buildingcincinnati

From the 12/3/06 Boone Community Recorder: YMCA might expand for seniors BY PAUL MCKIBBEN | COMMUNITY RECORDER STAFF WRITER BURLINGTON - A year after Boone County closed a senior center in Florence and moved services to the R.C. Durr Branch YMCA in Burlington, officials are proposing to add more space for seniors at the YMCA. The proposed project calls for about a 3,000-square-foot facility adjacent to YMCA with 300 to 400 square feet of outdoor deck space, according to Dennis Elrod, a consultant on the project who addressed the Boone County Fiscal Court on Nov. 21. Read more here: http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061203/NEWS01/611270404/1064/Local From the 12/7/06 Enquirer: Boone doubling tax zone BY BRENNA R. KELLY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER BURLINGTON - Boone County is more than doubling the industrial area near Richwood where it can collect extra taxes to pay for infrastructure improvements. The county will have more than 700 acres - from Richwood Road to Chambers Road east of Interstate 75 - included in a tax increment finance district. Read more here: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061207/NEWS0103/612070398 From same: New Kroger green-lighted BY BRENNA R. KELLY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER A Kroger Marketplace needs just one more approval before it can be built at the intersection of Ky. 20 and Ky. 237 in Hebron. In a 9-4 vote Wednesday, the Boone County Planning Commission approved a zone change for the 24-acre development. The plan will go to Fiscal Court, which will vote early next year. The development, called Conner Crossings, would include a 127,766-square-foot Kroger Marketplace, a gas station, liquor store and five out lots for shops, restaurants or car washes. Read more here: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061207/NEWS0103/612070395

From the 12/14/06 ABJ: Speed cameras threatened Akron officials say state law would effectively end operation; Plusquellic seeks veto By John Higgins Beacon Journal staff writer Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic is urging Gov. Bob Taft to veto a law passed by the Ohio House on Tuesday that restricts the use of automated cameras to enforce speeding and red light laws. The new law would require Akron to scrap its current camera enforcement near schools. http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/16236913.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

From the 12/13/06 Dispatch: Taft urged to put stop to red-light camera bill Wednesday, December 13, 2006 Jodi Andes THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Columbus is asking the governor to veto a bill the legislature passed yesterday that puts the city’s red-light camera program in jeopardy. The bill, which would require cities to identify the driver of a car caught by a camera running a red light but would prohibit photographing the driver’s face, would make it impossible to collect fines, Mayor Michael B. Coleman said. He was echoing the concerns of other city leaders in Ohio. http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1166002259125610.xml&coll=2

From the 12/7/06 Blade: Red-light camera restrictions pass But opponent of bill sees bright side By JIM PROVANCE BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU COLUMBUS - A bill significantly restricting their use as substitute police officers does not sound the death knell for traffic-enforcement cameras in Ohio, the largest player in the industry said yesterday. With one Republican joining Democrats in opposition, the state Senate yesterday voted 20-11 to set new restrictions on cities' use of cameras for red-light enforcement and to outlaw their use for speed enforcement anywhere but in active school zones with flashing yellow lights. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/NEWS24/612070390/-1/NEWS

From the 12/6/06 Dispatch: Red-light camera bill speeds to Senate amid doubts Wednesday, December 06, 2006 Jodi Andes THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The state Senate’s mostrestrictive bill aimed at limiting red-light cameras was put on the fast track to becoming Ohio law yesterday. But opponents say the attempt to pass the bill, which was being rushed before it would die at year’s end, could give violators a loophole to avoid paying the traffic ticket. http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/06/20061206-B6-00.html

From the 12/5/06 ABJ: Speed cams are back in court Federal judge asks Ohio Supreme Court to rule on correct use By John Higgins Beacon Journal staff writer A federal judge has asked the Ohio Supreme Court to decide whether municipalities such as Akron can use automated cameras to issue civil fines for what Ohio law says are criminal traffic offenses. Akron speeders in school zones caught by the cameras get civil fines -- like paying for a parking ticket -- but if caught by police officers, they risk losing their licenses. http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/16166979.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

(Images at the end) The developers of Factory Square have received a zoning change from MG Manufacturing General to PD, which would allow the mix of uses proposed for this development. As a review, the project will entail the following: 1) Rehab of the American Can building into 90 residential units and 27,000 SF commercial space 2) Rehab of the railroad building, though a use hasn't been nailed down (it's 3,000 SF) 3) A new office/professional building of 20,000 SF, 2 stories 4) A new "mixed-use" building, 12,000 SF, 3 stories 5) 30 townhouses, along Langland St 6) A park at Hamilton and Blue Rock 7) Surface parking (There will be internal parking on the first floor of the factory building. Renters may also get one outdoor space.) Phase I: Numbers 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 to begin 2Q2007 and to take 12-18 months to complete. Phase II: 2 and 5 to begin late 2007 or early 2005 Future market development along the south side of Blue Rock St and along Mad Anthony St is possible. Mad Anthony has been mentioned as a possible future site for townhouses. Due to a lack of opposition, the zoning change was recommended unanimously by the City Planning Commission on December 15. As always, I believe the next steps are a public hearing in front of EDC, followed soon after by City Council. I did not see it on the EDC agenda for January 19, so it probably won't be heard until February. Once the zoning change is approved by Council, the developers will have to go back to the Planning Commission with a final development plan. Meanwhile, the developers are still trying to acquire the lumber yard property and the cab company sites. They have purchase contracts on those and are currently working with the city to get those deals done. That is expected to happen soon. Other funding may be available for this in the form of federal tax credits if the building is listed on the National Register. A consultant is currently working on this angle. (commercial condominiums)

From the 12/6/06 Dayton Business Journal: Airport gets boost in traffic Dayton Business Journal - December 6, 2006 The Dayton International Airport saw an 11 percent increase in passenger traffic in October, according to figures released Wednesday by the airport. Airlines that experienced gains included: AirTran Airways, 25 percent; US Airways, 12 percent; United Airlines, 22 percent; Continental Express, 25 percent; Frontier Airlines, 27 percent; Midwest Connect, 16 percent; and American Airlines, 1.7 percent. Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines saw passenger traffic fall by 16 percent and 25 percent, respectively, in October. Year to date, passenger traffic at the airport grew 6.5 percent to 1.1 million. The Dayton International Airport has 13 airlines serving 20 major destinations across the country. Full article at http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2006/12/04/daily19.html?surround=lfn

