buildingcincinnati

From the 7/6/07 East Liverpool Review: Plant project discussed as chamber meets By LUCILLE HUSTON ([email protected]) WELLSVILLE — The coal to liquid fuel plant project is moving forward, Tracy Drake told members of the Economic Committee of the Chamber of Commerce during a meeting Thursday. Drake, executive director of the Columbiana County Port Authority, said the hope is to get permit approval by next August. Construction is expected to take three to four years, with the target for opening for production set in 2012. Drake said Baard Energy selected this area because with the Ohio River, it is the center of the industrial heartland of the country. Read more at: http://reviewonline.com/news/articles.asp?articleID=8805

From the 7/6/07 PD: Justices rule against GM workers Sought jobless pay for part of '98 work stoppage Friday, July 06, 2007 Reginald Fields Plain Dealer Bureau Columbus - Union employees from several Ohio General Motors plants lost a nine-year court battle on Thursday, when a unanimous Ohio Supreme Court ruled against their request for unemployment pay for part of a 1998 work stoppage. The ruling affects nearly 20,000 former or current autoworkers employed at plants in Lordstown, Mansfield, Parma, Defiance, Toledo, Columbus, Sandusky and Dayton. And it saves GM millions of dollars. The workers had been laid off for about two months - for parts of June and July - during the summer of 1998 because of a parts shortage resulting from strikes by workers at two Flint, Mich., GM plants. ... To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 1-800-228-8272 http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1183711206192830.xml&coll=2

Both from the 7/6/07 Blade: Dana, unions reach deal to change worker pay, retiree health care BLADE STAFF Dana Corp., Toledo’s bankrupt auto supplier, said today it has reached an agreement with its major labor unions to save $100 million a year in retiree health care costs by establishing a $700 million trust fund to cover such expenses. Further, the firm said it will receive $500 million from Centerbridge Capital Partners LP and help to line up investors for another $250 million to cover some costs after the local company emerges from bankruptcy. The agreement extends the labor contracts with the United Auto Workers and United Steelworkers unions for four years, providing the membership ratifies the terms, the company said. The terms include a two-tier wage structure and changes in disability benefits, the company said. MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070706/BUSINESS03/70706018/-1/RSS04 Dana completes sale of European hose unit A deal for Dana Corp. to sell its European vehicle hose and tubing business has been completed. Turkey’s Orhan Holding AS bought the operation for $67 million. Purchase of the unit’s North American operations, including a factory in Archbold with 230 employees, won’t be completed until later. Also yet to be completed is sale of facilities in Rochester Hills, Mich.; Paris, Tenn.; and San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Dana, a Toledo firm in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, is selling some operations and trying to cut labor expenses. It expects a $34 million third-quarter gain from the sale. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070706/BUSINESS03/70706003/-1/RSS04

Harbor Lift Bridge gate malfunction causes problems for work crews SHELLEY TERRY Star Beacon ASHTABULA - - A gate malfunction caused the historic Ashtabula Harbor Lift Bridge to be out of commission for a short time Friday morning. The gate, which normally prevents motorists from driving into the Ashtabula River when the bridge is up, broke at about 10:45 a.m., according to Ashtabula City Police dispatcher reports. "The bridge is operating, but not the gate," said Amir Garakouei of the Ashtabula County Highway Department. "Small vehicles are going through, but not big trucks." City work crews were quickly dispatched to the site, Garakouei said. More at: http://www.starbeacon.com/local/local_story_176122320

City gets price on more lights for Lift Bridge SHELLEY TERRY Star Beacon ASHTABULA - - Additional lights for the historic Ashtabula Harbor Lift Bridge will cost the city at least $2,000 more than originally expected, Ward 3 Councilwoman Betty Kist said at Monday's council meeting. The Ohio Department of Transportation recently increased the city's $4,500 match by $4,000, for the placement of 17 more LED lights on the bascule-type lift bridge. However, the grant was not increased, Kist said. City Auditor Michael Zullo said the city must take the money from the paving fund. More at: http://www.starbeacon.com/local/local_story_096072328

It looks like they'll stick with him for the rest of the year because it would be pointless to send him down. If were in charge, I'd send him to winter ball to work on a second pitch.

