buildingcincinnati

From the 3/21/07 Lima News: RTA board to make decision on cuts today Heather Rutz | [email protected] - 03.21.2007 LIMA — About 35 people turned out Tuesday to hear about proposed cuts to the local bus system, expected to be approved today by the Allen County Regional Transit Authority board. The board will meet today to consider eliminating Saturday service; folding the South Metcalf and South Pine and Edgewood Mall routes into other routes with fewer stops; extending the East Kibby Route to include the Eastgate shopping plaza, Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart and the OSU-Lima/Rhodes State campus; and reducing its para-transit service, Uplift. ... http://www.limaohio.com/story.php?IDnum=36502

From the 3/12/07 Lima News: Despite cuts, RTA struggles with budget Bart Mills | [email protected] - 03.12.2007 LIMA — There are plenty of people who believe there is a need for public transportation in Allen County. And there is little question that eliminating rides would be a hardship on many riders. But the question that seems to come up more than any other is, can we afford it? Last week Allen County Regional Transit Authority Director Scott Stephenson presented his board members a plan for possible cuts to the authority’s bus routes and services. The proposed cuts are an effort to balance the agency’s budget, currently about $180,000 in deficit for the year. ... http://www.limaohio.com/story.php?IDnum=36167

Both from the 3/11/07 Lima News: Is there a future for the RTA? Heather Rutz | [email protected] - 03.11.2007 LIMA — On a recent Thursday morning, Tiffany Raska escaped a driving wind and rain in the transfer station’s lobby. She had walked from her apartment near Town Square and was headed on the South Main bus to Lutheran Social Services. She pulled a portable CD player and headphones out of a plastic grocery bag for the trip. ... http://www.limaohio.com/story.php?IDnum=36150 Bus service facing same pressures around the state Heather Rutz | [email protected] - 03.11.2007 MIDDLETOWN — In this steel town north of Cincinnati, the Middletown Transit System is enjoying record ridership with about 250,000 boardings a year. More people riding the bus is a good thing, when you’re in the bus business. Any gains made there, however, are eaten away by fuel and maintenance costs and slashed state funding. ... http://www.limaohio.com/story.php?IDnum=36148

From the 5/29/07 Dispatch: BROADER APPROACH Longaberger gets flexible with its sales consultants Tuesday, May 29, 2007 3:24 AM By Marla Matzer Rose THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The Longaberger Co. is thinking nationally as part of its turnaround efforts. The Newark company, known for its handmade baskets, is making it easier and less expensive to join its home-based sales force and is expanding the "basket fests" it holds to places such as California and Texas. "In talking to our top sales consultants, most say they didn't intend to make a career out of it when they started selling Longaberger. People join direct-selling companies because they want flexibility," said Jim Klein, who joined Longaberger as president at the beginning of 2006. Longaberger said in March it was temporarily laying off more than 700 workers at its Newark headquarters. Klein said all of the 471 who were set to come back on June 18 will be called back, but he said it is too early to set a date for when the others might be recalled. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/content/business/stories/2007/05/29/longaberger.ART_ART_05-29-07_C10_1K6R2M2.html?type=rss&cat=7

From the 3/21/07 Dispatch: Web extra * Summary of the study * Full report of the study COLUMBUS STATE College pours $737 million into region, study says Wednesday, March 21, 2007 3:45 AM By Encarnacion Pyle THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Tallying the benefits An economic-impact study says Columbus State Community College contributes $737.2 million in income a year to the local economy. Here's how: • $656.4 million: Increased earnings of students, past and present, who have taken Columbus State classes. • $68 million: Employees' wages and the college's local purchases of services and supplies, including building equipment, computers and paper and ink. • $12.8 million: Spending on books, food, housing, recreation and transportation by students from outside the region. Columbus State serves Delaware, Franklin, Madison and Union counties, and the college has a partnership with Pickaway County. More at http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/content/local_news/stories/2007/03/21/income.ART_ART_03-21-07_A1_MR6509G.html

