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From the 1/31/07 Enquirer: Gilmore, Princeton roads to be widened BY SUE KIESEWETTER | ENQUIRER CONTRIBUTOR FAIRFIELD TWP. – A two-phase $8.5 million road widening project here is slated for two emerging commercial corridors: Gilmore and Princeton roads. In the first phase, to begin late this spring, Gilmore Road would be widened from two to three lanes. Construction on the second phase, to widen Princeton Road west of the Ohio 4 Bypass, would begin in late spring 2008. About 26 property owners along Gilmore and Princeton roads would be affected by the project. “It’s a big plus,’’ said Tim Roth, spokesman for Gilmore Office Park. “Gilmore Road is a very treacherous road with numerous accidents. It definitely needed widening even without development.” Gilmore Road is zoned mostly for commercial use. By year’s end it will become the home of Fiehrer Motors, which is relocating from Ohio 4 in Hamilton. It will be widened from just south of the Ohio 129 underpass to Princeton Road. The middle lane would be designated for turns. Curb cuts along the stretch would be improved and sidewalks installed on the west side. A traffic light at Princeton Road is planned for the phase two, Miller said. “This is such an old road that it will have to be completely rebuilt from the base,’’ Miller said. “It was never meant to handle a lot of traffic.” In the second phase, Princeton Road would be widened to five lanes between the Ohio 4 Bypass to just beyond Walden Pond Circle. “The road would be…similar to Bridgewater Falls,’’ Miller said. “It would taper off into two lanes after the commercial development just past Walden Pond Circle, where it’s residential.” http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070131/NEWS01/301310038 From the 2/6/07 Pulse-Journal: Liberty OKs creating economic director position By Eric Schwartzberg Staff Writer Tuesday, February 06, 2007 LIBERTY TWP. — The search is on to find someone who can steer the economic growth of this burgeoning Butler County suburb. Liberty Twp. trustees voted Monday evening to advertise for an economic development director who would attract appropriate businesses to the area, especially 600 acres expected to open up to development by the recently approved Liberty Interchange project. "We have only 18 percent of our entire township to devote to commercial development," said Dina Minneci, the township's administrator. "We need to make certain we get the best bang for our buck in a very proactive, efficient and effective manner." With medical facilities under construction in Liberty and West Chester townships, as well as Middletown, an economic development director could market the township to pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing companies on a global scale, said Trustee Vice President Patrick Hiltman. "Find another area in the country that has three hospitals that are either completing or under construction at the same time within 12 miles of each other. It's phenomenal," Hiltman said. "With everything we have going, this is the catalyst to bring it to a boil." Trustee David Kern said he likes to refer to recent and upcoming developments in the township as "the perfect storm, in a positive sense." "It's all going to happen real fast and we want to make sure and have someone there to help us get the best that we can get for this township," he said. For more information, call 759-7500. Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5126 or [email protected]. http://www.pulsejournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/02/06/hjn020607libtwp.html From the 2/13/07 Hamilton JournalNews: Ross land plan set for hearing Thursday By Chris Dumond Staff Writer Monday, February 12, 2007 ROSS TWP. — After nearly a year of work, a revised land use plan for Ross Twp. is set for consideration by township trustees Thursday. The plan changes residential area density descriptions, recommends a special zoning district along Hamilton-Cleves Road in downtown Ross and Venice, and creates two new land use categories along the southern portion of U.S. 27. "Our mission was to have a vision for the future of Ross Twp.," committee chairman Greg Young said. "In other words, 50 years from now, if you want to think about it in those terms, how did we feel the township should be developed?" The map is generally used by government planners to guide development. It is not a blanket rezoning, but is commonly used by planning commissions to decide whether rezoning requests or development plans are appropriate. The latest draft of the map can be downloaded at the Butler County Department of Development Web site, http://development.butlercountyohio.org/. For comparison, the Web site also has a link to the existing map and information describing the changes. Young, one of seven committee members appointed by the trustees, said one of the biggest changes was in the simplification of the lower-density agricultural districts. Under the current plan, agricultural and estate residential districts were separate and had 10- and 5-acre minimum lot sizes. Under the proposed plan, the categories are combined. Other than agricultural uses, the land could be developed with 40 percent of a given property reserved as open space and built out with 2-acre minimum lot sizes. Minimum lot sizes in low-density residential areas would increase from 1 acre to 2 acres. Young said he believes there will be more discussion on the new Herman Road Corridor and Downtown Regional Center. Both districts, straddling U.S. 27 from Herman Road to Ohio 128, would include commercial, retail, service, office and residential uses with strong architectural controls. They also would be accessible to pedestrians. The downtown regional center, on the west side of 27, is envisioned as the "front door" to the township, committee member Randy Lane said. Lane said the vision for this area is similar to the Village Green development in Fairfield. The public hearing before the Butler County Planning Commission has been rescheduled. The next public hearing is scheduled before the township trustees at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Ross Fire House, 2565, Cincinnati-Brookville Road. Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2025 or [email protected]. http://www.journal-news.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/02/12/hjn021307landuse.html