Dayton plan moves ahead $430 million riverfront project to be lifted out of flood plain BY SCOTT WARTMAN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER More than a million cubic yards of dirt could be shipped and spread on the Dayton riverfront next summer in preparation for a $430 million housing and commercial development, if all goes according to plan, the developer said Tuesday. A resolution unanimously passed by Dayton City Council on Tuesday will allow Cincinnati-based DCI Properties to start a financial plan for the development. The resolution will allow, if necessary, the issuance of up to $430 million in industrial building revenue bonds to finance the project. Read full article here: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061206/NEWS0103/612060398

From the 12/31/06 Enquirer: PHOTO: Carlo Seta (left) and Kelli Wall enjoy some strawberry hookah at Andy's Mediterranean Grille on Friday. Restaurant owners continue to be confused about the smoking ban, especially those who run hookah-smoking establishments such as Andy's. The Enquirer / James Geyer PHOTO: Hookah comes in tablets of many flavors. The tablet is placed at the top of the hookah, and the smoke is sucked through the pipes. THE ENQUIRER / JAMES GEYER Ban threatens hookah spots BY QUAN TRUONG | [email protected] On a side street in Walnut Hills, a well-known Middle Eastern restaurant holds Andy Hajjar's American dream. For his customers, Andy's Mediterranean Bar and Grill is a portal into Arabic traditions that have become the restaurant's most marketable attractions - rhythmic music, belly dancers and hookahs... http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061231/NEWS01/612310376/1077/COL02

From the 12/12/06 Forest Hills Journal: Businessmen differ on impact of smoking ban BY LIZ CAREY | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER Long before voters decided to eliminate smoking in public places, Main Street Cafe in Newtown eliminated all smoking from its 13-year-old restaurant. And while business hasn't suffered since their March 1 "No smoking" policy went into effect, owner Dave Murrie said he's still not for the new law... [email protected] 248-7139 http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061212/NEWS01/612120339/1058/Local

From the 12/23/06 Enquirer: Budget looks long term Clinics, parks, police benefit from city's plan BY DAN KLEPAL | [email protected] Health clinics, swimming pools and recreation centers will stay open. More police officers will walk the streets. Programs for the poor will continue getting help from city tax dollars. The city's savings account will grow. Click on link for article. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061223/NEWS01/612230343/1077/COL02

How the hell did people get Home Alone so quickly? On SSP, Buckeye Native got it in like 2 minutes.

These photos were taken December 17, 2006. A few near the end were taken in late November. Politically correct holiday-styled figurine arrangement. Guess the movie. 10 points. There was at least a two hour wait for skating. The northern part of the square is still under construction. Here's what happens when you slap shit together. A lawsuit waiting to happen. There was a heavy police presence. Here are a few shots of the Genius taken from various angles. Away from the square.... Comtemporary Arts Center. Sixth Street, behind the square. I wish I had better lighting. I love these buildings. Someone please help them! It's either 41:62 or 416 degrees Celsius. I never noticed that that sign said "Lawerence" before! Random...East End. Random...Mount Lookout. Random...East Walnut Hills. I'll have to try this one again when it's sunny. Random...Linwood. Fin.

This is a great retrospective. I enjoyed it a lot. Thanks!

Yeah...the chance of Downtown Property Management developing condos is about -16%.

From the 12/19/06 Youngstown Vindicator: Sen.-elect: Voters care about issues, not labels 'I am who I am,' the senator-elect says. By DAVID SKOLNICK VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — U.S. Sen.-elect Sherrod Brown said his election victory is proof that voters care more about a candidate's position on important issues rather than labels such as "left" and "right" that give a sweeping generalization about a person's politics. Brown, an Avon Democrat, defeated two-term U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, a Cedarville Republican, by more than 12 percentage points in last month's election. Brown doesn't run from being labeled a "liberal" and a "populist," but said those terms are used mostly by those involved with politics. Read More...

From the 12/20/06 Dispatch: Ohio mine-cleanup fund may grow Federal bill would grant state millions more Wednesday, December 20, 2006 Spencer Hunt THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Ohio’s effort to erase decades of damage left by abandoned coal mines would get a boost from a federal bill that would more than double the state’s cleanup funds. A bill passed by Congress, which is expected to get President Bush’s approval, would increase the amount of annual coal taxes sent to Ohio from $7.5 million this year to more than $20 million by 2012, state and federal officials said yesterday. "That’s more than what we originally expected," said Terry Van Offeren, a manager in Ohio’s abandoned-mines program. The state relies almost entirely on federal money to clean up coal mines abandoned long before environmental protections were enacted in 1978. This month, the Dispatch series "Back in Black" highlighted environmental problems associated with Ohio coal mining. The three-day series showed that the scope of the problems dwarfs the money the state has to spend. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/20/20061220-E1-00.html

From the 12/13/06 Pomeroy Daily Sentinel: Gatling mining permit for ‘room and pillar' extraction By Beth Sergent Wednesday, December 13, 2006 5:32 PM EST RACINE - Ohio Department of Natural Resources Environmental Specialist Scott Stitlier confirmed a coal mining permit filed with his agency by Gatling Ohio Mining, LLC is for “room and pillar” underground coal mining in the Racine area on and around Yellowbush Road. Officials with Gatling were in Racine Monday along with Stitlier and representatives from the US Army Corps of Engineers investigating possible impacts, if any, the proposed mine may have on wetlands or streams. “Room and pillar” underground mining is described by the United Mine Workers of America as a method of extracting coal that involves “rooms” cut into the coal bed leaving a series of pillars, or columns of coal, to help support the mine roof and control the flow of air. Generally, rooms are 20 to 30 feet wide and the pillars up to 100 feet wide and as mining advances a grid-like pattern of rooms and pillars is formed. MORE: http://www.mydailysentinel.com/articles/2006/12/13/news/local_news/news03.txt

