buildingcincinnati

From the 1/3/07 Dayton Business Journal: Housing development on tap for Englewood Dayton Business Journal - January 3, 2007 by Yvonne Teems DBJ Staff Reporter A residential development in Englewood is pushing forward. The Englewood Planning Commission is expected to recommend at its meeting late Thursday the city council approve 13 permits for the second phase of Millwood Meadows. Developed by Artistic Homes, Millwood Meadows is a 28-home development on Union Boulevard south of state Route 40. So far, eight homes have been built in the development. The homes are 1,800-square-foot ranch houses and sell for about $220,000, said Bill Singer, Englewood economic development director. The development includes an association that homeowners can join that will provide outdoor maintenance for their facilities. Millwood Meadows is similar to the Artistic Homes development across the street, Millwood Village. Singer said he expects the Englewood City Council to review the permits sometime in January. MORE: http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2007/01/01/daily8.html?surround=lfn From the 12/28/06 DDN: Kettering Towne Center sold for $13.9 million No major changes expected except updating structures that need it and trying to fill vacancies. By Katherine Ullmer Staff Writer KETTERING | Tenants of The Kettering Towne Center, recently sold to a California-based private investor for $13.9 million, should not expect a lot of changes, according to Sara Kornblatt, director of development and acquisitions for B.R. Kettering Towne Center LLC, the new owner. The B.R. stands for Bernard Rosenson, the owner, she said. The Berlin-born Californian is president of Sign of the Dove, a group of 10 assisted-care living facilities, some of which also have upscale restaurants Rosenson owns. "We're just trying to keep tenants happy, improve the (Kettering Towne) center, stay a part of the community and carry on as usual," Kornblatt said from her Woodland Hills "Sign of the Dove" office outside Los Angeles. They intend to "improve some of the structures, anything that needs updating," she said. They'd also like to fill the three or four vacancies in the back of the center, perhaps with existing tenant expansions, she said. MORE: http://www.daytondailynews.com/community/content/localnews/neighbors/kettering_oakwood/2006/12/29/ddn122806townecenter.html

From ThisWeek Big Walnut, 12/17/06: Panel to look again at donated land Sunday, December 17, 2006 By TARA STUBBS-FIGURSKI ThisWeek Staff Writer There is a plot of land in the Sunbury Mills development that hasn't received much attention since 2001, when a bond issue seeking to build a Big Walnut school there was defeated. Sunbury Village Council member Bob Bishop plans to change that. He has reconvened an operations committee charged with overseeing a joint venture agreement dealing with the land. The property was set aside for a potential school site by developer Dominion Homes. The land -- near state Route 37-U.S. Route 36 and state Route 3 -- includes nearly 22 acres. As part of a developer's agreement with Dominion Homes, five acres was deeded to the school district. The rest of the property went to the village. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=bigwalnut&story=sites/thisweeknews/121706/Sunbury/News/121706-News-280606.html From ThisWeek Olentangy, 12/21/06: Retail center OK'd for Murphy Parkway/West Olentangy Street Thursday, December 21, 2006 By KELLEY YOUMAN TRUXALL ThisWeek Staff Writer Powell City Council Tuesday night unanimously approved plans for a 12,300-square-foot retail center at the southwest corner of Murphy Parkway and West Olentangy Street, the site of a controversial McDonald's application this summer. The mixed-use retail center will be built on about 1.4-acres. The retail center will stand where a 4,300-square-foot McDonald's was denied this summer after the zoning commission determined the restaurant would constitute a highway business MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=powell&story=sites/thisweeknews/122106/Powell/News/122106-News-282577.html