From Business First of Columbus, 2/19/07: ThisWeek Delaware: Large east-side project gets initial OK (1/28/07) * RENDERING: A Cleveland developer wants to put a shopping center on Delaware’s east side. Courtesy Zaremba Group LLC Zaremba eyes major project in Delaware Business First of Columbus - February 16, 2007 by Kevin Kemper Business First The city of Delaware is in line for more housing and a $60 million shopping complex under a Cleveland developer's plan being considered by City Hall. Zaremba Group LLC wants to build a 330-residence subdivision, dubbed Hanover Corners, on 79 acres south of Route 36 in the eastern part of the city. Plans also call for a 575,000-square-foot shopping center, named Glennwood Common, on 70 acres next door. The company hopes to break ground on the commercial project this summer and begin building the houses in early 2008, provided it gets approval from the city. Delaware's planning commission and city council are expected to hold votes on Zaremba's final plans by late spring. The city has been negotiating with the developer on its proposal since late 2004. "This is a significant project for the city and especially for the east side of Delaware," said city spokesman Lee Yoakum. "It's one of the largest retail and residential developments we've had in some time." MORE: http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2007/02/19/story1.html

From the 3/28/07 Pickerington Times-Sun: ThisWeek Pickerington: Office park annexation vote delayed (3/22/07) Columbus Dispatch: Council debates stand on charter proposal (3/21/07) Pickerington Times-Sun: Township sends city annexation proposal for 3 acres on Wright Road (3/14/07) Pickerington Times-Sun: Township proposes key changes in joint economic agreement (3/7/07) ThisWeek Pickerington: Development deal attacked again (3/1/07) Columbus Dispatch: Pickerington deal ignites referendum drive (1/31/07) Pickerington Times-Sun: Referendum petition drive gathers steam (1/24/07) Council OKs Memorandum of Understanding pact The agreement is designed for economic development districts and includes Pickerington, Violet Township, Lancaster, Canal Winchester and Bloom Township. By DAVID S. OWEN Pickerington City Council voted 7-0 March 20 to join a Memorandum of Understanding agreement for economic development with Violet Township, Lancaster, Canal Winchester and Bloom Township. Also during the meeting, Pickerington Mayor David Shaver appointed two councilmen to put together an information packet to educate city residents about the pros and cons of the current Charter Amendment which will be on the ballot May 8. With the memorandum of understanding the city agreed to enter into offers with the participating government entities to have discussions on coordinating possible Joint Economic Development Districts along the U.S. Route 33 Growth Corridor. By participating in a JEDD the city can establish a way to share tax revenues with the participating municipalities and provide services to the area. Full story at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS3-28/3-28_pkcouncil.html

From the 3/8/07 Twinsburg Sun: Eminent domain steps begin Thursday, March 08, 2007 By Lena A. Ina The Twinsburg Sun TWINSBURG TOWNSHIP Trustees are starting the process for eminent domain on South Park Road. Appraisals have been ordered for the lots that line the road and beyond it all the way to state Route 91. The targeted properties include the home of the only resident remaining on South Park. BG & Sons LLC bought the others there and on North Park, East Park and Hadden roads starting in November 2004... http://www.cleveland.com/sun/twinsburgsun/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1173971241161280.xml&coll=3 From the 3/7/07 News Leader: New facility could bring 300 jobs to city March 7, 2007 by Jeff Saunders Reporter Macedonia -- A 152,000-square-foot office and warehouse building to be built on Highland Road could bring several hundred jobs to the city, the developer predicts. Kevin See, development manager with Scannell Properties in Indianapolis, the project's developer, said there are no tenants lined up, but architect Ronald Bland told the city planning commission that the approximately 30,000 square feet of office space included in the building would be able to accommodate as many as 300 employees, with a smaller number to operate the warehouse... E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 440-232-4055 ext. 4105 http://www.the-news-leader.com/news/article/1687042 From the 3/1/07 Bedford Times-Register: Proposed housing development on hold March 1, 2007 by Emily Canning-Dean Reporter Bedford Heights --Council might rezone some land on Columbus Road from low density residential to senior residential, but members of Council say they want more details before a final decision is made... E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 440-232-4055 ext. 4110 http://www.bedfordtimesregister.com/news/article/1662481 Salvaging school's past West Geauga Sun, 3/8/07 The time for razing Russell School is fast approaching. A new $1.6 million police station will be built on the footprint of the abandoned Chillicothe Road school, but trustees are not set on what should be preserved... Resurfacing project started on Berea Road West Side Sun News, 3/1/07 The repaving of heavily traveled and pothole-strewn Berea Road mostly in Cleveland and partly in Lakewood is finally under way. The $4.9 million project was awarded to Vandra Brothers Construction Inc. Work began Monday... Madison could get state funding News-Herald, 3/1/07 Madison School District might get 70 percent state funding to rebuild or replace its buildings, as was the case with the $65 million Geneva Schools project and the $90 million Painesville City Schools project. But that depends on whether Madison Schools can get a bond issue passed in November as its backup money. It's been 17 years since the district asked for a bond issue... Property for elementary schools topic of Ashtabula Board of Education meeting Ashtabula Star Beacon, 2/23/07 Property on Wade Avenue that could house an elementary school campus was discussed at the Ashtabula Board of Education's Wednesday meeting... Ashtabula Star Beacon: Wade Avenue property a wash for elementary school campus (2/22/07) Ashtabula Star Beacon: Local builders targeted to help with new schools (2/15/07) Ashtabula Star Beacon: Planning proceeds for the new Lakeside Junior High School (1/21/07) Meditation center sought Parma Sun Post, 2/22/07 Representatives from the Global Country of World Peace presented plans last week to build a 50,000-square foot facility, including two separate 80-student private high schools for boys and girls with a curriculum based on the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's transcendental meditation philosophy...