From the 12/11/06 Dispatch: Strickland says he won’t cozy up to coal interests Companies must pay for cleanups, he says Monday, December 11, 2006 Spencer Hunt THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Ohio’s troubles with coal mines could become a big headache for the state’s next governor, Ted Strickland. When Strickland takes office next month, he might have to deal with a threatened federal takeover of Ohio’s coal programs. But the governor-elect says that if Ohio needs to raise more money to clean up bankrupt mines, he will present coal companies with the bill. "I think the coal operators should bear the burden," he said. An advocacy group says it will be watching to make sure he does, and it questions whether campaign donations from coal and power companies will affect Strickland’s coal policy. These industries donated more than $110,000 to Strickland’s 2006 campaign, says the watchdog group. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/11/20061211-A1-04.html

From the 12/7/06 Dispatch: Taxes sought for mine cleanup Bill raises what coal companies must pay Thursday, December 07, 2006 Spencer Hunt THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Ohio coal companies soon could pay higher taxes to repair land scarred by abandoned mines. A bill that passed an Ohio House committee yesterday would raise taxes that coal companies pay to clean up their mines if they go bankrupt. The bill would raise an additional $1.5 million each year to help clean land and water affected by these recently closed mines. The state faces a $3.8 million backlog of cleanup projects. The money raised by the bill would help offset diminishing receipts from other taxes. Coal-burning power plants in Ohio produce nearly 90 percent of the state’s electricity. The electricity used by the average Ohio household requires burning about 5 tons of coal a year. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/07/20061207-D1-04.html From the 12/7/06 Athens News: Coal co. hopes for go-ahead from court on Dysart mining By Jim Phillips Athens NEWS Senior Writer Thursday, December 7th, 2006 A coal company planning to open an underground mine beneath the old-growth forest Dysart Woods in Belmont County expects to hear from a state appellate court by the end of February on whether it can do so. An attorney for the Ohio Valley Coal Co. (OVCC) said Tuesday the firm is confident that the 7th District Court of Appeals will reject a legal challenge to the company's coal-mining permit, filed in June by the Columbus-based forest advocacy group, Buckeye Forest Council (BFC). "Basically, they (BFC) want to shut the mine down," said Mike Gardner, associate general counsel for the Belmont County-based coal company. "That's the ultimate objective, we believe." MORE: http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=26810

From the 12/5/06 Dispatch: BACK IN BLACK Mining for ANSWERS Advocates, state officials want to change laws, increase funding to clean abandoned mines Tuesday, December 05, 2006 THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH DEXTER CITY, Ohio — Trees and shrubs obscure much of the damage several stripmining companies caused the West Fork of Duck Creek. Although this 100-acre area along a ridgeline in Noble and Washington counties was mined in the 1950s and 1960s, water that leaks from old seams and waste coal still carries sulfuric acid and rust-colored iron to the stream. And while state and federal officials struggle to find money to repair abandoned mines in eastern and southeastern Ohio, some unlikely players are cleaning up problem areas. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/05/20061205-A1-00.html

From the 12/4/06 Dispatch: BACK IN BLACK Coal's dirty past Thousands of acres of Ohio remain polluted, dangerous Monday, December 04, 2006 THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The damage is easy to find, generations old and difficult to erase. A Dispatch analysis of state data shows that Ohio has to repair more than 36,600 acres of minedamaged sites, about as much land as Pittsburgh occupies. And it has to clean up more than 1,000 miles of polluted streams. To put that in perspective, the Ohio River stretches 981 miles. "People have no idea that abandoned mines have caused so much devastation," said Ben McCament, watershed coordinator for the Raccoon Creek Partnership, a group working to clean the 112-mile stream, which runs through Vinton, Meigs and Gallia counties in southeastern Ohio. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/04/20061204-A7-02.html

All from the 12/3/06 Dispatch: MAP: Ohio coal production GRAPHIC: Coal prices GRAPHIC: Why an old industry has growth potential GRAPHIC: Coal's impact PHOTO: Mountains of waste coal from abandoned mines dot the landscape across southeastern Ohio, allowing acid and other pollutants to drain into waterways. State Natural Resources employees Bill Jonard, left, and Terry Van Offeren stand atop one of these piles near Cannelville in Muskingum County. Coal's ghost Resurgence of mining raises concerns about lingering environmental damage Sunday, December 03, 2006 By Spencer Hunt THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Every time you turn on a light, television or computer, you burn coal, and youre burning more of it daily. The average home requires 5 tons a year. To meet increasing demand, power companies want to build as many as 140 coalfired power plants nationwide. "It is good news for Ohio coal," said Chuck Zebula, senior vice president of fuel for Columbus-based American Electric Power. While the demand will bring back coal jobs, it also will increase environmental challenges. Power companies are spending billions to fit old plants with pollution-control devices, and they promise to create cleaner-burning plants to handle Ohio's sulfur-laced coal. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/03/20061203-A1-00.html PHOTO: Coal is separated according to quality above the Sterling South Mine near Salineville. Increased energy demand is pushing a resurgence for Ohio coal. PHOTO: This polluted tributary to Huff Run in Carroll County was cleaned during an abandoned-mine reclamation project. PHOTO: Scott Cunningham keeps the coal flowing in the Sterling South Mine in Jefferson County to keep up with demand. BACK IN BLACK A deep hole As mining rebounds, state worries about losing oversight Sunday, December 03, 2006 Stories by Spencer Hunt Photos by Mike Munden THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Among Ohio mining companies, Marietta Coal was a survivor. The family-owned business found ways to make money even as federal clean-air restrictions turned Ohios sulfur-laden coal into an environmental liability. But by 2003, state inspectors found that Marietta Coal had fallen behind on restoring thousands of acres it had scarred while digging coal from Ohio's hillsides. As the situation dragged into January 2005, state mining officials feared that the company would declare bankruptcy and stick them with millions of dollars in cleanup costs. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/03/20061203-G1-01.html A look at who's minding the mines Membersties to coal industry taint rulings, advocates contend Sunday, December 03, 2006 Spencer Hunt THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Barnesville owes a lot to coal mining. "That's where our fathers and our grandfathers were employed," said Roger Deal, administrator of the village, founded in 1808 on a Belmont County hilltop. "If it wasn't for mining, we wouldn't have what we have today." But Deal and others say there is a difference between supporting an industry and living in it. Many residentsdesires not to live next door to strip mines put the town in front of a little-known government panel, the Ohio Reclamation Commission. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/03/20061203-G3-00.html

