buildingcincinnati

From the 3/28/07 News-Herald: City hopes to settle with developers March 28, 2007 by Eric Marotta Editor Macedonia - The city must allow construction of dozens of new housing units on property off South Bedford Road where the city and voters rejected rezoning requests in recent years, according to Law Director Joseph Diemert. According to a letter sent last month from Diemert to about 100 residents of South Bedford Road, development firm Macedonia Investors LLC would in return agree to limit the number of units it will build and the age of residents who would live in the development, reimburse the city for attorney fees, and pay $50,000 for ditching and sidewalks between Maple Court and Nordonia High School... E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 440-232-4055 ext. 4103 http://www.the-news-leader.com/news/article/1775421 From the 3/28/07 Aurora Advocate: City ratifies court ruling in land case March 28, 2007 by Brent Hovey Reporter Aurora -- City Council favored a settlement of a legal case between the city and Beljon One LLC at its March 26 meeting. It allows Beljon to build more homes on a 70-acre parcel on East Pioneer Trail than what the city code currently permits... E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 330-688-0088 Ext. 3115 http://www.auroraadvocate.com/news/article/1775442 From the 3/25/07 Ashtabula Star Beacon: Inn-Conneaut donates $25G to KSU building MARK TODD Star Beacon GENEVA - - An ambitious building project at Kent State University's Ashtabula campus received a $25,000 boost from a Conneaut business Wednesday afternoon.... http://www.starbeacon.com/local/local_story_084072319 Grant will help restore Town Hall Sun Star, 4/5/07 The Old Town Hall has a new lease on life, thanks to a state grant. The $100,000 grant from the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission will enable the city to take the first steps toward a complete restoration of the late-19th-century structure, which has variously served as a school, a library and a meeting house... DeBose will seek funding for center Garfield-Maple Sun, 4/5/07 State Rep. Michael DeBose, D-12, Cleveland, said he intended to seek state money to help Maple Heights build a combined senior center and recreation center... Fire hub planned for $1.4 million Twinsburg Bulletin, 4/5/07 Housing a fire station inside the new municipal complex on Darrow Road could cost the township $1.4 million, according to township officials... Pepper Pike master plan stays on track Chagrin Valley Times, 4/5/07 Pepper Pike Council members said they want to review a request for qualifications that is being prepared by architectural planning consultant Peter Harding and Law Director Christopher Gibbon for the city's master plan... Money set aside for Route 43 Aurora Advocate, 4/4/07 The Route 43 widening project is set to begin in 2009 and money keeps coming in to make it happen...

Notes on a few buildings... 218 W Fourteenth St is supposed to be razed soon by the City. This two-family from the Civil War era has been falling apart for years and has been deemed hazardous. It was also a well-documented drug and prostitution hangout. 1925 Vine St, which I mentioned in my March 3 post, is going into pre-prosecution hearings soon. At that point more will be known about demolition or rehab plans. 1621 Pleasant St has been declared a public nuisance. The windows are busted out, the mortar is cracking and the siding is in terrible shape. The building looks abandoned. Any work (demo or rehab) would have to go before the Historic Conservation Board, because this building is in a historic district. 1534 Republic St has gone into pre-prosecution. It's had the same owner for many years and has always been in poor condition. It's a burned-out shell. (No photo, but, heading southbound, it's two houses down the east side of Republic St from Liberty St.) 1618 Pleasant St is heading to pre-prosecution after being condemned in February. There is a new owner, but no plans have been made regarding the building's status. This is shoddy infill housing from the 1920s, purchased last December for $1,600. It needs a ton of work. Normally I grieve when buildings are torn down in OTR. This would be an exception.

Taken March 21, 2007.

From the 4/6/07 Toledo Blade: * PHOTO: The industrial complex is bounded by the Anthony Wayne Traiil, Spencer Stree, and Prouty Avenue. ( BLADE PHOTOS/LORI KING ) * PHOTO: The site was home to the third-largest U.S. elevator maker until 1989. South Toledo elevator factory to be razed Lack of permit delays job By GARY T. PAKULSKI BLADE BUSINESS WRITER It was once the home of a Toledo company that was the nation's third-largest manufacturer of elevators. But the long-abandoned offices and plant of Haughton Elevator Co., 671 Spencer St. in south Toledo, have become eyesores with peeling paint and smashed windows. Now, the owners, JCV 671 LLC, of Perrysburg, are getting ready to demolish the complex that dates from 1901. Before Toledo building inspectors halted work Tuesday over the demolition contractor's failure to obtain a permit, workers dismantled portions of the exterior walls of the plant. It is along the Anthony Wayne Trail just north of the Toledo Zoo. "We've had it on the market since 2005," said Craig Valentine, co-owner. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070406/BUSINESS03/704060343/-1/RSS04