From the 1/3/07 Springfield News-Sun: City annexing Clark State campus By Samantha Sommer Staff Writer Wednesday, January 03, 2007 Clark State Community College's campus will be part of the city of Springfield. Springfield city commissioners held a public hearing and approved annexing the nearly 86-acre Leffel Lane campus to the city on Tuesday night. The college requested annexation to secure city utilities for the new Sara T. Landess Technology and Learning Center that it's building, said Joe Jackson, vice president for business affairs. The Cooperative Economic Development Agreement between the city, Clark County and Springfield Township, and an earlier utility agreement with the city, also required the college be annexed if it expanded. The annexation will benefit the city and township, which will share income taxes, and the college, which will receive city services, Jackson said. MORE: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/02/sns010306citycommission.html Wider N. Main project raises ire Dayton Daily News, 12/25/06 A center turn lane on North Main Street, designed for safety and to help local businesses, might put some of those establishments out of business. The Ohio Department of Transportation plans to add the lane along the stretch of North Main Street from about Swallow Drive to Macy Street. ODOT this year started surveying the project north of Dayton city limits. Survey crews discovered some property owners had erected signs, paved parking lots and built other structures on state right of way. Joyce Renner, an ODOT spokeswoman, said the department has sent letters to 35 property owners on both sides of the street warning them to move anything encroaching on the right of way before the state starts construction in two or three years. Tom Roderer, owner of Roderer Shoes, which has been at its North Main location for 20 years, said that means he will lose the parking in front of his store. Church relocates to huge structure north of city Springfield News-Sun, 12/23/06 A staple of downtown Springfield for the past 79 years has relocated to Northridge. First Christian Church has left its home at High and Plum streets and moved to the "epicenter of growth" at 3638 Middle Urbana Rd., said Pastor Dave Holzbauer. The old location could no longer accommodate the growing congregation, Holzbauer said. Sunday attendance reached 1,100 people but the new auditorium can seat 1,300 per service. "My personal prediction is that we'll see 25 percent growth in the next year," Holzbauer said. First Christian's new home will officially open Christmas Eve after $9.2 million in development and construction, said David Eckard, the chairman of the elders. Plans for the move began in 1998, when the church purchased the land. Centerville teens offer skate park ideas Centerville-Bellbrook Times, 12/23/06 Centerville-Washington Township teens had the chance to voice their opinions on what should go in the area's first skate park planned for Oak Creek Park in Washington Township during a December 7 meeting with the Centerville Washington Park District at Centerville High School. The skate park is part of the Park District's master plan to completely refurbish and upgrade the L-shaped, 24-acre Oak Creek Park, which is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Miamisburg-Centerville and Paragon Roads. Along with the skate park, the master plan for Oak Creek includes rehabbing only two of three softball fields and adding two lighted tennis courts, a shelter with restrooms, a playground, a multi-use walking trail as well as space for seasonal events. The plan also involves restoring a small pond into a wetland pond and stream. Preliminary plans show the skate park close to Miamisburg-Centerville Road, however the placement of the skate park could change as the design of the park is not yet final. Funding of the skate park and the park improvements is coming from the 0.9 mill, 10-year levy passed in 2004. Home Loan Bank provides $900K for housing Dayton Business Journal, 12/28/06 The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati has issued $900,000 in grants in the Dayton area for affordable housing projects. The bank approved $15 million in grants overall in its district Wednesday. Its territory covers Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. The Federal Home Loan Bank provides money to nonprofit organizations and sponsoring banks to expand housing opportunities. Its latest grants were: * $49,000 to Dayton Habitat for Humanity, through Liberty Savings Bank, to go toward seven construction projects in 2007. * $348,000 to New Housing Opportunities Inc., through Fifth Third Bank, to go toward the construction of four rental properties in Lebanon. * $533,000 to New Housing Opportunities Inc., through Fifth Third Bank, to go toward the construction of 10 rental properties in Lebanon. Furniture store's plans move ahead Dayton Daily News, 12/21/06 With its rezoning approved, plans are moving forward for Morris Furniture Co. Inc. to build Ohio's largest shopping center devoted to home furnishings. The Butler Twp. Board of Trustees on Nov. 13 approved a rezoning on the approximately 9.5 acres north of Benchwood and west of Commerce Center Drive (where Wal-Mart is located) from residential to planned development. The rezoning is a preliminary step before Morris closes on the land and submits final plans. "I'm cautiously optimistic," Butler Twp. development director Jeff Bothwell said. "We're looking forward to seeing some more detail." Larry Klaben, president of Morris Furniture, said last week they expect to close on the property in three to four weeks and have detailed plans of the 100,000-square-foot building to township trustees for approval soon after.