From the 4/4/07 Enquirer: * RENDERING: Pleasant Valley Commons in Florence would include 9,000 square feet of retail space, a restaurant and about 25,000 square feet of office space on 3 acres at U.S. 42 and Pleasant Valley Road. PROVIDED Hemmer plans new building for U.S. 42 corridor BY MIKE BOYER | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER FLORENCE - A $7 million office-retail development is planned by Paul Hemmer Cos. in the fast-growing area along U.S. 42 south of the Florence Mall. Called Pleasant Valley Commons, the project would include 9,000 square feet of retail space, a restaurant out lot and about 25,000 square feet of office space. The 3-acre site at U.S. 42 and Pleasant Valley Road is near Hemmer's Florence Promenade retail center, which opened last year. Initial marketing is under way with groundbreaking slated early next year. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070404/BIZ01/704040328/1076/rss01

From the 4/4/07 DDN: Sherrod Brown encouraging about base funding In speech to Dayton Chamber members, senator reassures business leaders that money for BRAC programs will be OK'd. By Lisa A. Bernard Staff Writer Wednesday, April 04, 2007 DAYTON — U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown on Tuesday reassured a group of Dayton business leaders that funding considered critical for carrying out infrastructure projects at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is "going to happen." Brown was the keynote speaker Tuesday morning at a breakfast sponsored by the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce... Contact the reporter at (937) 225-7317 or [email protected]. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/04/03/ddn040407brownchamber.html

From the 4/4/07 Blade: Judge urges Dana, unions to keep talking FROM BLADE STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS NEW YORK - A bankruptcy judge urged Dana Corp. and its two major unions yesterday to continue to try to negotiate an agreement on pay and benefit reductions, which the Toledo firm said it needs to successfully emerge from bankruptcy. The automotive parts supplier, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy a year ago, said it needs authority to cancel its labor contracts for about 5,200 employees represented by the United Auto Workers and United Steelworkers. The firm said it wants to trim hourly wages by about a third, to about $15. ---- More at: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070404/BUSINESS03/704040393/-1/RSS04

