buildingcincinnati

From the 11/29/06 Northwest Press: Gateway considered BY JENNIE KEY | COMMUNITY PRESS EDITOR Colerain Township officials are gathering information to decide whether to build a gateway to the community near Northgate Mall using tax increment finance dollars. Frank Birkenhauer, economic development director for Colerain Township, said the township is talking with the owners of the former BP Procare facility that operated at Colerain Avenue and Springdale Road. Birkenhauer said the township is concerned about how the prominent corner is developed... [email protected] 923-3111, extension 233 http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/NEWS01/611290358/1071/Local

From the 11/15/06 Enquirer: Penney's plans not deterring Northgate Mall BY MIKE BOYER | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER The owners of Northgate Mall in Colerain Township are nearing completion of the first phase of their up-to-$40-million renovation and are moving forward on the next phase, even if it doesn't include anchor J.C. Penney... E-mail [email protected] http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061115/BIZ01/611150334/1076/BIZ

From the 12/21/06 Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune: Commissioners to create courthouse crush fund By Zachary Petit, [email protected] The Seneca County Commissioners are to complete another step toward razing the courthouse today. Proceeding with their decision to demolish and salvage the structure, the commissioners are to consider establishing a fund at today’s board meeting that would house the money needed to pay for the project’s expenses. In essence, the fund would serve as the monetary bloodline for the future of the courthouse. “That’s basically the first step in putting the funds together for the engineering of the (courthouse) deconstruction,” board president Ben Nutter said. http://www.advertiser-tribune.com/articles.asp?articleID=5535

From the 12/21/06 Western Star: Park slated for Turtlecreek Twp. Result of agreement between developer, commissioners; judge must now approve plan. By Daniel Wells Staff Writer Thursday, December 21, 2006 Turtlecreek Twp. will be getting a new 50-acre park as part of an agreement reached by a home developer and the Warren County Commissioners Tuesday. The developer, J-II Enterprises, agreed to donate the land, located on Ohio 741 just south of Ohio 63, to the county park board in exchange for sanitary sewer service. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/20/ws122106development.html From same: Adding jail guards, court security, safety officers for fast-growing county Budget that spends 6 percent more in 2007 approved Thursday night By Tiffany Y. Latta Staff Writer Thursday, December 21, 2006 LEBANON — Warren County commissioners approved a $59.4 million tax budget Thursday night. The biggest expense — $960,000 to hire public safety employees. The sheriff's office will add five corrections officers for the overcrowded Warren County Jail, two courthouse security officers for Warren County Common Pleas Court and additional employees for pre-trial services and community corrections. "The primary reason we pay taxes is to feel safe in our homes and communities,'' Commissioner Dave Young said. "We can talk about zoning and economic development, but if we don't feel safe, all of that goes out of the window.'' http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/21/ws122106taxbudgetweb.html From the 12/21/06 Pulse-Journal: Plans for new junior high OK'd First phase will accommodate 800 students; will be adjacent to high school. By Megan Gildow Staff Writer Thursday, December 21, 2006 Little Miami board members approved revised plans for a new junior high Tuesday night. The revised plans brought the design within the 109,000-square-foot budget for the building, said officials. The building is part of the $62.5 million bond passed by voters in May. The bond also includes an addition to the high school, a new intermediate school and renovations to existing facilities. http://www.pulsejournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/20/pjl122106lmboard.html

None of these people had a problem when the jail was right in the middle of a busy downtown. Right in the middle of the economic engine of the county. It's not "the children" they're worried about. It's their children. They should at least be honest and own up to the fact that they're against this jail for selfish reasons instead of hiding behind slogans.

From the 12/22/06 Youngstown Vindicator: Youngstown Vindicator: 2nd floor gets minor updates (12/13/06) Contracts OK'd for city hall work The board approved roof repairs to 20 Federal Place. By DAVID SKOLNICK CITY HALL REPORTER YOUNGSTOWN — The board of control hired two companies to handle renovation of city hall's first floor. The board approved a $119,100 contract with Aberdeen Corp. on Thursday to do the general contracting work on the project and a $36,537 contract with Tri Area Electric Co. Inc. to handle the electric work... [email protected] http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/346115517353122.php