From the 1/18/07 PD: Marymount unveils critical care tower ICU, emergency department larger Thursday, January 18, 2007 Sarah Treffinger Plain Dealer Reporter Marymount Hospital today will celebrate the grand opening of its $25 million critical care tower, which was built with the goal of accommodating a rise in hospital admissions, emergency-room visits and imaging needs... To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 216-999-3906 http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1169112880160940.xml&coll=2 Plans move ahead for new police station Parma Sun Post, 1/11/07 A preliminary report from an architect indicates it would be possible to convert an office building on Pearl Road into a police station and City Hall... More room for police? Sun Star, 1/11/07 After four failed levy attempts to build a new police station, city officials have decided to scale back the project and pay for it without new tax money. Mayor Tom Perciak said rather than building a new station, the city would look into a plan to renovate the existing police station and expand it to include the nearby fire station... Many downtown ideas eyed Sun Courier, 1/11/07 The city will consider the Downtown Redevelopment Master Plan Task Force's draft of its plan to develop the more than 60 acres of potential land in the center of town... Emotional therapy building proposed News-Herald, 1/11/07 A therapeutic treatment center for the emotionally ill is set to get under way in southern Geauga County with the help of a Housing and Urban Development grant... Collinwood's New Year's resolution Sun Scoop Journal, 1/4/07 One of the biggest issues facing Collinwood in 2007 is how soon the long-awaited Collinwood Recreation Center can move from the drawing board to bricks and mortar...

Bids are now being accepted for Phase I, the 65,000 SF office building. I can't find a deadline date for when they stop accepting them, but I would think it would be a month or two.

The only thing I don't like about it is that it pushes the page content farther down the page.

From ThisWeek Delaware, 12/17/06: Donahue: Project could help fire department Sunday, December 17, 2006 By NATE ELLIS ThisWeek Staff Writer A disputed proposal to build nearly 560,000 square feet of retail space and 332 single-family homes on the city's far east side last week received a vote of support by Delaware's fire chief. John Donahue last Monday told city officials he believes his department could provide adequate fire protection to a proposed 150-acre commercial and residential development near the intersection of state Route 521 and U.S. Route 36. Additionally, Donahue opined that permitting the development could provide needed revenue for local fire services. "In reviewing this project, I believe the proposed development would benefit the fire department through additional operating funds and impact fee funds," Donahue said in a prepared statement at Delaware City Council's Monday night meeting. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=delaware&story=sites/thisweeknews/121706/Delaware/News/121706-News-280717.html From same: Early plans for medical complex OK'd Sunday, December 17, 2006 By NATE ELLIS ThisWeek Staff Writer A new medical complex featuring a chiropractor and other wellness services soon could come to Delaware's east side after receiving preliminary approvals last week. For the past five and a half years, Dr. Brian Leaf has operated Leaf Chiropractic & Wellness Center on North Sandusky Street. Now, he hopes to expand his practice and bring new health-care services to the city's east side by building two, 6,000-square-foot medical facilities at the intersection of state Route 521 and Bowtown Road. Leaf's preliminary plans to build the offices on the 2.45-acre site received unanimous approval Monday from Delaware City Council members. Pending support of final development plans by the Delaware Planning Commission and council, the project could be completed prior to winter 2007. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=delaware&story=sites/thisweeknews/121706/Delaware/News/121706-News-280643.html

