June 22, 200717 yr I've always said this has the potential to be the next Mount Adams. HAHA! West siders are hilarious!
June 22, 200717 yr Well I knew some community leaders and went to some community council meetings and residents do believe Sedamsville is the "Cadillac of Neighborhoods". Unless the Cadillac has spinning hubcaps and a coat hanger tied to the muffler, I'm not buying it.
June 22, 200717 yr Author Evanston looks to tighten "Five Points" business district Building Cincinnati, 6/19/07 Evanston's NBD: Click to enlarge The City's Economic Development Committee will hear two rezoning cases at this afternoon's meeting which could alter the look of the Five Points business district. Recently, the Evanston Community Council received $2 million* to help implement the Evanston Five-Point Urban Renewal Plan, which was adopted in 2003. The plan recommended the concentration of commercial uses near the five-point intersection. The idea was to give the neighborhood business district (NBD) focus, to get more small businesses in existing commercial storefronts, and to help save some of the adjacent housing stock from being demolished to make way for undesireable commercial uses. At the time of the plan's adoption, the City's zoning code was being re-written. Since no zoning designations had been included in the plan, the Evanston Community Council asked for a zoning study from the City's Department of Community Development and Planning (DCDP). Based upon the goals outlined in the plan, the DCDP recommended in one ordinance that portions of the NBD between Fairfax and Holloway and along the eastern side of Woodburn (opposite of Merrimac) should change from CN-M Commercial Neighborhood-Mixed to CN-P Commercial Neighborhood-Pedestrian zoning. This designation would retain the commercial density of the area. It would also disallow any future auto-oriented development on the site. Existing auto-oriented businesses would be allowed to operate, but not to expand. In the second ordinance, the mostly residential properties along Woodburn between Gilpin and Fairfax would change from CN-M to RMX Residential Mix. This would have the effect of helping to shift commercial uses farther north to the Five Points intersection. Again, existing uses could remain. Zoning along Montgomery between Ruth and Duck Creek and along Woodburn south of Gilpin would remain the same. After a public discussion between community members and staff from DCDP eight days earlier, Evanston Community Council voted to support the rezoning on April 18. The City Planning Commission unanimously approved this rezoning on May 18. City Council's agenda has not yet been posted. WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW (looking north) GOOGLE AERIAL MAP * I do not know the source of this money. http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/06/evanston-looks-to-tighten-five-points.html Southgate weighs options for firehouse dilemma Fort Thomas Recorder, 6/21/07 A new firehouse may be in the future for Southgate's Volunteer Fire Department. Since an April report from city engineer CDS Associates showed the floor of the build is holding 64,000 more pounds than it safely should, city officials have met numerous times to discuss options. Mayor Jim Hamberg said there are three options: Reinforce the current floor to sustain the weight of the city's two fire trucks, build a temporary structure to house the trucks, or build a new permanent firehouse. "The only option I see that really works is building a new firehouse," said Fire Chief John Beatsch. Installing beams in the basement of the firehouse, which is used as a training and meeting room, would cramp the already small space, Beatsch said.
June 26, 200717 yr Author Rezoning allows Clifton Heights rehab to proceed Building Cincinnati, 6/22/07 315 Warner St City Council unanimously passed an ordinance allowing Kerry Ryan to rehab a three-family building at the corner of Warner and Victor streets. The ordinance changed the zoning on the site from SF-2 Single Family to RMX Residential Mix. Because the building had been vacant since the property was rezoned in 2004, it could not be rehabilitated and used as a multi-family. Some neighbors objected to the rezoning due to a lack of adequate parking and an abundance of multi-family housing in the area. The CUF Neighborhood Association also expressed concerns over the "spot" zoning, how the practice could have negative future effects on the neighborhood, and how they felt shut out of the process. The building has been vacant for four years and would likely have been torn down if the rezoning did not occur. Ryan took his argument for the rehab directly to the Economic Development Committee (EDC). In a letter dated April 7, 2007, he wrote: If these properties remain “SF-2” single family zoning, we fear they will be abandoned again because no one will want to rent or purchase a single family building of this size and configuration. Now that the zoning has been changed, Ryan has entered the permitting process. The top two units had already been rehabbed without a permit, and they have been approved for reoccupancy. First floor permits have not yet been received. NOTE: The Cincinnati Beacon published an article that includes a couple of photos of the interior: The Cincinnati Beacon: The Matrix of Cincinnati Zoning Codes: Kerry Ryan’s Renovated House Meets Resistance from CHIA http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/06/rezoning-allows-clifton-heights-rehab.html Walnut Hills Preservation seeks tax credits for senior housing Building Cincinnati, 6/22/07 Walnut Hills Redevelopment (WHR) has applied for federal tax credits to rehabilitate the Walnut Hills Apartments. The federal tax credits, which are distributed in Ohio through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), are awarded each year for 10 years. The housing credit can be deducted from the owner's (in this case OTRCH) federal taxable income. WHR plans to use the funds to rehab 197 low-income units at the complex at 849 Beecher Street. The total project cost is $3.8 million. On June 6, City Council passed a resolution supporting the application. The OHFA is scheduled to announce the accepted applicants on August 1. WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW (looking south) GOOGLE AERIAL MAP http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/06/walnut-hills-preservation-seeks-tax.html Retirement home gets OK to build driveway Cincinnati Enquirer, 6/25/07 The Twin Lakes of Montgomery retirement community has won the right to build a driveway from Montgomery Road back to its planned development of six duplex houses and a single-family home. Some Montgomery residents opposed locating the driveway across the street from Forestglen Avenue. They said creating a four-way intersection there would create traffic safety problems. But City Council recently approved an easement for the construction of the driveway. Mayor Gerri Harbison said traffic studies indicate the four-way intersection will pose no dangers to traffic. "Based on the information given to us by the professionals, that location is the safest access in and out of the development," she said. Susan Crittendon, an opponent of the driveway, said she was disappointed by the council's decision.
June 26, 200717 yr Author From the 6/17/07 Enquirer: PHOTO: The Valley Homes complex, which dates to World War II, is still facing long delays on its redevelopment. The complex has been resident-owned since 1954 and is currently under court-ordered receivership. A task force is reviewing two proposals for the long-delayed redevelopment. The Enquirer/Ernest Coleman Uncertainty surrounds Valley Homes' redevelopment project BY CLIFF RADEL | [email protected] They're burning the midnight oil poring over documents at Valley Homes. A task force of residents is reviewing two multimillion-dollar proposals dealing with the aging housing complex's long-delayed redevelopment. Fourteen developers inquired about submitting proposals in May. They were told to submit plans for rebuilding the debt-plagued World War II-era complex that is in court-ordered receivership. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070617/NEWS01/706170371/
June 28, 200717 yr Author 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
June 28, 200717 yr 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. This is fantastic news. That lot has bothered me for years and I always wondered what the story was behind it. The rendering actually looks really good too, I'm impressed. I'm just curious as to how they are going to site it on such a large lot. I'd hope they pull it up to the corner and build more to the north of it.
