spaceport, according to unofficial returns Thursday. Read more at: http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/04/07/20070407-C2-01.html

From the 2/3/07 Dispatch: PlanetSpace gets NASA deal Ohio officials want space-tourism company to set up operations at Rickenbacker Saturday, February 03, 2007 Marla Matzer Rose THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH A Chicago space-tourism company that might locate operations in Columbus has signed a deal with NASA to help the agency develop space shuttle-type aircraft. More at: http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/02/03/20070203-C1-00.html