From the 12/26/06 Blade: PHOTO: Charter One Bank closed its branch in the building at 2475 Collingwood Blvd. a year ago because of a lack of customers. ( THE BLADE/HERRAL LONG ) Old West End site winds up in default Redevelopment plan on Collingwood fails By TOM TROY BLADE STAFF WRITER High hopes abounded when a local community development corporation took over a row of buildings at Collingwood Boulevard and Delaware Avenue and recruited some new businesses. Neighborhoods in Partnership, a city-funded community development corporation that bought the two buildings in 1997, moved in a deli, a dry cleaner, an architect's office, and a bank with a drive-through window. It was hoped the changes would breathe new life into the commercial center of the Old West End. But the departure of its key tenant, Charter One Bank, from the former Cathedral Square Antiques building, 2475 Collingwood, in December, 2005, has forced the project into default. Late last month, a judge in Lucas County Common Pleas Court granted judgment in favor of National City Bank of Cleveland against Neighborhoods in Partnership, or NIP. The ruling granted National City Bank $348,405 remaining on a commercial loan to Cathedral Market Ltd. guaranteed by NIP in February, 2003. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061226/NEWS16/612260303/-1/NEWS

From the 11/30/06 ABJ: New CEO boards scenic railroad Steven Wait takes helm of valley line By Bob Downing Beacon Journal staff writer PENINSULA - Steven W. Wait never had a model train, never had dreams of being a railroad engineer. But the 53-year-old Wait became a railroad man for 31 years and now finds himself president and chief executive officer of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. His chief tasks include upgrading and expanding rail operations in the Cuyahoga Valley and south to Akron and Canton, extending the railroad into downtown Cleveland and raising funds for the tourist railroad. http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/16129533.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

I haven't gotten around to it yet. I'm too busy giving much space to the fantasy flow.

Jail foe: City should secede Independence attorney Eric Deters is advocating that Independence and southern Kenton County secede from Kenton County if no other way can be found to stop the county's new jail from being built near the city. "We could form our own county - Independence County - or merge with another county, like Boone, Campbell or Grant," Deters said Sunday. "It is wild. It is an extreme measure. It would be a last resort. But there is good reason to do it. If Kenton County keeps insisting on the jail site through the end of the year, I'm going to recommend that a petition drive be started early in the new year to secede." Deters said state law permits an election on secession if most people living in a particular section of the county sign a petition asking for an election. Read full article here: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061218/NEWS02/612180370/1014

New jail raising fears Others say lockup next door not so bad once you get past perception Suddenly, there's fear on Kieffer Ridge. Residents of this quiet suburban street learned last week Kenton County plans a new jail nearby. "My neighbors, looking out the backyard, they're going to have a scenic view of the convict condos over there," said Kevin Lalley, a 46-year-old father of two whose house would be about 700 feet from the jail property. "I'm not worried about seeing it - I'm more worried about the fallout from having it." But people who live near existing jails say it isn't as bad as some might expect. Modern-day jails are more secure and attractive than they used to be, officials from Kenton County and other governments that have built jails recently point out. Lalley and neighbors in the Liberty Orchard subdivision learned about county plans for a $40 million, 600-bed jail across a new section of Ky. 17, south of the Pelly Road intersection. Read full article here: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061217/NEWS0103/612170402

Timing on jail site curious? Controversial issue would have clouded Nov. elections The political timing of the Kenton County Fiscal Court's announcement to build a jail on the fringe of this growing city hardly seems coincidental. But even with some machinations that appear designed to blunt potential fallout, the politics of the jail decision is likely to linger for years. Independence officials and residents, Kenton County Schools officials and others are angry for two reasons: Location: The new site is within a mile of two schools - Summit View Elementary and Middle schools - and close to residential areas. Process: The all-Republican Fiscal Court - led by Judge-executive Ralph Drees - made the decision where to locate the jail with no input from the public. Read full article here: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061216/NEWS0103/612160381

Site for new jail is set The new Kenton County Jail will be in unincorporated Kenton County, just outside of Independence, at the end of the new Ky. 17. Kenton County Judge-Executive Ralph Drees announced the location at an 11 a.m. press conference today. County officials said they purchased 25 acres, of which 12 will be used for the jail. The site is between 500 and 800 yards south of Pelly Road on the east side of a planned extension of Ky. 17 - about a mile from Summit View Elementary School. "It's on 12 acres of level land on a major road that's easy to get to from different areas of the county," Drees said this morning prior to the press conference. Read full article here: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061211/NEWS02/612110364/1014

County buying site for jail Commissioners OK purchase, but won't say where Kenton County Fiscal Court chose a jail site Tuesday night, but isn't saying where it is. "We can't disclose the site until we actually have the deed in hand," Commissioner Dan Humpert said after the meeting. "I don't want anything to mess up the sale of the property." Humpert did say, however, that the site is not in Elsmere. Residents of that Kenton County suburb were caught off guard when the county voted seven years ago to build a jail there. The site was later dropped because of public opposition, but Elsmere officials have continued to monitor the site selection process. In its unanimous vote, the four-member fiscal court, which will have two new members in January, authorized Judge-executive Ralph Drees to develop and execute a purchase contract and spend up to $750,000 for a parcel of property for the construction of a county detention center/public safety complex. Read full article here: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061122/NEWS0103/611220446

