buildingcincinnati

From the 5/18/07 Newark Advocate: Subdivision plan is back on agenda By CHARLES A. PETERSON Advocate Reporter GRANVILLE -- Preliminary approval for a 23-home subdivision proposed by developer Bill Kraner in Granville Township will be sought at Monday's Licking County Planning Commission meeting after all. The proposal was placed back on the meeting agenda late Wednesday after engineers addressed several questions and concerns about the proposal raised by the commission's Technical Review Committee. Planning commission members will decide whether to grant conditional approval for the basic design of the subdivision, located on 99 acres in the township's northeastern corner, bordered on the north by Welsh Hills Road and on the east by the Granville-Newark township line. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070518/NEWS01/705180313/1002/rss01

From the 5/18/07 Dispatch: STATEWIDE BAN Smoking is ruled out at clubs, too Establishments such as VFW must follow new law, judge says Friday, May 18, 2007 3:38 AM By James Nash THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Patrons of VFW halls and other private clubs can forget about lighting up, a Franklin County judge ruled yesterday. Common Pleas Court Judge David E. Cain slapped down the Ohio Department of Health's attempt to carve out an exemption to the state's new smoking ban for the estimated 1,500 private clubs in the state, including VFW posts, motorcycle groups and yacht clubs. William Seagraves, state commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Ohio, said Cain's ruling flies in the face of the private-club exemption in the ballot issue that passed last November. Read more: http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/content/local_news/stories/2007/05/18/SMOKRULES.ART_ART_05-18-07_A1_U36OL7P.html?type=rss&cat=21 From the 5/18/07 Fostoria Review Times: New law is not blowing smoke By JORDAN CRAVENS STAFF WRITER The torch has been passed. The Ohio Department of Health has vested the power of enforcing Ohio's recently passed smoking law with individual county health departments in hopes that businesses will begin taking the law more seriously. Approximately two weeks after the law's new implementation on May 3, the ODH has received 2,297 complaint calls, which get forwarded to county health districts. Read more: http://www.reviewtimes.com/News/backissues/2007/May/ar_news_051807.asp#story2

From Big Walnut News, 5/16/07: YMCA backers consider November The bond issue to fund a Sunbury rec center lost badly last week at the polls. By JULIA KREUZ It's back to the drawing board for the Eastern Delaware County Joint Recreation District. The district's 27-year, 1.2-mill bond issue to fund a 50,000-square-foot YMCA-run community center for the Big Walnut area was voted down by 62 percent of voters at the polls May 8, according to final, unofficial results from the Delaware County Board of Elections. Results showed 2,159 votes against the issue and 1,327 votes in favor of it. For Dave Martin, chairman of the recreation district board, a simple equation offers encouragement. "If you do the math, 62 percent voted against the levy, but only 27 percent of the people voted. So if you do take 62 of 27, that means only 15 percent of registered voters decided against it," he said. MORE: http://www.snponline.com/NEWS5-16/5-16_bwYMCA.html

Link contains tiny, illegible charts and terrible photos. From ThisWeek Pickerington, 5/17/07: From farm fields to the future Partnerships key to changes along Route 33 corridor Thursday, May 17, 2007 By SEAN CASEY, and ROBERT PASCHEN ThisWeek Staff Writers Editor's note: The development potential of the U.S. 33 corridor is an issue of increasing importance to towns along the highway and to Franklin and Fairfield counties. In this three-part series, ThisWeek will examine how formerly agrarian communities -- particularly Canal Winchester and Pickerington -- have become the focus of commercial and residential growth. Today: the importance of regional partnerships. With long-term economic growth projected for the U.S. Route 33 corridor, leaders in western Fairfield County are implementing three strategies to foster much-needed commercial development. In recent years, local governments have begun building adequate infrastructure to serve new developments, forging regional partnerships and plugging the gaps in existing commercial corridors. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/051707/Pickerington/News/051707-News-354860.html