MORE INFO Westwood: The Bluffs at Woodcrest Details have been sketchy on this townhouse project on Queen City Ave, just west of sunset. Total buildout is 21 lots. Phase one consists of 12 single-family attached townhomes, with attached garages,. Lots 13 through 20, now much larger than the 12 phase one lots, will be developed with the same style of housing in future phases. These large lots will be subdivided. M/I Homes plans to develop a total of 60 units. The 21st lot is 10 acres of open space, which surrounds the residential units. Total acreage for the project is just over 13.1 acres. Ingress and egress will be via Bluffcrest Lane. Another named street, Turningleaf Court, runs off of Bluffcrest. Both streets are private and will be maintained by a Homeowners Association. Downtown: 211 W Ninth St Chris Gibbons, owner of 211 W Ninth St, which is in the Ninth Street Historic District, is planning a major rehab project. The building currently has ground-floor commercial space (usually vacant) with two apartments (one occupied) on the second floor. There is an owner's residence on the third and fourth floors. Gibbons wants to remove the commercial space and rebuild it as a garage. There is no other place on the property to provide indoor or outdoor parking. The original doorway would remain. He also wants to build balconies on the elevation along Goshen Alley. These would replace the fire escapes. The Historic Conservation Board is not too pleased about the garage door idea, though they do realize that allowing such conversions may become necessary to redevelop new buildings and to encourage homeownership. Board member Beth Sullebarger raised the strongest opposition to the proposal, saying that the Historic Conservation Board should not be encouraging garage doors in place of storefronts downtown. Others voiced some opposition to the project, hoping that it wouldn't set a precedent for future hearings. Others pointed out that the current storefront is not original to the building, having been built in the 1980s. And the garage that replaces it could easily be removed in the future. The Board voted 7-1 to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project. Sullebarger was the lone no vote. (The building is in the middle. The auditor's site incorrectly labels this photo as 213 W Ninth.) Mount Washington: 2312-2316 Beechmont Ave The City Planning Commission has voted to approve the extension of the Mount Washington Urban Design Boundary and to rezone, from Residential Multi-Family (RM-1.2) to Commercial Commmunity-Pedestrian (CC-P) the vacant residential properties at 2312-2316 Beechmont Ave. This change fits with the recently drafted Comprehensive Plan for the neighborhood, which addressed the lack of modern commercial space in the business district and cited such for the business district's inability to attract new retailers. Any commercial redevelopment of this property would be subject to public hearing. I would expect to see this in front of the Economic Development Committee on January 8 and then probably in front of Council on January 10. WINDOWS LIVE LOCAL BIRD'S EYE VIEW Clifton Heights: 315 Warner St 315 Warner St (corner of Warner and Victor) has been vacant for about four years and has been the subject of Clifton Heights Improvement Association scrutiny. The property, which includes one large retail/apartment building and a smaller single-family that fronts on Victor, was purchased in May. Improvements were made to the one-family. The larger structure, which contains three apartments, faces bigger issues. For some reason, this property has been in a SF-2 (single-family) zone since 2004, while an adjacent area to the northeast of Warner and Victor is zoned RMX (multi-family, essentially). The owner wants to rehab this property. However, with the ground-floor bar long closed and the apartments long vacant, the non-conforming use rights have lapsed. What this means is that no building permits can be issued to create (rehab) multi-family housing in a single-family zone. Ahh, bureaucracy. Some neighbors opposed any type of zoning change due to the lack of adequate on-street parking. I would ask them if they would prefer to have the blighted empty building on that prominent corner. I believe that the City Planning Commission approved of this zoning change. I would expect to see this in front of the Economic Development Committee on January 8 and then probably in front of Council on January 10. UPDATE East Price Hill: New Warsaw Ave Kroger Bids will be opened for the demolition of the properties within the footprint of the new Kroger store on January 8. The demolished properties will be as follows: 3606-3618 Van Vey St 943-949 McPherson Ave 944-950 Enright Ave The site will feature a larger, newer Kroger store with a fuel island and a ton of parking fronting on Warsaw Ave. LAST UPDATE (9/11/06) UPDATE Newport Carnegie Library The following was posted on go2newport: The City of Newport, Kentucky is seeking a qualified development firm or organization interested in the renovation and economic reuse of the Newport Carnegie Library, located at 401 Monmouth Street,Newport, Kentucky in the Monmouth Street Renaissance District. The Carnegie is located one blocksouth of the Newport on the Levee development and one block east of the Campbell County Court House. The Carnegie is a designated Historic Landmark building. VIEW THE RFP LAST UPDATE (12/6/06) Round-up: City of Cincinnati COLLEGE HILL 5782 Lantana Ave has had a nice updating. COLLEGE HILL 1141 Homeside Ave was demolished. It burned down in August, causing the roof to cave in and the walls to give out. It was a total loss. EAST PRICE HILL A large addition and a general rehab of 534 Enright Ave is currently going on. LOWER PRICE HILL The long-vacant, condemned house at 1466 Fitzpatrick St is in the process of being demolished. MADISONVILLE Habitat for Humanity has purchased the vacant residential lot at 5306 Chapman St. They also purchased the vacant residential lot at 6305 Sierra St. MT WASHINGTON Housley Homes is building a new $232,850 house at 6491 Mariwood Ln. NORTHSIDE 4145 Langland St has been rehabbed and converted from a two-family to a single-family. This house joins 4141 and 4143 Langland as houses that have been/are being rehabbed. NORTHSIDE 4221 Fergus St has been rehabbed. WALNUT HILLS The owner of 1112 Yale Ave has been working on bringing the two-family up to code. This has been a painfully slow process, and this place has been a long-time eyesore. The owner still hasn't obtained a VBML and this may go criminal soon. Round-up: Metro ALEXANDRIA Council ready to vote on Arcadia annexation Alexandria Recorder, 12/22/06 A representative of a company planning to build a 916-unit housing development assured city leaders Thursday, Dec. 21 that attempts are being made to build a secondary access road. Tollgate LLC, a partnership between Fischer Homes and Drees Homes, plans to build a mix of condominiums, townhomes, and single family homes off an extension of Pat Fanning Way between Alexandria Pike and Tollgate Road called Arcadia. The intersection of Tollgate Road and Breckenridge Drive would be the logical place to put a second exit from Arcadia because of the topography of the ridge line, said Michael Schoettelkotte, an administrative manager in land development for Drees Homes. Schoettelkotte spoke to two