buildingcincinnati

From the 11/18/06 Lima News: Tribe told to try again with settlement language BY HEATHER RUTZ - Nov. 18, 2006 TOLEDO — A federal judge on Friday told an American Indian tribe to try again with new language in settlements the tribe is asking the court to approve. The Eastern Shawnee of Oklahoma and Ohio Attorney General’s Office made their arguments before Judge James Carr in U.S. District Court on proposed settlements gained by the tribe in a land claims suit it filed against the state and many local governments, including the city of Lima, in 2005. The tribe is trying to acquire land in Ohio and petition the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs to have that land taken into federal trust, and become a federally recognized tribe in Ohio, so it can open a resort and casino in the state. The tribe wants Carr to approve the settlements, so the agreements remain under the court’s jurisdiction, tribe attorney Mason Morisset said. Full article at http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=32315

From the 11/13/06 Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Foltin: Casinos still have a chance Joe Medici The Chronicle-Telegram Ohio voters shot down yet another gambling proposal last week, but some in Lorain are betting a casino resort is still in the cards. Issue 3, which would have allowed slot machines at nine locations around the state, was soundly defeated despite claims from supporters that it would provide $850 million annually for college assistance programs. Detractors of the issue, including Lorain Mayor Craig Foltin, claimed the issue would have restricted gambling to a small number of cities. Foltin, who courted the Eastern Shawnee tribe in 2005 in an attempt to bring in a casino, said with Issue 3 safely in the grave, city and state officials can get back to work on trying to draw up legislation that would allow gambling throughout the state. Full article at http://www.chroniclet.com/Daily%20Pages/111306head8.html

From the 11/11/06 DDN: Frontier Airlines: Dayton response a pleasant surprise By Timothy R. Gaffney Staff Writer Saturday, November 11, 2006 DAYTON — Frontier Airlines entered the Dayton market at a time when passenger service was slumping, but the company's CEO says its experience here has been "exactly what we hoped would happen." Jeff Potter, chief executive officer of the Denver, Colo.-based carrier, spoke at a Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce meeting Friday on his first visit to Dayton. Frontier began nonstop service between Dayton International Airport and its Denver hub on Aug. 31 last year with two daily flights on 70-seat regional jets. Since then, the carrier has upgraded the line to 132-seat Airbus 319s. It flew 3,185 passengers in September 2005, its first full month of Dayton service, according to airport figures. Its monthly figures since then have ranged from that level to as high as 6,749 in July. Full article at http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2006/11/11/ddn111106frontier.html

From the 11/29/06 Enquirer: Smoking ban covers stadiums BY CLIFF PEALE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s office today advised the Bengals and Reds to ban smoking completely in Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ball Park as a result of the smoking ban passed by Ohio voters earlier this month. The ban will take effect Dec. 7, and the teams had requested guidance on how they should respond. Both the stadiums currently have designated smoking areas in concourses or stairs, and they felt the impact of the law on those areas was unclear. Smoking already is prohibited in the seating bowl of both stadiums... http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061129/BIZ01/311300003/

From the Community Recorder newspapers, 11/28/06: Regional smoking debate could ignite in new year BY CHRIS MAYHEW | COMMUNITY RECORDER STAFF WRITER Leaders from Campbell, Boone and Kenton counties say any conversation about legislating smoke in public places needs to happen at the regional level. Campbell County Judge-executive Steve Pendery said he wants to discuss the impact of Ohio's smoking ban on Northern Kentucky on a regional level... http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061128/NEWS01/611280341/1095/Local From the 11/28/06 Hilltop Press: Smoking ban has Hilltop businesses concerned BY HEIDI FALLON | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER Carol Provisor isn't alone in her confusion and concern about the smoking ban that goes into effect Dec. 7. Provisor has owned the Brentwood Bowl in Springfield Township since 1983... http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061128/NEWS01/611280381/1093/Local

NOTE: Now that the smoking ban has passed, I'm going to start posting Cincinnati-specific articles in this thread. Cincinnati merits interesting study because a sizeable portion of its metro, in Kentucky, is not covered by the ban. Articles about possible smoking bans in Kentucky are also permittable here. Both from the 11/11/06 Enquirer: Is Ohio ban N.Ky.'s gain? Smokers may boost local bars' business BY SCOTT WARTMAN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER Many Northern Kentucky bar owners, smokers and night owls expect to see more people in Newport and Covington when Ohio bars and restaurants go smoke-free Dec. 7. Ohio voters approved a ban on smoking in enclosed public places Tuesday. Health experts and smoking ban proponents argue the ban will help, rather than hurt, Ohio businesses...http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061111/NEWS0103/611110378 Don't expect a Ky. smoking ban BY SCOTT WARTMAN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER Smoking-ban supporters say a public no-smoking referendum like the one Ohio approved this week isn't a possibility for Kentucky. Kentucky law lists a set of issues that cities can put before voters, and smoking is not one of them, according to the Kentucky League of Cities and Secretary of State's office... http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061111/NEWS0103/611110393