June 29, 200717 yr Author From the 6/27/07 Enquirer: Board OKs sale of school SHARONVILLE - The Princeton school board voted Monday night to sell its Robert E. Lucas Intermediate School property to Fischer Homes for $3.2 million. The regional home builder plans to build condos, villas and townhomes on the site. One proposal calls for 421 units on the 65 acres. The intermediate school, at 3900 Cottingham Drive, has been closed for a couple of years but is being used as temporary classroom space for Princeton's elementary schools as those buildings are torn down and rebuilt. Princeton is almost finished building seven new elementary schools and is renovating an eighth. The project is supposed to be complete next year, with Fischer taking over the building in August 2008. Earlier this year, Princeton sold its Lincoln Heights Elementary building to Volunteers of America, which is expected to convert it into an apartment building. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070627/NEWS0102/706270358/ From the 6/28/07 Kenton Community Recorder: PHOTO: Independence residents worry that traffic could become even worse along Turkeyfoot Road and Industrial Road if the city approves a zone change request for 30 acres east of Turkeyfoot Road. A proposed office and retail development is planned for the area, included the wooded area pictured in the background. Jason Feldmann/Staff Residents prepare for Turkeyfoot Road plan BY JASON FELDMANN | [email protected] INDEPENDENCE - Turkeyfoot Road has seen its fair share of construction in recent years, but more could follow if Independence city council approves plans to rezone a 30-acre site across from Industrial Road. A proposed plan by the civil engineering firm Viox and Viox, on behalf of Eagle Development, calls for rezoning the primarily wooded, residential area to a neighborhood commerical zone to allow for an office and retail development. The Kenton County Planning Commission reviewed the plan on June 7 and recommneded that Independence officials rezone the 30 acres as suggested. As in all zoning matters, the city has the final say in the matter. According to Independence Mayor Chris Moriconi, the city is expected to take up the issue by late July or sometime in August. The city has 90 days from June 7 to vote on the zone change request. MORE: http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070628/NEWS01/706280326/1002/RSS01 Thomas More breaks ground on field Erlanger Recorder, 6/28/07 At noon today, Thursday, June 28, Thomas More College will hold groundbreaking ceremonies for renovation and expansion of the school's athletic field. School officials point to the many benefits of the multiphase project, including new grandstands to allow for a larger capacity at sporting events. Nearby residents, however, are concerned about the increased noise from a new sound system and light glare from above, as well as the increased traffic expected from a large facility. Phase One of the project includes the installation of a synthetic turf field and track, along with the relocation of utilities and infrastructure development for future phases. The new grandstands will be built during Phase Two, along with a new press box and locker and weight rooms underneath for the football and soccer teams. Hyde Park: 3798 Broadview Drive * Building Cincinnati, 6/28/07 Medallion Properties has completed this single-family home at 3798 Broadview Drive. The home has four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths. When it was first listed last year it was priced at $788,000. It has since been upped to $819,900. Two homes in the area recently sold for $685,000 and $798,000. This neighborhood is adjacent to Seven Hills Properties' Lofts@4120 project and the Hyde Park Country Club. Pieces for new high school coming together Oxford Press, 6/27/07 With November election deadline nearing, the Talawanda Board of Education is diligently working to get a bond issue on the ballot for a new high school. The district superintendent says it's on schedule for the Aug. 23 deadline set by the board of elections. The board of education slated a closed-door work session Wednesday to discuss purchasing property for a site. During Monday's regular board meeting, Superintendent Phil Cagwin said they received appraisals on a number of district-owned properties and the Ohio School Facilities Commission recently completed an assessment of current facilities. While the OSFC data is still being compiled, one of the preliminary figures that has tentatively emerged is the cost of renovating district buildings versus building new. The OSFC guidelines call for building replacement if the renovation pricetag is more than 66 percent of the cost to rebuild, Cagwin said. Under the recent assessment, Kramer Elementary is at 84 percent, the middle school is at 50 percent, Marshall Elementary is at 67 percent and Talawanda High School is at 65 percent. Cagwin said these figures are subject to change because the final report has not yet been compiled. Columbia Tusculum: Alms Gate * Building Cincinnati, 6/27/07 Here is a sketch of 708 Alms Gate, which could be yours for a cool $1.35 million. The home will contain 5 bedrooms and 3 full/3 half baths. There's also a three-car garage, but at least it will be on the side instead of the front. The exterior is brick with cedar shingles. Three other homes are currently listed. An affordfable housing unit is even available for $995,000! Alms Gate is a gated subdivision being built off of Tusculum Avenue, adjacent to Alms Park. * photo/image
June 29, 200717 yr Columbia Tusculum: Alms Gate * Building Cincinnati, 6/27/07 Here is a sketch of 708 Alms Gate, which could be yours for a cool $1.35 million. The home will contain 5 bedrooms and 3 full/3 half baths. There's also a three-car garage, but at least it will be on the side instead of the front. The exterior is brick with cedar shingles. Three other homes are currently listed. An affordfable housing unit is even available for $995,000! Alms Gate is a gated subdivision being built off of Tusculum Avenue, adjacent to Alms Park. Good to see the developer/architect taking cues from the ridiculous stylings of "upscale" suburbia. There's certainly nothing of any architectural merit in Columbia Tusculum worth imitating.
June 30, 200717 yr Author Details for Lake Gloria redevelopment emerge Building Cincinnati, 6/27/07 Single-family homes will replace the golf course on the Lake Gloria site in Colerain Township. Mallard Pointe, which is being developed by HPA Development Group, will consist of 29 lots on 49 acres. Homes will be attached in groups of fours*. Access to the site from Pippin Road will consist of one street, which will be moved to the north side of the lake--about halfway between Merrittview and Merriway lanes. Lake Gloria will remain as a retention pond. The Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission has approved of the preliminary development plan. The project still must be approved by the Colerain Township Zoning Commission. It has not yet been put on the agenda. Lot layout** WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW GOOGLE AERIAL MAP * I'm not quite sure how this will work out, as 29 is not divisible by four. ** This doesn't make sense either. http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/06/details-for-lake-gloria-redevelopment.html Rehab: 2325 Maryland Avenue Building Cincinnati, 6/26/07 Tim Macy e-mailed me about a house that he has rehabbed in East Price Hill. In between a couple of our communications, Macy informed me that the house just went under contract. The asking price of $373,900 included nearly 3,000 square feet of living space and a great view of the city. The house was built in 1867. Here are a couple of "before and after" shots that he sent me. You can click on each pic to enlarge it. More can be found on this website, which probably won't be up much longer if the sale is finalized. Exterior, before Exterior, after Kitchen, before Kitchen, after A bathroom, before A bathroom, after WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW (looking west) GOOGLE AERIAL MAP http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/06/rehab-2325-maryland-avenue.html City wants to know how big a tax levy new park would need Cincinnati Enquirer, 6/30/07 City officials are trying to determine how big of a park levy to ask for in November if a referendum forces the city to buy 10 acres along Montgomery Road for preservation as a municipal park. The city has asked the Hamilton County Auditor's Office to determine how much annual tax revenue would be generated by park levies of 0.75 mills, 1 mill and 1.25 mills. Some Montgomery residents who formed Citizen Action for a Livable Montgomery want the city to buy 10 undeveloped acres along Montgomery Road and convert it into a municipal park with walking and bicycle trails. They are circulating petitions to place the issue on the November ballot. The referendum supporters say they believe the city has the reserve funds to pay for the park. But Montgomery officials say the only way the city can afford to buy it is to raise taxes.
July 1, 200717 yr He really did do a nice job on that...I love seeing work like that done (obviously). The building is cleaned up and modernized, while preserving the integrity of a 150 year old structure!
