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From the 3/2/07 Enquirer: Comair pilots OK cuts Results end labor dispute BY ALEXANDER COOLIDGE | [email protected] HEBRON - Pilots at bankrupt Comair have ratified $40 million worth of concessions over the next four years, the pilots union said this morning. The vote was 69 percent to 31 percent, union officials said before a news conference at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Eighty-four percent of the union's 1,600 members participated. The pact ends more than 15 months of labor woes at the Erlanger-based regional airline and move it toward exiting bankruptcy. If the deal had been rejected, Comair was poised to impose court-authorized cuts as early as Sunday while the union pursues appeals in court. Comair had won a court order from a bankruptcy court forbidding a strike by the pilots. Under the deal, pilots' base pay would be cut between 7.75 percent and 12.5 percent. Pilots' pay would range from about $21,120 to $95,021, down from $22,500 to $108,600. The contract would expire March 1, 2011. Comair's parent company, Delta Air Lines, promised not to shrink Comair's fleet of 70-seat jets to fewer than a dozen if the pilots approve thed deal. Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070302/BIZ01/703020341/-1/rss

From the 2/22/07 Enquirer: Comair pilots start vote Size of fleet is key for deal BY ALEXANDER COOLIDGE | [email protected] ERLANGER - Delta Air Lines has promised not to shrink Comair's fleet of 70-seat jets to less than a dozen if the bankrupt regional airline's pilots union ratifies a tentative contract agreement. The Erlanger-based company's fleet size has clearly emerged as a bargaining chip, according to new details of the labor deal now being voted on by Comair pilots. Losing planes would mean losing jobs - most of them at the airline's hub at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Hebron. More than 250 pilots crowded Wednesday into the Erlanger Holiday Inn's ballroom to hear details of the tentative pact designed to complete Comair's emergence from bankruptcy. The pilots started voting on the deal endorsed by union leadership over the weekend. Voting ends March 2. Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070222/BIZ01/702220313/1059/rss13

From the AP, 2/15/07: Rays of hope for Delta BY HARRY R. WEBER | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ATLANTA - The amount of red ink at bankrupt Delta Air Lines Inc. swelled to more than $18 billion since the start of 2001 as the company reported a bigger fourth-quarter loss Wednesday than a year ago, in large part because of restructuring items. Even so, chief financial officer Ed Bastian said the nation's third-largest carrier is making improvements - he cited a $58 million operating profit for all of 2006 - and is on target to emerge from Chapter 11 as early as April as a stand-alone company. "I think we're pleased with the progress," Bastian said. "I wouldn't say we're happy, considering we still lost money." The Atlanta-based company, which operates its second-largest hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, said it lost $1.98 billion for the three months ending Dec. 31, compared to a loss of $1.24 billion a year ago. Quarterly revenue rose 5.3 percent to $4.14 billion from $3.93 billion in the same period a year ago. Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070215/BIZ01/702150308/1076/rss01

From the 2/9/07 Enquirer: Delta places order for 30 regional jets BY ALEXANDER COOLIDGE | [email protected] Bankrupt Delta Air Lines announced Thursday it has placed a $1.1 billion order for 30 new 76-seat jets from Bombardier Aerospace. Delta officials said the new regional aircraft would help it "meet its network and operational needs for 2007 and 2008." The deal includes an option for another 30 jets that could swell the value of the sale to $2.3 billion. The deal is part of a broader plan to redistribute regional jets - some at the expense of Delta Connection carrier Comair Inc.Comair officials said they haven't been told if they are losing more aircraft. The Erlanger-based airline already is seeing its fleet shrink to about 132 jets by spring, down from 168 in the fall. Comair officials had estimated they could lose a total of 42 aircraft in a bidding process. Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070209/BIZ01/702090343/1059/rss13

From the AP, 2/8/07: Delta statement approved Airline takes big step towards exiting bankruptcy BY VINNEE TONG | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK - A judge Wednesday approved a disclosure statement that will be sent to creditors along with a Delta Air Lines reorganization plan, a big step forward in the airline's effort to exit bankruptcy. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Adlai Hardin's approval allows Delta Air Lines Inc. to begin soliciting votes for its plan to emerge this spring as a stand-alone company worth more than $9.5 billion, Delta lawyer Marshall Huebner said in court. In court documents, Delta has estimated it could be worth between $9.4 billion and $12 billion. Huebner said the approval was a "momentous event" as the company worked to emerge from court protection. Lawyers for the Atlanta-based company said in court filings Tuesday that it had resolved all remaining objections. Eleven objections were filed, and they included the city of Los Angeles, the city and county of Denver, Travelocity and a number of banks. "The completely consensual nature of today's hearing is the result of breathtakingly hard work by many, many people," Huebner said. Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070208/BIZ01/702080313/1076/rss01