From the 6/27/07 Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune: County asks for courthouse lawsuit to be dismissed By Zachary Petit, [email protected] Because the six plaintiffs in the legal battle surrounding the courthouse are shrouded in anonymity, the lawsuit against the Seneca County commissioners should be dismissed, a lawyer for the board said. In a motion filed Monday on behalf of the commissioners, county lawyers say Attorney John Barga’s lawsuit is in violation of a civil rule that requires names and addresses of all involved parties to be disclosed. http://www.advertiser-tribune.com/articles.asp?articleID=8932

I've been to the overlook area. It's tough to get good photos unless you have a fairly strong zoom lens, and even then it's mostly parked airplanes. There's also a fence there that gave me problems. It interfered with my ability to photograph landing airplanes.

From the 6/27/07 Dispatch: * Video: Motorists turn right on red at S. 3rd and Fulton. * Video: Motorists turn right on red at E. 5th and N. 4th. * Video: Motorist turn right on red at Cleveland Ave and Spring St. Traffic-light Cameras City is ticketing drivers who roll right on red Wednesday, June 27, 2007 3:41 AM By Mark Ferenchik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Most people know to take care while driving through Columbus intersections with red-light cameras. Speed through a second after the light turns red, and a $95 ticket soon will arrive in your mailbox. But what if you are turning right on red at an intersection with a camera and don't come to a complete stop? Ticket. Ninety-five bucks. http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/content/local_news/stories/2007/06/27/~REDDLITE.ART_ART_06-27-07_A1_I674V3B.html?type=rss&cat=21

From the 6/20/07 Lorain Morning Journal: $18 million facility will consolidate 42 doctors' practices By RICHARD PAYERCHIN, Sandusky Bureau Chief 06/20/2007 PERKINS TOWNSHIP -- Doctors' offices spread around Sandusky and its neighboring townships will consolidate in a new building planned by Northern Ohio Medical Specialists. NOMS will construct an $18 million, three-story, 110,426 square foot office complex on almost 24 acres at the southwest corner of Strub Road and SR 4, said Bradley P. Smith, chief executive officer of the medical group. The Perkins Township trustees last week voted 3-0 to approve the final building plan for the site. NOMS hopes to break ground this summer with an 18-month construction schedule for the project, which has an estimated construction cost of about $18 million, Smith said. ''We're very excited about the project,'' Smith said. ''It will be a great move for our company. It will be a great service to the community. http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18496476&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

From the 6/27/07 DDN: Troy administrator asks for halt to new housing Voters have rejected rezonings for new housing three times since 2003 and city officials have taken note. By Doug Page Staff Writer Wednesday, June 27, 2007 TROY — The Planning Commission today could recommend to the City Council a 3-year moratorium on new housing developments. Patrick Titterington, the city's top administrator, is asking for the halt because "there lingers in the community and amongst certain members of council concerns regarding the pace, diversity and concentration of new housing." Since 2003, city voters have overturned council rezonings for new housing three times. "I believe that the community arguments may have some merit," the director of public service and safety wrote fellow planning commissioners. "I definitely believe we need to do more in the community to find out why people are voting against it," said Marty Baker, 2nd Ward councilwoman and council president-elect. Baker twice voted against the planned development rezoning of 291 acres on the city's northeast edge for Honey Creek, which was soundly defeated in November. In March, the council approved an identical rezoning for the property. That rezoning could face a challenge in another November referendum. MORE: http://www.daytondailynews.com/localnews/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/06/27/ddn062707troy.html Huffman Prairie Bikeway opens Fairborn Daily Herald, 6/26/07 Rain threatened to fall during the dedication ceremony for the T-Connector section of Fairborn's Wright Brothers' Huffman Prairie Bikeway and the re-dedication of the North Country National Scenic Trail on Monday morning, but thankfully the rain stayed away until the close of the ceremony. "We need the rain," said Congressman Hobson, "but if it could just hold out..." The hour long event included Congressman David Hobson of US House of Representatives; Ken Howell of the a National Park Service representing the North Country Scenic Trail; Colonel James Strickler, Vice Commander 88th Air Base Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Colonel Strickler, in his speech, mentioned the teamwork involved in the building of the T-Connector. "This is a fine example of the fine relationship Wright Patterson has with Dayton and the surrounding communities." He went on to say this bridge is connecting "places that speak to the history of the United States and all of its citizens." In Congressman Hobson's opening remarks, he said, "One of the greatest things about being a congressman is days like today -- you get to get out and see things getting done."