From the 12/15/06 Springfield News-Sun: Clark County commission approves expansion The zone will increase by 362 acres and is meant to attract businesses and jobs to the area. By Diane Erwin Staff Writer Friday, December 15, 2006 An expanded enterprise zone in Springfield Township helps level the playing field as the area competes to lure businesses here, said Mike McDorman, president of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. The Clark County Commission on Thursday approved expanding the zone south of the fairgrounds by 362 acres along Interstate 70. An enterprise zone is an economic development incentive designed to attract businesses or convince others to expand, County Administrator Darrell Howard said. The zone allows tax incentives to be offered to those businesses. "The approval of the enterprise zone will help the chamber's marketing efforts in attracting new industry and jobs to this area of Clark County," McDorman said. The area is a perfect place for growth, said Jim Scoby, president of the Springfield Township trustees. MORE: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/14/sns121506countycom.html From the 12/16/06 Centerville-Bellbrook Times: Bellbrook tries to limit Centerville traffic By Jodi Brock Times Editor Bellbrook city council members want to limit the amount of construction traffic Bellbrook residents may have to deal with once work begins on a proposed Centerville residential development project. On Monday, December 4, council members approved the rezoning of 3.66 acres located at Wilmington-Dayton Road and State Route 725 in Bellbrook from Agricultural/Planned Development-Business to PD-2, Planned Development-Business, but the rezoning came with several conditions, mainly to make sure Bellbrook residents didn't bear the brunt of a Centerville development. Before reaching their decision, council heard from project managers, attorneys for the Karras family which owns the property, the developer of the project, as well as members of the audience. Steve Lisle of the Reinke Group informed council members that currently the plan is to build 60 residential units known as the County Down Village condominiums on a portion of the Centerville land south of Brewster's Run. MORE: http://tcnewsnet.com/main.asp?SectionID=15&SubSectionID=260&ArticleID=142581&TM=42127.75 Lebanon Citizens National Bank breaks ground on Far Hills Ave. Oakwood Register, 12/19/06 On Friday morning, city officials, bank officers and other dignitaries broke ground to dedicate the building of Oakwood’s newest banking institution, Lebanon Citizens National Bank (LCNB), a 127-year-old firm with headquarters in Lebanon, Ohio and the tenth largest banking institution in the Dayton area. The bank is to be located at the corner of Far Hills Avenue and Oak Knoll Drive. Two longstanding buildings were recently razed to make room for the planned one story building that will include walk-in and drive-up banking, and an ATM. Also to be on premises are two other financial services: DAKIN Insurance Agency and UVEST Investment Services. The Oakwood branch of LCNB is the first established in Montgomery County. The bank has 18 branch offices located throughout southwestern Ohio. Building completion and opening is slated for the spring of 2007. Freedom Days committee donates $10,000 toward future lakefront park development Celina Daily Standard, 12/19/06 After only its second year, Celina's new Freedom Days community picnic is donating $10,000 toward the further development of the lakefront park where the Independence Day event is held. Celina City Council members unanimously accepted the gift at Monday's meeting, where they briefly debated how the money will be used. "I think it's wonderful they're doing so. We certainly do appreciate it," council President Bill Sell said. Freedom Days is a joint venture between the Celina posts of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars and the local Fraternal Order of Eagles and Loyal Order of Moose lodges. Next summer's picnic will be the third annual Freedom Days. "Paying tribute to our vets living and past, we pride ourselves in our picnic as it is all about family enjoyment and honoring our military," a joint statement from the festival organizers said. "This donation is to be used to continue to improve the Northshore Park area, such as more sidewalks, street improvements and other needed improvements to the park." Changes to Old Troy Pk. property approved Huber Heights Courier, 12/14/06 The Huber Heights City Council approved an application by Medford Associates LLC. to make major changes to the property that once housed Frank's Nursery and Crafts located at 7325 Old Troy Pike. The plan calls for partial demolition of the existing building and the placement of a 7,000 square-feet out lot building in the front. Approval of the changes would allow for a bank, a restaurant-type business, small retail and/or office space. According to City Planner, Nathan Cahall, the zoning would not allow for the property to be used as a gas station, convenience store, or any other kind of business that could create large traffic problems beyond normal business hours. The council also approved an agreement with Barry L. Hardin aka Huber Heights Public Radio for tower space at the Needmore Road Radio Tower. According to Bradly Beer, with WOXR, the agreement would let them broadcast farther than before. Planning Board gives green light to zoning changes Tipp City Herald, 12/13/06 Tipp City Planning Board members voted last night to recommend to city council to approve the rezoning of two properties north of Ohio 571 in the area of Weller Drive, just west of I-75 to allow for the construction of a new Menards home furnishing store. One of the parcels, 9.9 acres, just north of Weller is being recommended to be changed from R3 (Urban Residential) to Office Service business. The site is next to an apartment complex. Board members said they were concerned about the effect the business would have on the residents who live in the area. Assistant City Manager Brad Vath said the company would be required to provide screening or some other kind of buffer to limit the amount of noise. Board member Mike McFarland stated that in many cases R3 zoning is used as a buffer itself between residential and commercial zones.