From the 5/17/07 Garfield-Maple Sun: Builders are out of cash Thursday, May 17, 2007 By Ken Baka Garfield-Maple Sun GARFIELD HEIGHTS A partner in the Valley Ranch subdivision said the company, AmeriCon Homes Inc., had no money to finish its housing development or fulfill commitments... http://www.cleveland.com/sun/garfieldmaplesun/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1179421013313200.xml&coll=3 From the 5/16/07 News Leader: Zoning commission votes against condo zoning change by Jeff Saunders Reporter Northfield Center -- Whether condominiums or single-family homes are constructed on 18 acres between Olde Eight and Brandywine roads will now go to the Board of Trustees, after the zoning commission unanimously voted May 8 against a zoning request that would allow the construction of condos on the property... E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 440-232-4055 ext. 4105 http://www.the-news-leader.com/news/article/2002562 Petros pitches his idea Sun Courier, 5/17/07 A developer that is no stranger to the city brought forth his plan of what should be done with the southwest corner of state Route 82 and Broadview Road. Sam Petros, who owns The Crossings shopping center on the northwest corner, was in front of the city's Planning Commission at its May 9 working session to give his preliminary pitch for the plan...

Perspectives Columbus downtown needs masterplan for retail Business First of Columbus - by Saleha Ghani Friday, May 11, 2007 So the city of Columbus is attracting at least some residents to live downtown, which has been helped along by an explosion of condominium developments in the past few years. However, local retail analyst Chris Boring says whether the area can support the retail needs of those new residents remains a big question. Boring, who runs Boulevard Strategies, says in addition to a housing master plan, the city needs one entity to coordinate how retail development evolves downtown. When City Center mall opened in 1989, it was seen as the answer to the area's stagnant economy and declining downtown population that fell from 30,000 during the 1940s to 3,500 by the 1990s, he says. But the mall began losing its sheen when the Mall at Tuttle Crossing opened in 1997, with Easton Town Center and other suburban shopping developments following later. With the future of City Center mall unknown and housing development in the downtown area on the upswing, Business First talked with Boring about the retail climate and what it needs to support the residents the city is trying to attract to the area. Full article: http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2007/05/14/smallb5.html

From the 5/17/07 Enquirer: Smaller subdivision gains more favor BY MIKE RUTLEDGE | [email protected] With about one-quarter the number of houses, opponents conceded the proposed 40-home Vineyard Park subdivision is an improvement over two earlier plans that were rejected. But some neighbors continue to oppose the development, planned along Ky. 18 on 50.6 acres just west of Burlington, across from Saddle Ridge Drive. Read more here: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070517/NEWS0103/705170392/1059/rss13

Both from the 5/17/07 Enquirer: Rock-thrower arrests praised Avondale residents help ID suspects in bus attack BY KIMBALL PERRY | [email protected] AVONDALE - Community Council president Patricia Milton is proud her neighbors helped catch two boys who police say injured a 5-year-old girl earlier this month on a school bus headed to a field trip at the Cincinnati Zoo. "I think that speaks to really pulling together to do what's right," Milton said Wednesday. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070517/NEWS01/705170412/ Burglary suspect found asleep THE ENQUIRER Cincinnati police say they didn’t have to go far to find the person they believe kicked in the door of an Evanston woman – because they found him asleep inside her home. Police arrived at the home in the 1800 block of Clarion Avenue at about 11 p.m. Wednesday and say the back door of the woman’s home was kicked in. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070517/NEWS01/305170020/

From the 5/17/07 Marion Star: POET officials show public ethanol plant site All three proposed Marion facilities have permits in works By JOHN JARVIS The Marion Star MARION - Buses carrying community leaders and POET officials passed the sites proposed for two other ethanol production facilities on the way to and from a groundbreaking Wednesday for POET Biorefining-Marion. In a program featuring company and government officials and industry representatives, POET, formerly Broin Companies, presented to a crowd of approximately 90 people information about the plant it plans to build on the north side of Hillman-Ford Road, 1.5 miles northwest of the city. Minutes later buses transported more than half of the group to the location where Stuart Daley, POET regional vice president of operations, said a 65-million-gallons-per-year ethanol production facility will open in about one year. POET announced that it will begin site work next week. While site preparation can begin, no construction of the plant itself can start until the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued an air pollution control permit-to-install, OEPA spokeswoman Dina Pierce said Wednesday. More at: http://www.marionstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070517/NEWS01/705170302/1002/rss01