From the 4/5/07 DDN: Developers in court over cost of sewers Soraya Farms' suit says Beazer Homes didn't get bids, overcharged by 50 percent. By Lawrence Budd Staff Writer Thursday, April 05, 2007 LEBANON — Two developers competing for business along the Ohio 48 corridor and the Warren-Montgomery county line also are at odds over the cost of a sewer project plumbing the way for their developments. Soraya Farms, a company set up by Centerville-based Design Homes to develop 179 acres just south of the county line, claims Beazer Homes, developer of the 1,000-house Villages of Winding Creek, overcharged by about 50 percent for a sanitary sewer line from Montgomery County and across the Soraya site to the Beazer land. "Instead of obtaining competitive bids, Beazer awarded the work to a contractor that it was using to develop the Beazer property without securing Soraya's approval," attorney Lowell T. Woods said in a lawsuit filed March 8 in Warren County Common Pleas Court. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/neighbors/2007/04/05/ddn040507lawsuit.html From the 4/6/07 Middletown Journal: Warren County's northern areas seeking collaboration By Christopher Magan Staff Writer Friday, April 06, 2007 Administrators from Warren County's northern communities want to open better lines of communication with each other and their county officials. Franklin City Manager James Lukas is spearheading a collaborative of city and township managers aimed at finding better ways to work together and with the county government. "We get together to begin a dialog on issues and get a better understanding of our communities and their needs," Lukas said. http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/04/06/mj040607citymanager.html

From SNP newspapers, 4/4/07: Ryan prepares plan for region to retain young people By JENNIFER WRAY Rebecca Ryan is no psychic, but a little more than six months after she began studying Columbus, Ryan is ready to read Central Ohio's palm. Ryan is founder of Madison, Wis.-based Next Generation Consulting. She was hired in September 2006 to study the city's "handprint" -- a compilation of the seven indexes that make places attractive to 20- and 30-something workers, who often choose where they live before finding employment. They are: * The breadth of job options and support for entrepreneurs; * Lifelong learning opportunities; * After-hours activities; * A location's commitment to inclusion; * The cost of living; * Public parks and other green spaces; and * How easy it is to get in, out and around town. Ryan will present her findings at a "State of the Young Professionals" address 6 p.m. April 18 at the Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St. More at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS4-4/4-4_colyoungpros.html

From the 3/1/07 Dispatch: City urged to retain young professionals Columbus Chamber told they're key to future Thursday, March 01, 2007 Marla Matzer Rose THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Columbus has come a long way in the past couple of decades, but its future will depend on its ability to attract and retain a shrinking and finicky pool of young professionals. Erin Moriarty, of CBS News, and Rebecca Ryan, of Next Generation Consulting, spoke on those themes at the Columbus Chamber's annual meeting yesterday at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The breakfast event, in the center's Grand Ballroom, attracted about 1,200 people, the largest crowd for the group's yearly meeting. More at http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/03/01/20070301-E2-00.html

From the 4/6/07 Pomeroy Daily Sentinel: ODNR schedules meeting on coal mine By Beth Sergent Friday, April 6, 2007 5:34 PM EDT RACINE - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has scheduled an informational meeting for the public to discuss the coal mine proposed by Gatling Ohio, LLC centrally located on Yellowbush Road. The meeting will be from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, April 12 at Southern Elementary School. According to Scott Stiteler, environmental specialist with ODNR, his agency is not required to hold this informational meeting but is doing so to educate the public on what is happening at the mine site and ODNR's role in the permit process. Stiteler added there will be a basic question and answer period for the public at the meeting. MORE: http://www.mydailysentinel.com/articles/2007/04/06/news/local_news/news00.txt

From the 1/23/07 Canton Repository: Retail, convention center planned for Hercules site By ED BALINT REPOSITORY STAFF WRITER CANTON Developers are forging ahead with plans to transform the former Hercules Engine Co. site into a convention center with retail, office and residential space. Robert Timken of Cormony Development, has been waiting for Economics Research Associates, an international consulting firm to complete a feasibility study on the 26-acre site just south of downtown on Market Avenue. http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=9&ID=331815&r=2&subCategoryID=

From the 4/5/07 Blade: Shareholders' stake in Dana at nearly nil By JULIE M. McKINNON BLADE BUSINESS WRITER Dana Corp.'s stock traded at about $3.50 a share last summer, but Arnold McLellan held onto his stake even though the Toledo auto supplier was in bankruptcy protection. The Westland, Mich., resident who has held Dana stock since 1989 figured it was a good sign that large shareholders, including hedge fund Appaloosa Management LP, were buying or retaining shares. Even when Dana's stock was around $2 a share Mr. McLellan didn't sell his or his children's holdings. Contact Julie M. McKinnon at: [email protected] or 419-724-6087. ---- More at: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070405/BUSINESS03/704050344/-1/RSS04