From the 11/23/06 Western Star: Cincinnati Enquirer: While Kings is in limbo, Hamilton, Monroe plan (11/11/06) Kings officials consider several measures over failed bond issue Tuesday's count picks up 50 'for' votes, but it still fails 4,361 to 4,127. By Richard Wilson Staff Writer Thursday, November 23, 2006 Kings school officials met with the school district's attorney Monday night to discuss "possible litigation" regarding the Nov. 7 election. It appears at least some Kings voters who live in split precincts weren't given the correct ballot, they said. With the narrow defeat of a 2.6-mill bond request slated to pay for renovations and additions at the high school and junior high, Kings school officials and residents wonder if possible mistakes cost them the election. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/22/pj112306kboe.html From the 11/26/06 Enquirer: Community Press Mason-Deerfield: Sports Park construction starts, other greenspace additions planned (11/22/06) Construction starts on sports complex THE ENQUIRER MASON - Construction is expected to begin Monday on a $5.5 million sports complex in Mason that will bring baseball fields, football fields, and a disc golf course to area residents by spring 2008. The 54-acre Mason Sports Park will be located on Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Road next to the city's new water reclamation plant. It will include five natural turf baseball fields - complete with lights, scoreboards and fencing - for youth play. Two fields also can be used for adult play. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061126/NEWS01/611260383/1056/COL02

From the 11/24/06 Enquirer: Offices to replace swim club BY SARAH HARDEE | ENQUIRER CONTRIBUTOR City Council is expected to vote next month on a zone change that would pave the way for an office complex to replace the Triple-E Swim Club property on Commonwealth Avenue. The Kenton County Planning Commission recommended approval of a zone change on a small portion of the 2.2-acre site from multi-family residential to professional office in September. The majority of the property, which is located next to the Erlanger City Building, is already zoned for professional office. The property is currently under contract to be sold by the end of the year to developers Phil Drees and Adam Chaney of Terrace Holdings, LLC. Plans for the site include two buildings that would total about 40,000 square feet of office space, said Dave Hahn, Erlanger's economic development director. MORE: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061124/NEWS0103/611240394 From the 11/18/06 Kentucky Post: I-71/U.S. 42 connector open Post staff report A new road that connects Interstate 71 to U.S. 42 in Gallatin County is now open. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced the completion of the $16.8 million Ky. 1039 project on Friday. The new road provides a much safer route for drivers, Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert said. "This road is also much better for race fans heading to the Kentucky Speedway, and it provides new economic development opportunities," he said. For most of its 4.7 miles, the new road is two lanes with 10-foot shoulders. At the north end of the road, near the Markland Dam, there are four lanes with a barrier wall. At the southern end, near Interstate 71, there are four lanes with a turning lane. MORE: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061118/NEWS02/611180334/1014

From the 11/27/06 Defiance Crescent-News: Defiance Crescent-News: Couple donates $50,000 for hospital expansion (12/4/06) Henry County Hospital seeks help with $10M expansion November 27, 2006 By JARED ORZOLEK [email protected] NAPOLEON -- Henry County Hospital is in the process of a $10 million expansion and renovation project and is looking to raise funds to support this effort via a capital campaign. Construction crews from Mel Lanzer Co. began work in March after hospital staff and design firm Martell Associates worked for two years to design the project, which is slated to improve patient care, provide additional services for the community and make the entire hospital more patient friendly. Thus far, the internal campaign has raised $300,000 from these groups. Leading the way were the members of the Henry County Hospital Auxiliary with a pledge of $100,000. The auxiliary targeted a portion of its contribution for a new therapeutic pool, which will be a vital new service for patients recovering from injuries or debilitating illnesses. MORE: http://www.crescent-news.com/news/article/391040

^ My idea was to stick them in Urbanbar. I was overruled. An "other states" section is an interesting idea, though.