From the 5/17/07 DDN: Local UAW leader keeps close eye on talks with Delphi With auto parts supplier's future in question, union has reportedly made counter-offer on wage concessions. By Thomas Gnau Staff Writer Thursday, May 17, 2007 DAYTON — With reports that the United Auto Workers has made a formal counter-proposal this week to bankrupt Delphi Corp., at least one local union leader is closely watching developments. The Detroit News reported Wednesday that an approximately 10-page proposal on wages and benefits from the UAW "offers some concessions." Citing an unnamed source, the newspaper said the proposal was presented late Monday. "I know there have been discussions in the last couple of days," said Joe Buckley, president of UAW Local 696, which represents about 800 workers at Delphi's plant near Needmore and Wagoner Ford roads. ... Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or [email protected]. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/05/17/ddn051707delphi.html

Link contains a photo. From the 5/16/07 Blade: GM to invest in Toledo, Defiance FROM BLADE STAFF REPORTS General Motors Corp.'s Toledo Powertrain Plant and its Defiance Powertrain factory are getting new corporate investment as part of a five-plant technology to produce engines that are more fuel efficient. A GM spokesman declined to give the investment amounts yesterday, but said Toledo's figure is the highest of the five. A $63 million project to retool a castings foundry in Saginaw, Mich., was the first of the group, announced yesterday. Announcements on the two Ohio projects are expected Friday. ... http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070516/BUSINESS02/705160400/-1/RSS04

From the 5/17/07 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Crowd turnout shuts down public hearing Violet Township residents don't want service station built near homes By TAMARIA L. KULEMEKA The Eagle-Gazette Staff VIOLET TOWNSHIP - The Violet Township Trustees were overwhelmed when more than 100 people showed up to speak at a public hearing Wednesday night. The public hearing - which was supposed to be a forum for the public to speak for and against a proposed variance - never took place, though many residents briefly voiced their opinions and questioned trustees. "I hate to do this to everyone, but we're overwhelmed by the attendance and suggest we continue (the public hearing) and find a location conducive to all the interested parties," said Violet Township Trustee Gary Weltlich, to a standing-room-only crowd. A developer's proposed plan to build a strip center near the Spring Creek subdivision in Violet Township drew residents from that 87-home development to the meeting. Preliminary drawings of the strip center showed a service station on the proposed commercial property. Spring Creek residents adamantly oppose a gas station being built near their homes. Full story at http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070517/NEWS01/705170315/1002/rss01

From Cincinnati.com, 5/16/07: Mt. Lookout to debut plan for square revitalization Contributed By Rachel Richardson | The Enquirer After years of preparation, plans to revitalize Mt. Lookout Square are taking shape. More than 100 residents and business owners flocked to the Christ the King Church May 2 for the first of two public meetings in which locals were invited to speak out on any public safety, parking, aesthetics and traffic concerns the plan would bring. http://rodeo.cincinnati.com/getlocal/gpstory.aspx?id=100042&sid=112746