Route 161 and Hamilton NCC group tables Casto request Thursday, April 5, 2007 By RANDY NAVAROLI, ThisWeek Staff Writer Officials from Casto Development will have to wait until the end of April to learn whether Northland officials will endorse their plan to rezone and develop hundreds of acres near Albany Park and The Preserve. Northland Community Council's development committee tabled the developer's request at its March 28 meeting to give committee members additional time to consider a number of modifications made by Casto. Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/040507/NewAlbany/News/040507-News-332205.html

From the 4/6/07 Enquirer: Project seeks annexation 600-home subdivision goes to planners BY SCOTT WARTMAN | [email protected] ALEXANDRIA - A planned 600-home subdivision soon will go before Alexandria's planning and zoning commission in hopes of getting annexed by the city. Alexandria City Council voted unanimously Thursday night to send the request for annexation to planning and zoning. Planning and zoning will hold a public meeting, likely within four to six weeks, to allow public comment on the project to be built by Cincinnati-based Ameritek. Planning and zoning will make a recommendation to council, which will vote on whether or not to annex the property and what zoning the property should have. Ameritek then will take a site plan before planning and zoning, then before council for approval. The project will be built across Tollgate Road from a 916-home development known as Arcadia, which is being built over the next 10 years by Fischer Homes and the Drees Co. Both developments are in the immediate vicinity of the Alexandria Village Green Shopping Center and are expected to draw retail to an area that has struggled to keep businesses open. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070406/NEWS0103/704060383/1059/rss13 From the Millcreek Valley Habitat for Humanity blog, 4/7/07: Photos of the Kick-off at our latest build site, 2131 Garfield Apr 7th, 2007 by billh Take a look at the photos taken by Susan McCamey at the Garfield kick-off on March 24. Several folks from Thrivent along with folks from local Lutheran churches were there to start the building a new house Tina Phillips. Tina has already been hard at work on the fanciest shed I have every seen. Click on the link below and it will take you to the Picasa Web Albums over at Google. Enjoy! http://picasaweb.google.com/millardblumer/KickOffGarfieldAve http://www.millcreekvalleyhfh.org/?p=52 Business moving from Towne Center to Madeira Suburban Life, 4/6/07 A new Madeira store may set a standard for future development in the business district. Gilson's Inc. will relocate from the Kenwood Towne Centre to 7116 Miami Ave. Demolition of the former building at the site was April 5. The previous tenant was Earthen Vessels. "It will set a standard for Madeira's redevelopment," said John Neyer, president of Neyer Construction Inc., about the new store. Tony Gilson, who owns the business with his wife, Susan, said the store fits in with the city's new master plan for the business district. Parking lot likely to be ballot issue Cincinnati Enquirer, 4/6/07 Opponents of a zoning decision that would allow a 10-space parking lot to be built next to a planned medical development on Kugler Mill Road have cleared a big hurdle in their effort to force a referendum. The Hamilton County Board of Elections said the referendum petitions have enough valid signatures to qualify for the November ballot. The petitioners needed 651 valid signatures and collected 740. The board will meet April 17 to discuss placing the issue on the November general election ballot. Sycamore residents object to changing the zoning for a quarter-acre parcel on Kugler Mill near Montgomery Road from residential to planned office use. They say the parking lot represents an unwanted encroachment of commercial development into a residential area. A reversal of the zoning decision would have no effect on the planned building of Ohio Valley Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. It would affect only the parking lot, which would allow vehicles to turn right onto Kugler Mill from the office. Loveland hosts rec center open houses Loveland Herald, 4/6/07 The city of Loveland and the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati will be hosting four community informational meetings in the next month to provide Loveland residents the opportunity to learn more about the proposed recreation and aquatic center. Voters in Loveland will decide May 8 whether to approve a 0.2 percent increase in the income tax rate to pay for a $10.5 million recreation and aquatic center facility and other various park improvements to Loveland's park system. All the meetings will be an open house format, meaning interested parties can come and go as they please. The open house meetings will be held on the following dates: * Thursday, April 19, 7p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Safety Center training room; * Thursday, April 26, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at city hall; * Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m. to noon at city hall; * Tuesday, May 1, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at city hall. The city of Loveland has spent the last two years engaging residents in a planning process that ultimately led to the proposal of a 38,000 square foot recreation center that will include an indoor competitive pool, a gym, a fitness area, classroom space, a child watch area and other accessory spaces. Fairfield breaks ground on athletic complex Fairfield Echo, 4/5/07 Fairfield City School board members and the Fairfield Athletic Training Complex committee broke ground Friday, and General Contractor Wayne Huber said he is confident the project will be complete by mid-June. The $425,000 project has been funded through donations, and all but $50,000 has been raised. The board approved the groundbreaking at the March 15 meeting, but stipulated it was not responsible for that sum if the committee could not find sufficient funds to provide windows and a storefront glass door. Huber said temporary windows would go up in the meantime, but he isn't sure if he will use boards or an inexpensive temporary glass. He said plans for the door also are uncertain, but there are hopes that more donations will come in time. The addition, which will double the size of the existing weight training facility, will extend from the Fairfield High School gym toward the parking lot. It is adjacent to the tennis courts, which will not be affected during construction, he said. The building will be built from the outside in to minimize disruption. Neighbors request animal shelter change Cincinnati.com, 4/5/07 Minor changes may be made in the plans for an animal control shelter to accommodate a group of Fairfield Township residents whose backyards abut the property it will be built on. Fairfield Ridge homeowners are requesting the Butler County animal shelter be turned so that the front entrance faces their backyards. That’s so the outdoor courtyard, which will be able to accommodate 109 dogs at one time – will be facing away from the residents’ backyards, said Terry Marischen, whose property abuts the county property. “There’s 3,000 square feet of open outdoor kennel space – more than we expected,” Marischen said. “If the entrance to the animal shelter is facing us, then the opening will be away from us. That would give us just a little more (buffering).” County Administrator Derek Conklin said he has approached the architect about the change. The kennel is being constructed in Hamilton on county-owned property behind the Butler County Care Facility on Princeton Road, across from Fairfield Ridge, where homes sell for $220,000 to $300,000. The nearest property line is about 860 feet from the kennel.