From the 11/12/06 DDN: DHL-ILN hub expansion wins honors Sunday, November 12, 2006 WILMINGTON — DHL and Messer Construction Co. were recently awarded the Design-Build Excellence Award for showing the most successful analysis of design-build strategies for the DHL-ILN hub expansion in Wilmington. The Ohio Valley Chapter of the Design-Build Institute of America presents the award annually. More at: http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2006/11/11/ddn111206dhlhonors.html

From ThisWeek Westerville, 11/9/06: Definitely 'dry' no more Westerville voters approve 7 liquor options Thursday, November 9, 2006 By LIN RICE ThisWeek Staff Writer Westerville voters moved the city further away from its "dry" status on Nov. 7 by saying "yes" to seven liquor options. Two liquor options were rejected and the vote was tied on one. Marc's Westerville, 111 Huber Village Blvd.; Kroger, 55 W. Schrock Road; Bope Sunoco, 150 S. State St.; and Tirado's Bakery and Cafe, 74 N. State St.; were seeking C-1 and C-2 permits, which allow the sale of beer carryout and the sale of low-proof mixed beverages, respectively. Mixed beverages are defined as being no more than 21 percent alcohol by volume. More at: http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=westerville&story=sites/thisweeknews/110906/Westerville/News/110906-News-258092.html

^ You have to change uniforms every few years to maximize sales of your gear. People just "have" to buy the new stuff when the old stuff becomes obsolete. From the 11/10/06 Cincinnati Business Courier: Reds games to cost more in '07 Cincinnati Business Courier - November 10, 2006 A game at the Great American Ball Park will cost more next year for most seats. The Reds announced Thursday that ticket prices will rise from $1 to $4 per non-premium seat for the 2007 season. Tickets for the lowest-priced "outer view" seats will remain at $5. The team is also trying a new pricing structure, charging more for certain "premier" and "select" series. Those include: * Cleveland Indians, June 8-10; * St. Louis Cardinals, June 29-July1; * Arizona Diamondbacks, July 6-8; * Chicago Cubs, July 27-29; * San Diego Padres, Aug. 10-12; * Florida Marlins, Aug. 24-26. Season ticket holders won't be subject to price increases if they purchase the packages by Jan. 31, the Reds said in a news release. Season tickets go on sale Dec. 1. Full story at http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2006/11/06/daily48.html?surround=lfn

From the 11/16/06 Dispatch: AUDUBON CENTER Grange donating $4 million Thursday, November 16, 2006 Debbie Gebolys THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Grange Insurance will donate the largest single gift to an Audubon center in the United States to help build a nature center on the Whittier Peninsula. Grange is to contribute $4 million to build and operate the center, officials are to announce today. The $11.5 million Grange Insurance Audubon Center is to open in 2008 as part of a redeveloped Whittier that will include 80-acre Whittier Metro Park. "It’s just a phenomenal gift," said Jerry Tinianow, executive director of Audubon Ohio. Grange’s gift beat the previous high "by at least a million, I know that," he said. Audubon Ohio plans a 12,000-square-foot center that will use energy-saving, environmentally sensitive building materials and techniques. The facility is to include a 200-seat meeting room, classroom space for 90 students, a library and a gift shop. Outdoors, on 5 acres leased from Metro Parks, Audubon is planning a nature playground, gardens, bird-feeding stations, a hiking trail, wildlife viewing decks and wetlands with a boardwalk. "It’s something on a par with the art museum or COSI or the zoo," Tinianow said. Audubon’s natural sciences educational opportunities "just hit the right chord," Grange Chief Executive Phil Urban said. The biggest employer in the Brewery District with more than 900 employees there, Grange will open an expansion to its Front Street headquarters and celebrate its 75 th anniversary a few months after the Audubon center opens. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/11/16/20061116-G1-05.html

From the 11/18/06 Enquirer: Closed meeting will discuss jail sites Despite defeat of sales tax, planning continues BY KIMBALL PERRY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER Hamilton County officials plan to meet behind closed doors Monday to discuss the two final sites for a new jail. That presentation comes even though officials don't know if they can pay to build a new jail, pay to run it, or afford the $6 million it's paying to house prisoners in Butler County. Click on link for article. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061118/NEWS01/611180385/1056/COL02

From the 11/11/06 Enquirer: Jail failed in high crime areas BY GREGORY KORTE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER Issue 12, the sales tax levy to build a new jail, suffered its biggest defeats in some of the same Hamilton County precincts where crime is highest. Click on link for article. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061111/NEWS01/611110350/1056/COL02

