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From the 2/19/07 Blade: GREAT LAKES Ohio approval of water pact faces new snag Senator voices concerns over Great Lakes property rights By TOM HENRY BLADE STAFF WRITER Minnesota on Thursday did what many thought Ohio would do: Become the first Great Lakes state to adopt a proposed compact for managing lake withdrawals on a regional basis. By a 57-3 vote, the Minnesota Senate approved the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact with no amendments. Two weeks earlier, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed it by a 97-35 vote, also with no changes. Ohio could be poised to follow suit. But first, supporters may have to overcome a property-rights opposition movement mounted by a Cleveland-area Republican senator. ... Contact Tom Henry at: [email protected] or 419-724-6079. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070219/NEWS06/702190314/-1/RSS

From ThisWeek Olentangy, 2/22/07: Cobblestone Crossing Housing slowdown kills project Thursday, February 22, 2007 By KELLEY YOUMAN TRUXALL ThisWeek Staff Writer A housing-market slowdown has led a developer to scrap plans for what would have been one of Orange Township's most ambitious developments. Jack Brickner, director of development for Planned Communities, withdrew the company's Cobblestone Crossing application Feb. 15, marking an end to more than a year of work by both Planned Communities and Orange zoning officials. A commercial area and hundreds of single-family homes and condominiums were part of the Cobblestone plans. Zoning hearings on the 452-acre mixed-use development on the east side of U.S. Route 23 near Home Road had been tabled since late last year, but until then the zoning commission had held up to two meetings a month on the project. Brickner said there are no plans to resubmit the Cobblestone application anytime soon. Planned Communities has scrapped the Cobblestone proposal largely because of a slowing housing market, he said. "Right now, we've pulled away from the entire project and property," Brickner said Tuesday. "It's a sign of the housing market's economic times. Had we started it earlier, we would be done with it by now. But there's a much slower economy." FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/022207/Powell/News/022207-News-310560.html

From the 3/7/07 Canton Repository: Regional Planning gives Westfield conditional OK By FELLICIA SMITH REPOSITORY STAFF WRITER CANTON When the Stark County Regional Planning Commission gave Westfield Belden Village mall conditional approval of its expansion plans Tuesday night, it put the project on the fast track to completion. "If everything goes as well as it did tonight, they want to pull the trigger on the first phase (of construction) this spring," Jackson Township Trustee Steve Meeks said. Full story text is available at http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=340359

From the 3/2/07 Massillon Independent: Belden Village expansion in the works By STEPHEN HUBA [email protected] Belden Village Mall isn’t the lone monolith it was in the 1960s. Today, it has company – shopping centers, strip malls, chain restaurants, professional offices and big-box stores for miles and miles all around it. To stay relevant in an increasingly competitive retail environment, mall owner Westfield Group of Los Angeles has submitted plans to add four buildings on the north side and a parking garage on the south side. The plans call for an additional 121,000 square feet of retail space and more than 400 parking spaces in a two-level garage, according to the Stark County Regional Planning Commission. Full story text is available at http://www.indeonline.com/index.php?ID=14308&r=0&Category=3

From the 2/23/07 Canton Repository: Belden mall to expand REPOSITORY STAFF REPORT JACKSON TWP. Westfield Belden Village mall is growing. The Westfield Group, the Australian company that owns the mall, submitted expansion plans to the Stark County Regional Planning Commission this week. Plans to expand the facility include a two-story parking deck and the addition of more than 120,000 square feet of space. Full story text is available at http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=9&ID=338093&r=12&subCategoryID=

From the 4/15/07 ABJ: Mayoral candidate enters race swinging Former Akron councilman blasts Plusquellic for supporting tax hike, development deal By Tracy Wheeler Beacon Journal staff writer Saying his message is one of "reform and renewal,'' former Akron Councilman Joe Finley said Saturday that he will be the first Democrat in two decades to oppose Mayor Don Plusquellic in an election. Finley announced his candidacy in front of about two dozen supporters at the Country Diner on East Market Street. The 57-year-old retired teacher and father of nine criticized Plusquellic for supporting a city income tax increase on the May ballot and failing to appoint a police auditor. He also cited the mayor's "abusive'' demeanor and his inclination to throw money at "millionaire developers.'' Read More...

From the 4/11/07 ABJ: Democrat to challenge Plusquellic Former Councilman Finley to run against mayor in primary By John Higgins Beacon Journal staff writer Former Ward 2 Councilman Joe Finley will run against Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic in September's Democratic primary, lawyer Warner Mendenhall said. Finley will make the official announcement at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Country Diner at 520 E. Market St., according to a news release from Mendenhall, who, like Finley, has at times been a high-profile critic of the mayor. Finley gave up his ward seat two years ago to run for an at-large seat on council. He lost in the primary to the three Democratic incumbents, who all went on to win in the general election. Bruce Kilby had Finley's endorsement for the Ward 2 seat and won. Read More...