July 2, 200717 yr Author From the 6/29/07 Enquirer: PHOTO: Todd Ferguson of Evans Landscaping Inc. razes an apartment building in the 1100 block of Scott Boulevard to make way for the future expansion of Covington Latin High School. The Enquirer/Patrick Reddy Buildings make way for Covington Latin BY WILLIAM CROYLE | [email protected] Four apartment buildings on Scott Boulevard were demolished Thursday to make way for the future expansion of Covington Latin High School. The properties were purchased a month ago for $380,000. Covington Latin is in a three-story, 66-year-old building behind those properties on Madison Avenue. With no room to expand, school officials considered moving out of the city until the apartment buildings became available. The school will hire a consultant to do a feasibility study. Development Director Cinda Rudolph said the school needs new classrooms, a gymnasium and auditorium. The land will be used in the meantime as a parking lot for the Cathedral Basilica, which is next door to the school. Covington Latin is an accelerated program for grades 8-12, with each student who is accepted to the school skipping one or two grades. It's believed to be the only school of its kind in the nation. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070629/NEWS0102/706290390/ Anderson Twp: Horizon Community Church elevation sketches Building Cincinnati, 6/28/07 Sketches of the proposed 160,000-square-foot project off of Newtown Road by the Little Miami River. I hope you can find a parking space! Building Cincinnati: Horizon Community Church project update (6/6/07) Building Cincinnati: Horizon Community Church project (5/8/07) http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/06/anderson-twp-horizon-community-church_28.html Condominiums questioned Georgetown (OH) News Democrat, 7/1/07 An ambitious new 300 unit Planned Unit Development housing project proposal in the White Oak Golf Course area is raising concern among nearby residents, but the project's developer is claiming the company is willing to work toward the community interest. While HBS Development, Inc. points to the potential benefits of the planned White Oak Reserve upscale subdivision, including greatly increased tax revenues that would ultimately go back into Washington Township and the Eastern Local School District, opponents of the proposal fear several of the side effects of building such a large development, such as increased traffic loads and a perceived loss of what is now a quiet and secluded community. Both sides made their arguments at a meeting of the Washington Township Trustees Monday, June 25, and central to the debate were the initial plans for an entrance to the development from Shroufe Road, which dead-ends just behind White Oak Golf Course. Residents of Shafer and the adjoining Wardlow Road voiced opposition to the entrance at a public information meeting, June 19, and more so on Monday as more than 50 people were in attendance, the majority from the Wardlow-Shroufe area. HBS Development Vice President Chris Johns was on hand for Monday's meeting, however, to explain a major change in the project design that would eliminate the need for a Shroufe Road entrance. Although Johns expected the news to quell at least some of the unrest among residents and property owners, several audience members made clear their continued opposition to the development as a whole.
July 3, 200717 yr Author From the 7/1/07 Enquirer: Downsized condo plan still opposed BY STEVE KEMME | [email protected] LOVELAND - Some neighbors of a condominium project proposed for hilltop land along Ohio 48 in Loveland say the project is still too large. Landzone, a Cincinnati development company, originally wanted to build 92 condos on the hilltop portion of a 16-acre site next to the 10.5-acre Christman horse farm, which Loveland bought earlier this year and will turn into a public park. In response to objections from neighbors, Landzone reduced its size to 70 condos. But Winnie Eckhoff, who lives near the site and has helped organize the opposition, said that's still too large. "It's not that we don't want development," she said. "It's just that we want appropriate development in acceptable numbers. That's a tremendous density for where it's being built." This issue drew about 250 people to a city planning and zoning commission meeting in May. The commission recently recommended by a 3-to-2 vote to change the zoning from single-family housing to a special planning district. That zoning change would allow the development to be built. City Council will consider the issue July 10. A public hearing will be scheduled before City Council takes a final vote on the zoning change. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070701/NEWS01/707010415/ From the 6/29/07 Enquirer: Rookwood Pointe to build this year BY JEFF MCKINNEY | [email protected] NORWOOD – Construction is expected to begin late this year on Rookwood Pointe, a new commercial development at Edwards Road and Interstate 71. The $10 million medical office building will include 25,000 square feet of space for tenants that could include laser eye surgeons, plastic surgeons and other doctors who want exposure to traffic from the highway, said Bob Ryan, a senior vice president of Colliers Turley Martin Tucker in Cincinnati and the building’s leasing agent. Ryan said he is working with three potential medical users for the building and hopes to have leases signed by this fall. He says the two-story building will include underground garage parking for tenants and visitors. He says the building, being developed by Shuermann Properties of Cincinnati, is expected to be completed by fall 2008. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070629/BIZ01/306290029/
July 4, 200717 yr I have wanted to see that sign turned back on forever! '20th Century' bought Iconic tower may be lit BY JON NEWBERRY | [email protected] OAKLEY - Mark and Trisha Rogers, operators of the 20th Century Theater in Oakley for the past decade, have acquired the property through Eaton-Rogers Group LLC for $1.3 million. The Rogers have already started touching up the exterior and plan to reopen the balcony and add more bathrooms, said Trisha Rogers. The couple had rented the Art Deco theater on Madison Road from Belhow Corp. (Mike Belmont and wife Barbara Howard) for 10 years. Belmont and Howard saved the theater from the wrecking ball in 1993 when they bought it from the Oakley Community Urban Redevelopment Corp. for $85,000, according to Hamilton County real estate records. The structure was built in 1941 and, with an adjoining parking lot included in the sale, has an assessed market value of $379,700. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070704/BIZ01/707040309/1076/BIZ
July 4, 200717 yr Mark and Trisha Rogers, operators of the 20th Century Theater in Oakley for the past decade, have acquired the property through Eaton-Rogers Group LLC for $1.3 million. The couple had rented the Art Deco theater on Madison Road from Belhow Corp. (Mike Belmont and wife Barbara Howard) for 10 years. Belmont and Howard saved the theater from the wrecking ball in 1993 when they bought it from the Oakley Community Urban Redevelopment Corp. for $85,000, according to Hamilton County real estate records. That's a pretty good return on investment for Belmont and Howard!
July 5, 200717 yr Author ^^^ Awesome. Link contains a photo. From the 7/4/07 Enquirer: Festival planners set lofty goal: New theater BY SCOTT WARTMAN | [email protected] A good turnout at today's "4th at the Fort" festival could help a group of Fort Thomas residents turn the 80-year-old amphitheater in the city's Tower Park into a plush venue that could house local and national acts. The amphitheater currently is little more than a weathered concrete band shell at the bottom of a grassy ravine accessed by stone steps. For the past four years, a group of residents known as the 4th at the Fort Committee has organized a Fourth of July celebration in the park to raise money to build a bigger and better amphitheater. "Tower Park should be important to all of Campbell County and definitely to all Fort Thomas residents," said Flo Grey, who has spearheaded the campaign with her husband, Dan. "You go up there on the weekend and it is packed. Every town should have a jewel like that." Since 2003, the committee has raised $45,000 through the July Fourth event and donations. The committee hopes to raise $500,000 to $1 million. This year, the group became a 501©3 nonprofit organization and can receive government grants. Desired improvements include a terraced lawn, wheelchair-access ramps, landscaping, a new entryway, and changing rooms and restrooms for performers. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070704/NEWS0103/707040357/ Williamstown school construction is on schedule Grant County News, 7/3/07 When school begins on Aug. 16 in the Williamstown Independent School District, students and staff in the middle and high schools may need a map to find their way around. Or, so it seems with the ongoing renovations. "Construction is at a turning point right now and you'll see major progress within the next two weeks," said Superintendent Charles Ed Wilson, as he stepped over an earthen trench in the front lobby. "Morel Construction, the general contractor, has assured me that they are on schedule." Morel and 29 subcontractors are working 10 hours a day, six days a week to finish before the start of school. Last summer during Phase 1 of the renovation, ceilings were removed and technology wiring was installed above the tiles. All asbestos was removed from the building and a new heating and air conditioning system was installed. Phase 2 of a three-phase renovation is now underway.
