buildingcincinnati

From the 1/18/07 ABJ: City not part of theater step Mayor says Akron juggling need for Highland Square parking, school renovation By Stephanie Warsmith and John Higgins Beacon Journal staff writers The city had nothing to do with the Highland Square Theater owner's decision to take out a demolition permit, Mayor Don Plusquellic said Wednesday. Highland Square Neighborhood Association President Lisa Bostwick held a community meeting Tuesday night after she discovered that TBE Inc., which owns the Highland Theater, filed a commercial alteration permit with the city to tear down the theater. Ted Bare Enterprises received city approval on Jan. 3 to remove the movie-theater section of the 1938 building at 826 W. Market St. and construct a new rear wall. The permit lists a "target date'' of Jan. 4, 2008. The city's support of new development in Highland Square, coupled with its interest in renovating Portage Path Elementary School just south of the theater, fueled speculation that city officials were working secretly with Bare to acquire the property. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/16487435.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

From the 1/17/07 ABJ: Highland Theater may be lost Activists hope to save 1938 building after owner receives permit to raze it By Bob Downing and John Higgins Beacon Journal staff writers Highland Square activists want to save Akron's Highland Theater, perhaps to turn it into a community-based center for theater, films and music. About 25 neighborhood residents rallied Tuesday night after learning that the movie theater might be razed. Residents said they were unsure what was going to happen to the theater: Rumors are the space might be turned into city parking or perhaps be used to rebuild nearby Portage Path Elementary School. The Highland Square Neighborhood Association has been trying to contact theater owner Ted Bare about acquiring the theater, an effort that might cost as much as $800,000, said spokeswoman Lisa Bostwick. She urged the group to attend Monday's Akron City Council meeting in an effort to enlist city support in keeping the theater from being razed and to give the Highland Square group time to form a nonprofit group to take over the theater. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/living/community/16478538.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

Not surprised. I thought I'd go ahead and start the thread...please feel free to post the story.

Strickland not committing to bypass GABRIELLE JOHNSTON Athens Messenger Wednesday, March 14, 2007 NELSONVILLE - Gov. Ted Strickland isn't committing to a timetable for the completion of the Nelsonville bypass. Budget concerns are forcing the governor to look closely at projects around the state, particularly costly construction projects. Without revealing too much of his planned budget, Strickland answered questions at a news conference in Columbus on Monday about planned highway construction around the state, including the Nelsonville bypass. "There's not enough money to do all we want to do," Strickland admitted. While decrying the practice of political finger-pointing, Strickland said the "inherited situation" left to him by the previous administration has effectively tied his hands on budget matters. "A lot of commitments were made," the governor said of the previous administration. "We find ourselves with fewer resources to do what needs to be done." Full article: http://www.athensmessenger.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=273&ArticleID=2867

From the 3/13/07 Enquirer: Carthage Paideia to close after school year BY DENISE SMITH AMOS | [email protected] A magnet school rated "effective' by the state last year will close earlier than planned, Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Rosa Blackwell confirmed Monday night. But school board members debated whether the school's program should die when the building closes at the end of this school year. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070313/NEWS0102/703130374/

From the 3/7/07 Enquirer: Cuts trickle down to city schools BY DENISE SMITH AMOS | [email protected] Each Cincinnati public school will have to get by with about $500 less per pupil next fall, district leaders said Wednesday. As the district prepares to cut $39 million from next year’s $430 million budget, principals are being told they’ll have 10 percent less to spend – or about $4,632 per student next year, down from $5,147 this year. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070307/NEWS01/303070050/

From the 3/3/07 Enquirer: New manager for $1B building project at CPS BY DENISE SMITH AMOS | [email protected] Five years into its $1 billion building plan, Cincinnati Public Schools this week hired a new project manager to oversee it. The firm's first order of business will be to answer school board members' questions about cost overruns and management decisions in the project, school leaders said. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070303/NEWS0102/703030361/