From the 1/24/07 Springfield News-Sun: Forest Glen to open in April By Elaine Morris Roberts Staff Writer Tuesday, January 23, 2007 The new Forest Glen Health Campus looks more like an upscale hotel than a nursing home. Forest Glen is owned and operated by Trilogy Health Services, headquartered in Louisville, Ky., and will replace the existing Castle Knoll facility located on West High Street. The 60,000-square-foot facility, which is scheduled to open in early April, is located at 4100 Middle Urbana Road. Including the cost of the 80-acre site, the project represents a $10 million overall investment. This is the company's first new construction in Ohio, although they operate nine other facilities in the state. The facility will employ 125, have an annual payroll of $2.1 million, operate with an annual budget of $5.9 million, and pay approximately $85,000 per year in property taxes. MORE: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/23/sns012407forestglen.html Small Business Re-Invests in Dayton Facility City of Dayton BizBites E-Newsletter, 2/7/07 The City of Dayton is helping a small local business with on-going efforts to reinvest in its manufacturing operation. The Dayton City Commission recently approved a development agreement with Webster Street LLC, an affiliate of Select Industries Corporation. The company was created in 1970 and has become a $70 million firm, employing approximately 500 people in its Dayton plants. As a contract manufacturer, the company's capabilities include the design and production of metal stamping dies and the assemblies and tooling for numerous automotive and non-automotive customers. Webster Street LLC has invested approximately $2.7 million to renovate an existing facility at 500 Webster Street, and to purchase machinery and equipment. The City of Dayton is assisting with the reinvestment by approving $76,000 in development funds. Library moving to temporary new location Greenville Daily Advocate, 2/6/07 Greenville Public Library will be moving out of the Carnegie building the last week of February to prepare for the onset of the library construction project. Library Director John L. Vehre Jr. said the library will relocate close by to the Biddlestone building at 126 W. Fourth St., which is being remodeled. The target for the move is the last weekend in February "unless there is a hang-up," Vehre said. "At the same time, we'll transfer the phone system as well as the website," he said. "We'll move the T1 system and computers on March 5. We may open March 5 or, definitely, the following week." Work being done at the new location includes bringing the electrical work and lighting as well as the restrooms up to code. There will be a handicap ramp at the front entrance. Committee to explore school construction options Xenia Daily Gazette, 2/3/07 A committee consisting of school board members, city officials and community leaders will meet for the first time Monday to explore the feasibility of a concept that could allow organizations to locate alongside a possible new high school in order to share some facilities, reduce costs and foster cooperation. The Xenia Community Schools Board of Education voted unanimously earlier this month to create the committee, which will discuss the best way the school district could spend a possible $50 million in state education matching funds that could become available as early as 2008 or 2009. Superintendent Jeffrey K. Lewis and board member Robert P. Dillaplain have suggested a concept called “Under One Roof,” a school-based community complex that would enable Xenia schools, organizations and taxpayers to get the maximum benefit from the additional cash. Dillaplain released a list of committee members to the Xenia Daily Gazette Friday, and said more organizations have been approached and are considering joining the discussion. Dillaplain also stressed that no binding partnerships have been inked and that the committee’s job is merely to gauge the interest that various institutions and the public would have in the “Under One Roof” concept. Council raising funds for facility Springfield News-Sun, 1/29/07 The Clark County Child Advocacy Council is $200,000 away from a new home. The council will relocate on the Rocking Horse Center campus on South Limestone Street once it raises the balance of the estimated $800,000 to construct a new facility. The county advocate for child victims of abuse must begin construction before federal grants begin to expire at year's end. Its new location north of the Rocking Horse Center will allow a seamless movement between medical and mental health services and the council's investigation and support services, said CAC coordinator, Pam Meermans. The relationship also would enhance communication between the partners, who serve families and victimized children from the earliest part of the investigation through prosecution. The council offers treatment throughout the process and beyond. Community dedicates stations for city's future generations Fairborn Daily Herald, 1/27/07 Citizens, city leaders and firefighters gathered at the new Fire Station No. 1 on Broad Street Friday for the department's version of a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Firefighters on one side and City Council members on the other, Fire Chief Mike Riley and Mayor Tom Nagel uncoupled a fire hose to dedicate the new facilities. After years of planning, "We have facilities so outstanding it can only be surpassed by the dedication of the department's men and women," said speaker Paul Neuman, Fairborn Chamber of Commerce President. Each speaker praised not just the new buildings, but the community cooperation that made them possible. Firefighters Union L1235 President Tom O'Maley said firefighters do their best to protect the citizens, but in this case it was the firefighters who needed help. In 2004, residents came to their aid, passing an earnings tax to fund the work.