July 6, 200717 yr Author 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
July 6, 200717 yr Author Model Property Development seeking federal funds for fourteen-building rehab Building Cincinnati, 7/3/07 Model Property Development has applied for Low Income Housing Tax Credits to rehabilitate 14 buildings in the West End and Avondale. The federal tax credits, which are distributed in Ohio through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), are awarded each year for 10 years. The housing credit can be deducted from the building owner's federal taxable income. Model plans to use the funds to rehabilitate up to 72 low-income units at 1722-1730 and 2016 Baymiller Street; 945 Findlay Street; 1921-1923 Freeman Avenue; 849 and 1018 York Street in the West End; and 808 Cleveland Avenue in Avondale. The total project cost is $12.3 million. On June 6, City Council passed a resolution supporting the application. Council support improves the project's score in the OHFA assessment system. The OHFA is scheduled to announce the accepted applicants on August 1. http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/model-property-development-seeking.html FHL Bank awards $600,000 for Lebanon housing project Cincinnati Business Courier, 7/6/07 The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati is awarding $10.8 million in affordable housing grants for Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. One $600,000 grant was made in the Tri-State to help construct a 12-unit apartment building to serve very low-income, homeless people with special needs in Lebanon. The grant was awarded to New Housing Opportunities of Lebanon, through People's Community Bank of West Chester. The $1.1 million project also will be financed with a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Supportive Housing Program grant and a grant from People's Community. The tenants will have access to transportation and credit counseling and budgeting help, and a tenant organization will be formed. Peoples Community Bank will provide a construction loan, and will provide a cash contribution for the project.
July 10, 200717 yr Author Manna owner creating lofts downtown Building Cincinnati, 7/6/07 825 Main Street (labelled) Manna Vegetarian Deli owner Eric Lusain is planning on creating loft apartments on the third and fourth floors of 825 Main Street. Two lofts will be created, each 2,300 square feet. For $1,500 per month, renters will get wide open floor plans, whirlpool tubs, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. 825 Main Street is the former home of Carol's on Main, which closed in September 2005. Union Station Video Cafe also briefly filled the space. Lusain has been doing business downtown since 2002. Having closed Manna as a retail establishment, Lusain is now involved in school lunch catering and real estate development. His most recent project is the Manna Lofts at 633 Main Street, where rents are between $1,100 and $1,300 for the three units. Lusain's properties can be seen at www.lusain.com. WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW (looking west) GOOGLE AERIAL MAP http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/manna-owner-creating-lofts-downtown.html Princeton Pike to break ground on new ministry center Hamilton JournalNews, 7/8/07 Princeton Pike Church of God is preparing for the future. Groundbreaking ceremonies planned during services at 10 a.m. today will celebrate the beginning of the construction stage of the congregation's new Community Ministry Center. Construction crews are expected to start the 12-month project this month, building a 51,000-square-foot complex at the Princeton-Glendale Road site. Pastor Barry Clardy said the project has been in an intensive planning stage for the past 24 months involving the Elders Board, Building and Stewardship committees and staff. "We wanted to build it with the future in mind, creating a dynamic within the building to meet the expectations of the church," Clardy said. YMCA and Tot Lot public hearings Loveland Magazine, 7/6/07 The City will have two sessions for residents to provide input on parks and recreation projects at back-to-back work shops on July 11 at City Hall. The City has received $68,500 federal grant to renovate the Navaho and Cherokee tot-lots in the Loveland Heights neighborhood. "To help design these renovations, the City invites all interested parties to an open house on Wednesday, July 11 from 6 - 7:00 PM at City Hall." Tot-lot renovations are expected to begin this fall according to the City. The Recreation and Aquatic Center Committee (RACOMM), has scheduled a public meeting to allow residents to provide more input into the design of the proposed YMCA facility, “with special attention to the outdoor pool.” The RACCOM has already begun to incorporate feedback into a set of proposed revisions, and they will share these with the community that evening and ask for additional input on Wednesday, July 11 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Loveland voters defeated a proposed increase in the City income to build a YMCA on May 8.
July 10, 200717 yr New SPCA coming to Cincy July 10, 2007 | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER IMAGE: Rendering of the new Cincinnati SPCA PROVIDED SHARONVILLE - SPCA Cincinnati (the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) will break ground for a new state-of-the-art humane center and shelter tonight at 6 p.m. at 11900 Conrey Road in Sharonville. In a news release, the group said the Sharonville property includes a former church with 22,000 square feet of space and a four-and-a-half acre lot that includes extensive parking. The renovation, which was designed by GBBN Architects, should be completed by June 2008. SPCA Cincinnati’s Northside shelter, which has been the agency’s main home since 1964, will continue to serve as an intake and assessment center for animal control, as well as an inner-city service center for adoptions, low cost spay/neuter and humane education, the press release said. What will be in the new shelter? - A new and expanded veterinary clinic - A state-of-the-art humane center - A regional humane education training center - A behavior and dog training center - A space for pet education programs - State-of-the-art kennels - Space for other animals - Museum of Animal Art - Memorial garden Source: SPCA Cincinnati
July 11, 200717 yr Port authority seeks funds for hospital demolition July 11, 2007 | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER MIDDLETOWN - The Butler County Port Authority is hoping a grant from the Clean Ohio Council will help it move ahead with plans to demolish Middletown Regional Hospital and pave the way for a condominium development. The Middletown Journal reported Wednesday that the council will hold a hearing July 25 on the port authority's request for a $3 million grant. The total cost to raze the hospital is an estimated $8 million. The council could make a decision on the grant within 30 to 60 days, the newspaper reported. Middletown Regional Hospital is expected to close in December when owner Premier Health Partners opens the Atrium Medical Center near Interstate 75 and state Route 122. The port authority wants to buy the McKnight Drive property for a nominal amount and sell it to developer Courtney Duff & Associates, which plans 50-70 condominiums at the site, according to the Journal.
July 12, 200717 yr ^ According to a post on the Atrium Hospital thread, the Port Authority wants to buy the old hospital, raise it, clean up the site environmentally, then sell the site to a developer. The part I had trouble with is that they have apparently identified a developer already (Courtney Duff) and established a final sale price ($200k), and a target time-frame (2000). Shouldn't the final sale be put up for bids? I might be willing to pay $201k for the land, and then build a duplex on it (zoned multi-family, right?). Why should Courtney Duff get the inside track at a give-away price? Where's my lawyer?