From the 2/2/07 Enquirer: School a tribute to stubborn advocate BY DENISE SMITH AMOS | [email protected] Just before Cincinnati Public school officials dedicated the new, $11.2 million Ethel M. Taylor Academy in Millvale on Thursday, a woman briefly stood out in front, staring at the school name and wiping away tears. She was Christine Williamson of North College Hill, Taylor's daughter. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070202/NEWS0102/702020363/

From the 2/26/07 Eastern Hills Journal: Survey to focus on Hyde Park school BY FORREST SELLERS | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER HYDE PARK - The Hyde Park Neighborhood Council wants feedback on the former Hyde Park school. Cincinnati Public Schools is using the building, which closed at the end of the 2004-2005 school year, as a transition space for other schools in the district that are undergoing renovations or construction of new facilities. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070226/NEWS01/702260436/1090/Local

From the 1/29/07 Cincinnati Business Courier: CPS goal for construction contracts gaining ground More projects awarded to minority, women-owned firms Cincinnati Business Courier - January 26, 2007 by Lucy May Senior Staff Reporter Three years into its $1 billion building program, Cincinnati Public Schools is making progress toward its goals for awarding construction contracts to businesses owned by minorities and women. So far, the district has awarded 12.3 percent of its contracts to minority-owned businesses and 7.4 percent to firms owned by women, said Russ Alford, a Turner Construction Co. project executive and construction manager for the CPS project. http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/01/29/story7.html

From the 1/11/07 Eastern Hills Journal: Council considers options for Hyde Park school BY FORREST SELLERS | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER HYDE PARK - The Hyde Park Neighborhood Council is trying to help determine the fate of Hyde Park School. Cincinnati Public Schools will ultimately decide what to do with the building once Kilgour moves into its new facility. However, Darlene Green Kamine, a consultant for the Cincinnati Public Schools, discussed several options during council's Jan. 9 meeting. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070111/NEWS01/701110393/1090/Local

From the 3/11/07 PD: Taking a tougher stance on contractors Cleveland schools' rules aim to diversify work force Sunday, March 11, 2007 Joseph L. Wagner Plain Dealer Reporter Cleveland school officials, under fire for not hiring enough minorities and city residents to work on their $1 billion construction program, have issued tougher rules to contractors to better diversify the work force. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1173602571214610.xml&coll=2

From the 2/21/07 PD: CEO says schools safe after fights, shooting Wednesday, February 21, 2007 Brie Zeltner Plain Dealer Reporter Fights at two Cleveland schools and a shooting left school and safety officials trying to reassure parents and community members Tuesday evening that the school district is safe. Cleveland School Chief Executive Eugene Sanders and Cleveland Public Safety Director Martin Flask told parents and the community at a specially called news conference that the violent incidents would be investigated and that schools would be open and safe. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/117205061744360.xml&coll=2

From the 2/13/07 PD: Schools, watchdog make peace Rules set on construction oversight Tuesday, February 13, 2007 Joseph L. Wagner Plain Dealer Reporter Cleveland school officials and a special watchdog agency reached agreement Monday night on how the schools' $1 billion construction program is to be scrutinized. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1171359524256130.xml&coll=2

From the 2/7/07 PD: Cleveland pupil tally much better But auditor still finds report errors Wednesday, February 07, 2007 Joseph L. Wagner Plain Dealer Reporter Cleveland school officials still miscounted student attendance last year but were much more accurate than in the past, according to a state audit released Tuesday. "Although the district has made significant improvements toward resolving attendance reporting problems, we still have concerns," State Auditor Mary Taylor said in a written statement. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1170842856260010.xml&coll=2

From the 2/5/07 PD: Watchdog says Sanders is balking Bond panel requests documents Monday, February 05, 2007 Joseph L. Wagner Plain Dealer Reporter Spokesmen for a watchdog agency charged with keeping tabs on the $1 billion Cleveland school construction project are complaining that CEO Eugene Sanders isn't giving them the cooperation they need. Alfonso Sanchez, acting chairman of the Bond Accountability Commission, and member Robert Jackson say Sanders refuses to give them $150,000 he promised last summer and is insisting that the district has the final say over what records they should be given. More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1170667873146970.xml&coll=2