of the three members of the Alexandria City Council annexation subcommittee at the meeting. The only reason there's not a second entrance in the plans for Arcadia is because the land is owned by another developer, Schoettelkotte said. AMELIA Former village hall demolished in Amelia Clermont Sun, 12/29/06 The village of Amelia lost a piece of it's rich history with the demolition of the old village hall/Masonic Building Nov. 30. Amelia residents Roberta and Claude Dodson, who have owned the building and the property since 1985, decided to level the historic structure due to its unsafe and deteriorating condition. "It was just getting old," said Claude Dodson. "The deterioration of the building was making it unsafe. We understand and appreciate the historical significance of the structure, but we felt that the time had come to bring it down." According to official county historian Richard Crawford, the building's history started in the 1850's when it was constructed by Knights of Pythias fraternal organization. In addition to serving as the center of Amelia's social life for many years, the building also served as the village hall when Amelia was incorporated on Dec. 20, 1900, with John Slye as the first mayor. BETHEL History and future intertwine in Bethel Georgetown News Democrat, 12/24/06 Bethel Council chambers were filled to overflowing with members and supporters of the Burke Park Log Cabin Committee during the council meeting Monday, Dec. 11. Ron Shouse, chairman of the committee, presented a plan for the restoration and historical interpretation use of the cabins located in Burke Park. He introduced community leaders George Rooks, Howard Daugherty, Lois Denney and Terry Daugherty as officers of the newly formed committee and told council they currently have 46 members at large. Renovation of the 18 X 24 foot Acord cabin and 16 x 20 foot blacksmith cabin will not be an easy task, according to Shouse. "We are seeking all possible revenue sources and fund raising efforts," said Shouse. "We currently have $2,000 in the bank and are seeking funds from a Duke Energy grant, the Burke Trust fund, the Appalachian Foundation, private donations and the village of Bethel." The plan of action includes two phases. The first phase would call for the renovation and utilization of the Acord cabin on the current site costing an estimated $26,350. The blacksmith cabin would follow at an estimated cost of $23,400. Some of the work would entail volunteer efforts as well. BROWN COUNTY Road plan is discussed Georgetown News Democrat, 12/24/06 More than 50 Brown County residents made their way to the Gaslight Theater Wednesday, Dec. 13, for a presentation from representatives of the Ohio Department of Transportation District 9 and consulting firm Wilber Smith Associates concerning the Brown County Thoroughfare Plan. As the expected completion date of the final Thoroughfare Plan report draws near, ODOT District 9 planning administrator Todd Long said the meeting was held not only to present results of studies, meetings and surveys associated with the plan, but also to clarify the plan's purpose and to dispel any misconceptions that may be circulating. An executive summary, including improvement recommendations, was distributed and Long and Wilber Smith representative Erica Witzke fielded questions from the audience. Long and Witzke began by explaining the final draft of the Thoroughfare Plan will simply be a suggested guideline that local, state and federal officials may consider when making transportation-related decisions now and in the future. The point was repeated throughout the meeting that the plan will not constitute a decision by local or state officials to proceed or not proceed on any highway improvements, and Long said several more steps must be taken by local entities before any particular recommendation outlined in the plan becomes a reality. "(The plan) is a conceptual document," said Witzke, "something area leaders put together as a planning tool." COVINGTON The Board of Commissioners of the City of Covington have agreed to enter into a development agreement to provide HOME funds to Housing Opportunites of Northern Kentucky (HONK) for the construction of two owner-occupied homes as 919 and 921 Philadelphia St. The amount of the funds is $178,437. DELHI TWP Athletic fields nearing completion at Delhi park Delhi Press, 12/20/06 With just the scoreboard and a few finishing touches left to do, Seton High School is itching to take the field at its new fast pitch softball facility at Delhi Township Park. Coach Mary Agricola said both her schedule, including a Best of the West tournament, and her roster, including several returning players, are set. "We are so excited," Agricola said. "Having our own home field will really be a boost to our program." The home field advantage she's expecting is thanks to the Cheviot Savings Bank and township trustees. The Cheviot bank donated $15,000 to the Delhi Township Parks and Recreation Department in August. Of that, $2,000 was earmarked for the township summer programs with the remaining $13,000 being earmarked for field improvements. Township public works department crews have been doing a lot of the work at Field Four, including turning the knothole field into a regulation fast pitch softball area. ERLANGER School board chooses architect for Lloyd Memorial project Erlanger Recorder, 12/19/06 The Erlanger-Elsmere School Board announced they will partner with Robert Hayes and Associates to help with the construction of the new Lloyd Memorial High School. The board was presented with preliminary plans in September for possible designs of the school, which is expanding to accommodate more students. The school currently has approximately 600 students enrolled. In addition to providing more space, the new school will feature science and math wings, where classrooms and labs will be grouped together for easier access, as well as a new gymnasium and commons area. "This is just the first of many steps to getting this off the ground," said Superintendent Michael Sander of choosing the architect. "Once this approved by the state, we have to sit down and get into the details of the plan, and see exactly how we can get this done. But we're excited to get started." The preliminary plans presented in September involved building the new school in phases and gradually shifting from the old facility to the new one. Those plans showed that part of the existing school would still be in use in the new one, although Sander said the plans may change once they look deeper into them. FAIRFIELD Springdale company moving to Fairfield Cincinnati.com GetPublished!, 12/21/06 A Springdale manufacturer of specialized printing media is moving its operations to Fairfield next summer. Diversified Converter Materials Inc. has tentatively set a Dec. 28 groundbreaking ceremony for a 20,000-square foot plant. It will be constructed on a 3.5-acre site at 8650 Seward Road, just south of Union Centre Blvd. Co-owner and chairman Bob Swanson said the masonry and steel structure is expected to be finished June 1, weather permitting. It will house both manufacturing operations and offices for the 23-year-old company. “It’s a good project for us,’’ said Greg Kathman, Fairfield’s economic development manager. “They’re taking a vacant piece of ground and putting a good business there. It brings