From the 5/8/07 ABJ: City officials exchange words over deck Argument erupts when councilman questions mayor about security issue By John Higgins Beacon Journal staff writer Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic and Councilman-at-large Michael Williams got into a heated exchange Monday afternoon about why the mayor didn't inform council of the security concerns federal officials raised over a proposed $20 million downtown parking deck. Council approved construction a week ago for a parking deck that would be squeezed between the Federal and Chase buildings between South Main Street and Dart Avenue. ... http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/17194452.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

From the 5/5/07 ABJ: Arguing to stop as city plans continue Mayor Plusquellic says parking deck design will address concerns about federal security By Phil Trexler Beacon Journal staff writer City and federal officials met Friday and apparently agreed to stop public bickering over a proposed downtown parking deck to be situated next to the U.S. courthouse. Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic emerged from the meeting saying the city will continue to work toward designing a building that suits the needs of the city and its developer while also addressing security concerns federal officials aired this week. "We both agreed to let the technical people, the engineers... continue to work on some of these problems and issues that are legitimate,'' Plusquellic said. ... http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/17183423.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

From ThisWeek Hilliard, 4/5/07: Nanotechnology jobs to move to Columbus' Tech Corridor Thursday, April 5, 2007 A 10-year, 65-percent jobs creation tax credit is being used to lure a nanotechnology firm from Richardson, Texas, to the 315 Research and Technology Corridor. Nanotechnology is the science and technology of building devices from single atoms and molecules. Mayor Michael B. Coleman on Monday announced his proposal for not only the jobs creation tax credit but also a 30-percent jobs growth incentive to bring Zyvex Performance Materials Inc. to Columbus. The proposal was subject to City Council approval, which was granted on Monday. If council members give their consent, "109 jobs in the high-tech world of nanotechnology will be moving into the city," according to Coleman's press secretary, Michael S. Brown. "Columbus is fast-becoming a tech-town, with small and large companies and talent working with major research engines like OSU and Battelle," Coleman said in the announcement. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/040507/Hilliard/News/040507-News-331669.html

From the 3/30/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Ohio budget to raise funds for WRTA By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR. VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF YOUNGSTOWN — Western Reserve Transit Authority officials made cuts to service this week, but state lawmakers say some financial relief may be coming for the busing system. State Sens. John Boccieri of New Middletown, D-33rd, and Capri Cafaro of Hubbard, D-32nd, have announced that financial help may be headed to the busing system upon approval of Gov. Ted Strickland's budget. More at http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/324277152850068.php

From the 3/27/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Night, Warren routes to be cut The cutbacks will mean layoffs for 13 employees. By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR. VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF YOUNGSTOWN — The Western Reserve Transit Authority announced which cuts in service will be made Monday — including eliminating night service and rides to Warren — to save money in the future. James Ferraro, WRTA's executive director, explained the series of changes in busing services Monday, after The Vindicator received an anonymous letter stating that the changes will be made too quickly for some riders to make proper arrangements. More at http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/322884433973651.php

From the 3/3/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Riders protest possible cutbacks in routes, services Twelve employees could be laid off as a result of the cutbacks. By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR. VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF YOUNGSTOWN — The Western Reserve Transit Authority offices in downtown Youngstown turned into an open platform of protest, but cuts in services are still on the horizon. Protesters lined the outside gates of the WRTA building on Mahoning Avenue on Friday holding signs asking busing officials to "keep all the buses running." More at http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/311703403856229.php

From the 7/5/07 ABJ: Justices to hear arguments on traffic cameras Woman's challenge of Akron program's constitutionality to go before Ohio court Beacon Journal staff report The Ohio Supreme Court will hear lawyers' arguments Sept. 18 in an Akron woman's challenge of automated traffic speed and red-light camera enforcement systems around the state. Akron lawyer Warner D. Mendenhall, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of his wife, Kelly, and other lawyers representing Ohio citizens, will have 15 minutes to tell the justices why the cameras should be declared illegal. http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/17457455.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