From the 2/2/07 PD: Schools chief gathering 'an army of believers' Friday, February 02, 2007 Ellen Jan Kleinerman and Joseph L. Wagner Plain Dealer Reporters Cleveland schools CEO Eugene Sanders' mission on Thursday was to recruit "an army of believers" to support his vision to transform the district. The crowd of about 400, most of them invited guests, responded with knowing nods and standing ovations. Sanders' message in his first State of the Schools address was: Cleveland can either stay on the same dismal course or "roll out bold, new ideas and initiatives." More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1170409451299160.xml&coll=2

An update on the Fergus Street project... (Yes, this news is a month old.) Cincinnati City Council voted unanimously to sell six lots to the Cincinnati Northside Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CNCURC) for one dollar. Five of the lots are along Chase Ave, between Fergus and Mad Anthony streets. This is where three buildings were demolished last May. The other lot is at Chase and Mad Anthony, currently occupied by a structure awaiting demolition. The sale of these lots will allow CNCURC to construct three new LEED-certified home ownership units as Phase One of the Fergus Street Homeownership Project. It may be a few months before any action occurs. CNCURC will have to submit, and have approved, various levels of development plans to the City.

Goodbye to this poor little lonely building. Newport's core sure is bustling! From the 3/13/07 Enquirer: PHOTO: A site being cleared at East Fifth and Saratoga streets could become a parking lot. Ray Faul of Maxim Crane Co. operates the excavator on Monday. The Enquirer/Patrick Reddy Historic building destroyed Preservationists mourn teardown BY SCOTT WARTMAN | [email protected] Some residents in the east end lamented the demolition of a circa-1880s three-story building on Monday. Building owner and Fort Thomas developer Wayne Carlisle said land at the northwest corner of Fifth and Saratoga streets may become a parking lot or parking garage. "It was a building that was empty," Carlisle said. "I was paying taxes on the building, and I couldn't use it for anything. The building was an expense." The three-story building was one of the few remaining 19th century structures along the northern section of Saratoga, with many being torn down to make way for parking. "One by one, some of these historic buildings are being taken down," said Mary Beth Crocker, a resident in Newport's east end. "Once they are torn down, we will never get them back." MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070313/NEWS0103/703130401/1059/rss13 From the 3/9/07 Cincinnati Business Courier: 22 doctors invest in $8M surgery center in N. Ky. Crestview Hills facility to include three other practices Cincinnati Business Courier - March 9, 2007 by James Ritchie Staff Reporter A long-planned doctor-owned multispecialty surgery center finally will open in Northern Kentucky. Paul Hemmer Cos. will break ground Wednesday on an $8 million construction project to house the newly formed Surgery Center, which will include 22 doctor-investors. Three other practices also will locate in the 34,000-square-foot building at the Thomas More Centre in Crestview Hills. The project, which involves expanding and remodeling a 24,000-square-foot structure, should be completed late this year. The investors have been trying to get the project off the ground for several years, with different sites under consideration. It will be the first freestanding center of its type in Northern Kentucky. The Surgery Center, taking one floor of the building, will provide orthopedic, podiatric, general, gynecologic, plastic, reconstructive surgery and other types of surgery. Dr. Devinder Mangat will serve as CEO. Also in the building will be sports medicine specialist Dr. John Larkin of the Commonwealth Orthopaedic Centers; the physical therapy group Progressive Rehabilitation, owned by Jo Terry; and Drs. John Kelly and Brad Mullen of Neuroscience Associates of Northern Kentucky. MORE: http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/03/12/story6.html

From the 1/27/07 Enquirer: Furniture store would fill empty Frank's site New building first must pass agency review BY BRENNA R. KELLY | [email protected] Another empty big box is getting filled. Value City Furniture plans to open a store on the site of the former Frank's Nursery & Crafts on Ky. 18 at Mall Road. The discount furniture retailer plans to tear down the existing building and build a 46,800-square-foot store, according to plans submitted to the Boone County Planning Commission. The former Frank's building has been vacant since the chain closed all of its 169 stores in 2004. The building is attached to the Kmart store, but the buildings are separate. http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070127/NEWS0103/701270421