revenue to the city through income tax and revenue to the school district through property tax.” In the past five years sales at the family-owned, privately held business have doubled, to $10 million annually, Swanson said. That growth is expected to continue and is why the company is leaving its rented space on Chesterdale Road and building a facility twice the size of the space it is renting, Swanson said. FORT THOMAS Students will return to new classrooms after break Fort Thomas Recorder, 12/23/06 Highlands High School students will return from Christmas vacation to a few new classrooms now that the first stage of the high school's renovation is complete. "Stage one's renovations included all the math classrooms, a couple multipurpose classrooms and an area for our special education room," said Highlands High School Assistant Principal Brian Robinson. "These renovations were primarily on the first floor and on part of the ground floor," he said. "Our new guidance office is almost done and the main entrance of the building should be open in February." The school's renovations are taking place at the north end of the building and have been in the works for four years. "We are extremely excited," said Highlands High School Principal Elgin Emmons. "I can't believe we are finally getting a new school." FORT WRIGHT South Hills Civic Club gets facelift Erlanger Recorder, 12/25/06 The city announced that the exterior of the South Hills Civic Club will be updated next spring. The club, which the city took over ownership of 10 years ago, will have a new entrance installed, complete with a small foyer and covered overhang. There will also be stone facing and new siding installed to make the building more aesthetically pleasing and to match the surrounding area. "We're very pleased with the use that it gets now, and we think this will only make it nicer for the residents," said city administrator Larry Klein. "We want this to be a place that our families can enjoy and be proud of." Klein said the city performed some minor changes since taking over the building, including the installation of new restrooms about six years ago. He said that since this project will involve mostly work on the outside of the building, the club will remain open and available for use throughout the construction. Gene Weber, of Hub and Weber Architects, said the firm is currently finalizing the plans for the building, and expects to have bids for the project available by February. He said that the project will likely begin in early spring, and should take 45-60 days to complete. GOSHEN TWP Goshen takes more steps in completing site plan Community Journal North Clermont, 12/26/06 The Goshen Local School District is taking the next few steps in making its site plan for future development a reality. At a special meeting Wednesday, Dec. 20, the school board voted to accept a bid from The Motz Group to put new turf on the football field. The project will cost $525,000, district Treasurer Todd Shinkle said. Work on replacing the turf will most likely begin after the first of the year, said Eric Lutz, a partner with McCarty and Associates, the firm the district hired to help implement its site plan. The project should be completed by July 1. The board also discussed a new storage building, which will house cafeteria and maintenance supplies. Bids for the building were opened Friday, Dec. 15; however, the board had to reject all bids because they were too high, said Jane Schmidbauer, director of personnel and student services. GREEN TWP Green Twp. uses grant to preserve undeveloped land Cincinnati Enquirer, 12/24/06 Green Township is turning greener. On Dec. 18, the township acquired a 4.8-acre tract of undeveloped land on Jonkard Lane overlooking Interstate 74 for $71,500. The township also plans to purchase, during Christmas week, a 12.5-acre piece of wooded hilltop land overlooking the intersection of Interstates 74 and 275 for $200,000. Both purchases are Clean Ohio Grant acquisitions, with the state paying for 70 percent of the purchase price and the township picking up the remaining 30 percent. Both parcels of land will remain wild and green. HAMILTON Dream vision taking shape for church Hamilton JournalNews, 12/27/06 The framework for the new Pilgrim Baptist Church multipurpose fellowship hall on South Fourth Street is beginning to take shape. The steel studs now outlining the new 5,000-square-foot facility have added dimension to the project which has been a dream of the congregation for 35 years. "It feels real good seeing it," said Logan Stone. "It has made people very happy." The unseasonably warm weather this month has worked in favor of the project. "We've had really good weather," said Stone. "We're looking for a late May completion." HILLSBORO New construction threatens trailer park Hillsboro Times-Gazette, 12/29/06 At least six Hillsboro residents, with several more to follow, are searching for new lots for their mobile homes after a company purchased the property on which their homes are located. Residents of Lynwood Court and Lynwood Terrace, off of Springlake Avenue, received letters during the month of December stating that within six months to a year they will have to vacate the properties on which their trailers are situated. Some have been asked to move by Jan. 20. According to a letter provided to The Times-Gazette by Springlake Avenue resident Floyd Morgan, the property that presently houses his rented lot has been purchased by KL Highland Investment Co. LLC. According to the letter, the property's previous owners "requested that we provide you with an assistance available to make this transition as smooth as possible for all the tenants. As the new owners, we no longer wish to continue the use of this property as it is currently is being used. It is the intent of the new owners to phase out the entire park over the next three years." Hillsboro businessman Christopher Lewis, who said he purchased the park with Tim Kiefer in the last few weeks, said the park will be vacated in multiple phases. However, he is not sure exactly how they will be using the property in the future. INDEPENDENCE Kenton Library Turns $8M Page Kentucky Post, 12/30/06 The Independence branch of the Kenton County Public Library closes today - and library officials say it was a long time coming. "We've been planning to replace that building for five years," said interim director Dave Schroeder. "We wanted to locate a little further south." The library is abandoning the branch on Taylor Mill Road in favor of a new, $8 million building on Walton-Nicholson Road that has more than three times as much space. That's near the intersection of Ky. 17 and Ky. 16, a spot library officials consider more accessible to the public. "It's a real nice location where those roads are coming together," Schroeder said. The move will take most of next month and the library will open in its new quarters Jan. 28. LAWRENCEBURG New road, same name Dearborn County Register, 12/29/06 Flashing message signs relayed the news to drivers along U.S. 50 Thursday afternoon Dec. 21. The new section of Ind. 48 had been opened to traffic about two years after construction first began. The road was built to replace the old, curvey portion of Ind. 48 from about Tower Road to U.S. 50 alongside the Dearborn Plaza shopping center in Lawrenceburg. The new section