From the 3/5/07 Cincinnati Business Courier: Interest in office condos in step with strong market West Chester's location helps maintain firm footing Cincinnati Business Courier - March 2, 2007 by Laura Baverman Staff Reporter Developers are building and marketing a $14.5 million office condominium project in West Chester, capitalizing on a market ripe for office expansion. The group, made up of Huff Realty agents Don Johnson, Scott Schilling and Dave Overbeck, and partners Bill Heckman of Builder Resources and Jim Daniels of Daniels Homes, purchased the site in 2005. It includes eight acres on Tylers Place, located behind Tylersville Road's Meijer-anchored strip center. The project, called Tylers Place Business Campus, has space for 85,000 square feet broken up into nine buildings, ranging in size from 4,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet. Space is available for sale or lease in chunks as small as 1,000 square feet. "We like the accessibility to interstates 75 and 275," Johnson said. He believes the location and the strength of the market have translated to strong activity. So far, 18,000 square feet are under contract, including a 6,500-square-foot building to DeStefano Custom Builders. Another 6,500-square-foot building should be under contract within the month. Johnson expects to finish and sell half the buildings this year. Office brokers point to West Chester as the driving force behind growth in the Tri-County office submarket. The area is hot because more people want to work near where they live, and the northern Cincinnati suburbs have grown at a faster clip than the rest of the Tri-State. "An attorney, dentist or financial adviser that is on their own, this is exactly the right kind of place for them," said Marc Sebens, an office specialist with Cincinnati Commercial Realtors. Vacancy in the market sits at 12 percent with 2006 absorption just mildly positive because of additional vacancy in the Tri-County area, he said. Johnson said lease rates for his project begin at $15.50 gross per square foot. Space is available for sale starting at $160 per square foot. http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/03/05/story6.html From the 3/5/07 Pulse-Journal: Cincinnati Enquirer: Bridgewater Falls adds tenants (2/9/07) Bridgewater Falls plans party as construction progresses By Eric Schwartzberg Staff Writer Monday, March 05, 2007 One of Butler County's largest shopping centers will welcome summer with a four-day festival. Summerbration is scheduled for Bridgewater Falls in Fairfield Twp. June 28 to July 1, said Julie Krause, marketing coordinator for Bridgewater Falls. "We're very excited about being a part of the community and Butler County as a whole," Krause said. "We want to invite all of our neighbors to enjoy Bridgewater Falls as a gathering center for shopping, dining and entertainment and we hope this event will kick off many, many more to come." Day one of the festival includes arts and crafts opportunities for children and their families. Festivalgoers also can meet on-air personalities from 97.3 The Wolf, on location to conduct a live remote radio broadcast. June 29 features an ice cream social, additional radio personalities and a live broadcast by a local TV news team. On June 30, children can decorate their bike wheels in advance of Independence Day and take a spin in an old-fashioned bike and wagon parade led throughout the center. July 1 features shows by street performers and clowns, as well as an old-fashioned cookout lunch. Proceeds from the event will benefit a local charity, Krause said. A live show that evening in the performance area between Factory Card Outlet and Mattress Firm will feature country music artist Danny Frazier. A fireworks display will top off the concert. "We're going to celebrate the Fourth of July early so it doesn't conflict with Fairfield's yearly fireworks display," she said. Also on Sunday, festivalgoers can videotape a message to be sent to U.S. troops stationed overseas. Construction update The "vast majority" of construction on the 66-acre lifestyle center is scheduled for completion by mid to late summer, Krause said. FedEx Kinko's and Chipotle both signed leases with Bridgewater Falls last week and plan to open by summer's end, Krause said. Also coming to the center's village area in late spring or early summer will be Two Little Buds, an Oxford-based florist, and Dream Dinners, which allows customers to assemble meals to take home and enjoy or freeze for a future occasion. The stores' openings will give the center 42 stores by summer's end, leaving the center 85 percent occupied, Krause said. Bridgewater Falls is a member of the West Chester Chamber Alliance. Joe Hinson, the chamber's president and CEO, said the area between Hamilton and Interstate 75 "a focal point for retail growth." Bridgewater Falls' strategic placement on Ohio 129 allows for easy access from I-75 and to the emerging residential growth of both Fairfield and Liberty townships, Hinson said. "They have a core of new residential subdivisions being developed there that makes it real easy, as far as being able to shop, so it becomes a convenience factor," Hinson said. Bridgewater's Falls' management continues to look for restaurants to occupy two outlots near Max & Erma's and Chili's Grill & Bar, as well as available storefronts within the center village area, Krause said. "We're still looking at different steakhouses, but right now we don't have a lease signed by anybody," she said. For more information, call (513) 895-6800. Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5126 or [email protected]. http://www.pulsejournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/05/fe030807summerbration.html From the 3/4/07 Hamilton JournalNews: Donation sparks new station plan in Liberty Twp. Current quarters are tight for the 79 firefighters that staff the station. By Eric Schwartzberg Staff Writer Sunday, March 04, 2007 LIBERTY TWP. — A developer's donation means Liberty Twp.'s fire department has the land it needs to build a replacement fire station. Don Dixon, owner and founder of Dixon Homes and Construction in West Chester Twp., has started the process to gift 2.65 acres to the township in the next few months, said township Administrator Dina Minneci. The Butler County auditor estimates the value for an average acre of land in Liberty Twp. at $35,000 to $45,000. The land donation means the township's fire department can move forward with plans to build a new fire station and replace its 54-year-old Maustown station. "There's no room for expansion whatsoever," said Fire Chief Paul Stumpf of its old station, about a mile south of the new site. "It was a good location to start out with; it's just outlived its usefulness." The one-story cinder block building at 5867 Princeton-Glendale Road is used by 19 full-time and 60 part-time firefighters. Four firefighters are on call at the station 24 hours a day. They sleep on two twin beds and a bunkbed in quarters smaller than a typical family's living room. One room in the station functions as a kitchen, break room and meeting area. "It'll be fantastic to actually get a building that we can design for proper crews, for them to have adequate room to function and to actually work on the apparatus," Stumpf said. Trustee President Christine Matacic said the station's tight quarters do not provide the "optimum working environment" for the department's firefighters. The move north will place the fire department closer to the Ohio 4 commercial corridor and allow for partnership with the adjacent Butler Technology and Career Development Schools Public Safety Education Complex, Stumpf said. Township voters approved in November a 3.5-mill replacement fire levy expected to generate $2.7 million a year — enough money to construct the new Ohio 747 station, a new fire station in the township's northeast quadrant and to help boost staffing levels and upgrade aging vehicles and equipment. Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5126 or [email protected]. http://www.journal-news.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/04/hjn030407firestation.html