From the 1/23/07 Middletown Journal: Housing market goes bust Middletown tops Butler County with an 80 percent increase in new home construction permits over 2005. By Chris Dumond Staff Writer Tuesday, January 23, 2007 Middletown was the only Butler County city to see a noteworthy increase in home construction permits. New and growing housing developments, such as the Renaissance project in the East End, and Riverbend and Arbor Pointe in the northwest corner of town contributed to the 80 percent increase, said Middletown Planning Director Marty Kohler. Middletown saw 63 new housing construction permits last year, up from 35 in 2005. "Still, when you look at the amount of housing stock in Middletown, those are fairly small numbers," Kohler said. Although it was down 17 percent, Monroe, with 206, had the county's highest permit number for new housing construction. Overall, the number of home construction permits issued in Butler County last year was down for the second year in a row, reflecting a national slowdown in the housing market. The number of building permits for new single-family homes was down an average of 9 percent across Butler County cities. Through September, the number of permits issued was down by one-third in the townships. Up-to-date figures for the townships were not available due to a database problem at the Butler County Department of Development. "I've been in the business for a long time and I've never seen a market like this," said Maronda Homes Cincinnati Vice President Bill Pucillo. "We've still got interest rates in the (5 percent range), unemployment is low and inflation is in check. Everything is in place for a boom market, but it's not." Pucillo blamed low consumer confidence fueled by terrorism fears and auto industry scalebacks. Dixon Builders Vice President Steve O'Callaghan said an overstock of new housing also is to blame. In 2005, O'Callaghan said, most new homes were sold before they were completed. Last year, homes sat for up to three months before selling. Terry Sievers, president of the Midwest Region for Drees Homes, said inventory levels have started to go down, but noted the overage also caused prices to drop. According to the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors, sale prices were down about half a percent through November compared to 2005. However, Sievers said, "You have to get over the fact that the house you're selling is going to sell for less than it would have a year ago. The house you're going to buy is also going to cost less and the difference is probably going to work out in your favor." Butler County housing permits Cities 2005 2006 % difference Fairfield 93 54 -42 Hamilton 199 121 -39 Middletown 35 63 80 Monroe 248 206 -17 Oxford 38 41 8 Trenton 94 55 -41 Source: City planning departments, Butler County Department of Development Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2025 or [email protected]. http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/23/mj012307housing.html From the 1/28/07 Hamilton JournalNews: Liberty Twp. Retailers lining up to get in By Eric Schwartzberg Staff Writer Sunday, January 28, 2007 LIBERTY TWP. — A flurry of new retail is coming to several Liberty Twp. retail centers this year. Greek Isles should be dishing out gyros, souvlaki and other Greek fare in the Yankee Shoppes center by mid- to late-March, said Liberty Twp. resident Konstantine Karvelas. "We are going to be as authentically Greek as possible," Karvelas said. "I just think the opportunity here warrants this. I think it will be very well supported." The restaurant will feature room for 50 to 55 people and a menu with affordable prices, he said. "The average person can walk in for a $7.50 to $8 lunch and walk away delighted," Karvelas said. Image Sun Tanning will open in the same shopping center, said Kate Bridgman, selling and leasing representative for North Ridge Realty Group. Just across Cincinnati-Dayton Road at Liberty Commons, Fashion Bug and Thoma & Sutton Eye Care Professionals are considering storefronts, Bridgman said. Located next to Kroger Marketplace, Liberty Commons has room for 43,000 square feet of retail space and 14,000 square feet of office space on the second floor. The shopping center is home to Buffalo Wings and Rings, Great Clips and ShapeXpress. Snow Nails plans to move north to Liberty Commons from Liberty Towne Centre, the site of the former Kroger, Bridgman said. Located on the southwest corner of Princeton Road and Ohio 747, Princeton Landings will be the site of Timmy's Wok, Beneficial Financial Group and combined venture Noble Roman's Pizza and Tuscano's Italian Style Subs. Men's grooming center Roosters and Batteries Plus recently opened storefronts in the retail center. North Ridge Realty Group agents are working with many other possible tenants for all three shopping centers, Bridgman said. West Chester Chamber Alliance President and CEO Joe Hinson said he was excited to hear that known organizations with success elsewhere are coming to the area. "It shows that Liberty Twp. is on the map and is headed in the right direction in bringing retail and restaurants to the area," he said. Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5126 or [email protected]. http://www.journal-news.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/28/hjn012807newstores.html From the 1/29/07 Middletown Journal: Monroe schools looking to tackle increasing enrollment By Ken-Yon Hardy Staff Writer Monday, January 29, 2007 MONROE — The Monroe Local School District's enrollment is rapidly growing. Tonight members of the district's school board will meet to discuss the growth and come up with possible ways to address it. "The district is growing at a rapid pace," said Arnol Elam, Monroe's superintendent. "... We don't have any sign of that slowing down either." Elam said since 2001, the district's enrollment has grown 63.2 percent. He said the elementary school enrollment alone has grown 81.7 percent, from 618 to 1,123. Monroe has more than 2,200 students in the district. "The district grew 15.9 percent alone from this last (school) year to this (school) year," Elam said. "That's not even including the open enrollment figures," he said. "We're averaging a 10.6 increase a year. Our high school group grew 19 percent from last year to this year. That's pretty rapid. "We're going to continue to see this kind of growth unless we have something major that slows it down." Elam said tonight he plans on addressing with board members a plan to move elementary students to the old Monroe Elementary School on Macready Avenue. "One thing we are going to be talking about is that our elementary is full," he said. "... I'm going to present to board members a possible three-year phase." The phase would include moving kindergarteners through second-graders to the old elementary school in three years, Elam said. Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2595 or [email protected]. http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/28/mj012907monroeschoolboardprev.html

From Northland News, 4/4/07: Board wants more time to review Hamilton-161 plans By JENNIFER WRAY Despite a revamped proposal, plans for development at the intersection of state Route 161 and Hamilton Road continue to be on hold to give the Northland Community Council's Development Committee time to review them. Representatives for developers Casto and the New Albany Co. shared plans at the committee meeting Wednesday. They said they believed the updated proposal would be amenable to residents in the surrounding areas, particularly those in the Albany Park area who complained that they would be adversely affected if retail development were constructed near their homes. "We kept hearing 'we want office, we want office,'" said Casto attorney Jeff Brown. Read more at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS4-4/4-4_nnnadevelop.html