From the AP, 2/7/07: Delta: All objections resolved BY HARRY R. WEBER | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ATLANTA - Delta Air Lines Inc., which is operating under bankruptcy protection, has resolved all the objections to the disclosure statement to its reorganization plan, a company lawyer said in court papers Tuesday. Lawyer Marshall Huebner made the comment in a brief filing ahead of today's bankruptcy court hearing on Delta's request to approve the disclosure statement. Huebner wrote that details of the objections that have been resolved will be discussed at the hearing in New York. The disclosure statement, which details Delta's operations, must be approved for the Atlanta-based company to be able to begin soliciting votes to approve its reorganization plan, which calls for it to emerge from bankruptcy in the spring as a standalone carrier. Once voting starts, it will take four to eight weeks. Delta first filed its reorganization plan and disclosure statement Dec. 19. It has amended it twice. Delta has estimated the company would be worth $9.4 billion to $12 billion if it emerges from Chapter 11 as a standalone company. A hostile bid by Tempe, Ariz.-based US Airways Group Inc. to buy Delta Air Lines Inc. was withdrawn after a major group of Delta's creditors said it supported Delta's standalone plan. Delta's second-largest hub is Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070207/BIZ01/702070386/1076/rss01

From the 1/20/07 Enquirer: Delta evaluates Comair at $1B BY ALEXANDER COOLIDGE | [email protected] Delta Air Lines estimates that Comair's assets would be worth $920 million to just over $1 billion if both companies were forced to liquidate. The disclosure was part of an amended reorganization plan by Delta that details how it would satisfy claims against its Erlanger-based subsidiary. The liquidation value is considerably less than the nearly $2.3 billion book value Delta assigns to Comair. Part of the reason for the difference in values is that money owed by Delta, a major portion of Comair's assets, would not be paid in a liquidation. A total of $573 million worth of Delta IOUs to Comair would not get paid because in a liquidation of Delta and Comair those assets would be pooled. Delta also estimates Comair's nearly $1.2 billion worth of aircraft and other flight equipment wouldn't likely fetch top dollar in liquidation - losing as much as $531 million. The sale of other property and assets could see similar markdowns totaling $189 million. Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070120/BIZ01/701200337/1076/BIZ

From the 3/7/07 Youngstown Vindicator: New East High will be done by April The district will hold a transitional meeting March 14 for students. YOUNGSTOWN — The new $33 million East High School is on target for completion in April. It will officially open its doors this fall to students who would normally be attending The Rayen School, as well as half of those who would be at Wilson High School... http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/338780624779267.php Shelters look to expand Warren Tribune Chronicle, 3/8/07 The Greater Warren-Youngstown Urban League wants to either expand its Amos Christy House homeless shelter or build a new facility... North Pool hit by delays Youngstown Vindicator, 3/5/07 Those wanting to swim at a new North Pool are going to have to wait until August...

That's precisely why people care. From the 3/8/07 DDN: Council set to vote on big development plan Oberer Land Developers wants to put 800 homes on the LeMay farm on the southwest edge of the village. By Lawrence Budd Staff Writer WAYNESVILLE | Monday night might be the last chance for those intent on publicly voicing their opinion before the Village Council votes on a development plan expected to double the local population. The Waynesville Planning Commission split 3-3 on Jan. 25 over the request by Oberer Land Developers to rezone the 480 acres, known as the LeMay farm, on the southwest edge of the 200-year-old village. http://www.daytondailynews.com/community/content/localnews/neighbors/warren/2007/03/08/ddn030807waynesville.html From the 3/8/07 Western Star: Lebanon eyes 20-acre rezoning Some residents oppose commercial development for 20-acre property along Monroe Road. By Daniel Wells Staff Writer Thursday, March 08, 2007 Lebanon City Council will decide the fate of 20 acres at the northeast corner of Monroe Road and Ohio Bypass 48 on Tuesday. Upper Arlington-based developer Long & Wilcox wants the land rezoned for retail and office uses, but a group of residents from nearby Harbor Drive and Mockingbird Lane say commercial development is not right for their hilltop neighborhood. Residents want the land to stay zoned for rural residential. They worry that they'll be left to deal with unsightly strip centers and noise, light pollution and traffic. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/08/ws030807monroeroad.html