July 14, 200717 yr Author City tax break could bring 50 jobs to Hyde Park Building Cincinnati, 7/9/07 2718 Observatory Avenue Cincinnati City Council unanimously passed a property tax exemption for 2718 Observatory Partners that could lead to up to 50 new jobs. The developers plan to gut the building at 2718 Observatory Avenue and create 6,200 square feet of Class A office space. While staying true to the neighborhood's architectural styles, the building's front and back walls, as well as the roof, will be removed to allow for the 2,800 square foot building to be expanded. Mechanicals will also be replaced and the building will be made ADA-compliant. 2718 Observatory Partners expects that the project will attract 50 jobs over a three-year period, with $1.75 million in payroll. The Community Reinvestment Area Tax Exemption is often used by the City to create or to retain jobs. Construction is expected to cost $575,000 and will be financed by a 75 percent reduction in property taxes over a period of 15 years. The project should be completed by spring 2008. WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW GOOGLE AERIAL MAP http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/city-tax-break-could-bring-50-jobs-to.html A new four-story residence for Hyde Park? Building Cincinnati, 7/10/07 Bloomfield, Schon & Partners, dba 2801 Erie LLC, may be planning a new building for the corner of Erie and Shaw avenues in Hyde Park. They have applied for demolition permits for the three homes at 2801-2811 Erie Avenue. Notes on a permit for new construction do not give many details, but they do mention a four-story building. Zoning for the properties is RM-1.2, which is a multi-family district. RM-1.2 requires a minimum land area of 1,200 square feet for each dwelling unit. Since the site is 0.516 acres, there could be a maximum of 18 units. All three of the properties to be demolished are two-families, were valued by the county at around $250,000 in 2005, and were built between 1900 and 1925. Bloomfield, Schon & Partners is responsible for the award-winning* redevelopment of 660 Lincoln in Walnut Hills and are currently involved in the American Can Factory Square project in Northside. WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW (looking south) GOOGLE AERIAL MAP * 2005 Ohio Historic Preservation Office Award, one of 16 winners. http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/new-four-story-residence-for-hyde-park.html Bethel Woods breaks new ground Community Journal Clermont, 7/13/07 After six years of planning, ground was broken for the Bethel Woods expansion. Members of the Clermont Metropolitan Housing Authority, Creative Housing Solutions and Bethel village officials came together for the ceremony held at Bethel Woods July 13. "We're just happy we've reached this point in the process," said Mayor Travis Dotson. The new 16-unit addition will be built directly east of Bethel Woods current location and is designed to look like an updated version of the 25-year-old buildings. Funding for the project came from the sale of several public-housing units scattered throughout the county. Church reaching out with building project Hilltop Press, 7/11/07 They may be without a permanent pastor, but the Trinity Lutheran Church congregation isn't letting that stunt their growth. The church is in the midst of an $800,000 construction project that includes an elevator, spacious meet and greet area, plus better accessibility into the building. Church property at Perry Street and Kinney Avenue, currently being used as a construction staging area, will be turned into green space and parking. David Miller, a long-time member and newly appointed interim administrator, said he is hoping the building project will be finished by fall. The fact the 900-member congregation has been without a minister since Timothy Kuenzli left a year ago hasn't deterred the church's growth. Some not pleased with Hillsboro library's plans Hillsboro Times-Gazette, 7/11/07 With plans for the construction of a new library well under way, the director of the Highland County District Library asked members of the Hillsboro City Council to consider changing the zoning of the property housing the current Hillsboro library from Residential A to Residential B. A hearing on the matter was held Monday evening prior to the Hillsboro City Council meeting, in council chambers in the Hillsboro Municipal Courtroom. Jennifer West, director of the Highland County District Library, said the library was moving to accomplish many objectives, and that in order to make selling the property of the current building easier, a zoning change was requested. West said the new library, which will be located on South High Street, was necessary to keep up 'with increased usage, a need for more parking, and a need to be closer to the schools.' The issue first came to the Hillsboro Planning Commission, and commission chairperson Fran Cole attended Monday's hearing. When asked by council president Dick Donley if she wanted to say anything on behalf of the commission, Cole deferred to the commission's report, saying that she was not able to attend the meeting during which the library zoning was addressed. Commission member Eric Smith chaired that meeting, according to Cole, but according to a conflict of interest, asked Cole to represent the commission during the hearing. NCH building schools for the future students Hilltop Press, 7/10/07 Gary Gellert is planning to give voters every reason to support a November bond issue. Gellert, superintendent of the city school district for the past seven years, said the millage will be as low as possible. While the school board hasn't voted to put the issue on the ballot, Gellert predicts the amount will be "in the neighborhood 4 mills to generate $11 million." He said that would translate to about $115 a year in increased property taxes for a home with a market value of $100,000. The district is getting $24 million or 63 percent of the estimated $38 million it will take to build three new schools. The money is from the Ohio School Facilities Commission program. "We will borrow from our permanent improvement levy in an effort to keep the bond issue as low as possible," Gellert said. Grant allows Walton to save part of history Boone County Journal, 7/10/07 After months of waiting, the city of Walton received a grant from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for $247,200 to begin "Phase 2" restoration on the historic Abner Gaines house on Nicholson Road. The city filed for the grant in early May. Mayor Phil Trzop says the grant is important because it allows Walton to save a part of history that is important to Northern Kentucky. "The style of the house matches up with My Old Kentucky Home," Trzop said. "It is a historical treasure for the area and this is an opportunity to save a part of that history." "Phase 2" restoration deals directly with renovation of the deteriorating outside conditions of the building, said Peggy Gray, Walton's finance officer.
July 16, 200717 yr Author Corbly townhomes get go-ahead Building Cincinnati, 7/11/07 Cincinnati City Council unanimously approved a rezoning for 14 townhomes on Corbly Road in Mount Washington. The developer, Tanner Custom Homes, estimated that sewer hookups at the site could support a total of 14 units. They had originally planned only 12 units on the 1.76-acre site. The zoning change from SF-6 to SF-4 Single-Family allows for the development to meet minimum lot size requirements*. Refusal of the rezoning would have resulted in the planned 12 units being built. No date for construction has been set. Site plan: Click to enlarge * For an explanation of the math and of the differences between the zoning classifications, please see this post and check within the comments: Building Cincinnati: EDC to consider rezoning for Mount Washington townhomes (6/13/07) http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/corbly-townhomes-get-go-ahead.html Price Hill: 1215 Rutledge Avenue Building Cincinnati, 7/10/07 Kevin Murray is rehabbing the apartments of this long-vacant, blighted building. The building was purchased for $108,000 in May. As recently as 2005, the four-family house was a hotbed of drug activity. The building was in disrepair and animals had made a home there. People used it as a toilet. It was built in 1929. WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW (looking west) GOOGLE AERIAL MAP (left of arrow) http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/price-hill-1215-rutledge-avenue.html City Council to vote on property sale, zoning Cincinnati Enquirer, 7/15/07 Erlanger City Council is expected to vote next month on a zoning amendment and the sale of a one-acre tract of city property that could allow for an expansion at Silverlake Family Recreation Center. Owners of the center approached Erlanger officials in May and inquired about the purchase of an acre of property located within the city-owned Silverlake Park, according to Economic Development Director David Hahn. "From what we understand, they're looking into possibly expanding and adding an outdoor pool area ... and (the property) is needed," Hahn said. "That area is not currently being used as part of the park and selling it won't affect the playing fields or playground areas at Silverlake Park." Silverlake Park, on Division Avenue, is one of 10 parks in Erlanger. In order for the center to expand, Hahn said, city council would also have to approve a zoning text amendment for the property to allow for an outdoor pool and recreation area. Work progressing at Panther complex Price Hill Press, 7/13/07 Student athletes at Elder High School should be able to use the new Panther Athletic Complex in spring 2008. A purple-roofed building that will house concessions, a ticket office, restrooms, storage, batting cages and golf range is nearly completed, and five tennis courts are scheduled to be finished by the end of summer. The private organization formed by seven Elder alumni to fund the 50-acre complex off Quebec Road should select a general contractor to build the baseball stadium by the end of this month, and construction will begin soon after. Tennis and baseball teams will start using the complex next spring, and the practice fields for all sports, including football, soccer and lacrosse, are also scheduled to be ready for use in 2008. "We're pretty excited about it," said Steve Asman, a 1976 Elder grad who is chairing the annual Panther Athletic Complex Golf Outing, a July 30 event that raises money for the estimated $3.5 million