From the 3/10/07 Dispatch: Neighbors want golf club to stay Dornoch provides green space, water-drainage site for area Saturday, March 10, 2007 Jane Hawes FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH DELAWARE, Ohio - Homeowners who live near the Dornoch Golf Club worry about what will happen if the golf course in their backyard goes away. The golf course at 3329 Columbus Pike is for sale. Larry Morman, president of the Dornoch Home Owners Association, said he was told the price is $2.3 million. Residents of the subdivisions around Dornoch worry about the possibility of losing green space as well as a place to handle the wastewater that now drains on the golf-club property. But they are confident their efforts to preserve both will be successful. The developer who owns the golf club filed for bankruptcy last year. When Gary Bachinski's initial attempt to reorganize his debt failed, a second bid to liquidate the club and 18-hole course was initiated in January. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/03/10/20070310-B1-04.html

From ThisWeek Pickerington, 4/5/07: Packaging company to expand into Pickerington Thursday, April 5, 2007 By SEAN CASEY ThisWeek Staff Writer America's largest supplier of rigid containers is making Pickerington its operational hub as it expands into the central Ohio market. Chicago-based Berlin Packaging opened a satellite office in the area in March with intentions of building a distribution facility in the greater Columbus area in the future. "Pickerington is a centrally located area," said Carole Yassen, the company's vice president of marketing services and administration. "We forecast a lot of growth (in central Ohio), and it's close to our customers and niche markets. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/040507/Pickerington/News/040507-News-332122.html