When will City Council consider a rezoning for The Yards? Building Cincinnati When will City Council consider a rezoning for The Yards? The Vandercar Holdings project, in the Riverside and Sedamsville area on what is known as the Conrail site, was panned by the City Planning Commission on March 16, 2007 for not conforming to the existing Land Use Plan and for lacking a corresponding fiscal impact analysis. It was scheduled to be heard in front of the Economic Development Committee on April 24. That is normally followed by a City Council vote, usually the very next day. So far it hasn't made the Council agenda. The concept plan In September 2005, Vandercar Holdings owner Rob Smyjunas announced plans for a 60-acre power center, containing five big-box tenants, to be built on long-vacant land between River Road and Southside Avenue. The $60 million-$80 million project drew comparisons to Vandercar's Center of Cincinnati project in Oakley. When the formal development agreement for The Yards was filed with City Council in June 2006, the project changed slightly to four large buildings and "a few" smaller ones, including restaurants and a bank. The total square footage was estimated to be about 600,000 square feet. The proposal also called for the creation of a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) district and a sale by the City of Cincinnati to Vandercar of an adjacent 22 acre parcel ($1.8 million). In July 2006, the City Planning Commission recommended that City Council should not accept the concept plan offered in the development agreement. However, swayed by support from the Riverside and Sedamsville community councils and the Price Hill Civic Club, City Council passed an ordinance to enter into a contract of sale with Vandercar for the acreage. PUDs and TIFs The passing of the ordinance left Vandercar to seek a zoning change to line up the TIF money. The acreage in question is already part of a City-created TIF district, TIF District 14 (MAP). Vandercar wants to separate the project site from the existing TIF district and designate it as PD 48 (Planned Unit Development). PD status, which would change the current zoning from single-family and manufacturing uses, would allow the developer to direct TIF monies specifically from its project into raising the site out of the 100-year flood plain, building a retaining wall along River Road, installing sewers and improving the intersection of River Road and Fairbanks Avenue. "We have enough manufacturing"* The plans for the project have changed since they were first announced. Vandercar now proposes a development that is more mixed-use and would have up to 22 buildings, including a large retail store, an office building or hotel (multi-story, 40K-120K sq ft), a multi-screen cinema and numerous smaller commercial stores. It would total up to 985,000 square feet of retail and 120,000 square feet of office space on what is now 74 acres. Most of the 6.5 acres of planned open space would be along the River Road frontage. What a "yes" vote means A City Council "yes" vote on the PD zoning change would accept this concept plan. Vandercar would then be required to submit a more thorough final development plan to the City Planning Commission, which has not been to kind to them thus far. A City Council approval of a final development plan by this summer could mean completion in the 3rd quarter of 2009. WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW GOOGLE AERIAL MAP * Partial quote from Doug Kohls, Sedamsville Community Council, regarding the City Planning Commission's vote. "Complex Denied Zoning Change", 3/17/07 Cincinnati Enquirer.

Link contains a photo. From the 5/17/07 Fremont News-Messenger: Megafarms discussed Effect on economy, water quality among concerns raised By LESLIE BIXLER Staff writer WOODVILLE -- About 75 people were in attendance Wednesday night at Woodmore Elementary School to hear guest speaker John Ikerd, retired professor of agricultural economics, talk about his years of experience in researching and dealing with concentrated animal feeding operations. The two-hour meeting focused largely on residents taking control and responsibility at the local and state levels to make their voices heard by government officials on their profound concerns with mega-dairy farms. The meeting was organized by the Sandusky County Citizens Protecting Our Resources, a group that is opposed to the two mega-dairy farms that may be coming to the area. MORE: http://www.thenews-messenger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070517/NEWS01/705170302/1002/rss01