begins on U.S. 50 across from the PSEG power plant driveway next to the TLC car wash. “The road is open for traffic, but it is certainly not a completed project,” Marvin Jenkins, Indiana Department of Transportation. LEBANON Fecon to expand facility Cincinnati Business Courier, 12/22/06 Manufacturing company Fecon Inc. plans to expand its facility in 2007, the Lebanon company announced. Plans call for adding 60,000 square feet of manufacturing floor space and 3,000 square feet of office space to its existing 56,000-square-foot facility. Fecon, which employs 112 people, designs and manufactures vegetation management equipment used for land clearing, firebreaks, park trails and maintenance. LOVELAND Pool report is available Cincinnati Enquirer, 12/26/06 A consultant's preliminary report on Loveland's hopes of building a pool and recreation center is available on the city's Web site, www.lovelandoh.com. A team of planners from Brandstetter Carroll Inc. in Lexington explained what it analyzed, including residents' income levels, ways to pay for a facility and impacts on traffic. A public hearing on whether the city should go into a partnership with the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati and let that agency operate the pool is scheduled for Jan. 9. Officials are pushing for recommendations soon after from the recreation committee. If council decides to go ahead, it could put a levy on the ballot in 2007. LOVELAND Memorial park isn't livable, according to city Loveland Herald, 12/17/06 A chemical with deadly potential has caused city officials to redefine the use of Loveland Veterans' Memorial Park. The park, at 116 Riverside Drive, will now and, possibly forever, be a piece of non-residential property. "You couldn't build a house on it or an apartment," said City Manager Tom Carroll. "I don't imagine that it would be used for anything else (besides a park)." In 1990, the city confirmed that the property was contaminated with benzene by a service station on the property from the late 1940s to 1983, and a dry-cleaning facility, according to a city memo written by Carroll. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Web site, benzene derives from coal and petroleum. MARIEMONT Art club given time to form proposal to restore barn Cincinnati Enquirer, 12/24/06 The village will give the Women's Art Club of Cincinnati more time to develop a plan to restore the historic Resthaven Barn, which was built on Cambridge Road at the time of Mariemont's founding. The art club wants to buy the building for $50,000 and then apply for grants to restore it in phases. The total cost of restoring the two-story building is estimated at $1 million to $1.2 million. The art club won't qualify for many potential grants until it owns the building. Mariemont has agreed to pay just under half of the $1,800 cost of conducting an environmental study of the property. If Village Council likes the art club's plan for Resthaven's restoration, Mariemont will sell the building. Eastern Hills Journal: Mariemont, art club agree to make barn 1st priority (12/18/06) MILLVILLE Building marks church's growth Hamilton JournalNews, 12/24/06 Just a little more than a year ago, parishioners at Queen of Peace Church broke ground on the Queen of Peace Parish Center and six new classrooms. A 10 a.m. mass and a visit by Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk to bless the new addition is scheduled Jan. 1. "Now that we have the opportunity for growth, we are seeing interest from people in the community who are considering our school as an option for their kids," the Rev. Michael Hay said. The parish center is a high-school-sized gymnasium, but will also be available for use by other parish groups. It includes retractable bleachers — seating for at least 336 — two restrooms; two team rooms and a concession area. MT HEALTHY Mt. Healthy schools to consolidate Cincinnati Enquirer, 12/25/06 Even though a bond issue for new schools didn't pass last month, Mount Healthy is moving forward with plans for school consolidation. The district school board recently voted close North Middle School at the end of the school year and move those students to South Middle School, where temporary classrooms will be added. The closure saves $400,000 and clears the way for construction of a new elementary school if voters pass a $33 million bond issue on the ballot in February. Mount Healthy seeks to shrink from eight buildings to three new buildings, with Ohio paying $57 million of the cost if the bond issue passes. The newly merged South Middle school would have about 550 students next year, said David Horine, superintendent. NEW RICHMOND Ruben Willis Ballpark may go up for sale Clermont Sun, 12/21/06 The New Richmond Village Council has notified the community that the eight-acre Ruben Willis Ballpark may someday be sold for commercial development. The ballpark has been utilized by youth-oriented sports teams for more than 20 years. Addressing council at its regular Dec. 12 meeting was president of the New Richmond Knothole Association Aaron Humphries. "The knothole association received a notification letter from the village regarding the evaluation of the ballpark land that the village holds," he said. "Kids from the village and the surrounding areas play ball there and we are here to ask questions and hopefully, get answers. We would just like to know what to expect. Is the land up for bid or auction yet? What is the timeline? What is the general plan for the property? Do we need to start looking for other places for the kids to play?" New Richmond Mayor Terry Durrette provided the concerned residents in the community some answers to these questions. NORWOOD Norwood church starts year, addition Cincinnati Enquirer, 12/30/06 For New Year's Eve, one Norwood church is looking at its past and future and focusing on God. Trinity Pentecostal Church, 2719 Norwood Ave., is celebrating its 35th anniversary and breaking ground on a new addition Sunday after its 10 a.m. service. "It's exciting to see where we've been and to where we're going," said Pastor Stanley Webb, who founded the church in a borrowed building in 1971. The independent Pentecostal church has been working on the addition, a family life center with classrooms and a multipurpose room, for eight years. "We are very excited. Our pastor has worked so diligently to get this project going," said Andrew Clark, the church's youth leader. "This is a space we can really use." PENDLETON COUNTY Bethel Cemetery church restoration seeks donations, descendents Cincinnati Enquirer, 12/30/06 Two Methodists and two Baptists came together in 1881 to build a church at the Bethel Cemetery. Charlie Pyles of Cold Spring hopes the community can come together like they did then to restore this historic structure at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Ky. 17. "We think the building can be restored. It's a magnificent old church," said Pyles, 62. His wife, Betty, 58, is the great-great-granddaughter of one of the Methodists who built the original church, Thomas J. Campbell. Pyles is working with the Bethel Cemetery Association on the project and is looking for monetary and material donations for the building. SARDINIA Sardinia looks to annex Georgetown News Democrat, 12/24/06 Sardinia Village Council passed an ordinance at its Dec. 12 meeting to bring 33.116 acres