Link contains a photo. From the 6/27/07 Loveland Herald: Arguments delay Pointe decision BY RICH SHIVENER | [email protected] LOVELAND - The debate over a housing development has attracted many residents in recent weeks. Hills Communities plans to develop 70 homes on 27 acres of land near Butterworth Road. The homes could be priced between $245,000 to $303,000, according to a memo prepared by Loveland officials. Loveland Planning and Zoning Commission has examined Hills' plans for the patio-style homes. The commission was expected to reach a decision on the site plans during its special meeting June 22, which was after The Loveland Herald deadline. More than 100 residents attended the commission's previous meetings - May 21 and June 18 - to protest Hills' plans. The majority of them live in the Brandywine on the Little Miami neighborhood. They argue that the housing development would create unwanted traffic, hinder the environment, affect property values and cut into adjacent acreage left undeveloped for a park - 11 acres known as the Chrisman property. MORE: http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/C2/20070626/NEWS01/706260349/ Schools, pool, theater Cincinnati Enquirer, 6/26/07 Princeton's school board voted Monday to take steps that will lead to a $150 million bond issue on the November ballot to pay for a new middle school and high school. Two board members, George Keyser and Tawana Lynn Keels, voted no, though Keels said the board unanimously supports building new schools. "Part of our struggle is the timing of it," Keels said. If voters approve the bond issue, the proposed secondary campus project would be one of the largest, most expensive of its kind in the state. The three buildings would house 3,000 students. They would contain a natatorium, theater and two school buildings. Newport: 214 E 4th Street Building Cincinnati, 6/25/07 Antony Development of Alexandria will build a new single-family home on the northeast corner of 4th and Saratoga streets. The three-story home will have three bedrooms and two and a half baths within its 2600 square feet. The place will even have a elevator. There will be a two-car detached garage for parking. The home is being sold through Re/Max for $495,000. SPCA building HQ in Sharonville Cincinnati Business Courier, 6/25/07 The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has outgrown its longtime home in Northside and is building a new headquarters and shelter at a former church in Sharonville. The SPCA said it will break ground July 10 at the Conrey Road site, which includes the 22,000-square-foot former church and a 4.5 acre lot. The renovation, designed by GBBN Architects, will add 18,000 square feet. When completed in June 2008, the facility will include an expanded veterinary clinic, a regional humane education training center, space for pet education programs, a behavior and dog training center, kennels and space for other animals, a Museum of Animal Art and a memorial garden. Oswald Co. is managing the construction. The society will keep its Northside facility, built in 1964, as an intake and assessment center for animal control, as well as an inner-city center for adoptions, low-cost spay/neuter services and education. The SPCA said in a news release that it decided on the Sharonville site because the facility on Colerain Avenue couldn't be expanded. It added that with the new location, it may be able to increase its annual pet adoption rate of 5,000 by as much as 50 percent. New Richmond family celebrates completion of new Habitat home Cincinnati.com, 6/25/07 Dozens gathered to celebrate the dedication of a new home in New Richmond Sunday, sponsored by Tri-State Habitat for Humanity. The new home of Jeremy and Andrea Higgins and their two children, Sierra and Logan, marks the organization’s ninth house specially constructed for flood plains and its 32nd house in Clermont County. The organization serves eight counties in the tri-state region. The 1,200 square-foot home is estimated to cost about $90,000, said Shirley Marion, volunteer coordinator of the project. Families selected by Habitat for Humanity receive a non-profit mortgage provided at a zero-percent interest rate. Sixty-five percent of the total cost of the house is provided by the national Thrivent Builds office with another 10 percent provided by the local chapter, said Kelsey Peterson, a regional Thrivent Builds specialist. The remaining 25 percent is raised by Habitat, with contributions provided by local banks and area churches. Individual volunteers participate in the construction of the home, with many companies holding corporate-sponsored employee workdays. Bye-bye to Barricades, Detours: MLK Traffic Project Winding Down UC News, 6/25/07 Traffic that travels in the area between UC's Uptown West and East campuses should find the going much smoother, now that normal traffic patterns have been restored in the areas around the intersection of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue. The concrete barriers that cut off traffic trying to move north and south along Jefferson Avenue across MLK have been removed, as have a series of other lane restrictions. Temporary lane restrictions may occur in the coming weeks, according to the City of Cincinnati's Department of Transportation and Engineering, as final steps are taken to bring the project to a conclusion. At all times, however, traffic will be maintained in at least one lane on each direction on Jefferson, and in two lanes each direction on MLK. The project, which began last summer, is expected to wrap up in the next month, with a completion date of August 2007. For more information from the City of Cincinnati on the project, go to: http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/transeng/downloads/transeng_word16432.doc