From the 3/9/07 Blade: Toledo Blade: Central Catholic H.S. seeks larger campus (3/8/07) TOLEDO PLAN COMMISSION Central Catholic expansion gets crucial vote of approval A five-phase, multimillion-dollar plan to expand Central Catholic High School's Cherry Street campus over a period of a decade or more received a crucial stamp of approval yesterday. The five-member Toledo Plan Commission voted unanimously in favor of the school's institutional master plan, moving the proposal ahead to City Council next month. The plan involves finishing the Gallagher Athletic Complex, building an enlarged $4 million visual and performing arts center, creating two new practice fields, and ultimately constructing a $15 million science and technology building. Some details of the plan have raised concerns in recent months among the diocesan school's neighbors. For instance, the third phase involves buying and demolishing homes belonging to or rented by about 30 families on Palmer and Austin streets to make way for the practice fields. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070309/NEWS16/703090302/-1/RSS10

From ThisWeek Clintonville, 3/8/07: CAC formalizes opposition to OSU plan Thursday, March 8, 2007 By RANDY NAVAROLI ThisWeek Staff Writer Clintonville Area Commissioners have reaffirmed their opposition to a plan to build condominiums on property willed to The Ohio State University by a longtime Clintonville resident and OSU graduate. The Commission unanimously adopted a resolution March 1 cementing its objection to plans to build a condominium complex on the site at the northwest corner of West Dominion Boulevard and North High Street. Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/030807/Clintonville/News/030807-News-318118.html

From the 3/8/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Group files lawsuit over changes 'They never gave me an appeal,' a lawyer complains. By PETER H. MILLIKEN VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — A group of Pine Lake shoreline homeowners has filed a lawsuit asking a judge to void what it calls improperly approved changes to a lakefront residential condominium development. In Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday, the Pine Lake Homeowners Association sued Beaver Township; George Smerigan of Painesville, township planning consultant; and Evergreen Land Development LLC of Poland, the developer of the condominium complex... http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/288368787088415.php From the 3/6/07 East Liverpool Review: Letter sent opposing ‘affordable housing’ site By FRED MILLER [email protected] EAST LIVERPOOL — City council members said it may do no good to send to a state financing agency a letter opposing the PIRHL Development “affordable housing” project... http://reviewonline.com/news/articles.asp?articleID=6582 Howland officials don't plan to rush into building project Youngstown Vindicator, 3/5/07 School officials intend to take their time in determining if the district will embark on a construction program, board members say... Warren Tribune Chronicle: Survey: Explore new schools (2/27/07) South Range group to promote bond issue Youngstown Vindicator, 3/4/07 Citizens for South Range has scheduled a public informational meeting for 7 p.m. Thursday at the high school... Breach deadlines loom Warren Tribune Chronicle, 3/4/07 As the city continues to cross its fingers in hopes federal dollars will one day make it here to repair the Lower Girard Lake Dam, a deadline approaches for a state-ordered breach of it... ODOT awards contract for Route 46 widening Youngstown Vindicator, 3/2/07 A contract was awarded for a major widening project on state Route 46. Ohio Department of Transportation's estimated project cost was $5.3 million... B North Road on fast track Warren Tribune Chronicle, 3/1/07 After months of rough riding, residents of North Road S.E. will have a smoother road ahead — and sooner than anticipated. Mike Sliwinski, project manager for the Trumbull County Engineer’s Office, told Howland trustees Wednesday that work is ahead of schedule... Warren Tribune Chronicle: North Road summit held (2/28/07)

From The Ohio State University, 3/5/07: Renderings of New Ohio Union Added! March 5, 2007 As we continue to move forward with plans for the New Ohio Union, we are excited to share the most recent renderings of what the new building will look like when it opens in 2010. You can also visit the New Ohio Union/Transition pages for information about the new building including: renderings, planning team information, project timeline, features of the new building and more! http://ohiounion.osu.edu/article.asp?id=255

From the 2/19/07 (OSU) Lantern: Meeting space scarce for groups Mary Dannemiller Issue date: 2/19/07 Section: Campus With the Ohio Union under construction, many student organizations are working with the Recreation and Physical Activity Center and Union staff to find new meeting spaces. The Union used to offer free meeting spaces to student organizations. Now, the RPAC offers four meeting rooms with varying occupancies and prices, while the Union, temporarily located in the Ohio Stadium, is coordinating campus classroom use. Read more at http://www.thelantern.com/media/storage/paper333/news/2007/02/19/Campus/Meeting.Space.Scarce.For.Groups-2728183.shtml