City parks off-limits to developers Building Cincinnati, 7/2/07 Cincinnati City Council has approved unanimously a new zoning designation (PR) meant to protect the City's public parks and recreation areas. Representatives from several community councils had worried that park and recreation land -- which was zoned residential and commercial -- could be sold off to developers with no public hearing. The City's current zoning code, which went into effect in early 2004, zones park and recreation land relative to surrounding land uses. Many of the largest parks, such as Eden Park, are zoned SF-20, the largest-lot single-family residential designation on the books. Since they would be code-compliant, developers would be able to construct homes in Eden Park (or any other park) if the City sold them the land. Instead of completely rewriting the code to address these concerns, City Council voted to adopt the zoning code as submitted and to prepare a zoning study to be performed by the Department of Community Development and Planning and the City Planning Commission. Any land obtained by the City for a future park would have to go through the zoning change process to acquire the new PR designation. MORE: http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/city-parks-off-limits-to-developers.html Newport receives $272,000 for Raymond Motors project Building Cincinnati, 7/2/07 The go2newport website reports that the City of Newport has received $272,000 for their Raymond Motors Preservation and Trailhead Project. The old Raymond Motors building at 5th and York streets will be moved to the corner of 10th and Saratoga streets and converted into a trailhead. The refurbished building will contain an information kiosk and possibly a transportation museum. The trailhead will allow people to park their cars and access the bike paths on the Purple People Bridge, along KY-8, and along the future Riverfront Commons linear park. The building, which is a surviving example of early automotive culture, had been slated for demolition. WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW (looking south) GOOGLE AERIAL MAP http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/newport-receives-272000-for-raymond.html

From the 7/5/07 PD: Work to start on industrial park Weston, Geis to build, market Diamond center in Glenwillow Thursday, July 05, 2007 Henry Gomez Plain Dealer Reporter Construction begins this week in Glenwillow on what could be the last big industrial park in Cuyahoga County... To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 216-999-5405 http://www.cleveland.com/business/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/business-0/1181997025323750.xml&coll=2 From the 7/5/07 Bedford Times-Register: Developer plans 24 new houses off Columbus by Emily Canning-Dean Reporter Bedford Heights -- Construction has begun on a site that might soon contain 24 new homes. Building Commissioner Paul Konys said Rockwell Builders Inc. has started installing underground utilities on the 6-acre piece of land which is off Columbus Road near the Bedford border... Editor's note: This news was first posted on June 29 at www.BedfordTimesRegister.com. E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3166 http://www.bedfordtimesregister.com/news/article/2202092

From the 7/5/07 Rocky Fork Enterprise: 10.5-acre FOP site Dehlendorf condo plan clears hurdle Thursday, July 5, 2007 TARA STUBBS-FIGURSKI Enterprise Staff Writer Gahanna's planning commission on June 27 approved Dehlendorf & Co.'s request to rezone property at 409 E. Johnstown Road. The company has an option to buy the 10.5-acre Fraternal Order of Police site and has been working with the city for more than a year to rezone the property. Last year, the proposal was denied because the commission wanted lower density and shorter buildings. New plans decrease the number of buildings from six to five, with four condominiums in each, and reduce the four-story condos to three stories. On June 13, the commission sent the revised proposal to the planning commission workshop so the developer could resolve a few additional concerns. More at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/070507/RockyFork/News/070507-News-381166.html

From the 7/5/07 ABJ: Governor to take up changes in school funding Strickland, invited groups meet next week to discuss tackling his signature issue By Dennis J. Willard Beacon Journal Columbus Bureau COLUMBUS - With his first two-year budget behind him, Gov. Ted Strickland is turning more of his attention to a campaign promise to fix the unconstitutional school funding formula. Strickland will meet with representatives from 18 educational organizations from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday to open the discussion on resolving an issue that has plagued Ohio for more than 15 years. A dozen groups at the meeting are part of the Campaign for Ohio's Future, which announced Monday it will not collect enough signatures to go to the ballot in November to ask voters to amend the Ohio Constitution to address school funding. http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/living/education/17457517.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

From the 7/5/07 Enquirer: New eatery to open in Blue Ash BY POLLY CAMPBELL | [email protected] A new restaurant in Blue Ash called InCahoots is being planned to open in October. Work renovating the former Bilker’s Kosher Grocery at 9708 Kenwood Road will begin next week. Click here for article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070705/LIFE/307050043/