From the 3/12/07 Dayton Business Journal: Builders unite for $42M Tipp project Dayton Business Journal - March 9, 2007 by Yvonne Teems DBJ Staff Reporter Two area homebuilders are joining forces on a $42 million senior living project in Tipp City. The Tipp City Planning Commission will review plans March 13 for the 297-unit project at the northwest corner of Evanston Road and County Road 25A. Richard Mosier and David Dodd own and are developing the 44-acre project, which is called Field Stone Place, Mosier said. Plans should be finalized with the city by September, followed by infrastructure development through next winter. Construction will start next spring for some independent units opening in 2008 and assisted living opening in 2009. The entire project will be complete by 2015, Mosier said. MORE: http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2007/03/12/story4.html

I've been around there recently and, like UncleRando, I have not seen the interiors. I'm judging the project solely by the exterior aesthetics.

'Vision 2015' needs money BY MIKE RUTLEDGE | [email protected] Northern Kentucky needs a better parks system as a way to make the region more livable, two Vision 2015 officials told a combined meeting of the area's three county fiscal courts Monday. A regional parks system probably would require a dedicated property tax or some other "ongoing funding" source, Mike Hammons of Vision 2015 told the officials. Read full article here: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070213/NEWS0103/702130381/1059/rss13

Vision 2015 begins implementation phase Cincinnati Business Courier - February 1, 2007 Northern Kentucky's Vision 2015 group is ramping up for a major push to implement the region's new, 10-year strategic plan. To do that, the group is adding staff and launching a new Web site to encourage community involvement. Kara Clark will join the Vision 2015 staff March 1 as vice president of communications and strategic initiatives. She is currently an account supervisor for Intrinzic Marketing & Design in Newport. She also serves as vice chair of Leadership Northern Kentucky and was a member of the Vision 2015 steering committee that helped develop the plan. Read full article here: http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/01/29/daily38.html

Downtowns seek cash infusions BY MIKE RUTLEDGE | [email protected] Northern Kentucky's Vision 2015 effort hopes to spawn a "catalytic development corporation" and equity fund to spur development in urban downtown areas. It would be similar to one in Cincinnati that led the $43 million renovation of Fountain Square. "The whole idea is sometimes you need 'patient capital,' " said Chuck Scheper, chief operating officer of Great American Financial Resources and chairman of Vision 2015's Urban Renaissance team. Patient capital is money from investors who want to help communities progress and seek returns on their investment. Read full article here: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070122/NEWS0103/701220324

Voucher backers rip Ohio budget Governor caving to unions, they claim By JIM PROVANCE BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU COLUMBUS - Supporters of Ohio's statewide school voucher program yesterday accused Gov. Ted Strickland of caving in to teachers' unions and stealing the hope of children by trying to kill the program. "This is personal," said a tearful Becky Jordan, whose daughter attends East Liverpool Christian School at state expense. "This is my daughter," she said. "This is her education, and he's trying to take it away from her." In his $52.9 billion, two-year budget proposal, the Democratic governor called for elimination of the first-year program providing grants for private school tuition for students seeking to escape academically struggling public schools. Parents with children receiving Educational Choice Scholarships from Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Youngstown, and East Liverpool met yesterday with House Speaker Jon Husted (R., Kettering). They hope the Republican-controlled General Assembly will defend the program. MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070404/NEWS24/704040427/-1/NEWS From the 4/4/07 Alliance Review: Sen. Schuring touts education funding proposal Schuring touts education funding proposal By LINDA SALSBERRY The Review Ohio Sen. Kirk Schuring, R-Canton, opened the Continued Learning program semester at Mount Union College Tuesday morning with a call to "mine our intellectual resources." For months, he has been working on a school funding reform proposal that he hopes will gain bipartisan and state administration support and be on the ballot in November. "The education funding system is broken and if we want to do what we need to do, we're going to have to change it." His proposal recommends a separate education budget from the general revenue budget. The Ohio Education Trust Fund would be responsible for funding primary, secondary and higher education. It would earmark part of the state income tax, sales tax and certain excise taxes as its funding source. MORE: http://www.the-review.com/news/article/1809522

From the 4/4/07 Lima News: Brown makes a visit to the Summit Ethanol plant Jeremy Schneider - 04.04.2007 LEIPSIC — Sherrod Brown is the first U.S. Senator from Ohio to sit on the Agriculture Committee in nearly four decades. The democrat is trying to use that position to make Ohio the leader in alternative energy. “Ohio is a particularly good place for alternative energy,” Brown said. “We have very skilled manufacturing workers. We have good entrepreneurship, a wonderful history of that. We have a very productive farmland. http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=36985