of the Kenton Stoker Development Company mobile home park into the village. Council voted unanimously to annex the land into the village following requests from the developer. Sardinia Village solicitor George Pattison said he mailed letters of notification to surrounding property owners on Oct. 18. "We received no complaints or indications that there is a problem," said Pattison. With the annexation included in council's minutes, the village clerk was directed to file copies with involved public entities, including the country recorder and auditor, the Board of Elections and the Secretary of State. SOUTHGATE Apartments a hot issue Cincinnati Enquirer, 12/19/06 As three new members of the six-member council prepare to take office in January, the fate of the apartment complex slated for 13 acres on Moock Road appears uncertain. The Campbell County Planning and Zoning Commission conditionally approved the Stage 1 development plan for the apartments 4-2 last week. Southgate City Council will have final approval, thanks to a stipulation the council made this year when approving a zone change for the property. The development plan likely won't come before council until early next year, council members say. It's such a hot-button issue in Southgate that some residents ran for council in the November election because of their opposition to it. The developer, Herman & Kittle Properties of Indianapolis, has planned to construct 230 apartments in nine buildings at Moock Road and U.S. 27. SPRINGDALE Springdale to study need for new fire station Tri-County Press, 12/23/06 If building a new fire house is necessary to save lives then Terrytown Court resident August Kraemer said he is in favor of a possible new Springdale fire station on the east side of town. City officials are planning a $50,000 study with a consultant next year to determine if a second fire station should be built to service the area east of state Route 747 and the Heritage Hill area, said Springdale Administrator Cecil Osborn. After living in the Heritage Hill area for more than 30 years, Kraemer said he recalls just one fire in the area in which he lives. "There is a fire house in Sharonville on Crescentville, a half-mile from my house. I don't think they would let my house burn down, Sharonville wouldn't... "If it didn't cost that much out of my pocket and they think it would be safer, I would say yes, go for it." SPRINGFIELD TWP The township Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on January 3 regarding the possible demolition of these properties: * 1381 Summit Rd * 75 Ridgeway Rd * 11865 Canfield Ct All three properties have been deemed dangerous. (1381 Summit, 75 Ridgeway, 11865 Canfield) SYMMES TWP Historical society awaits grant to develop museum Cincinnati Enquirer, 12/31/06 The Symmes Historical Society hopes to soon receive $100,000 from the state to refurbish an early 1800s-era township cabin for an educational museum. The money, included in the state's capital budget, is less than the $286,000 requested, said the group's secretary, Carol Sims. The society will plan fundraisers for the remaining amount, she said. The state capital budget has been approved by the House and is awaiting Senate approval. Loveland Herald: Historical society may get $100K for cabin (12/19/06) VILLA HILLS Villa Hills to expand city property Erlanger Recorder, 12/21/06 The city announced that they have reached an agreement to close on a property across the street from the current city building, allowing them to expand. According to Mayor Mike Sadouskas, the property, located at 720 Rogers Road, became available about six months ago. The city looked into the idea of expanding the current city building to accommodate the growing records room and the police department, which is currently housed in the basement. "This will allow us to deal with some of our space and storage issues," said Sadouskas. "The opportunity presented itself, and we received a good price, so I'm glad we were able to do this. There's been a lot of discussion that's gone into this, and we think it's the best move for the city." City attorney Michael Duncan said the city will pay approximately $140,000 for the property and house, although they had to clear another hurdle before they could announce the closing. Since the property had a restriction mandating it could only be for residential use, the city had to obtain signatures of a majority of the neighborhood stating that it would be okay to use the house as an extension of the city building. "We only needed 27 signatures, and I think we ended up with 35," said city administrator Corky Brown. "That is directly a result of the hard work of the administrative staff and the council here. A lot of people put a lot of effort into this to make it happen." WEST CHESTER TWP Gym bulks up newest facility Cincinnati Enquirer, 12/30/06 Lexington-based Global Fitness Holdings LLC is kicking off the new year with its eighth Gold's Gym in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky - this one billed as bigger and better than any that have come before it. "It's been called the Gold's Gym super club," said Bill Robinson, the chain's vice president of sales. "It's twice the size of some of our clubs." At 53,000 square feet, the fitness facility that opens today on Allen Road is a third larger than Gold's Norwood location (in the Cornerstone office park along Interstate 71). The West Chester site is costing $8 million to build, including the cost of the property. Some other locations are leased. The facility is a prototype for more Gold's on the way. Global Fitness expects to open one in Florence by the end of the year and another on the banks of the Ohio River in Bellevue in mid-2008. WILMINGTON New CMH cancer center will feature patient-friendly suites Hillsboro Times-Gazette, 12/26/06 Patients at the new Foster J. Boyd, MD, Regional Cancer Center will receive chemotherapy five days a week in surroundings that are comfortable and offer the option for privacy or interaction with othess. These infusion suites are another example of how the new center, which opens in February, will pair compassionate care with leading edge technology for cancer patients in the region. "Often, cancer patients are dealing with feelings of anxiety about having been diagnosed with the disease," says Tim Crowley, president and chief executive officer of CMH Regional Health System, which is building the cancer center. "Treating patients in a calming and friendly environment can go a long way toward easing the additional stress of receiving treatment for the disease." While one of the center's 10 chemotherapy suites will offer complete privacy, the remaining nine suites will be connected with one another through doorways. Patients can choose to leave the doors open and converse with their neighbors or close them for more privacy. Each suite will also have comfortable lounge chairs for patients, family seating, a television, DVD and headphones, and a window overlooking the center's healing garden, which will also serve as a meditative environment to which patients, families and staff may retreat during times of healing. "We want patients to feel connected to others, and to the world outside," says Crowley. The garden, which will also include a soothing water feature, will add to the center's overall calming and life-affirming environment.