From the 3/23/07 Ashtabula Star Beacon: The Landing developer proposes many events for lakefront MARGIE TRAX PAGE Star Beacon GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE - - When Dave Otto sits back in his office chair to daydream, he ponders a multi-million dollar view of Lake Erie and building the biggest dining and shopping attraction in Ashtabula County. But Otto's dream of The Landing isn't complete without carts and kiosks dotting the development - carts the village government excluded from the zoning code last year. The code now prohibits any businesses from operating outside a building. More at http://www.starbeacon.com/local/local_story_082172309

From the 2/1/07 Ashtabula Star Beacon: * PHOTO: BUSINESS PARTNERS Don Woodward and Dave Otto unveiled the architect? drawing of The Landing at Geneva-on-the-Lake at a press conference Wednesday. Submitted Photo / The Star Beacon GOTL LAKEFRONT PLANS ANNOUNCED Star Beacon GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE - -After months of whispering and rumors, business partners Dave Otto and Don "Woody" Woodward announced Wednesday their plans for a multimillion-dollar lakefront development. The eight acres of The Landing at Geneva-on-the-Lake will encompass a boardwalk, amphitheater, microbrewery, shopping plaza and a seafood restaurant, Woodward said at a press conference at the Lodge and Conference Center at Geneva State Park. More at http://www.starbeacon.com/local/local_story_032071530

From the 3/21/07 News Leader: Zoning for condos sought March 21, 2007 by Jeff Saunders Reporter Northfield Center -- A proposed zoning request change to allow the construction of about 60 condominiums on Olde Eight Road met opposition from residents at a March 14 zoning commission public hearing... E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 440-232-4055 ext. 4105 http://www.the-news-leader.com/news/article/1744482 From the 3/22/07 Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Poll: EHS bond issue trailing among voters (3/1/07) Elyria Chornicle-Telegram: The challenge to get voters to say YES on EHS (2/25/07) Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Elyria school board proceeding with levy (2/8/07) Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: School officials say auditorium plan easier pitch to make (2/7/07) Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: FINAL EHS PRICE TAG: $68M (2/6/07) Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: EHS plan set to get OK for ballot (2/3/07) Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Elyria takes public’s pulse on school issue (1/27/07) Pro-levy volunteers plan their strategy for campaign Shawn Foucher | The Chronicle-Telegram ELYRIA — Connor Schoolcraft wasn’t much interested in composing the battle plans tossed around at Elyria High School on Wednesday, where about 200 people geared up for a grassroots effort aimed at garnering voter support for a new EHS... Contact Shawn Foucher at 329-7197 or [email protected]. http://www.chroniclet.com/2007/03/22/pro-levy-volunteers-plan-their-strategy-for-campaign/ From the 3/23/07 Ashtabula Star Beacon: Ashtabula Star Beacon: Ashtabula council donates toward new business park (3/8/07) Ashtabula Star Beacon: Ashtabula will help more with new business park (3/3/07) Ground-breaking for business park set for April SHELLEY TERRY Star Beacon ASHTABULA - - City Council heard some good news Monday night - - ground-breaking for the Route 11 business park is expected in April, City Manager Anthony Cantagallo said... http://www.starbeacon.com/local/local_story_081122319 Middlefield's Eagle Park project sees first dirt fly Ashtabula Star Beacon, 4/4/07 Village Mayor William Poole and other officials took shovels in hand Thursday at noon to break ground for the $900,000 Eagle Park, part of a $1.3 million endeavor to upgrade and preserve community green space.... Revised senior housing plan eyed Sun Courier, 3/29/07 Senior housing may be closer to becoming a reality, but without multi-family housing... Sun Courier: Coalition still seeks senior housing (2/15/07) Recreation fees rising with addition to center Sun Herald, 3/29/07 Patterson said the fees are pretty significant, but accurately reflect the kinds of amenities the addition will feature. The $8.4 million addition will include a natatorium and aquatic center with such features as a four-lane lap pool with diving well; separate two-lane lap pool; water vortex; zero-depth entry; separation wall; small and large water slides; spa; lazy river; pool spray items; and men's, women's and family locker rooms.... Councilman proposes sale of underused parks in city Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, 3/29/07 Councilman Eddie Edwards said he has a plan to save money and help the depleted Parks Department: Sell some of the underutilized parks... Tennis, hockey may go Sun Herald, 3/15/07 Hockey and tennis could be a thing of the past and a new recreation center could be built if proposals from the recreation master plan are turned into reality...