From the 4/3/07 Fostoria Review Times: Courthouse waltz continues By SANDRA WHITTA staff writer Word is expected back in about a month from the engineering firm designing three options to deal with the Seneca County Courthouse. Seneca County Commissioners approved and signed a contract with MKC Associates Inc. for engineering services for the courthouse project Monday, sparking a lively debate. "I would rather try to save this building and fail rather than not try at all," Kenneth Davidson, Tiffin, told commissioners opening the courthouse discussion. MKC was hired to detail three options for handling the courthouse issue. The options are demolish the entire building, save parts or all of the facade and gut the interior. http://www.reviewtimes.com/News/backissues/2007/Apr/ar_news_040307.asp#story5

From the 4/4/07 Eastern Hills Journal: Revitalization faces funding gauntlet BY JEREME SIMMONS | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER MT. LOOKOUT- City officials have given a project to revitalize Mt. Lookout Square the green light to begin its planning and funding application process. Cincinnati's Community Development and Planning, and Transportation and Engineering department officials decided to endorse preliminary plans for the square March 27. "The project has a couple of major goals," Mt. Lookout Community Councilman Andy Park said. "Safety is No. 1...we want to get pedestrians that are frequenting a business or restaurant from their destinations and back to their vehicles in safe and pleasant way. We are looking for safe, comfortable areas for people to visit and linger in. We also ant those that are driving through to get a good impression of the area." Landscape architect Vivian Llambi of Vivian Llambi and Associates, LLC, Walnut Hills, will head up the effort to create a master plan to present to the Cincinnati Neighborhood Business Districts United group for funding. Last year 25 applicants competed for roughly $2 million in available funds. Seven groups were awarded grants ranging from $900,000 to $190,000. MORE: http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070404/NEWS01/704040305/1002/RSS01 From the 4/4/07 Middletown Journal: Tie vote may nix senior housing proposal By Ed Richter Staff Writer Wednesday, April 04, 2007 MIDDLETOWN — A proposed senior housing project may have been derailed Tuesday by a tie vote by Middletown City Council. Towne Development Group's proposal to build a 100-unit senior housing apartment complex on a 16-acre parcel off Lefferson Road recently has generated a lot discussion by residents who say the project is a form of subsidized housing. The developer had sought a resolution of support to seek housing tax credits through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. The tax credits reduces the developer's federal tax liability and is an inducement to build the new housing. Vice Mayor Anthony "Tony" Marconi is the owner of the property and was advised by city Law Director Les Landen to abstain from participating in the discussion and voting on the matter. Jay Moorman, a downtown businessman, said the council had not shown residents there was a need for additional senior housing. "Just a desire to replace what we already have too much of with something new ... We do not consider this to be fiscally responsible leadership," Moorman said. MORE: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/04/04/mj040407housing.html Union Township Trustees approve request for library construction Clermont Sun, 3/29/07 The Union Township board of trustees has cleared the path for the Clermont County Public Library to advance work on a new central office location. The newest branch of the library, which will be located on a portion of the new Ivy Pointe office park, will not only house the library's new administrative offices, but also a new Union Township library branch, which would replace the current location. "This is an application by Clermont County Public Library in conjunction with Cincinnati United Contractors," said Union Township Zoning Director Cory Wright. "This request would amend a portion of the formal plan on around 4.11 acres to include a 40,706 square foot Clermont County Public Library branch located along Clough Pike. If approved, this would offer floor space for both administrative purposes and library operation purposes." The new branch location would replace a structure more than two decades old, and alleviate a lot of overcrowding problems, said Clermont County Public Library Director Leslie Massey. Memorial baseball stadium promises to be a hit Fairfield Echo, 3/29/07 Hamilton Twp. trustees passed a motion March 21 to begin phase one of the Kevin C. Barnhill Memorial Baseball Stadium that will be built at the township's Testerman Park. "We all support this wholeheartedly in recognition of your son," Trustee Becky Ehling said. The Barnhills hoped to do a tribute for their son Kevin C. Barnhill, who was killed Aug. 26 in Mason. They chose renovations of the baseball fields where Kevin once played. "We knew the Reds were going to do an initial field renovation, and I wanted to do some type of improvement on top of the renovations — with some memorial or permanent legacy to Kevin's name," Kevin's father, Bill Barnhill, said. The official name of the stadium will be Champion Baseball Field and has been designed by Michael Schuster Associates Inc. — the same company that designed Great American Ball Park. The stadium will have more than 100,000 square feet of turf costing an estimated $350,000. After it's built, the continued maintenance and operational costs — estimated at $8,000 to $12,000 — will be Hamilton Twp.'s responsibility. Residents input needed on Montgomery parks Cincinnati.com, 3/29/07 After three public meetings to gauge residents' feelings on the city's parks and recreation programs, officials are still looking for more input — this time via e-mail. Officials want residents to weigh in before April 15, the deadline for getting public feedback that will be considered as they move forward with a proposal for the city's Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Residents wary of plans for park Cincinnati Enquirer, 3/29/07 Many residents here agree that a new park is needed; however, the proposed plan for improvements to Battery Hooper Park received some criticism during a special meeting of council Tuesday night at St. Agnes School gymnasium. About 100 people attended to express concerns about the park, which would feature an amphitheater, picnic shelters, restrooms and recreational trails. Long-range plans to develop a park at the historic location off Highland Avenue have been ongoing since 2003. The project expense is estimated at $2.3 million, of which $1.3 million would be obtained from loans. The city received a $250,000 grant from the state specifically for park improvements. Salem Twp. approves road extension Fairfield Echo, 3/29/07 The Salem Twp. Board of Trustees approved an extension on Brooke Drive Tuesday night for Gary Hamm of Eli Properties to construct a cul-de-sac and four homes. Hamm met with the Warren County Regional Planning Committee and it recommended he put in five lots and extend the road to the end of the property for more possible houses in the future. There is a 10-acre lot behind the proposed project, but no plans are set to expand further, and board members didn't like the current end of Brooke Drive looking like a mistake. "I don't like driving up there and seeing a dead-end road," Trustee Rob Glancy said. "To me it looks like a developer ran out of money or stopped working." Extending the road may provide another entrance in the future. But with no plans set, the cul-de-sac instantly will provide a place for fire, police and other traffic to turn around, avoiding residents' grass, driveways and mailboxes. Hamm also expanded the cul-de-sac to have a larger radius to better fit fire trucks.