This one is more a function of the language barrier than anything else. I get crap from these people at least twice a month. I'm not interested in their product, but it makes for some good reading. This is from Confidential Connections, an international "matchmaking" agency. It's been sitting in my e-mail since the middle of October. Special: Halloween gifts Every holiday is a cause to make a present - even the most spooky one. Hallowe'en provides the most special romantic ambience, giving much space to the fantasy flow. In Ukraine Halloween along with the St. Valentine's Day is regarded as one of the most exotic holidays, due to the fact that both weren't widely known here until the collapse of the Soviet Union. But now it's celebrated with great pleasure, being probably the most active sort of holiday, with lots of humour, activities and socializing. And it's most romantic to greet your Lady with a present that could help her not to get lost among all the evil spirits whirling around her in a dance of horror and temptation... Be with her in this impetuous revelry of the Dark... And don't let her forget it's just a game! We offer a range of special Halloween presents. Visit our special Helloween - Gift Wizard Let us say a little about all our Connection Group! Ukraine has become very famous for the past few years and finally the world has discovered a real, unique and precious beauty of Ukrainian woman. Ukraine with its interesting traditions, beautiful culture and values leave a mark on personality of Ukrainian woman?? It is said a lot of enough about family values and devotion of Eastern European women, but there are things that cannot fail to be seen. You will not find any other country where people are so close to the original understanding of family significance, where women are so tender and where you can see so many beautiful women that you can hardly believe your eyes! ConfidentialConnections.com - Ukraine dating But we can't forget about the beauty of Russian woman! We are situated in Russia, the biggest and the most enigmatic country in the world, in the town of Krasnodar, one of the most beautiful, sunny and friendly town in Russia. Just imagine a deep magnificent sea, high mountains, large forests and all this is just steps from our offices. There are many pretty and lonely ladies here who are looking for their other halves. Besides, women in Krasnodar are considered to be the most some of the most beautiful in Russia a southern warm climate and sun bring out smiles and cheerfulness and blossoming beauty. We invite you to visit our website. You can write us or come here and meet our wonderful ladies in the atmosphere of benevolence in our office. The answer?.. WifeConnections.com - Russia dating Once Argentinean carnival enters your life, you will not be able to live without endless energy, optimism and LOVE. Please visit us and you will be able to get acquainted with the very beautiful and hot ladies from this perfect South American country! They are gorgeous and looking forward to get to know you!!! FianceConnections.com - Argentina dating However Single and Beautiful Women from Brazil are also waiting for their destiny and love. The hot sun and tender sea have made them very good looking and optimistic, they will embrace your heart with their warm smile! Ladies in Curitiba (our first branch in Brazil) are waiting for you! Welcome to the new page of your life! BrideConnections.com - Brazil dating new! You can use your login and password on all our sites: Your login: XXXXXX Your password: XXXX Lastest Teslimonial:Privyet Elena(trip coordinator)! Privyet Elena(trip coordinator)! Spasiba!! thank you for the wonderfull time that I had in Kharkov!! I still think of it every day!! Yes specialy since I met Elena and the other wonderfull ladies!! Please give my thanks to your other office staff,they have made my stay and the their help a unforgetable experience!! As I will be away from next Wednesday the 19th I hope as I told you that I can log in on the site from Dubai. And answer the mails if it is possible. I hope to see you and the staff in the near future! But I do not think that it will be in the next period. Maybe the one after that? I am not sure about it but will let you know far in advance. With thanks and with the best regards, Hein. Hein Op den Velde /06 14 2006

From the 12/14/06 Youngstown Vindicator: $40M bond issue to help projects The university will borrow as much as $40 million to help finance the work. By HAROLD GWIN VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — Payroll savings generated by an early-retirement incentive program negotiated with Youngstown State University's classified employees last year may be used to fund the university's centennial master improvement plan. The YSU Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to authorize borrowing up to $40 million in a bond issue to help fund $82 million in campus improvement projects over the next six years, all tied to the university's 100th anniversary in 2008. Other funding sources are: $34 million in state capital funds, nearly $3.4 million in philanthropic gifts, $2.8 million in internal funds and about $1.2 million in federal grants. Indications are that employee cost savings from the retirement incentive will be more than sufficient to cover the debt service on the $40 million in bonds. [email protected] For the full article, visit: http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/364184937799771.php