From the 5/17/07 Springfield News-Sun: Construction site beginning to look more like school every day By Gail Cetnar Staff Writer Thursday, May 17, 2007 The gymnasium under construction at Springfield High School looked more like a swimming pool Wednesday. But construction workers didn't mind pulling on galoshes and working around giant mud puddles after Tuesday night's torrential downpour, said Steve Midgley, project superintendent for the construction manager. The rain hasn't slowed construction at 701 E. Home Rd., where North and South high schools are scheduled to consolidate into the new Springfield High School in September 2008. Individual classrooms now are visible in areas of the classroom wing where workers have installed steel to form the walls. By this time next month, outside walls will be erected around the wing, Midgley said. The approximately $60 million high school is the last school to be built under Springfield City Schools' $194 million construction project through the Ohio School Facilities Commission. All 16 of the district's schools will be new when it's complete. Several old buildings have been demolished or sold at auction as part of the project. Last week, the school board voted to advertise for bids for the demolition of the old Simon Kenton Elementary School and the old Roosevelt Middle School. MORE: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/05/16/sns051707construction.html From the 5/17/07 Dayton Business Journal: Nearly $600K in state funds given to two area organizations Dayton Business Journal - 10:14 AM EDT Thursday, May 17, 2007 Two local organizations have landed state funding to help develop affordable housing in Montgomery and Greene counties. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency approved the grants as part of $4.2 million in funding for affordable housing development projects. The American Red Cross, Dayton Area Chapter was granted $428,500 from The Ohio Housing Trust Fund to develop a seven-unit project that will serve homeless families with dependent children. The transitional housing, to be developed in Xenia, is expected to cost $790,000. Residents will receive help in developing skills and finding jobs from the Greene County Department of Job and Family Services. They will meet with caseworkers weekly to monitor their progress. http://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2007/05/14/daily17.html?from_rss=1 Facing obstacles, YS Home, Inc. heads in a new direction Yellow Springs News, 5/17/07 Several years ago, Jason and Margaret Morgan, newly married and each with a child from a former marriage, tried to start a new life together in Jason’s hometown in southeastern Texas. But, for many reasons, the town was not a good fit. A professional portrait artist, Jason didn’t fit in with peers who prized guns and shopping at Walmart, and he longed to find a community that valued the arts as he did. He and Margaret also wanted a place with a lively downtown and a sense of community, a place where their kids could roam free and feel they belonged. On a visit over spring break, 2005, the family found such a place in Yellow Springs, near Margaret’s hometown of Wilmington, and they fell in love with the village. Excited, the couple went online to check real estate. But their excitement dimmed when they couldn’t find anything they could afford. Finally, a local realtor suggested the couple try Home, Inc. Now, two years later, the Morgans will soon move into newly built Home, Inc. house in Thistle Creek, the development by local builder Jonathan Brown. The Morgans will occupy one of six new Home, Inc. homes to be built in the next several months as part of the Thistle Creek development. When the homes are finished, Home, Inc. will have provided Yellow Springs with 12 new or rehabbed affordable homes since its inception.

From the 5/17/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Bids are opened for downtown bridge The bridge rehabilitation is 90 percent federally funded. YOUNGSTOWN — Two companies came within $31,000 of each other and within $48,000 of the Mahoning County engineer's estimate when their bids were opened for the rehabilitation of the Spring Common Bridge. That bridge spans the Mahoning River at the west end of the city's downtown, linking Fifth Avenue and West Federal Street with Mahoning Avenue. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/307867210295986.php From same: YWCA seeks tax credit for housing units YOUNGSTOWN — The YWCA plans to install 30 low-income housing units in the top floors of its Rayen Avenue building. But the agency still has a few hurdles to clear before the $4.5 million project is feasible, said its executive director, Constance Shaffer. The YWCA is seeking a federal tax credit to finance the housing effort. Phase 2 of the application process will require the organization to seek city council support. Local representatives will begin reviewing plans Wednesday. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/326832053212874.php New South Side library will be 'beacon of light' Youngstown Vindicator, 5/17/07 The new South Library will serve as a "beacon of light" in both function and form, said library officials as they released the project's architectural plans today. The $4.6-million renovation project at a former Giant Eagle and Phar-Mor store at the corner of Market Street and Midlothian Boulevard will begin this fall. Residents express concerns about development in Campbell Youngstown Vindicator, 5/17/07 The clearing of trees on eight acres at the southeast corner of U.S. Route 422 and Sycamore Drive has residents there wondering how it will effect their properties and nearby Roosevelt Park. "I realize development is important to the city, but so are its residents," said Diane DeLuco of Sycamore Drive, who presented a list of concerns about the project to members of city council during its meeting Wednesday.