From the 11/14/06 DDN: City, developer try to calm fears about Wayne-Wyoming proposal More than 100 seek answers about the impact of the proposed Kroger supermarket. By Joanne Huist Smith Staff Writer Tuesday, November 14, 2006 DAYTON — More than 100 people packed an emotionally charged meeting at the Southeast Priority Board on Monday looking for answers to calm their fears about the impact of a proposed Kroger at Wayne Avenue and Wyoming Street. Businesses and homes would be razed to make room for the $12 million project slated for completion in 2008. The new Kroger, to be 76,000 square feet, is more than three times the size of the current grocery on Wayne. ... http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/13/ddn111406kroger.html

From the 11/11/06 DDN: Developer to detail plans for new Kroger Wayne-Wyoming on Monday City will acquire 60 parcels needed for development at Wayne and Wyoming. By Joanne Huist Smith Staff Writer Saturday, November 11, 2006 DAYTON — Cincinnati-based Midland Atlantic Development will share its plans to build a Kroger store at Wayne Avenue and Wyoming Street at a public meeting Monday. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Southeast Priority Board, 2160 E. Fifth St. ... http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2006/11/11/ddn111106kroger.html

From the 11/11/06 Dispatch: DISCOUNT MEMBERSHIPS COSI looks to attract low-income families Saturday, November 11, 2006 Matt Tullis THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH COSI Columbus has become an invaluable resource for Angel and Craig Pendleton, who have four home-schooled children ranging in age from 6 to 16. In the Gadgets exhibition, the Morrow County children are able to experiment with levers and pulleys, and in the Ocean area, they try to build pipes that will force water uphill. If not for a special program that offers reduced family memberships, the Pendletons, who are self-employed and qualify for Medicaid, could not afford to visit the science museum nearly as often. COSI began offering Family Access memberships in November 2004 to families based on financial need. There are 1,434 families paying the reduced $20 yearly fee, including the Pendletons. Anyone who participates in the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program, Medicaid or the state’s food-stamp program qualifies. Family Access members make up about 5 percent of COSI’s 19,000 members. David Chesebrough, the museum’s president and chief executive officer, wants to see that number increase dramatically. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/11/11/20061111-C1-04.html

From the 11/23/06 Western Star: Prof: County should build on its strengths Says Southwest Ohio has regional problems; Warren economic development director says county's future bright By Tiffany Y. Latta Staff Writer Thursday, November 23, 2006 A University of Cincinnati professor painted a grim picture of Southwest Ohio Tuesday morning at the 23rd Annual Warren County Economic Breakfast held at the Kings Island Resort & Conference Center. George M. Vredeveld said the region's unemployment rate is about 5 percent, just above the U.S. rate of 4.7 percent. Manufacturing jobs are declining, and while Warren County — the second fastest growing county in the state — increases by 16 new residents daily, the region as a whole loses more and more people annually, he said. http://www.western-star.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/22/ws112306econ.html From the 11/17/06 Middletown Journal: Franklin site could be part of jail overcrowding fix Treatment facility would help ease overcrowding of Warren County Jail. By Christopher Magan Staff Writer Friday, November 17, 2006 FRANKLIN — A vacant building in the city's Jaygee Industrial Park could be part of the solution to ease overcrowding at the Warren County Jail. Talbert House, of Cincinnati, is exploring opening a new facility for low-level, nonviolent offenders in Warren County, said spokeswoman Teri Nau. http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/17/mj111706franklintalbert.html From the 11/23/06 Western Star: Little Miami planning two-story intermediate school building Facility will be designed so capacity can eventually be nearly doubled. By Megan Gildow Staff Writer Thursday, November 23, 2006 Little Miami school officials revealed plans Monday night for a new two-story intermediate school. The school, provided for by a $62.5 million bond issue passed by voters in May, will accommodate 800 students in phase one with the option for a second phase to take capacity to 1,500 if needed. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/22/ws112306lmboard.html