project. Muchmore Park gets much-needed updates Eastern Hills Journal, 7/13/07 Muchmore Park isn't much more than a slice of childhood paradise nestled on the Madeira and Columbia Township border, but recent improvements have made it a safer and more inviting, according to township officials. "We were concerned about the age and risk factors with the old equipment," Columbia Township Administrator C. Michael Lemon said. "Our insurance company risk management officer made the suggestion to us that we should update the existing equipment, which the trustees approved." The park's overhaul is slated to be complete by Tuesday, July 17, but could run slightly over schedule, Road Superintendent John Servizzi said. Although the park hadn't experienced any known injuries due to faulty or dangerous equipment, township officials and insurance agents agreed preemptive measures would be prudent. "The park would have already been done but some parts came in wrong and one of the new spring riders is not in from the factory yet," said Servizzi. "We have cleaned it up significantly and added new trash receptacles. Last year we added 16 tons of gravel to the fall zones for cushioning." Voters may force Montgomery to buy park land Northeast Suburban Life, 7/12/07 Council is anticipating an issue on the November ballot that would require the city to buy 10 acres for a nature preserve. A group of residents are circulating a petition, which needs a minimum of 525 signatures, to get the issue on the ballot. The residents oppose development of 13 homes and an access road on the acreage between Hopewell and Schoolhouse roads. Council has requested Hamilton County Auditor's Office to report the amount of money three different property tax levies would generate: .75 mills, 1 mill and 1.25 mills. The city doesn't have funds to build a park, Councilman Todd Steinbrink wrote in a July 4 guest column in The Northeast Suburban Life. Improved facades give Fort Thomas a new look Fort Thomas Recorder, 7/12/07 Parts of Fort Thomas are looking pretty different these days. From new signs and decorations to fresh coats of paint, seven businesses in the city's Midway and Renaissance districts have spent the past year making improvements to their exterior facades. Part of the improvements were funded by a $150,000 Renaissance on Main Facade Grant the city received in March 2006. Renaissance Manager Debbie Buckley said there are only some odds and ends to finish up before all the facade improvements are complete. "The grant was basically to help reinvigorate the city's downtowns through beautification," Buckley said. "It certainly drew everyone's attention to the buildings while they were being worked on."
July 17, 200717 yr Author From the 7/13/07 Oxford Press: Oxford Planning Commission tables proposed project Campus Ave. development would include 22 duplexes, Rose Ave. extension. By Sean Strader Staff Writer Friday, July 13, 2007 Planning commission put a temporary hold on a potential development between South Poplar Street and South Campus Avenue that would include 22 duplex lots and one single-family lot. The proposed subdivision would be built on six acres of greenspace, owned by the Paul W. Baer Trust, behind Campus Courts Apartments, Faith Lutheran Church and Delta Sigma Pi's fraternity headquarters. Planning denied a proposed planned unit development of townhouses on the property in January for density and zoning issues. The plan would connect dead-end Rose Avenue to Campus and create cul-de-sac extensions of Linden Drive, Wooster Place and Bern Street within the property. Planning voted unanimously to table the issue until their Aug. 14 meeting while they consulted the city engineering department, which recommended widening the narrow South Poplar Street and connecting it to Rose Ave. The current plan would not change South Poplar except for improving the intersections. Several local residents spoke against widening Poplar Street and argued for preservation of the trees and greenspace. "The connection of Wooster Lane and South Poplar Street would destroy the natural beauty of the area and destroy the oldest and largest Elm tree we have," said Dorothy Varchol. MORE: http://www.oxfordpress.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/07/11/op071307planning.html Family Video coming to Westwood Building Cincinnati, 7/11/07 A Family Video store is coming to the corner of Werk and Glenmore. Construction will require the demolition of the vacant Humbert's Meats retail structure* and a single-family home built around 1880. Family Video currently operates over 450 stores in 14 states. Local stores include College Hill, Fairfield and Hamilton. WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW (looking west) GOOGLE AERIAL MAP * Humbert's Quality Meats continues to operate at locations in Bridgetown and in Delhi. http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/family-video-coming-to-westwood.html Land annexed; road concern persists Wilmington News Journal, 7/16/07 In the final step of the annexation process, Wilmington City Council voted 5-2 Thursday to annex 110 acres of farmland north of town. The tract, owned by Wilmington vehicle dealer Bill Marine, is proposed as a site for a residential development. The property is at the Prairie Avenue end of Lowe's Drive. One of the two council members who voted against annexation, Scott Kirchner, proposed two things following the clinching roll call vote. He wants council to ask the City Planning Commission to treat the entire parcel as a Planned Development 1 (PD 1) zone. Kirchner believes this would better protect the corridor for a planned road in the development. Kirchner also wants city council to ask the city law director to draft a written opinion addressing the question to what extent public officials should participate in property-related issues when an official has an ownership or vested interest. The second request stems from Kirchner's wish the issue be clarified in light of Wilmington Mayor David Raizk's position as chairman of the City Planning Commission plus the circumstance of the newly annexed land being owned by Raizk's employer, Bill Marine.
July 17, 200717 yr Author From the 6/29/07 Eastern Hills Journal: Ridge, Highland area gets new project BY JEREME SIMMONS | [email protected] COLUMBIA TWP. - Columbia Township officials are pleased that their push to further develop the Ridge and Highland business district has gotten another boost with plans for a new Class A office space development. The Green Ridge office development, located off of Lucille Drive, received the green light from the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission, as of June 21, to proceed with their plans... http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/C2/20070629/NEWS01/706290359/
July 17, 200717 yr Clock tower to top off work on Towne Center BY SCOTT WARTMAN | [email protected] PHOTO: http://cmsimg.nky.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=AB&Date=20070717&Category=NEWS0103&ArtNo=707170384&Ref=AR&Profile=1059&MaxW=600&title=1 A 4-foot-wide clock will be placed atop a 35-foot clock tower within the next month to complete most of the construction on the Fort Thomas Towne Center, city officials say. Final touches are being made to the $1 million square that residents and city officials hope will be a gathering space for Fort Thomas residents and events. Crews will install brick sidewalks around the Towne Center along North Fort Thomas Avenue between Miller Lane and Lumley Avenue. The centerpiece of the square is a $8,700 clock manufactured by the Verdin Co. Facade work on some of the surrounding buildings will continue after the city christens the new square in about a month, said Assistant City Manager Jay Treft. The city; Fort Thomas Enterprises, which owns the Towne Center; and Citizens Bank are sharing the $1 million price tag. The city's portion is $659,700. "It really creates a true town-square feeling, which the community has lacked," Treft said. MORE: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070717/NEWS0103/707170384
July 17, 200717 yr Grasscat does love clock towers. http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/clock-towers-will-save-us-all.html
July 18, 200717 yr Author Evanston NBD rezoning sails through Building Cincinnati, 7/12/07 Evanston's NBD: Click to enlarge City Council unanimously approved two rezonings for Evanton's Five Points business district. These rezonings are in line with the Evanston Five-Point Urban Renewal Plan, which was adopted in 2003 while the City's current zoning codes were being re-written. Commercial development will now be limited to the area extending from Woodburn and Fairfax, north through the Five Points intersection, and ending at Montgomery and Holloway. In an effort to develop a more walkable, storefront-style feel to the district, new auto-oriented uses will not be permitted. Also aiding in the concentration of business nearer the intersection is the rezoning of property along Woodburn Avenue between Gilpin and Fairfax avenues to RMX Residential Mix. Building Cincinnati: Evanston looks to tighten "Five Points" business district (6/19/07) http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/evanston-nbd-rezoning-sails-through.html Wrecking Cincinnati, 7/10/07 RIP: 4668 North Edgewood Avenue, Spring Grove Village Single-family DOB: Circa 1900 Died: June 2007 Cause of death: After a prolonged illness of several years, succumbed to a failing foundation and an ill front porch that was home to large animals (possibly raccoons). The owner failed to show up for pre-prosecution hearings on the building. It then became the subject of a lawsuit involving the Winton Place Community Council. In March 2007, the City authorized a transfer of funds to the CDBG Receivership Program account for hazard abatement. RIP: 911 York Street, West End Single-family DOB: Unknown, probably 1860-1880 Died: June 2007 Cause of death: Negligent homicide - CMHA indifference. The roof collapsed, windows were missing, and the building was open to the weather. The CMHA never obtained a Vacant Building Maintenance License despite numerous warnings. They demolished the property to eliminate the(ir) problem. RIP: 221 Stetson Street, Corryville Single-family DOB: 1924 Died: July 2007 Cause of death: Homicide. Sacrificed for the Stetson Square project. http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/wrecking-cincinnati-71007.html
July 19, 200717 yr That should help Kennedy Heights as that development is on the KHeights rather than PRidge side of the business district.