From the 1/22/07 Hudson Hub-Times: First & Main site still undeveloped January 22, 2007 by Jennifer Reece Reporter Hudson -- It's been more than two years since the grand opening of First & Main downtown, but there are still no official plans for the last vacant lot, known as "building 7." The area is located across from the new Green at First & Main at the intersection of First Street and Village Way. While developer Fairmount Properties contends it has been trying to come up with the best use for the land, city officials are getting frustrated that it is taking so long. "I view it as the blackhole of Calcutta," said Council member John Jeffers. "I think it would be marvelous if they [Fairmount] would go ahead with plans that they used to have to build condominiums." READ MORE AT: http://www.hudsonhubtimes.com/news/article/1508641

From the 4/4/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Boardman opposes Springfield Twp. proposal A Springfield trustee says the senior apartments won't increase traffic. By DENISE DICK VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER BOARDMAN — A proposed senior citizen development in Springfield Township is being opposed by Boardman Township trustees. Trustees last month passed a resolution opposing Wexford Village Senior Apartments, a 72-unit facility for people age 55 and older. The three-story structure would be on Summit Ridge Road at East Western Reserve Road, east of Interstate 680... http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/326611314831813.php Columbiana downtown renovation work planned Salem News, 3/30/07 Plans are being finalized for a major renovation project that could have Columbiana’s downtown square looking a little different by the end of the summer...

From ThisWeek Big Walnut, 2/3/07: Judges want county to finish jail Saturday, February 3, 2007 By NATE ELLIS ThisWeek Staff Writer Less than a year after opening a new, 30,000-square-foot addition to the Delaware County Jail, local judges and the county's sheriff maintain there is inadequate space there. Rather than tossing some job-holding criminal offenders in jail for 30 days or more, Delaware County Common Pleas Judge W. Duncan Whitney and Municipal Court Judge Sunderman, at times, are willing to compromise. While they still hand down sentences that require certain offenders to stay overnight in jail, the judges often allow those with steady employment temporarily to be released so they can continue to work. "Work-release" sentencing is effective, the judges say, because it gives the offenders a taste of life behind bars, but they can continue to be functioning members of society. However, such sentencing is becoming difficult, they add, because of a lack of beds at the county jail. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/020307/Sunbury/News/020307-News-300437.html

From ThisWeek Licking County, 4/1/07: Planners, officials address future 161 development Sunday, April 1, 2007 By LORI WINCE ThisWeek Staff Writer As planners struggled last week with decisions to designate land along state Route 161 between New Albany and Granville for business uses, local officials were trying to find a way to work together on planning for development in the area. "We desperately need a group like this that meets on a regular basis to discuss these issues. ... It's critical," said Dave Dicks, a St. Albans Township resident. Dicks was speaking to members working to establish a Licking County Accord, a land use plan for development on 161 between New Albany and Granville. That stretch of road is now being widened by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and residents in St. Albans and Jersey townships -- which are sandwiched between the two villages -- have no public forum in which they can voice concerns about development pressures, Dicks said. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/040107/LickingCounty/News/040107-News-329268.html