From the 1/15/07 Kentucky Post: Money for Mall Road is sought By Stephenie Steitzer Post staff reporter Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore is hoping to use some of his political muscle to direct $9 million in state money to improvements to Mall Road in Florence. With Gov. Ernie Fletcher asking Kentuckians how he should spend a projected $279 million budget surplus, Moore is hoping to get a small chunk of that to make the aging retail corridor more user-friendly. http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070115/NEWS02/701150360/1014

From the 3/13/07 Mount Vernon News: Mavis pitches plan to clean up ANC site By Dylan McCament, News Staff Reporter Tuesday, March 13, 2007 MOUNT VERNON — Mayor Richard Mavis formally pitched his plan to acquire, clean up and redevelop the old American National Can site to City Council on Monday. He asked members to take the next step of approving a $9,000 expenditure to help ascertain the true cost of cleaning up the site. Read more at http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/07/03/13/mavis.anc.html

From the 3/13/07 Middletown Journal: Deadline to receive AK ballots today Union representatives will tally votes Wednesday, with results to be released as soon as they are finished. By Dave Greber Staff Writer Tuesday, March 13, 2007 CINCINNATI — Federal labor officials today are receiving the last of more than 1,700 ratification ballots from members of AK Steel's locked-out union. A spokesman for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1943, whose members have been locked out of Middletown Works since March 1, 2006, said the number of submitted ballots has been high. After more than a year of failed negotiations — and little progress during the past two months — a tentative agreement between AK Steel and the Machinists was inked Feb. 28. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/13/mj031307voteprv.html

Several of these homes have been listed since mid-January. They range from $1.6M-$2.6M. Go to your favorite realtor site and enter "Vintage Club" as the street name to see them. A press release from the City of Montgomery: Montgomery preparing to host Homearama The City of Montgomery is preparing to host Homearama 2007, the return of the home showcase to Hamilton County after more than 10 years. The last show held in Montgomery in 1995 was the largest attended Homearama in the event’s 46 year history! City officials have partnered with the Home Builders Association of Cincinnati to ensure this event will be the most successful they have ever held. Homearama will be held Saturday, June 9th through Sunday, June 24th at the new Great Traditions development. Anyone who has driven by the Homearama location at the Vintage Club has seen the flurry of activity by builders and developers as they prepare for the June debut. Even the recent spate of winter weather did not deter contractors and construction workers from their work on these impressive home sites. With just over three months until the event, the event site will see quite a transformation in anticipation of the grand opening. Visitors and guests to this year’s Homearama are anticipated to number nearly 90,000 over the 16 day event. City staff will be preparing informational mailings and online updates to keep all residents and businesses aware of the many aspects of hosting the event. These updates will address event specifics, opportunities for business and community outreach, items of interest for residents and visitors, as well as traffic and public safety concerns. The City website will be updated regularly with Homearama details and specifics. Admission to this year’s Homearama is $12.00 for adults, with children under 12 admitted free with an adult. Hours for the event are 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM weekdays, and Noon to 11:00 PM on the weekends. All parking, restrooms and concessions will be located directly on the event site. City officials and volunteers will be on site every day of the event to welcome residents, guests and visitors. We invite you to stop by and say hello! An event of this magnitude offers an excellent opportunity to highlight the unique beauty and exemplary features that make the City of Montgomery a truly premier community. http://www.montgomeryohio.org/homearama/mar_homearama_article.htm

From the 1/28/07 Enquirer: State asked to speed up resurfacing Road leading to Homearama site needs work BY FEOSHIA HENDERSON | [email protected] MONTGOMERY - Montgomery officials want a smoother ride for the anticipated 90,000 people driving to Homearama in June. They've asked the state to speed up resurfacing on an approximately 1,200-foot section of Montgomery Road that runs over Interstate 275. Click on link for article. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070128/NEWS01/701280334/