From the 3/23/07 Blade: Sandusky County gets new plan for courthouse FREMONT - There may soon be more room in the Sandusky County courthouse if the county commissioners decide to implement a plan to alleviate space constraints. Poggemeyer Design Group, of Bowling Green, presented the commissioners with results from a space utilization survey yesterday and made several suggestions on what could be done to alleviate the space crunch at the courthouse. Commissioners agreed to further study the option that involved constructing a new building directly west of the existing courthouse and east of the county commissioners' offices. The building, with a $2.9 million price tag, would house all offices not directly affiliated with the courthouse, including the county auditor, treasurer, and recorder. The new building also would include a one-story atrium in the front to connect with the courthouse and county commissioners' offices. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070323/NEWS17/703230366/-1/RSS08

Gahanna to host '08 Parade of Homes Thursday, April 5, 2007 By TARA STUBBS-FIGURSKI Enterprise Staff Writer The city of Gahanna's Manor Homes development will be the site of the Building Industry Association's 2008 Parade of Homes. Developers are hoping to break ground on the 40.42-acre subdivision at Clark State and Reynoldsburg-New Albany roads in May. The Manor Homes development features 60 single-family homes valued at an average price of $500,000. Mayor Becky Stinchcomb said she is excited Gahanna was chosen for the 2008 Parade of Homes. "It is really a good thing for the city," she said. "Essentially, you are inviting the region to your city." Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/040507/RockyFork/News/040507-News-331982.html

From the 3/17/07 Centerville-Bellbrook Times: Dayton Daily News: Sugarcreek Twp. development gets OK (3/15/07) Trustees approve Sugar Ridge plan By Jodi Brock Times Editor By a vote of 2 to 1, Sugarcreek Township trustees have approved Phase I of Miller Valentine's new lifestyle community called Sugar Ridge located at Feedwire and Little Sugarcreek Roads in Sugarcreek Township. Trustee Dick King was the sole trustee to cast a no vote against the Phase I final development plan during deliberations at the Monday, March 5 meeting. Deliberations had been carried over from the previous trustee meeting on February 19. During that February 19 meeting, Trustee Chairperson Nadine Daugherty and Trustee Mike Pittman had reached a stalemate over the plan. Daugherty said she wanted more information about the project, specifically about the rear set-backs of the homes, while Pittman made it clear that he was ready to approve the plan as it was presented to trustees on that February 19 night. Trustee King was not present at the February 19 meeting. Pittman did eventually concede with Daugherty to carry deliberations over until the March 5 meeting. MORE: http://www.tcnewsnet.com/main.asp?SectionID=15&SubSectionID=260&ArticleID=143545&TM=45952.47

From the 4/4/07 (WSU) Guardian: Rike Hall next in line for campus-wide renovations Emily Franklin Issue date: 4/4/07 Section: News During the spring and summer quarters, Rike Hall will be under construction to improve comfort levels and to provide a better mix of classroom sizes to meet university needs, Williams said. "The Rike Hall construction is a necessary short-term inconvenience that will hopefully provide a long-term improved classroom environment for students and faculty," said business professor Jim Greenspan... www.theguardianonline.com/media/storage/paper373/news/2007/04/04/News/Rike-Hall.Next.In.Line.For.CampusWide.Renovations-2820883.shtml]http://media.www.theguardianonline.com/media/storage/paper373/news/2007/04/04/News/Rike-Hall.Next.In.Line.For.CampusWide.Renovations-2820883.shtml

From the 2/28/07 (WSU) Guardian: Classes still at Holiday Inn Campus renovations have resulted in continued classroom deficiency Amanda Kauppila Issue date: 2/28/07 Section: News During renovation at Wright State, a classroom deficiency has resulted in classes being held at the Holiday Inn, complete with an indoor pool and bar. Marian Hogue, university registrar, said there were seven nursing classes being held at the Holiday Inn. These are classes that meet outside the established time blocks, and are difficult to schedule because they affect classes before and after the time block as well... www.theguardianonline.com/media/storage/paper373/news/2007/02/28/News/Classes.Still.At.Holiday.Inn-2746498.shtml]http://media.www.theguardianonline.com/media/storage/paper373/news/2007/02/28/News/Classes.Still.At.Holiday.Inn-2746498.shtml

From the 2/16/07 DDN: Wright State opens its new neuroscience center today University's medical school is investing $632,000 in center over two years for personnel, equipment and projects. By Anthony Gottschlich Staff Writer Friday, February 16, 2007 FAIRBORN Wright State University's medical school opens its Comprehensive Neuroscience Center today, a new program designed to boost research efforts across an array of neurological disciplines. Boonshoft School of Medicine leaders say the center will build upon its Center for Brain Research, focusing on neurological, developmental, cognitive, psychiatric and trauma-induced nervous-system disorders... http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/02/15/ddn021607braincenter.html