From the 1/17/06 Ashatbula Star Beacon: Businesses expected at Cleveland Hotel By MARK TODD Staff Writer [email protected] CONNEAUT - - Businesses will probably beat residential units into a reborn Cleveland Hotel, Conneaut officials said... http://www.starbeacon.com/local/local_story_017121527 Church lets permit lapse Twinsburg Sun, 1/4/07 Time has run out on Olivet Institutional Baptist Church and the conditional use permit the city awarded last spring. The historic Cleveland-based church will have to reapply for the permit if it still intends to build a new campus at 8265 Darrow Road... Century Federal gets OK to redevelop site Brunswick Sun Times, 1/4/07 The city's planning commission has given the owners of the Century Federal Savings Bank the green light to move forward with the redevelopment of their site... Bereavement Center breaks ground Friday Cleveland Plain Dealer, 1/3/07 Grieving relatives will dig down Friday to raise a center of hope. They will break ground in Independence for the Cornerstone of Hope Bereavement Center, which is now renting office space elsewhere in the suburb... Planned Lorain Metro Parks trail will lead to sights Cleveland Plain Dealer, 12/30/06 A new stretch of hiking trail in Lorain County will open up land the public has never been able to see. It also will provide vistas that combine two important aspects of Ohio's history. On one side will lie unspoiled forest and the Black River valley; on the other, the giant Lorain steel plant. Natural and industrial heritage will merge in one awe-inspiring view... Performance center progress going well Garfield-Maple Sun, 12/28/06 School officials and contractors are taking steps to "button up" the construction site for the 32,000-square-foot Performing Arts Center on Turney Road and get it under tarps so inside work can continue through the cold winter months...

183 and 187 Zier Pl are in the process of being demolished. These were rundown shacks of Steven Pavelish. They was declared a public nuisance last April and March respectively, and, despite attempts to stay the demolition, an Intent to Raze was posted in August for 183 and June for 187. (183 and 187 Zier) I think 185 Zier is going to be remodeled pending the action wrapping up on the adjacent properties. It looks to be in pretty good shape. I believe it's owner-occupied. I think interior demo has started, or is getting ready to start, on the condo project at 512-526 Reading. (More about that project, plus a photo of the buildings, on this post.)

From the 1/15/07 Wooster Daily Record: Bend in the road for relocated Route 30 stores January 15, 2007 By BOBBY WARREN Staff Writer WOOSTER -- It's been a year since a portion of U.S. Route 30 was relocated, and the reaction to how it has impacted businesses remains the same: mixed. No one The Daily Record talked to along East Lincoln Way, the stretch of road that once carried U.S. 30 traffic, said business was better. Some were happy to report sales were about the same or only slightly down compared to a year ago. Others, like Mike Harter, owner of Harter's Music, said the project hurt sales. More at: http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/article/1479752

From the 12/13/06 Findlay Courier: U.S. 30 work now 70% done By JOHN GRABER STAFF WRITER Ohio Department of Transportation officials are hoping to open the final portion of the new four-lane U.S. 30 next year. "If we have an exceptional construction season in the upcoming year, the entire stretch of the U.S. 30 project in Hancock and Wyandot counties may be ready for traffic," ODOT District 1 Deputy Director Norm R. Redick said. But that would take almost perfect weather for pretty much the entire summer. More at: http://www.thecourier.com/Issues/2006/Dec/ar_news_121306.asp#story2

From the 12/11/06 Blade: Partially completed U.S. 30 is drawing illegal joy riders By DAVID PATCH BLADE STAFF WRITER LIMA, Ohio - Ohio Department of Transportation officials expect part, if not all, of the new U.S. 30 section between State Rt. 235 and Upper Sandusky to open next year. But some people apparently are jumping the gun. Particularly at its western end in Hancock County, the unfinished stretch of freeway has attracted a few joy riders in either street-legal vehicles or all-terrain four-wheelers. More at: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061211/NEWS11/612110323/-1/NEWS

Article from today's Athens Messenger: Some say bypass delay not all bad Tuesday, January 16, 2007 NELSONVILLE - While those pushing for regional economic development have decried the state's decision to delay construction of the Nelsonville bypass, some in Nelsonville see it as an opportunity to better prepare the city for the project's impact. Last month, a state highway advisory council pushed back the Route 33 bypass by four years, citing money problems caused by increases in materials and fuel costs. The slated completion date is now 2015. "Nelsonville has a lot to accomplish in this time period (before bypass completion)," resident Keller Blackburn said. "The goal is to create a universal message and brand of Nelsonville, while restoring a sense of community and neighborhood and creating economic development and business sustainability." Full article: http://www.athensmessenger.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=273&ArticleID=2313