From the 6/27/07 Blade: 'Other Dorr St.' talks seek renewal strategy By CLYDE HUGHES BLADE STAFF WRITER One could call the stretch of Dorr Street from downtown Toledo to Parkside Boulevard "the Other Dorr Street." Residents and business owners of "the Other Dorr Street" will gather at a town hall meeting at 6:30 tonight at Mount Pilgrim Church, 1401 Hoag St., to develop ways to bring the same attention and capital to that area as the proposed Dorr Street Corridor adjacent to the University of Toledo receives. "The Other Dorr" is still remembered by central-city residents as a haven for nearly 70 African-American businesses until they were demolished during the urban renewal movement in the mid-1970s. Today, the Rev. Raymond Bishop, pastor at Mount Pilgrim, said the area has been forgotten as money flows to the Dorr Street Corridor, downtown, and the Marina District in East Toledo. Full story at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070627/NEWS16/706270390/-1/RSS10

From the 6/27/07 BG News: University halts progress on Dunbridge By: Tim Sampson Issue date: 6/27/07 Section: Campus Following criticism from a number of campus and community groups, the University on Friday told the Board of Trustees it wouldn't proceed with the proposed Dunbridge learning community. Many opposed the project due to environmental concerns and fears that its location, east of Interstate 75 on Dunbridge Road near the Copper Beach Townhomes, would fracture the campus community. At Friday's meeting, Thomas Trimboli, University general counsel, recommended against going forward with any plans at this time after a feasibility study for the project had been conducted. MORE: http://www.bgnews.com/media/storage/paper883/news/2007/06/27/Campus/University.Halts.Progress.On.Dunbridge-2918690.shtml

From the 6/27/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Developer to withdraw, resubmit annex request There would be 50 single-family homes on the land, the developer said. By JEANNE STARMACK VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER CANFIELD — A hearing on whether the city will be able to annex 18 acres from the township is likely moot. Would-be developer Sebastian Rucci, who plans to subdivide the property owned by his father, Victor Rucci, said after the hearing Tuesday before county commissioners in township hall that he plans to withdraw his annexation petition. He will resubmit it after addressing a boundary issue, he said. The acreage, at 6445 state Route 446, is mostly fallow farmland with a residence on it. Just south of the city, it is near the Mill Creek MetroParks experimental farm and state Route 466 and U.S. Route 62. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/327014626053863.php 11 proposals for new school offered in Columbiana Lisbon Morning Journal, 6/27/07 Schools Superintendent Ron Iarussi has received 11 architect proposals for the proposed K-8 school building that would be placed near the high school. Now Iarussi and Treasurer Lori Posey will be assessing the proposals from the companies and narrowing their number down to three or four. The Board of Education will interview those architects in public meetings.