From the 12/1/06 Youngstown Vindicator: Committee proposes $18M cut in loans for centennial projects Some projects on the campus improvement list will be postponed. By LINDA M. LINONIS VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University trustees' finance and facilities committee now proposes borrowing $40 million for a centennial master plan, rather than the $58 million previously discussed. Hunter Morrison, the university's Center for Urban and Regional Studies director, said the lower figure reflects putting some projects on hold. "The projects still reflect YSU's commitment," Morrison said. ... For the full article, visit: http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/326670078154948.php

Both from the 11/27/06 Youngstown Vindicator: Trustees consider borrowing $58 million for improvements The university has already completed other projects totaling $26 million. By HAROLD GWIN VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown State University Board of Trustees is looking at borrowing more than $58 million to help finance $101 million in campus improvements. That's the projected share of the total program cost that the university will have to come up with, if the trustees decide to move forward with the centennial master plan as proposed by the administration. The plan isn't final yet, and the trustee's Finance and Facilities Committee is scheduled to address the issue at a meeting Thursday. [email protected] For the full article, visit: http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/322980560917003.php MAJOR ITEMS Centennial plan Youngstown State University is looking at an ambitious $101 million campus improvement plan for its 2008 centennial. For the list of major items on the proposed project list, visit: http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/305288325311794.php

From the 12/2/06 Dispatch: COLUMBUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS Downtown high school’s redesign will delay launch Saturday, December 02, 2006 Debbie Gebolys THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The Columbus Public Schools’ new Downtown high school is undergoing design changes and won’t be ready for the start of the 2008-09 school year after all. Carole Olshavsky, the district’s senior executive of capital improvements, said yesterday that the $25.2 million project planned for Mound Street between 4 th and 5 th streets is now expected to open in January 2009. Architects changed the exterior design of the combination career school and adult-education center after the Downtown Commission made recommendations in March. They also needed to adjust when they discovered that the original four-story school plan would require costly fire-protection upgrades. The final design calls for a three-story, 133,600-square-foot building that can accommodate 800 students in each of two half-day sessions per school day. It will be masonry with three shades of red brick and feature indoor and outdoor seating for a restaurant on 4 th Street run by the school’s culinary-arts programs. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/02/20061202-C1-03.html

From the 12/20/06 Enquirer: Growth suit is nearly settled THE ENQUIRER A lawsuit filed against Warren County in its attempt to limit residential growth is on the verge of being settled. The county held a public hearing Tuesday on a settlement agreement that would bring the number of homes proposed for 146 acres in Turtlecreek Township down from 300 to 95. The Richardson farm is in the 400 block of Ohio 741 near the Ohio 63 intersection. The owners sued Warren County in 2004 because the county denied sewer access, thereby blocking plans for a 300-home subdivision. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061220/NEWS01/612200392/1056/COL02 From the 12/21/06 Pulse-Journal: Deerfield land deal a win-win Township profits from sale, local buyer will keep it mostly green space. By Denise G. Callahan Staff Writer Thursday, December 21, 2006 Mark Altemier shut out several residential developers with his bid of $610,000 in his quest to buy a 20-acre parcel of land Deerfield Twp. put on the auction block. The township made a $50,000 profit after the auction action concluded Dec. 15. Deerfield Twp. paid $560,000 in 2002 for the parcel, known as the Farmer property, that rests just north of Socialville-Foster Road and west of Foster's Crossing. http://www.pulsejournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/20/pjl122106deerfieldtrustees.html

From the 12/20/06 Youngstown Vindicator: Layout is approved for proposed development AUSTINTOWN — The Mahoning County Planning Commission has unanimously approved the layout of streets and lots for a 67-acre single-family residential development to be built on the north side of Gibson Road just west of Turner Road in Canfield Township... http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/316021104547643.php From the 12/19/06 Youngstown Vindicator: Officials discuss future use of land The idea of a cost analysis for sewer and water will go before council. By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR. VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF GIRARD — City officials are not sure what will become of city-owned land surrounding the Upper Girard Lakes, but they are talking about development possibilities... [email protected] http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/315552885905961.php From the 12/17/06 Youngstown Vindicator: Building slows in Howland, Cortland The two communities have lost population and student enrollment in recent years. By TIM YOVICH VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF HOWLAND — The building and population boom once associated with Howland and Cortland has leveled off — at least for now... http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/314611213339082.php School district to decide in Jan. what to do about its buildings Youngstown Vindicator, 12/23/06 South Range Board of Education intends to decide in January which direction to take to upgrade the school district's facilities... Designers describe two planned facilities Youngstown Vindicator, 12/15/06 Local libraries in recent years have been built with books, technology, meeting rooms, cafes and many other resources in mind... Fire station project awaits study Youngstown Vindicator, 12/13/06 The township will wait a few weeks before advertising for an architectural and engineering firm to either renovate or rebuild the main fire station...