Tear down to build up Ohio Union’s demise aids Habitat for Humanity Friday, January 26, 2007 Kathy Lynn Gray THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH It’s the ultimate recycling project: 220,000 square feet of concrete, marble, metal, brick, wood and stone ripe for scavenging. Since December, Ohio State University students have been deconstructing the school’s massive student union, unscrewing, prying up and moving out anything that might have a second life elsewhere. Pallet after pallet of ceiling tiles have left the building. Hundreds of plastic stacking chairs have been carried out. Pound after pound of lava rock and river stone have been shoveled into buckets and hauled away. "We just kind of go nuts and take everything that we can," said Patrick Andrasko, president of OSU’s Habitat for Humanity student chapter. Andrasko’s group is coordinating the tear-down project with the Greater Columbus Habitat group, which is selling the scavenged items to the public at its Build It Again Center, 3140 Westerville Rd. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/26/20070126-E1-02.html

From the 1/17/07 (OSU) Lantern: Student organizations move to new locations Michael Evans Issue date: 1/17/07 Section: Campus After 56 years, the doors of the Ohio Union closed last week while student organizations, formerly situated in the building, packed up and headed to their new locations around campus. Temporary office areas, called "swing spaces", have been implemented for several prominent groups until the new Union is completed in 2010. A primary swing space for many of these groups is the Ohio Stadium, between gates 22 and 24. The Ohio Union Information Center, Explore Columbus, Ohio Union and Office of Student Activities, the Makio, Student Governments and the Student Organization Resource Center (SOURCE) have all found a new home in Ohio Stadium, according to the Ohio Union's transition Web site. Read more at http://www.thelantern.com/media/storage/paper333/news/2007/01/17/Campus/Student.Organizations.Move.To.New.Locations-2651060.shtml

From the 1/11/07 Sandusky Register: Broadway at the State? By LAURA COLLINS | Thursday January 11 2007, 1:04pm SANDUSKY The Sandusky State Theatre is expanding its horizons. New director Costin Manu is trying to balance taking the theater in the new direction while keeping the aspects everyone likes. "We're trying to bring something new to the Erie County area and stay faithful to our longtime members," Manu said. Full story at: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2007/01/12/front/132560.txt

From the 3/6/07 Western Star: Split vote OKs formation of Warren port authority Tuesday, March 06, 2007 By Tiffany Y. Latta Staff Writer The Warren County Port Authority is set to take off. In a 2-1 vote, county commissioners on Tuesday appointed seven Warren County residents to serve on the authority, which will put together financing packages to bring more businesses and jobs to the region. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/06/ws030607warrenportweb.html From the 3/8/07 Western Star: Council could annex 13 acres Homeowners near new Wal-Mart have petitioned; residential area prime for future commercial development. By Daniel Wells Staff Writer Thursday, March 08, 2007 Lebanon City Council is considering an annexation of 13 acres north of the Wal-Mart property on U.S. 42. Ten homeowners on both sides of the road petitioned the city for annexation last August, but only three property owners on the east side of the road would be annexed. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/08/ws030807lebcouncil.html

Both from ThisWeek Licking County, 3/4/07: River Road annexation Granville mulls roundabout on Main Street Sunday, March 4, 2007 By LORI WINCE ThisWeek Staff Writer Property owners wanting to annex 85 acres on River Road from Granville Township into the village of Granville clashed with village officials Wednesday night. Granville Village Council members questioned traffic generated by proposed development of the land, which is north and south of River Road, east of Main Street and south of the bike path that extends through Granville on the way to Johnstown. Village planner Chris Strayer said the village needs to consider installing a roundabout in the area to handle traffic from future development. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/030407/LickingCounty/News/030407-News-314719.html

From the 3/6/07 Blade: Perrysburg Township sides with Wal-Mart in zoning-fee dispute Perrysburg Township officials went on record last night as agreeing with Wal-Mart. They don't think it's fair for companies building in the township but receiving Perrysburg water and sewer services to be forced to pay the city's zoning permit fees. Wal-Mart, which plans to build a store on U.S. 20 at Simmons Road, already paid about $9,000 for a township zoning permit, but is being required to pay $21,400 to the city for similar permits. "We've seen a lot of changes in Perrysburg's zoning code and zoning practices over the past few years that are detrimental to residents, or businesses, or anybody trying to make things happen in Perrysburg Township," Trustee Bob Mack said. "They basically have two masters to adhere to as far as zoning compliance, and we think that's unnecessary." More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070306/NEWS17/703060408/-1/RSS08