From the 6/27/07 PD: Shopping development faces delay over wetlands feeding Mentor Marsh Wednesday, June 27, 2007 Maggi Martin Plain Dealer Reporter Mentor - A proposed shopping center may be delayed if officials determine the developers violated federal law by filling in wetlands and clear cutting trees in an ecologically sensitive area linked to the Mentor Marsh. United Commercial Property Group of Solon is building the 400,000-square-foot Shoppes of Diamond Center on 55 acres off Heisley Road. A Wal-Mart SuperCenter is among the stores expected to open there... To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 440-602-4782 http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/lake/1182933680133010.xml&coll=2 From the 6/27/07 News Leader: Northfield Trustees deny zoning change for condominiums by Jeff Saunders Reporter Northfield Center -- Following opposition from surrounding residents, a developer proposing to construct 57 condominiums on 18 acres between Olde Eight and Brandywine roads must now come up with an alternate plan for the property... E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3169 http://www.the-news-leader.com/news/article/2181101 Pavilion building demolition imminent News Leader, 6/27/07 Demolition of the Pavilion building on Valley View Road may begin as early as June 27, owner John Pattern told the News Leader June 25. Patterson said everything should be cleared away in about three weeks, with much of the debris to be used as fill material for construction on Route 8 at Interstate 271... BOE rejects city's Bradley Road land offer, again West Life, 6/27/07 The Westlake Board of Education has again rejected the city’s offer of $1.9 million for 42 acres of undeveloped land on Bradley Road...

From the 6/27/07 Newark Advocate: Photo Galleries: Carson Elementary construction New Newark schools making progress Carson, Hillview set to begin on finishing touches By JENNIFER NESBITT Advocate Reporter NEWARK -- With the walls painted, the floors tiled and wooden cubbies waiting in every classroom, the new Carson Elementary is just about ready for students. The building just needs to have its electrical work, bathroom fixtures, kitchen and some other finishing touches finalized before it's handed over to the Newark City School District in three months. Hillview Elementary is progressing at about the same rate as Carson, with Liberty Middle School and Legend Elementary slightly behind. Cherry Valley Elementary is three to four months behind because the site was not as prepared for the contractors as the other sites were. Read more at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070627/NEWS01/703270302/1002/rss01

Both from the 6/27/07 Springfield News-Sun: Owners to smoking ban groups: Where are the lines? Area restaurants and bars see decrease in business, not the promised increase. By Sarah Jacobson Staff Writer Wednesday, June 27, 2007 Ohio's Smoking Ban was promoted not only as a health initiative but also as a way to get customers who had fled smoky bars and restaurants to return. Two months after enforcement of the ban began, however, operators of several local establishments say they are still waiting for the lines to start forming. The situation is still in flux, and restaurant owners and other business operators say they are frustrated at how the smoking ban has been implemented. "Because of the way the ban is being enforced, some of the businesses who are following the law are hurting while those who are not are laughing at us," said Lisa Grigsey, president of Miami Valley Restaurant Association. "Since it's up to the Health Department to follow up on complaints, and the Health Department is understaffed, it's hard to keep everything a level playing field for the local businesses. Red more: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/06/26/sns062707barbusinessseg.html Not all businesses dislike smoking ban Some plan to solve the problem by building a separate deck or porch where smokers can light up. By Sarah Jacobson Staff Writer Wednesday, June 27, 2007 Amanda McGraw has been a bartender at Murphy's Irish Pub, 229 North Belmont Ave., for six months, just enough time to see what business was like before Ohio's smoking ban took effect. "Some people say they won't come in now, and business has really slowed down because of it," she said. "If you put the ban on top of the pace of summer, it makes business really slow. There is definitely a drop in sales. Read more: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/06/26/sns062707barbusinessinside.html

From the 6/26/07 Defiance Crescent-News: Defiance school board backs proposed amendment By JACK PALMER [email protected] A resolution to support a proposed constitutional amendment establishing a new process to fund Ohio's public schools was approved by a 3-1 vote Monday by the Defiance City Board of Education. Discussion on the "Getting It Right for Ohio's Future" campaign followed a presentation to the board by Jennifer Economus, legislative liaison for Ohio School Boards Association. http://www.thegatewaynews.com/news/article/2180921