From the 12/23/06 Toledo Blade: GRAPHIC: Bus stop and walkway removed DAMAGED BY 2005 BLAZE Bus stop, part of walkway are demolished downtown Removing the structures improves views of river By TOM TROY BLADE STAFF WRITER A section of the enclosed pedestrian walkway that connects much of Toledo's downtown riverfront from One SeaGate to the SeaGate Centre has been removed. The overhead glass-enclosed walkway above Madison Avenue at Summit Street and an enclosed TARTA bus station were taken down by a city contractor in the last two months. Cleanup is continuing. The walkway connected Edison Plaza with the Riverview Apartments building. The demolition of the two-story steel and glass structure opens the vista from Madison to the river - a goal of the city's downtown Toledo master plan. TARTA contributed $65,000 it received in a federal beautification grant to the city's $179,000 demolition cost. City council is set to vote Jan. 2 to accept the $65,000. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061223/NEWS16/612230384/-1/NEWS

From the 12/15/06 Youngstown Vindicator: County OKs borrowing $5.3 million for JFS space One commissioner still is opposed to the Oakhill building takeover. By PETER H. MILLIKEN VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning County commissioners have voted to borrow $5,315,000 in the bond market to pay for renovation of about 100,000 square feet of office space at Oakhill Renaissance Place for the county's Department of Job and Family Services... http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/339628341298587.php From the 11/15/06 Youngstown Vindicator: Cause probe to slow project The project is considered the second-largest river cleanup in the nation. By ED RUNYAN VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF WARREN — Plans to dredge the Mahoning River may be delayed as much as 15 years if the federal government opts to enforce a provision of federal law that requires investigation into who caused its contamination, a Trumbull County official reported... [email protected] http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/299681647339217.php From the 12/4/06 Youngstown Vindicator: This is the Mall's largest improvement project. This is the mall's largest improvement project. By DAVID SKOLNICK VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER NILES — The Cafaro Co. unveiled a multimillion-dollar face-lift to the company's Eastwood Mall in grand style. More than 2,000 people attended the mall's grand reopening celebration Sunday night... " [email protected] http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/287649648565433.php Small businesses lagging due to 170 construction East Liverpool Review, 12/14/06 A number of small business owners along state Route 170 say the construction project near the intersection of Calcutta Smith-Ferry Road is having a negative impact on their businesses. .. Home Savings donates lot to Habitat for Humanity Youngstown Vindicator, 12/10/06 Habitat for Humanity of Northern Columbiana County has a new place to build here thanks to a donation from Home Savings and Loan, Youngstown. .. Building plan will depend on poll Youngstown Vindicator, 12/7/06 The board of education awarded an $8,700 contract to a research company that will poll Howland residents about school construction.... Residents object to proposed new site Youngstown Vindicator, 12/6/06 Some residents on streets near the proposed site of a new rescue mission don't want the facility in their neighborhood. Stan Miller of Dorothy Avenue organized a group of about 10 homeowners to protest the proposed relocation of the mission to Southside Park, located in their neighborhood. .. ODOT nixes plan to pave over bricks East Liverpool Review, 12/5/06 ODOT has nixed a plan to pave over bricks on a wavy one-block section of Fourth Street next year “because of the historical nature of the bricks,” City Planning Director Bill Cowan informed city council Monday...

Ex-cons? Umm...zero. If you're attempting to make a joke, at least try to be accurate.

All from the 11/30/06 Dispatch: GRAPHIC: Proposed changes to Wyandot Lake ZOO’S PLANS FOR VENUE Out with the old, in with THE MEGAZOO Expanded venue will be unique in animal kingdom Thursday, November 30, 2006 Matt Tullis THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH No longer will swimsuit-clad visitors have to scurry on hot asphalt past game booths to get from Christopher’s Island to the Wave Pool. Nor will those seeking nothing more than a rollercoaster ride wind up with a wet bottom because the occupant before them had just cruised the Lazy River. When the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium reopens what used to be Wyandot Lake in the spring of 2008, the park will be distinctly different — with a dry side and a wet side, said the zoo’s chief operating officer, Manny Gonzalez. Visitors also will pay no more than they do now to visit the zoo or the water park (the wet side). Zoo admission will be $10 while admission to the water park, which will include zoo entry, likely will cost $29.99. There will be no separate admission for the theme park (the dry side), but visitors will have to pay for rides there. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/11/30/20061130-A1-00.html