July 19, 200717 yr Madeira development raises concerns BY FORREST SELLERS | COMMUNITY PRESS July 19, 2007 MADEIRA - A potential development has raised environmental concerns of nearby residents. The Thomas J. Ackermann Co. is considering building about 20 attached and detached homes on the Clippinger property west of Madeira Hills Drive. Some residents have expressed reservations about the density of the development and the impact it could have on the creek at Sellman Park. Additionally, City Council will have to consider whether to grant a zoning change at the site. Madeira's current zoning code does not allow for townhomes to be built at that location, according to City Manager Tom Moeller. "We want the city to keep the integrity of the property (and) the woodland intact," said Madeira Hills resident Tom Widmeyer. Widmeyer also said he feared the potential impact of removing the tress on the property for construction.
July 20, 200717 yr Author Anderson Township: Paddison Trail Building Cincinnati, 7/16/07 Site plan from Kaylor website Kaylor Custom Homes is currently selling homes lots in its Paddison Trail development. Four homes are being offered from $299,900 to $399,900. Two appear to be completed and ready for occupancy. Lots in the Anderson Township subdivision start at $300,000. Paddison Trail is off of Paddison Road, near Anderson Center...Anderson Towne Center...Anderson Towne Place...the old Beechmont Mall. 4 Paddison Trails 2 Paddison Trails Visit the Kaylor Custom Homes website WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW GOOGLE AERIAL MAP http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/anderson-township-paddison-trail.html Wrecking Cincinnati, 7/17/07 RIP: 3018 Ahrens Street, Corryville Single-family DOB: 1895 Died: June 2007 Cause of death: Failing foundation caused structure to bow, endangering neighboring home. Condemned in 2006. Purchased (for some reason) earlier this year but no repairs were done. RIP: 4031 Cherry Street, Northside Single-family DOB: 1885 Died: June 2007 Cause of death: Bad roof, no windows, missing siding. Condemned since at least 2004. Declared a public nuisance in September 2006. The homeowner was put in a nursing home and was unable to pay for repairs or for demolition. RIP: 2208 Champlain Street, Westwood Single-family DOB: 1935 Died: July 2007 Cause of death: Abandoned. Condemned by the City in 2005. http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/wrecking-cincinnati-71707.html
July 20, 200717 yr Author City approves rezoning for The Yards Building Cincinnati, 7/17/07 At their June 27 meeting, City Council unanimously approved rezoning for Vandercar's mixed use project called The Yards. The zoning change, to PD Planned Development District (PD 48), means that the City has accepted the concept plan for development of the site, which straddles the neighborhoods of Riverside and Sedamsville. Vandercar will now need to submit a more thorough final development plan to the City Planning Commission. The City Planning Commission disapproved of the concept plan in March, citing its failure to conform to the existing Land Use Plan and its lack of a fiscal impact analysis. If ultimately approved, the rezoning will allow Vandercar to channel TIF money into infrastructure improvements to the site. These improvements include raising the site out of the 100-year flood plain, building a retaining wall along River Road, installing sewers and improving the River Road/Fairbanks Avenue intersection. The $60 million-$80 million project for the old Conrail transfer station on Cincinnati's western riverfront will contain around 1 million square feet of big-box, retail, office and hotel space. Only one retailer, Lowe's, has signed a letter of intent for a store on the site. Vandercar is still trying to land a second big-box tenant. A previous estimate for completion -- if the final development plan was approved by this summer -- was around the third quarter of 2009. A more detailed description of the project can be seen here: Building Cincinnati: Riverside/Sedamsville: The Yards (5/15/07) http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/city-approves-rezoning-for-yards.html
July 20, 200717 yr I love your Building Cincinnati reports...they have the information that is important to the projects (that is often left out by local media) and you cover the issues I am concerned with. Keep up the great work!
July 21, 200717 yr I love the "DOB/Died/Cause of death" style updates...with the photos, it really brings home what it means to lose structures...sure, sometimes it's time to say goodbye, but sometimes it is most definitely negligent home-icide... Catching up...too many little comments I'd have made at the time of posting that are out of date by now, but I wanted to mention these two: Here is a pic of the finished Fort View steps (in Mt. Adams from Hill St. to Fort View). It was a massive reconstruction, all done by hand. I wish I had a before picture, because the difference is night and day. The steps were crooked, sloped, too long, too short. The handrails were too close and too far, and the retaining walls had crumbled in many places, plus the vegetation was way overgrown. I hope the rest of the steps in the City get this treatment. Absolutely fantastic! I believe they did some upgrade work on the steps from the Elsinore Towers up to the Art Museum last year at some point as well - would be interesting to learn more about their plans and schedule for upgrades - unless someone already knows and I've missed the appropriate threads? Anyway, thanks so much for the update, TCK! That's a staircase I'd have completely missed, no doubt - now I'll make it a point to check it out! New SPCA coming to Cincy July 10, 2007 | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER IMAGE: Rendering of the new Cincinnati SPCA PROVIDED SHARONVILLE - SPCA Cincinnati (the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) will break ground for a new state-of-the-art humane center and shelter tonight at 6 p.m. at 11900 Conrey Road in Sharonville.. In a news release, the group said the Sharonville property includes a former church with 22,000 square feet of space and a four-and-a-half acre lot that includes extensive parking. The renovation, which was designed by GBBN Architects, should be completed by June 2008. SPCA Cincinnatis Northside shelter, which has been the agencys main home since 1964, will continue to serve as an intake and assessment center for animal control, as well as an inner-city service center for adoptions, low cost spay/neuter and humane education, the press release said. SPCA Cincinnati officials decided to seek more space because there is no room to expand at the Northside facility. This lack of space limits SPCA Cincinnati in both the number of animals it can shelter and the amount of room available for staff and volunteers to carry out their work. With more space at the new humane center, SPCA Cincinnati will be able to offer more programs, serve more animals and reach more people which, in turn, leads to a safer, kinder and healthier community, said SPCA Cincinnati President and CEO Harold F. Date. SPCA Cincinnati currently adopts out nearly 5,000 animals a year, but SPCA Cincinnati feels that number could increase by as much as 50 percent with the expanded services that will be available through the new humane center, the release notes. What will be in the new shelter? - A new and expanded veterinary clinic - A state-of-the-art humane center - A regional humane education training center - A behavior and dog training center - A space for pet education programs - State-of-the-art kennels - Space for other animals - Museum of Animal Art - Memorial garden Source: SPCA Cincinnati That area is really going to become a pet-care hub...there's at least one animal hospital right at Conrey and Kemper, maybe two pet care facilities of some sort, I forget...this is just up the street from that. And it's right next to the Dorothy and Richard Francis Recreation area - basically, a huge-ass parking lot, with some soccer fields and a walking trail...great place for puppies to get some exercise! Er...and then die.