From Dublin News, 3/7/07: Council hears proposal for Tartan Ridge development Preliminary plans call for 246 single-family homes and 24 townhouse units in the $400,000 to $800,000 price range. By KATHLEEN L. RADCLIFF A new development -- with residences in the $400,000 to $800,000 price range -- might be coming to the Dublin landscape. Dublin City Council held the first reading of a rezoning application and development plan for Tartan Ridge during a meeting Monday. The area consists of 189.57 acres located north of the intersection of Hyland-Croy and McKitrick Roads. It is bordered to the east by Jerome Road and to the north by Brock Road. The plan calls for the development of 246 single-family homes and 24 townhouse units, priced in the $400,000 to $800,000 range, approximately 68,500 square feet of commercial space and 69.14 acres of open space. Read more at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS3-7/3-7_dutartanridge.html

Perrysburg won't rezone land near Ft. Meigs Toledo Blade, 3/8/07 Perrysburg City Council has decided not to approve a zoning change for property along the Maumee River next to Fort Meigs. The six-acre parcel at 27761 Rapids Rd., owned by developer Larry LaPointe, is considered to be zoned S-1, which does not permit new residential construction. Mr. LaPointe, who bought the land for $200,000 in 2002, has contended for months that his land was never assigned permanent zoning and was temporarily zoned for residential use when it was annexed into Perrysburg in 1964. Mainly through his attorney, Max Rayle, Mr. LaPointe has asked the city to either recognize his land as eligible for residential construction or issue the appropriate zoning change. Mr. LaPointe was interested in building up to four single-family residential units on his property. All seven Perrysburg council members rejected the zoning change Tuesday. The vote will, in essence, preserve the land as a park or open space. Mr. Rayle said Mr. LaPointe will take legal action against Perrysburg in Wood County Common Pleas Court to receive compensation for what he has described as the taking of his client's property.

Both kind of out there, but in the metro. From the 3/5/07 Dayton Business Journal: Builder has $60M condo project on tap Dayton Business Journal - March 2, 2007 by Yvonne Teems DBJ Staff Reporter A local home builder is launching a $60 million condominium project on a golf course about 50 miles southeast of Dayton. A company traditionally linked to custom homes, HBS Development is building White Oak Reserves at White Oak Golf Course, a 300-unit condo and attached patio home development, in Sardinia in Brown County. The company bought the 60-acre course last summer and will start construction in July, moving in its first buyers in the fall, said Chris Johns, vice president of HBS. White Oak Reserves is a two-phase, multi-year project that will sell about 30 units per year, Johns said. Phase one will build 74 two-story townhouses and 50 ranch-style patio homes, while phase two will build 180 patio homes. All homes will start between $215,000 and $225,000. MORE: http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2007/03/05/story3.html From the 3/5/07 Enquirer: $40M sought for lake Williamstown project pitched to Congress BY PATRICK CROWLEY | [email protected] WASHINGTON - Congressman Geoff Davis said it could be "the crown jewel of Northern Kentucky," an expansion of Lake Williamstown that would improve and expand the region's economy, recreation and access to drinking water. All that backers need is $40 million. The top two elected county officials pushing for the expansion - Pendleton County Judge-executive Henry Bertram and Grant County Judge-executive Darrell Link - took their funding plea to Washington, D.C., last week, accompanied by members of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. The county officials are hoping to persuade federal and state officials to spend $40 million to expand the 350-acre lake, which is now solely in Grant County, to 1,300 acres into eastern Pendleton County. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070305/NEWS0103/703050390/1059/rss13

From the 2/22/07 Parma Sun Post: Rockside moves to development stage Thursday, February 22, 2007 By Tom Vanek Parma Sun Post SEVEN HILLS With the recently approved financing agreement between the city, schools and developer few obstacles now stand in the way of the proposed Rockside Terrace. ... Law Director Richard Pignatiello said the next step in the process the development agreement will determine the exact shape the development will take. More at: http://www.cleveland.com/sun/parmasunpost/index.ssf?/base/news-0/117216671281790.xml&coll=3

From the 1/18/07 Parma Sun Post: Petros debate: To vote or not on TIF agreement Thursday, January 18, 2007 By Tom Vanek Parma Sun Post SEVEN HILLS As City Council and school board members near an agreement with developers of the proposed Rockside Terrace, two members of the groups find themselves in a somewhat awkward position. Councilman-at-large Frank Petro, whose wife, Kathy, serves on the Parma Board of Education, said he has been attending only discussions that are open to the public, in order to avoid any appearance of impropriety. More at: http://www.cleveland.com/sun/parmasunpost/index.ssf?/base/features-0/1169142583183210.xml&coll=3