From the 2/23/07 ABJ: Williams will not oppose mayor Akron councilman rules out run in fall primary By John Higgins Beacon Journal staff writer Akron City Councilman Michael Williams, D-at large, has decided he will not oppose Mayor Don Plusquellic in the Democratic primary in September. "Incumbency is difficult to overcome,'' Williams said Thursday. Late last year, he floated the idea of running when rumors abounded that Plusquellic might not run for another term. Read More...

From the 5/25/07 Newark Advocate: Time is tight for making decision on Pataskala ballot issue Incomplete financial figures delay committee's discussion By CHAD KLIMACK Advocate Reporter PATASKALA -- The debate about whether Pataskala will place a funding issue on the November ballot must wait until Tuesday. Members of Pataskala City Council's Finance Committee had hoped to discuss their options Thursday night, but they only touched on the subject after learning financial figures they had anticipated receiving were not ready. The Regional Income Tax Agency has been contacting area businesses to determine what different income tax percentages would generate for the city. The committee hoped to have the figures Thursday, but they were not available. After the meeting, Mayor Steve Butcher said the city hopes to have the figures by Tuesday. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070525/NEWS01/705250308/1002/rss01

From the 5/25/07 News-Herald: Immigration bill will take its toll locally Lake nurseries employ about 2,700 immigrants By: David S. Glasier [email protected] 05/25/2007 People in Lake County's $100 million wholesale nursery industry are paying close attention to events unfolding on the streets of Painesville and in the halls of power in Washington, D.C. An estimated 2,700 immigrants from Mexico and other Latin American countries are employed by the 115 licensed nurseries in Lake County and surrounding communities. Many of those nursery employees live in Painesville, where 24 immigrants have been arrested since last Friday in sweeps conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Officers from the Painesville Police Department and Lake County Sheriff's Office have assisted in some of the arrests. MORE: http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18386714&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21849&rfi=6

From the AP, 5/25/07: GM ousts 400 from jobs bank By wire reports DETROIT — General Motors Corp. has put up a 49 percent stake in its former financial arm as collateral for a $4.1 billion revolving line of credit, the company said. Meanwhile, GM said in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that it had set its estimated exposure to bankrupt auto parts maker Delphi Corp. at $7 billion and could take a $1 billion charge this quarter related to the restructuring of its former subsidiary. It also reached a groundbreaking deal with the United Auto Workers union that will force almost 400 workers out of a ‘‘jobs bank’’ program that guarantees nearly full wages and benefits when the automaker eliminates work or closes factories. ... http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=18499

From the 5/25/07 Coshocton Tribune: EPA hears concerns about Coshocton Ethanol plant By BRIAN GADD Staff Writer COSHOCTON - Although there are still six days before the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency closes its comment period for two permits related to the Coshocton Ethanol plant, EPA officials heard concerns from a few individuals Thursday night at a public hearing. At issue are two pending permits for construction of a cooling pond to accept discharges from the plant's towers, and discharges from the pond into Robinson Run, which authorities said will unfortunately have some effect on the stream. http://www.coshoctontribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070525/NEWS01/705250301/1002/rss01

Link contains photos. From the 5/25/07 Enquirer: Comair going first class Airline gets bigger jets, will offer elite-level seating BY ALEXANDER COOLIDGE | [email protected] ERLANGER - Comair is getting 14 bigger regional jets. Parent company Delta Air Lines said Thursday it has negotiated a deal with Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier to swap out 14 10-year-old, 50-seat CRJ-100s and upgrade them with 14 CRJ-900 regional jets with 76 seats. The new aircraft feature 12 seats in a first-class section, the first time the 30-year-old airline has offered the elite seating. While the new aircraft won't boost the carrier's fleet of 130, it will add 75 new flight attendant jobs. Pilot and support staffing levels will stay the same. Delta executives said the upgrade wouldn't factor into whether it ultimately sells the regional airline. Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070525/BIZ01/705250353/1059/rss13

From the 5/24/07 Enquirer: Local loser Andre Wilson Another courthouse deli arrest BY KIMBALL PERRY | [email protected] For the third time in a month, police have arrested someone for stealing from the blind owner of the deli inside the Hamilton County Courthouse. Andre Wilson, 43, of Winton Hills, was arrested at 8:30 a.m. today by sheriff's deputies and charged with two counts of theft. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070524/NEWS01/305240038/