July 21, 200717 yr I guess this is a random development...I was walking to the bus stop this week and saw some folks outside the old abortion clinic, cutting down brush and such...went up and said hello, have you bought this place? Yes, in fact...and they're the Church of the Bretheren...ah, grand. I welcomed them to the neighborhood, but will admit my disappointment...they told me they all live 40-50 miles away, which means we'll have an empty structure 6 days a week, and then Quakers coming out our ears on Sunday... I'd kind of hoped for a Chinese carry-out joint, but given the building's history, I guess that was out of the question...I'll post a picture later...gotta run now - dinner, then waiting in line for Harry Potter!
July 23, 200717 yr Author Guide to future Clough Pike development approved Building Cincinnati, 7/20/07 A planning document to guide the future growth of Clough Pike has been approved by the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission. Recommendations from the Clough Pike Business District Redevelopment Plan include enhancement and preservation of existing commercial businesses, redevelopment between Royal Green Drive and Hunley Road, streetscaping, fewer curb cuts, and a landscaped median. In November 2005, Anderson Township Trustee Al Peter said that the goal of the plan was to give an "upscale" and pedestrian-friendly feel to the business district, which runs from Bartles Road to Berkshire Lane*. The study was developed by students from UC's School of Planning between January and March 2006. Anderson Township staff took the study to business district stakeholders in the summer of 2006 and incorporated recommendations of existing township plans, adding specific development guidelines. The Anderson Township Zoning Commission saw the plan in February 2007. Public hearings continued throughout March, which refined the plan according to residents' and business owners' concerns and desires. On May 31, 2007, the Anderson Township Trustees passed a resolution to approve the plan. Read the Clough Pike Business District Redevelopment Plan (PDF, 5.47 MB) WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW (looking west) GOOGLE AERIAL MAP * Forest Hills Journal: Township hires UC for Clough Pike Planning (11/2/05) http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/guide-to-future-clough-pike-development.html
July 23, 200717 yr I see a few unwarranted lines in the 3D rendering the student did. Sometimes you can't get rid of lines like those without hollowing out a part of the building but they could have exported it to photoshop and fixed it! Looks pretty cool nonetheless.
July 24, 200717 yr Neighborhoods get funding boost By Joe Wessels Post contributor A financial boost from the city of Cincinnati will help beautify some of its neighborhoods. Council Members John Cranley, Chris Monzel and Laketa Cole announced the $3.7 million plan Sunday in the middle of Oakley Square, accompanied by members of the neighborhood community councils where the money will be spent. Evanston, Walnut Hills, West Price Hill, Westwood and Oakley will each get $750,000 generated through tax increment financing, or TIF - a financial tool that earmarks future increases in tax revenues arising from an improvement project to finance the project that will create those gains. In Cincinnati, some neighborhoods have been able to pool their TIF money through districts, including the neighborhoods named Sunday, and tax revenue generated from them will go to funding these projects, said Cranley, chairman of Council's finance committee. Evanston, Walnut Hills and West Price Hill plan to use their chunk of money to build new streetscapes for their business districts. Westwood plans to demolish blighted buildings, and Oakley will use its money to make capital improvements around Oakley Square, officials said. The plan still must win City Council's approval. Cranley said he will introduce a motion to Council's finance committee at its mid-summer meeting July 30. MORE: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070723/NEWS01/707230373
July 24, 200717 yr If Oakley improves its square, my "Oakley Is Not Hyde Park" T-shirt won't be as funny!
July 24, 200717 yr Why invest money in oakley?? why not OTR, Mount Auburn, City West or some where that needs it more? Oakley will develope itself with out charity.
July 24, 200717 yr Here are two quotes from the article that answer your question: The natural increase (in property taxes) will pay for it," Cranley said. "It's the actual tax dollars from that neighborhood going into projects in that neighborhood," he [Monzel] said. "To me that's just neighborhood development at its best." On the first point, property values in Oakley are already increasing steadily enough to make TIF financing more attractive. It pays for itself. That's not yet a guarantee in OTR, Mt. Auburn, City West, etc. But once the project is paid for, much of the subsequent taxes generated by development are spread around the city. That includes the neighborhoods you mentioned. The second point doesn't really need further explanation. I honestly don't see how that could be construed as "charity."
July 26, 200717 yr Author Own a piece of Wyoming working-class history Building Cincinnati, 7/23/07 517 Oak Avenue A two-story frame house, built in 1875, is available to anyone willing to buy it and move it off of its lot. The City of Wyoming is accepting sealed proposals until August 31 for the home, which is at 517 Oak Avenue. The recommended proposal is expected to be submitted to city council for its September 17 meeting. The City purchased the property from Marcella Boland in August 2006 for $80,000. The lot, which is between Sturkey's and the Safety Services Building, is likely to be used to expand the surrounding surface parking lots. City Council authorized the demolition of the house on June 18 but, following the advice of local preservation experts, created a six-month window to get the property sold and moved. The city will consider donating it to a historic preservation organization if that organization can finance the move. WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW (looking west) GOOGLE AERIAL MAP http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/07/own-piece-of-wyoming-working-class.html
July 27, 200717 yr Condos planned for Hyde Park BY JAMES MCNAIR | [email protected] HYDE PARK – Three duplexes a block away from Hyde Park Square may be demolished to make way for a proposed $10 million condominium project. The four-story building is planned for the southeast corner of Erie and Shaw avenues, just down the street from the recently completed Michigan Terrace condo project. “What’s planned is a well-designed, contemporary building that we feel will fit right into the immediate surroundings,” said Steve Bloomfield, who is planning the project with partner Ken Schon. “We are looking toward doing large, open floor plans with a lot of glass. We’re planning that the interior entrances will all be lit by an atrium in the middle of the building.” Depending on demand, the building will have 12 or 13 units of about 1,900 to 4,000 square feet apiece, with parking underground. Bloomfield said the project is staying “well within” the current zoning for the property. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070727/BIZ01/307270024/1076/BIZ
July 27, 200717 yr “We're trying to do a high-quality project with no variances,” he said. “We're taking down some buildings that aren't the greatest buildings and putting up a first-class building.” This is smart, because it makes it very difficult to deny just a rezoning...especially one that is not a spot-zoning. If there are nearby cases that are similar, they have set precedent and make it nearly impossible to deny as a city staff, planning commission and/or city council. Variances are much more subjective and personal matters amongst community members. If they're not asking for any variances, I don't see any hiccups in the approval process. I personally think it's a good idea.
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