From the 7/4/07 Pickerington Times-Sun: City's growth third fastest in state Numbers do not surprise local government officials By DAVID S. OWEN Population estimates released by the United States Census Bureau Thursday show Pickerington is the third fastest growing city in Ohio. The report, which included population growth of residents not just with the city boundaries, but also those with Pickerington mailing addresses in Violet Township, showed from April 1, 2000, to July 1, 2006, the population grew from 9,978 to 16,575, an increase of 6,597 increase. Full story at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS7-4/7-4_pkcensus.html From ThisWeek Pickerington, 7/5/07: Ground broken on retail center Thursday, July 5, 2007 SEAN CASEY ThisWeek Staff Writer Ground was broken last week on Pickerington's latest commercial project. Backhoes began digging out underground storage tanks at the Exxon gas station, 1400 Hill Road North, where Northstar Realty LLC plans to develop a 20,000-square-foot retail plaza with an outlot. According to Northstar co-owner Jason Zadeh, the complex will house a Starbucks Coffee with a drive-through, FedEx Kinko's, LensCrafters and the Tin Duck Tavern, a neighborhood grill. Rise and Dine, a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, will occupy the outlot. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/070507/Pickerington/News/070507-News-380634.html

From Delaware News, 7/4/07: City population up 25 percent, Census shows By MATT GERISH Since 2000, the city of Delaware has welcomed more than a few new residents into the community, according to numbers released from the U.S. Census Bureau. Between July 2000 and July 2006, the population in Delaware jumped from 25,502 to 32,100. "That was the hottest housing market in the history of the world," said Delaware City Planning and Community Development Director Dave Efland. "I think we're coming back to reality now." Efland said residential housing growth was fairly slow last year. Since 2000, Delaware has expanded residential growth to the west, with developments such as Westfield Hills, and to the southeast. A good portion of growth seen in the past few years was in the city's southeast sector, which lies in the Olentangy Local School District, Efland said. Efland attributes the section's growth to the continued strength of the Olentangy school district as families make their way into the community. MORE: http://www.snponline.com/NEWS7-4/7-4_decensus.html

From the 7/5/07 Enquirer: Census challenges may widen Mallory, Portune invite suburban mayors to planning dinner BY JANE PRENDERGAST | [email protected] AND JESSICA BROWN Broadening their push for more favorable census results, Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory and Hamilton County Commission President Todd Portune want all suburban officials to consider challenging their counts, too. They've invited mayors of all county suburbs to a July 24 dinner to talk about how to file challenges to the U.S. Census. Mallory's office challenged the city's 2005 estimate of 308,728, prompting the census to change that number to 331,310. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070705/NEWS01/707050351/

Westwood has Brodbeck Park, Woodcrest Park and the Bluffs at Woodcrest.

Link contains a photo. From SNP Newspapers, 7/4/07: Enthusiast seeks to expand his winery By MARC HASKINS Among the wines fermenting in the six-gallon carboys in Damon Pfeifer's basement are a cabernet sauvignon, a fruity "sunset" red and a semi-sweet white he calls Early Frost. The contents of each were devised generations ago. The recipes for the three wines were bequeathed to Pfeifer from his grandfather Henry, whom he would visit in Colorado as a child and who taught him the ropes of winemaking -- how to cut and process the fruit, how the fermenting process works, how to pH-balance the wines, and how to test the wines for bottling readiness (a not-so-complicated process involving a device that determines sugar dissolution). ... More at: http://www.snponline.com/NEWS7-4/7-4_allcwwinery.html

Homer? Homer Bailey? He's had one really good start, and his debut against the Tribe was so-so. Otherwise he's been rocked. All he seems to have is a fast ball that isn't very fast and has no movement. He's not even throwing as hard as he was at Dayton. He was only around 90-92 in his last start. He needs to develop a second pitch fast, because one-pitch pitchers don't last very long in MLB.

From the 3/28/07 Sandusky Register: State Theatre announces shows By LAURA COLLINS | Wednesday March 28 2007, 12:13pm SANDUSKY Award-winning Broadway and off-Broadway hits will mark the Sandusky State Theatre’s comeback year. At a VIP luncheon and press conference Tuesday, Costin Manu, executive director, unveiled the 2007 series, “Broadway at the State! Music, Love and Laughter.” Manu wants to make Sandusky a premier spot for theatergoers, he said. More at: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2007/03/28/front/224647.txt