Link contains a photo. From CityBeat, 6/27/07: News: Strangers in Our Midst Hispanic leaders call on media to be more culturally intelligent BY Margo Pierce | Posted 06/27/2007 Some people call it pandering or special treatment. Others, with a sarcastic tone, call it being politically correct. But those who care about inclusion, diversity and embodying the principles of freedom on which our country was founded call it being respectful, considerate and inclusive. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Bridges for a Just Community and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) call it education. On June 21 these organizations, Fifth/Third Bank and individuals from the Hispanic community hosted the Press and Media Forum on Tristate Hispanics to do just that: educate the media. The meeting fulfilled a commitment made last month by Jason Riveiro, president of the local LULAC chapter, at a press conference criticizing WLW (700 AM) for its racially offensive "Big Juan" billboards (see Porkopolis, issue of May 9). MORE: http://citybeat.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=139947

Both from the 6/27/07 Pulse-Journal: Woodlands will double Morrow population About 425 acres will be developed, with more than 100 acres of green space By Danyrae Lockwood Wednesday, June 27, 2007 The Woodlands at Morrow subdivision is open — and will double the population of the village of Morrow when complete. "It's going to be good thing for the village, but we want to make sure the small-town atmosphere is maintained," Councilman Mike Erwin said. "We don't want to be like every other place in Warren County." The subdivision's grand opening was held Saturday and Sunday. It celebrated the completion of the first phase — 185 single-family homes on approximately 83 acres of land, with 27 acres of open space. http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/06/27/pjl062807newsubdivisionA1.html New subdivision plans to feature natural beauty and green space By Danyrae Lockwood Wednesday, June 27, 2007 Unique from other developments in the area, Woodlands at Morrow is surrounded by natural physical features that Nathaniel Development's James Allen said adds character. More than 100 acres are planned for natural green space. "The natural beauty of this is very unique with lakes, streams and cliffs," he said. http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/06/27/pjl062807newsubdivision.html

Link contains a photo. From the 6/27/07 Blade: Jobe pleads not guilty in Toledo detective's slaying Judge sets a date for hearing but not for trial By ERICA BLAKE BLADE STAFF WRITER Standing shackled between his two appointed attorneys and wearing the brown jumpsuit for inmates of the Lucas County Jail, Robert Jobe pleaded not guilty yesterday to murder charges in the death of a police detective. The 15-year-old North Toledoan was arraigned on one count each of aggravated murder and murder, each with a gun specification. He is charged in the Feb. 21 shooting death of Toledo police vice Detective Keith Dressel. Facing life in prison, the teen softly answered the questions posed by Judge Charles Doneghy of Lucas County Common Pleas Court and nodded briefly to his mother and brother before being led back to the jail. Judge Doneghy ordered a $500,000 bond and set a July 17 hearing date, but refrained from setting a trial date. ... More at: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070627/NEWS02/706270412/-1/RSS

From the 6/27/07 Newark Advocate: Condos could be built soon in Hebron Development needs final permits from Ohio EPA, street and utilities department By MARK SZAKONYI Advocate Reporter HEBRON -- Construction on at least 70 senior citizen-friendly condominiums in Hebron is expected to begin in mid-July. The Cumberland Meadow development at the 900 block of Refugee Road will feature between 70 and 75 ranch-style condos on 20 acres, developer Bill Simpson said. The condos, which will range in price from about $150,000 to $200,000, are Americans With Disabilities Act-accessible with doorways wide enough to fit wheelchairs, he said. "If they move here, regardless of their health, they won't have to move again," he said. http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070627/NEWS01/706270312/1002/rss01