From the 5/16/07 News-Herald: Residents: 'Old village' plan lacks green space Developer working on Old Village Center proposals Jenny May/[email protected] 05/16/2007 A plan aimed at bringing an "old village" feel to Mentor has several residents feeling uneasy. The plan is the third and final phase of Jr. Properties Ltd.'s Old Village Center project, which would consist of an extension of Presley Avenue, on which a retail and residential building would sit, along with 42 townhouses... http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18346255&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21849&rfi=6 From the 5/16/07 Aurora Advocate: Variances granted for Lakes phase; issue back to planners by Ken Lahmers Editor Aurora -- Although a handful of nearby residents had objections, the city's board of zoning appeals May 9 granted two variances for Phase C-4 of the Lakes of Aurora... E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3155 http://www.auroraadvocate.com/news/article/2002341 Leaders eye 55 cutoff Bedford Sun Banner, 5/17/07 The controversial zoning change that would allow construction of senior housing on land west of Holy Trinity Church is moving closer to a vote... Schools hoping to expand Aurora Advocate, 5/16/07 School officials unveiled plans for a proposed $12 million in new additions at three buildings May 8, but the projects are contingent on voters passing a tax issue in the fall... Ashtabula's plan for campus-style schools is unique Ashtabula Star Beacon, 5/15/07 Though there has been a significant increase in school districts building campus-style educational facilities none are similar to what the Ashtabula Area City School District will build... Ashtabula Star Beacon: Simon research supports neighborhood buildings (5/15/07) Ashtabula Star Beacon: Licate, teachers group say campus style better, cheaper (5/15/07) Geneva schools have construction plan ready Ashtabula Star Beacon, 5/14/07 After months of levy planning, sign posting and question answering, Superintendent Ronald Donatone looks exhausted. Donatone, school board member Ford Behm and members of City Council waited anxiously at the counter at the Ashtabula County Board of Elections Tuesday night for a positive vote on the Issue 10 maintenance levy... Ground breaking planned for Ashtabula industrial park Ashtabula Star Beacon, 5/13/07 After nearly 11 years of planning and work by the Ashtabula City Port Authority, there will be a ground-breaking ceremony at the end of this month for the Ashtabula City Industrial Park...

From the 5/16/07 Mount Vernon News: Brick repair under way on opera house By Fred Main, News Managing Editor Wednesday, May 16, 2007 MOUNT VERNON — The transformation back to its original glory has begun for the Woodward Opera House. Scaffolding and plastic hide the work being done in Phase 3, the abatement phase for the historic 1850s theater. Midwest Maintenance Inc. of Piqua and Lepi Enterprises of Zanesville are working on the restoration of the exterior wood and masonry, and lead paint removal from the exterior of the building, respectively. http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/07/05/16/woodward.html

From the 5/17/07 Newark Advocate: ProLogis discussing tax package Deal could fuel jobs in western Licking Co. By CHAD KLIMACK Advocate Reporter PATASKALA -- One of the largest providers of distribution facilities is considering hard-luck Pataskala, which has seen more businesses go than come in recent years. ProLogis, which already operates inside ProLogis Park on U.S. 40, is in discussions with Pataskala, Etna Township and Southwest Licking and Licking Heights local schools regarding a tax-exemption package. ProLogis intends to ask Pataskala, Etna Township and school districts Southwest Licking and Licking Heights for 15-year, 100 percent abatements for 86 acres on U.S. 40, across from ProLogis Park, and for 525 acres inside Pataskala's Planned Manufacturing District. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070517/NEWS01/705170322/1002/rss01

From the 5/16/07 Enquirer: CPS board will look into new levy Members believe careful analysis, frank appeal to public will be key BY BEN FISCHER | [email protected] The clamor for new tax revenue is growing in Cincinnati Public Schools, but even the most ardent proponents of a levy say it could be a tough case to make with voters. Standing between the district and a successful campaign are local money issues looming for the November ballot, including a possible half-cent sales tax increase for a new Hamilton County jail. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070516/NEWS0102/705160376/