From the 12/21/06 Garfield-Maple Sun: Negotiations continue Both sides of eminent domain case remain optimistic Thursday, December 21, 2006 By John Kametz Garfield-Maple Sun GARFIELD HEIGHTS Attorneys on both sides of the eminent domain controversy to acquire land for the Bridgeview Crossing retail development are optimistic some reasonable compromises can be worked out between developer Snider-Cannata and homeowners being displaced for the 60-acre project, south of Granger Road and west of Transportation Boulevard. "I think they (residents) are pretty much resigned to the fact that they're going to have to move, and all they really want to do is come up with some fair compensation for their property," said lawyer and Independence Mayor Fred Ramos. "There have been some negotiations going on back and forth, and it remains my hope that we'll be able to resolve this matter. That just depends on the parties, of course," said Ramos, who represents four different property owners.... http://www.cleveland.com/sun/garfieldmaplesun/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1166722872238920.xml&coll=3

From the 12/13/06 PD: Garfield files suit to take homes 60 acres sought for development Wednesday, December 13, 2006 Thomas Ott Plain Dealer Reporter Garfield Heights - The city has begun filing suit to take land from homeowners who stand in the way of nearly $100 million in new offices and stores. City Council voted Monday to sue five more owners of property on the north side of Interstate 480 at Transportation Boulevard. That brings the total to 12, with up to four more yet to come, said Joseph Diemert, a lawyer for the city. One of the new cases may be unnecessary because the owner, John DiFranco, said he has already sold his land to the developers, Snider-Cannata Interests of Garfield Heights.... To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 216-999-5739 http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1166002826125610.xml&coll=2

: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=2139.msg191310#msg191310

It looks like this plan is dormant, and will be for quite a while. So I'm going to move it to Abandoned Projects and then move it back if there's some action. The future of the site came up at the meeting of the City Planning Commission on December 15, 2006. The purpose of the discussion was the expiration of the PD-17 zoning designation in February 2007. The properties, which include the Adams Landing development, land owned by the Stewart Place Company (George Stewart), Johnson Electric, Verdin Bell, and others needed to have new zoning put in place before that expiration. Stewart's property currently consists of some office space, a marine terminal, railroad and distribution center. He claims that a number of circumstances are preventing him from finalizing the Stewart Place development plan: the future use of the railroad, the location of a bike trail, the realignment of Eastern/Riverside, the view corridor study and market conditions. They are going to take another hard look at the site in five years. At that point Stewart may begin to hone the development plan and to close down his leases. A major issue in this rezoning is building heights. Stewart wants to build higher, leaving spaces between the buildings to provide for river views. Many want him to emulate the low-rise quality of the other Eastern/Riverside developments. Stewart has stated that if zoning is placed that will not allow him to build "up", then he will retain the current uses of his property and the development will not happen. (As an aside, Stewart mentioned foreseeing a market for the "active elderly".) The Planning Commission voted to approve a PD zoning designation for the site and accepted the concept plans as preliminary. To move this project along, they are requiring a more detailed concept plan, and final development plan, within two years to avoid expiration of the PD. If the PD expires, the zoning will change to RF-R, essentially killing the project as it is now planned. I would also expect to hear quite a bit out of folks like the Hillside Trust and the Citizens for the Protection of Ohio River Views. There will be much negotiating as far as building heights, and, at some point, Stewart could just walk away. I liked this portion of the minutes: "Mr. Tarbell stated that this is an extraordinary piece of property in Cincinnati. The developer should be put on notice of the outcome desired by the Planning Commission and anything remotely resembling the previous Concept Plan is not acceptable."

Here are a couple of pics of what edale was talking about. These are from January 3.