From the 6/27/07 Delaware Gazette: Would new Supercenter lead to empty storefront? Wednesday, June 27, 2007 Mark A. Claffey Staff Writer Delaware Vice Mayor Carolyn Kay Riggle said she was disappointed when Wal-Mart officials told her Monday that the retail giant had an agreement in place to sell its current storefront to U.S. Properties, instead of a national retailer. “Once Wal-Mart goes I worry about what’s going to happen to the other stores out there (at Delaware Community Plaza),” Riggle said. U.S. Properties owns the Delaware Community Plaza, and Don Davids, a leasing agent for U.S. Properties, said his company has an agreement in place to purchase the Wal-Mart store, but declined to say what retailers have expressed interest in moving to that location. Riggle said she doesn’t want the storefront on U.S. 23 to remain empty like the Marysville Wal-Mart, which still remains vacant today. Wal-Mart pulled out of East Pointe Plaza, on U.S. 36 in Marysville in April 2006. The retailer built a new Supercenter less than a mile away. Wal-Mart had been leasing the building in Marysville from U.S. Properties. MORE: http://www.delgazette.com

From the 6/27/07 Enquirer: Lakota schools plan new levy District will need new funding by 2009, officials say BY MICHAEL D. CLARK | [email protected] LIBERTY TWP. - Consider this an early forecast: Ohio's seventh-largest school district is likely to seek a tax increase in 2009. "We know that it is on the horizon as we continue to grow and renovate our classroom space," said Lakota Superintendent Mike Taylor at a school board meeting this week. While it's too early to predict the size of the proposed tax increase, the timing is becoming clearer, said district Treasurer Alan Hutchinson. Lakota is the only school system in Ohio to encompass almost two entire townships - West Chester and Liberty. As more homes get built, the 18,000-student district adds about 400 students a year. So, even though Lakota voters agreed to raise taxes in 2005 to pay for more schools, more teachers and other expansion, the district's continuing growth means that all the increased funding from the 2005 increase will likely be absorbed by 2009, officials said. "After that, if we push any new levies back to 2010, we'll have to significantly cut our budget," Hutchinson said. District leaders say they are talking openly about taxes now because voters rejected proposed tax increases three times before approving the last one. In 2005, voters passed a combination 7.73-mill ballot issue - that included a 5.6-mill operating levy and a 2.13-mill bond issue - for $84 million of new school construction. That bond issue helped pay for three elementary schools, a new freshman school and additions to Lakota East and West high schools. Yet, come 2009, the district expects to need at least one more elementary school. Longtime school board member Susan McLaughlin said the district learned from its past defeats to start informing residents well in advance about the need for any new school taxes. "A lot of that is educating the public on how Ohio public schools are ... not funded adequately. We can't continue to get new students but not get paid by the state to educate these new students," said McLaughlin. Lakota and Mason school officials recently lobbied - unsuccessfully - to convince state legislators to change a school funding formula in Ohio's next budget that does not promptly credit growing districts for their incoming students. Now, some say local taxpayers could be asked to pick up the burden. "We will be transparent in our conversations around a future levy or bond," said school board member Jamie Green. "We will give the community time to understand the needs of the students we serve and give the district time to listen to the thoughts and ideas our community has about this." Levies often a tough sell Unlike any other time in its 50-year history, the Lakota schools suffered three straight defeats before voters approved increasing school taxes in 2005. March 2004: Voters shot down an 11.67-mill proposal that included a 9.3-mill operating levy and a 2.37-mill bond issue for new schools. November 2004: Voters turned down a 7.7-mill proposal that called for a 5.5-mill operating levy and 2.2-mill bond issue. February 2005: By just five votes, the public again rejected the proposed 7.7-mill combination levy. November 2005: Voters approved a 7.73-mill combination levy and bond issue. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070627/NEWS0102/706270356/

From the 6/27/07 DDN: Antioch lets contracts expire for 13 administrators, 8 staff By Stephanie Irwin Gottschlich Staff Writer Wednesday, June 27, 2007 YELLOW SPRINGS — Antioch College won't renew contracts for 13 of 60 administrators and eight hourly staff workers, effective Friday. Spokeswoman Lynda Sirk declined to elaborate on which positions were cut until the college had a chance to notify staff who are losing their jobs. None of the cuts are faculty positions and were anticipated before the college's recent declaration of financial exigency, Sirk said. Antioch plans to announce more details this morning, she said. Full story at http://www.daytondailynews.com/localnews/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/06/26/ddn062607antiochweb.html