From the 3/19/07 Dispatch: CONSTRUCTION ZONE Equity is planning to add office, retail space in Pickerington Monday, March 19, 2007 Mike Pramik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The development company Equity is breaking ground this week on a combination office/retail center that will bring much-needed office space and traffic help to Pickerington. The Shoppes at Stonecreek will include 47,000 square feet of retail space, and the Offices at Stonecreek will result in two new office buildings totaling 16,000 square feet. Equity also is renovating three existing small office buildings at the site, near the intersection of Rt. 256 and Refugee Road. The total development: 81,600 square feet. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/03/19/20070319-E4-01.html From the 3/20/07 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Bloom, Violet township residents get to look ahead By TAMARIA L. KULEMEKA The Eagle-Gazette Staff [email protected] FAIRFIELD COUNTY - Fairfield County residents can take a look at what Violet and Bloom townships will look like and what travel will be like in those communities in about 20 years. The draft 2030 Regional Transportation Plan is available for public review and comment at the Fairfield County District Main Library until April 1. The plan was adopted in May 2004, however, it must be revised to meet federal requirements resulting from legislation enacted in 2005. Full story at http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070320/NEWS01/703200310/1002/rss01 From ThisWeek Pickerington, 3/22/07: Aerosport moving to Canal Pointe Thursday, March 22, 2007 By SEAN CASEY ThisWeek Staff Writer Canal Pointe Industry and Commerce Park has gained a new resident. Aerosport Modeling and Design, a prototype- and model-production firm, announced plans last week to construct a 10,000-square-foot facility in Canal Pointe, Canal Winchester's 150-acre industrial park located near the Hill Road-Diley Road interchange on U.S. Route 33. The building, estimated at $1-million, will allow Aerosport to expand its operations from eight to 15 employees. The company presently leases a space on Windmiller Drive in Pickerington. Founded in 1996, Aerosport's client base includes Honda, Scott's and Motorola, as well as many design firms throughout central Ohio and the country. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/032207/Pickerington/News/032207-News-323149.html

From the 2/24/07 PD: Mayor backs off promise for Ward 11 rec center Polensek-Campbell talks no longer in play Saturday, February 24, 2007 Susan Vinella Plain Dealer Reporter A month before the 2005 election, then-Mayor Jane Campbell gave Councilman Mike Polensek and his North Collinwood neighborhood what they had wanted for years: a promise to build a recreation center in their community. Two weeks later, Polensek endorsed Campbell, in part because she delivered on the center... To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 216-999-5010 http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1172309779111490.xml&coll=2 From the 3/1/07 Sun Courier: Indexco aiming to build homes Thursday, March 01, 2007 By Tara Quinn The Sun Courier INDEPENDENCE Indexco will appear before the Planning Commission on Tuesday, this time requesting approval for its preliminary plan for 12 single-family homes to be built on vacant land south of the most easterly portion of East Ash Road... http://www.cleveland.com/suncourier/news/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1172700515230850.xml&coll=4 From the 2/26/07 Ashtabula Star Beacon: News-Herald: UH buys land in Concord Twp. (2/21/07) University Hospitals buys 25 acres in Concord Star Beacon CLEVELAND - - University Hospitals announced it has acquired 25 acres of land near the Interstate 90 and Route 44 interchange, in Concord Township, and is considering possible uses for the site to serve better the needs of the rapidly growing communities in Lake and Geauga counties... http://www.starbeacon.com/local/local_story_057121524 Geneva High construction still unfinished Ashtabula Star Beacon, 2/24/07 The new Geneva High School remains technically unfinished as contractor R.P. Carbone Company works to fix a leaky roof, buckling floors, crumbling concrete and incomplete landscaping... Private partnerships pitched for lakefront Ashtabula Star Beacon, 2/23/07 If public money is tight, private capital could be tapped to help bring tourists to Conneaut's lakefront, officials said. At a meeting Tuesday night, Port Authority members said they have been in discussions with developers about investing in a plan to place a handful of tourist cabins at the southwest corner of Conneaut Harbor... Creek area won't be a preserve Sun News, 2/22/07 A proposal to create a Chippewa Creek preservation project has sunk because it did not receive any grant money. The North Royalton school board voted last week to sell 10 acres near the creek to Zillich Homes, Inc., after learning the grant was denied... Sports complex? Look elsewhere Solon Herald Sun, 2/15/07 A plan to build a sports field complex on 36 acres at Aurora and Pettibone roads is dying quickly. Recreation Director Don Holub said the city will start looking elsewhere including city-owned Timberlake Park near Grantwood Golf Course and Solon Middle School to build ball fields... Senior housing eyed for Engle Road land News Sun, 2/15/07 Two vacant homes on Engle Road are to be razed, making way for housing with seniors in mind. The two homes at 6178 and 6170 Engle and the two adjacent lots north of the homes have been purchased by Sheldon Bloch of Fireside Builders, the same developer that built 40 new homes at the site of the former Neeley Elementary School and seven houses on Grosse Drive...

I'm a little concerned about the Kimmel appearance. His attempts at humor thus far have not been very funny.