From the 5/24/07 Sun Herald: Condos may rise on Lorain Thursday, May 24, 2007 By Ken Prendergast FAIRVIEW PARK Lorain Road is getting attention from more real estate developers, with several new projects planned or under way. Within the next few weeks, developers of a proposed 12-unit loft condominium building will present their plans to the city's planning commission. The development, called the Residences of Chanticleer, would be built on the northwest corner of Lorain Road and Chanticleer Drive. A house on the large property will have to be torn down, said developer Jimmy Teresi... http://www.cleveland.com/sun/sunherald/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1180025189256640.xml&coll=3 From the 5/24/07 Solon Herald Sun: Council OKs 22 Cannon homes Thursday, May 24, 2007 By Bob Sandrick Solon Herald Sun A plan by Dinallo & Wittrup Homes Inc. to build a 22-house subdivision on the north side of Cannon Road was approved by City Council Monday... Contact Sandrick at [email protected] http://www.cleveland.com/solonheraldsun/news/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1179942148305270.xml&coll=4 3 cities, SE-L to form rec center council Sun Messenger, 5/24/07 The city, along with Richmond Heights, South Euclid and the South Euclid-Lyndhurst School District, is looking to establish a council of governments to study the feasibility of a regional recreation center...

From the 5/25/07 ABJ: Callers report 4,251 smoking violations Majority of complaints under new law target bars By Tracy Wheeler Beacon Journal medical writer Since enforcement of Ohio's law banning public smoking went into effect on May 3, the state has received 4,251 complaints -- an average of 193 a day. Smoking in prohibited areas is the most common grievance, though callers also have complained that some establishments are leaving ashtrays on the tables, some aren't posting the required "No Smoking'' signs and some are allowing smoke from outside to waft inside. The vast majority of complaints have targeted bars -- Akron's Cliffside Club is leading the way locally with 10 complaints -- but they also have included such spots as the Varsity Teen Center in Barberton, the Hartville Flea Market and the Stark County Dental Society. A complaint is not proof of a violation. Read more: http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/living/community/17278826.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

From the 5/25/07 PD: Charter-school limits ignite passions Rival demonstrations praise, pan Strickland Friday, May 25, 2007 Scott Stephens Plain Dealer Reporter Friends and foes of charter schools took to the streets Thursday as part of an escalating battle for state education dollars. Hundreds of charter-school students, parents, teachers and administrators gathered at Citizens' Academy near University Circle to voice loud support for a budget bill approved by the Ohio House this month that rejected a proposed moratorium on new charters. The bill is now in the Ohio Senate. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/05/25/ddn052507fordham.html

Schanz sues city, attorney St. Mary's Evening Leader, 5/22/07 Local real estate developer Kalvin Schanz is suing the city and St. Marys attorney William Huber over the former Glass Block Building. A copy of the summons on complaint obtained by The Evening Leader states the parties have 28 days to respond. St. Marys Law Director Kraig Noble said Monday that the city will respond well before those 28 days are up. The suit alleges that the city filed suit against Schanz in May, 2006, in order to acquire a court order for the demolition of the former Glass Block Building at 130-134 E. Spring St. In the course of negotiations between Schanz and the city, the city offered to dismiss the case in exchange for the transfer of the property to the city. Schanz claims he did not agree to any such transfer or any other agreement resolving the litigation. Schanz claims in the current suit that, although his attorney at the time, William Huber, prepared a deed to transfer the property to the city in contemplation of a possible settlement, he gave specific instructions to Huber not to deliver that deed until Schanz authorized him to do so. Schanz further claims that Huber delivered the deed to Noble, who recorded the deed on May 16, 2006. Schanz claims he did not learn of the transfer of the deed until May 17, 2006. Schanz is requesting the court to determine ownership of the property and is seeking not less than $300,000 in damages from Huber.

From ThisWeek Grandview, 5/24/07: Plan tabled; developer to consider options Thursday, May 24, 2007 By ALAN FROMAN ThisWeek Staff Writer Grandview Heights Planning Commission May 16 tabled a rezoning request that would allow a five-story mixed-use condominium/commercial/retail development to be built on Grandview Avenue at Haines Avenue. The applicant, Metropolitan Holdings, requested the matter be tabled to allow it to consider its options after the commission repeated its opposition to a five-story project being built on Grandview Avenue. The developer is seeking a rezoning to Planned Unit Development (PUD). Director of Administration and Development Patrik Bowman told the commission it is the developer's obligation to demonstrate the special benefits the community will receive that would overcome the concerns about the size of the proposed building and its potential impact on Grandview Avenue and the surrounding neighborhood. The proposal was originally brought before the commission last fall, but in November Metropolitan Holdings President Matthew Vekasy agreed to delay consideration of the rezoning request while the city worked with the Lincoln Street Studio consulting firm on a planning study for Grandview Avenue. More at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/052407/Grandview/News/052407-News-358506.html