From the 1/5/07 Dispatch: PHOTO: The city removed this plaque outside the Lincoln Theater on Long Street and the man who put it there wants $800,000 compensation. FILE PHOTO Mayor, developer still battling over theater plaques Former owner wants all who enter to know he saved the historic building Friday, January 05, 2007 Mark Ferenchik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH After almost 16 months and pages of court filings, Mayor Michael B. Coleman and local developer Charles L. Adrian are still fighting a battle of wills and ideals. And it’s all over two plaques. Adrian placed them on the front of the Lincoln Theater. That’s the Near East Side landmark he once owned and that Coleman sees as a cornerstone in reviving Long Street. Adrian sued in 2005, saying that Columbus had no right to remove the plaques, which credited Adrian with saving the building. Adrian said his sales contract with Columbus Urban Growth Corp., which later transferred the theater to the city, required that a plaque be maintained. He claims breach of contract and is asking for $800,000 in damages. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/05/20070105-D5-00.html

From Business First of Columbus 12/12/06: County says OK to Lincoln Theater rehab money Business First of Columbus - December 12, 2006 Franklin County has formally agreed to contribute $4 million to the effort to restore the Lincoln Theater on Columbus' Near East Side. County commissioners Tuesday authorized grant support over four years for the renovation project, which officials hope will improve the neglected neighborhood around the theater. The Lincoln Theater, at 771 E. Long St., became the focus of Mayor Michael Coleman's interest several years ago, when the city began seeking public and private investment for the estimated $9 million project. The city of Columbus is also putting up $4 million for the renovation project. "The renovation and development of this historic structure will be a keystone in the overall economic development of the King-Lincoln District," Commissioner Paula Brooks said in a release. "The true value of this project lies in preserving the past, growing the cultural arts community for the future, and leveraging economic development opportunities for Franklin County and the city of Columbus." The 550-seat theater once attracted jazz notables for performances and was at the center of entertainment for the city's black community over three decades. It sits on the National Register of Historic Places. Officials hope to reopen a refurbished theater in 2008. Read more at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2006/12/11/daily13.html?surround=lfn

From the 12/22/06 Dispatch: Audubon center gets $810,000 from SWACO Friday, December 22, 2006 Debbie Gebolys THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio has given $810,000 to the Grange Insurance Audubon Center, officials announced. It’s the third-highest amount to date, trailing only the Grange’s $4 million and $1 million from Limited Brands. "A very important part of our plan is our education outreach on benefits of waste reduction," SWACO Executive Director Mike Long said. "We need to get the word out about our programs and how to access them." Other major donors are the Columbus Foundation and the Crane Group and family, $500,000 each; Huntington Banks and an anonymous donor, $200,000 each; and the All Life Foundation, a philanthropy of the late Naomi Dempsey of Delaware, which gave $100,000. The SWACO money has been in the form of three grants. The authority helped pay for an initial business plan and pilot summer education programs in earlier gifts. Most recently, SWACO granted money for environmentally friendly construction elements. "Here’s an opportunity to show how we can rebuild from materials in the waste stream," Long said of Audubon’s "green" building plans. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/22/20061222-D2-00.html

From the 12/15/06 Youngstown Vindicator: Contract will get rid of project Ownership of the recreation facility will be given to the city for use as a public park. By DAVID SKOLNICK CITY HALL REPORTER YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority board approved a $313,250 contract to have a Cranberry, Pa., company demolish a former 90-unit public housing project to make room for recreational facilities. The board agreed Thursday to hire Marcor Remediation Inc. to take down 17 structures, 16 of them former housing facilities, on Otis Street on the city's North Side. ... http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/313679799235638.php

From the 12/13/06 Youngstown Vindicator: Project nears end of Phase II Changes happening in Youngstown excite one new... By ELISE SKOLNICK VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT YOUNGSTOWN — A Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority project, started earlier this year, will reach a second milestone at the end of the month. Phase II of the Homes at Arlington Heights development is nearly complete, said Truman Greene, a real estate agent involved with the venture. ... http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/337791088888572.php

From the 12/13/06 St. Mary's Evening Leader: Campus close to goal ST. MARYS — The dream of updated facilities at the 34-year-old Wright State University Lake Campus is looking more realistic and in-reach as the campus is closer than ever to reaching it's $4 million goal in time to break ground on the project in the fall of 2007. "The response in the Auglaize and St. Marys area has been amazing," Thomas Knapke, assistant dean for development at Wright State University-Lake Campus, said. "We're about $20,000 short and we've got some commitments out there, so we're going to make it." ... http://www.theeveningleader.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=331&Itemid=27