From the 5/15/07 Dispatch: Legal case affecting private clubs Judge extends smoking ban in VFWs Tuesday, May 15, 2007 3:32 AM By James Nash THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Without settling the question of whether smoking ultimately will be allowed in veterans halls and other private clubs, a Franklin County judge extended a temporary ban yesterday by one week. Judge David E. Cain of Franklin County Common Pleas Court will rule on a bid by a trade association of bars and restaurants to keep Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and other private clubs from allowing members to light up. The Ohio Licensed Beverage Association, the group that opposed the smoking ban passed by voters in November, asked Cain for a full trial to settle the question. The Ohio Department of Health, which wrote the rules excluding private clubs from the indoor smoking ban, wants Cain to rule more quickly. Read more: http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/content/local_news/stories/2007/05/15/SMOKING.ART_ART_05-15-07_B7_256NK0U.html From the 5/15/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: New law is baby sitter for some By BILL RODGERS Tribune Chronicle Rick Kelsh of Leon’s Sports Bar and Grill in Howland is ambivalent about the smoking ban, he’s upset that he’s been turned into a ‘‘baby sitter’’ for his customers. ‘‘If it’s fun in Ohio, someone wants to make a law against it ... I’m not going to sit in with a 21-year-old or a 60-year-old (smoker) and say ‘this is bad for your health,’’’ he said. Kelsh said a Trumbull County health worker caught his bar without the required ‘‘No Smoking’’ signs posted. He was sent a letter of report for the alleged violation. He’s going to contest the report, claiming that his customers have been tearing down the signs. Read more: http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=18091

From the 5/14/07 Mount Vernon News: Smoking ban effecting local businesses By Brooke McCann, News Special Projects Correspondent Monday, May 14, 2007 MOUNT VERNON — By 58 percent, Ohio voters approved a law in November 2006 to ban indoor smoking in public places. The ban took effect Dec. 7, but because there was not any way to enforce the new law, some restaurants and bars continued to let people smoke inside. Now the smoking ban has consequences. The enforcement began May 3, one month ahead of the mandated date, June 7. Businesses and places of employment removed ashtrays and posted no-smoking signs. For those found in violation of the no-smoking rule, there are hefty fines to pay. For the first violation, the business receives a warning. For the second violation, it’s a $100 fine; the third, a $500 fine; and the fourth, a $1,500 fine. The fifth violation carries a fine of $2,500. That is an expensive risk to take just to smoke, and many business owners aren’t willing to take that risk. Ginny Lane, owner of Rookies Sports Pub and Grill in Mount Vernon, has taken all the ashtrays off the tables and posted no-smoking signs. Read more: http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/07/05/14/smoking.ban.html

From the 5/11/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Howland bar owner will fight smoking ban Trumbull officials have sent violation letters to three workplaces, including GM. By ED RUNYAN VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF WARREN — The owner of Leon's Sports Bar and Grille says he doesn't plan to go down without a fight in his battle with authorities who are trying make the patrons of his establishment stop smoking. "I want to contest all of this," said Richard Kelsh, owner of the state Route 46, Howland, business, which was one of three that were sent letters of violation this week by the Trumbull County Health Department. The letters say the three violated the state's new Smoke-Free Workplace law. Kelsh said he was aware that enforcement of the new law was to begin May 3, so he removed all of the ashtrays inside the business, but it didn't stop all of his customers from smoking. He also posted signs telling people smoking in the business was illegal, but people tore the signs down. Read more: http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/305063643486525.php

From the 5/10/07 Times-Reporter: Deal with it Smoking ban leaves no option for bar owners By KYLE KONDIK, T-R Staff Writer Carol Hill, part-owner of New Philadelphia’s Maurer’s Grill, doesn’t mince words on how she would write Ohio’s new indoor smoking ban. “If you don’t want to smoke, stay the hell out,” Hill said. “It’s just nonsense, really.” Read more: http://www.timesreporter.com/index.php?ID=67751&r=1