From the 2/15/07 Sun Star: New retail in store at mall As 10-year leases expire, shoppers will find changes Thursday, February 15, 2007 By R. David Heileman The Sun Star STRONGSVILLE The look and location of many favorite stores are changing with dizzying speed at Westfield SouthPark, where an extensive mall makeover is nearing completion. "We are at the 10-year mark at the mall," Andy Selesnik, SouthPark's marketing manager said, explaining that many store's decade-long leases are expiring, allowing them to relocate. The changes just happen to coincide with a massive construction and renovation program that is adding thousands of square feet of new retail space, including a 50,000-square-foot Dick's Sporting Goods store and 14-screen, state-of-the-art Cinemark Theater. ... More at: http://www.cleveland.com/sun/sunstar/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1171561208246390.xml&coll=3

From the 4/25/07 Wooster Daily Record: Despite hardships following U.S. Route 30 relocation, owners stay hopeful By BOBBY WARREN Staff Writer WOOSTER -- Win, lose or draw sum up what business owners and managers feel about how the relocation of U.S. Route 30 has impacted their sales over the past 16 months. For Karen and Denny Keplar, owners of the Country Kitchen restaurant, the drop in customers led to a decision to move their establishment off of East Lincoln Way and onto East Liberty Street. The couple operate the restaurant out of the Best Western hotel. "As soon as the road went in, we dropped 20 percent," Karen Keplar said. The Keplars did not own the building, so their overhead remained high while sales fell lower. More at: http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/article/1907461

From the 4/5/07 Lima News: U.S. 30 project expected to finish this year Heather Rutz | [email protected] - 04.05.2007 LIMA — A construction project that began two years ago should finish this year, creating four-lane access across U.S. Route 30 from the state line to Canton, state transportation officials said Wednesday. The $99 million project will include construction from state Route 235 in Hancock County to Upper Sandusky in Wyandot County this year, District 1 Construction Engineer Merry said. It is the last stretch of U.S. 30 in the project to be turned into four lanes. “The contractor thinks it’s realistic to finish this year and we agree with that,” Merry said. “Paving will start at the end of the month and go continuously this season.” ... http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=37026

Leaders meet to discuss U.S. 30 Coalition plan Bart Mills | [email protected] - 05.23.2007 LIMA — Leaders of the communities along the newly improved U.S. Route 30 know they want to work together to draw business and attention to the region. Now they just need to decide how they’ll do that. Business and community leaders from the seven counties that make up the 30 West Corridor Coalition have been meeting in a series of roundtables this week, hoping to come to some consensus on the goals and purpose of the newly formed organization. More at: http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=38786

Counties work together through U.S. 30 group Bob Blake | [email protected] - 05.14.2007 DELPHOS — The future for the U.S. Route 30 corridor in northwest Ohio is uncertain. One thing that is certain is the communities bordering the expanded route are seeking as many avenues as possible to spread the word about the region’s assets. Work began in earnest on the U.S. 30 Corridor Economic Development Group more than a year ago. Seven counties — Allen, Crawford, Hancock, Hardin, Richland, Van Wert and Wyandot — are all part of the effort. The aim is simple: regionalize their message about the work force and economic development opportunities in this area to benefit all the member communities. “We’re not opposed to it at all. We have an interest in Route 30, obviously, with two exits of it,” Gregory Berquist, the safety-service director for Delphos, said. “One of the concerns I have is why don’t we go all the way to Fort Wayne, [ind]. My point is it should go all the way over because there are people over there who commute here to work and vice versa.” More at: http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=38472

Counties working together to market U.S. 30 Bart Mills | [email protected] - 01.11.2007 FINDLAY — The improvement of U.S. Route 30 could mean big things for the communities through which it passes. Now leaders of those communities have committed to working together to make sure those big things happen. Commissioners and economic-development leaders from the nine counties that border U.S. Route 30 from Richland County to the Indiana border, including, Van Wert, Allen and Hancock counties, met on Wednesday to discuss their plan for marketing the newly improved corridor to businesses and industry. At the heart of the discussion was an agreement that the communities have a better chance of attracting business together than they do alone. “I hope we begin to get beyond the provincial nature, the attitude that we are all apart here, because collectively we can help one another. That’s the mission here,” said Allen County Commissioner Sam Bassitt more at: http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=34042