A similar story was posted by TCK. This one, from the 11/16/06 Price Hill Press, includes a graphic: GRAPHIC: Conceptual plan Concept plan presented for 1206 Dewey Ave. BY KURT BACKSCHEIDER | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER PRICE HILL - What was once a major neighborhood problem will now become a positive development for the Glenway Avenue business district. At the Price Hill Civic Club meeting Tuesday, Nov. 14, president Pete Witte presented the initial concept plans for redeveloping the property at 1206 Dewey Ave., which sits at the corner of Dewey and Glenway avenues. Witte said the vacant storefronts and dilapidated apartment units at 1206 Dewey Ave. were an epicenter for crime and disorderly conduct. In 2004, the police were called to the address more than 200 times. "Dewey and Glenway was our blight," he said. "It was everything negative that could be happening to us based on irresponsible property ownership, irresponsible tenants and just the overall condition of the property itself. It was a complete poke in the eye for Price Hill." MORE: http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061116/NEWS01/611160416/1140/Local From the 11/15/06 Enquirer: RENDERING: Fairfield Golf Course is in line for a new clubhouse, pro shop and concessions area by next fall. Rendering provided New clubhouse on the way BY SUE KIESEWETTER | ENQUIRER CONTRIBUTOR FAIRFIELD - Construction is expected to begin by year's end on a 7,000-square-foot clubhouse for Fairfield's golfers. It would replace the outdated John Gray Road clubhouse and pro shop, which would be leveled to make room for the new building. Money for the project, estimated to cost $2.2 million, has been allocated through the city's capital improvements program. City Council on Monday held first reading of ordinances awarding contracts for general contracting, electrical, and plumbing/HVAC work. Planned is a one-story structure with no basement that would house both the grill/concession area and pro shop. It would also accommodate banquets, weddings or other events for up to about 150 guests, said Bob Schappacher, facilities manager. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061115/NEWS01/611150359/1056/COL02 From the 11/17/06 Oxford Press: Work continuing on Community Arts Center By Brian Byrne Staff Writer Friday, November 17, 2006 Oxford's Community Arts Center has continued its extensive renovation projects through the fall, gradually making the building accessible for all visitors. Phase I renovations began in the summer with the primary intent of improving the handicap accessibility to the building that dates back to 1849 when it served as the home of the Oxford College for Women. A handicap-accessible women's restroom was recently completed, with a men's restroom in the beginning stages of construction. A major component of the restroom renovations includes installing modern plumbing, as the systems installed in the 1920s are situated above the floor and restricts accessibility. A four-story elevator shaft has been completed despite several obstacles that are common in renovations of buildings of this age. While constructing the shaft, it was discovered that not all of the floors were entirely level, forcing the builders to even them before moving on with the project. MORE: http://www.oxfordpress.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/16/op111706artcenter.html

From the 11/29/06 Youngstown Vindicator: Panel OKs 1st phase of development AUSTINTOWN — The Mahoning County Planning Commission has unanimously approved the recording for potential sale of 23 lots for the first phase of a single-family home development on the east side of Clingan Road just south of Center Road in Poland Township... http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/306217310452691.php

This is not over, by any means.

From ThisWeek Grandview, 11/9/06: Grandview Planning Commission Bear Creek upgrades Kaplan Tract plan Thursday, November 9, 2006 By ALAN FROMAN ThisWeek Staff Writer The Grandview Heights Planning Commission has begun its consideration of a revised development plan for a 40-acre site on the northeast corner of Dublin Road and Grandview Avenue, which includes the land known as the Kaplan Tract. The commission held a public workshop Nov. 1 to discuss land-use issues relating to the proposed redevelopment of the site. Most of the Kaplan Tract site lies in Columbus. About 10 acres is within Grandview. The tentative proposal is the result of months of talks between the developer, Grandview and Columbus, Bowman said. Grandview officials were seeking a plan more in line with recent development patterns in the city, he said. Both Columbus and Grandview believed two "big box" stores included in the original plan were "just too large," Bowman said. Other concerns included the lack of office use and the inclusion of single-purpose buildings that would not be flexible enough to adapt to potential future changes in development needs, he said. Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=grandview&story=sites/thisweeknews/110906/Grandview/News/110906-News-258007.html

From Westerville News & Public Opinion, 11/8/06: Westin talks stalled on request for bigger tax breaks By ANGIE SCHMITT Negotiations between the city and developers appear to have broken down after proponents of a Westin Hotel in the Altair business district asked for an additional $3.8 million in tax incentives, according to Economic Development Director Julie Colley. In preliminary discussions with developers last spring, the city agreed to a 15-year, 100 percent property-tax abatement and partial bed-tax immunity on the proposed $50.4 million 250-room hotel and conference center. The deal was worth $22 million for Georgia-based hotel developer Noble. But a feasibility study released in August projected the incentive package was not sufficient to bridge the gap between the projected cost and value for the Westin proposal. In August, Nobel told the city and additional $3.8 million in tax incentives were needed to justify its investment, said Colley. The $22 million incentive package was the most generous the city could allow, said Colley. Read more at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS11-8/11-8_wewestin.html