December 2, 200618 yr From the 12/2/06 Middletown Journal: Port authority may spur development in Warren County By Tiffany Latta Staff Writer Saturday, December 02, 2006 LEBANON — Warren County leaders are close to establishing a local port authority that could pull together funds for economic development projects throughout Warren County. Interest in a port authority began after the city of Mason made plans to build a sports complex in its community last year and later established a port authority, Commissioner Pat South said. The proposed port authority would be charged with pooling development money, purchasing land and structuring deals to lure industrial and commercial businesses to the area. It would not, however, levy taxes, South said. http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/02/mj120206portauthority.html From the 11/30/06 Middletown Journal: Holiday Inn Express looks to Franklin City planners expect to see site plans on Dec. 11 for 80-room hotel. By Christopher Magan Staff Writer Thursday, November 30, 2006 FRANKLIN — The under-construction Wal-Mart Supercenter, which often acts as an economic magnet, attracted another business to the Second Street corridor. The city planning commission expects to see site plans Dec. 11 for an 80-room Holiday Inn Express on about two acres near the big box store on Commerce Center Drive. "It's one more step in the process of building up that area to where we are becoming a destination for people," said Mayor Todd Hall. http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/30/mj113006holidayinn.html
December 26, 200618 yr From Community Press Mason-Deerfield, 12/6/06: Deerfield Twp. OKs zone change for townhomes DEERFIELD TWP. - A complex of new townhomes near Deerfield Towne Center was granted a zoning modification by Deerfield Township trustees Dec. 5. Deerfield Village Townehomes at Deerfield Village Square received final zoning approval in July. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061206/NEWS01/612060376/1085/Local From same: Two office buildings approved in Deerfield Twp. DEERFIELD TWP. - Two 11,200-square-foot office buildings will be built near Socialville-Foster Road and Wilkens Boulevard after trustees approved the development Dec. 5. The buildings will be located at Arbor Square on almost 3 acres of land. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061206/NEWS01/612060375/1085/Local From the 12/3/06 Enquirer: NEW HOUSING UNIT GEARED TO ADULT NEEDS SOUTH LEBANON - Miller-Valentine Group, a well known developer of local commercial projects, has launched a new unit that will develop housing subdivisions geared to baby boomers and empty nesters. The Lifestyle Communities by Miller-Valentine Group will focus on developing land that would include detached patio-style homes with fewer than 100 homes in each subdivision. Its first project in the region will be called StoneLake at River's Bend, which will have 60 units at the end of Sunny Lane next to the Vista Pointe subdivision. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061203/BIZ01/612030306/1001/BIZ
December 27, 200618 yr From the 12/17/06 DDN: Bridge of dreams If they can build it, people will come — and go — more easily through Hamilton Twp., says Martin Plumb. By Tiffany Y. Latta Staff Writer Sunday, December 17, 2006 An 800-foot bridge over the Little Miami River and linking the Great Wolf Lodge with Hamilton Twp. could wipe out traffic congestion in parts of southern Warren County. When Martin Plumb suggested this idea months after a regional transportation group failed to come up with a viable plan, many questioned whether it was possible, and why Warren County officials hadn't suggested it before. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/16/ddn121706w4plumb.html From Community Press Mason-Deerfield, 12/6/06: Holiday Inn Express to be built in Deerfield Twp. DEERFIELD TWP. - A new, 106-room Holiday Inn Express will soon be built on the northeast corner of Natorp Boulevard in Deerfield Township. Trustees gave final zoning approval to the hotel, which will be built behind Amerisuites and near Deerfield Crossing, on Dec. 5. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061206/NEWS01/612060374/1085/Local From the 12/17/06 Enquirer: MARQUIS TO BUILD 51 HOMES AT TURNING LEAF MAINEVILLE - Marquis Homes, a unit of Drees Homes, has agreed to build at least 51 homes at the Turning Leaf subdivision along U.S. 22/Ohio 3. Marquis Homes has closed on 21 of 51 lots it has a contract to buy from Turning Leaf LLC, the project developer's, which is managed by Kenwood-based Robert C. Rhein Interests Inc. Turning Leaf will include 228 homes, and about 98 are already built. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061217/BIZ01/612170311/1001/BIZ
December 27, 200618 yr From the 12/20/06 Enquirer: Growth suit is nearly settled THE ENQUIRER A lawsuit filed against Warren County in its attempt to limit residential growth is on the verge of being settled. The county held a public hearing Tuesday on a settlement agreement that would bring the number of homes proposed for 146 acres in Turtlecreek Township down from 300 to 95. The Richardson farm is in the 400 block of Ohio 741 near the Ohio 63 intersection. The owners sued Warren County in 2004 because the county denied sewer access, thereby blocking plans for a 300-home subdivision. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061220/NEWS01/612200392/1056/COL02 From the 12/21/06 Pulse-Journal: Deerfield land deal a win-win Township profits from sale, local buyer will keep it mostly green space. By Denise G. Callahan Staff Writer Thursday, December 21, 2006 Mark Altemier shut out several residential developers with his bid of $610,000 in his quest to buy a 20-acre parcel of land Deerfield Twp. put on the auction block. The township made a $50,000 profit after the auction action concluded Dec. 15. Deerfield Twp. paid $560,000 in 2002 for the parcel, known as the Farmer property, that rests just north of Socialville-Foster Road and west of Foster's Crossing. http://www.pulsejournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/20/pjl122106deerfieldtrustees.html
December 29, 200618 yr From the 12/21/06 Western Star: Park slated for Turtlecreek Twp. Result of agreement between developer, commissioners; judge must now approve plan. By Daniel Wells Staff Writer Thursday, December 21, 2006 Turtlecreek Twp. will be getting a new 50-acre park as part of an agreement reached by a home developer and the Warren County Commissioners Tuesday. The developer, J-II Enterprises, agreed to donate the land, located on Ohio 741 just south of Ohio 63, to the county park board in exchange for sanitary sewer service. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/20/ws122106development.html From same: Adding jail guards, court security, safety officers for fast-growing county Budget that spends 6 percent more in 2007 approved Thursday night By Tiffany Y. Latta Staff Writer Thursday, December 21, 2006 LEBANON — Warren County commissioners approved a $59.4 million tax budget Thursday night. The biggest expense — $960,000 to hire public safety employees. The sheriff's office will add five corrections officers for the overcrowded Warren County Jail, two courthouse security officers for Warren County Common Pleas Court and additional employees for pre-trial services and community corrections. "The primary reason we pay taxes is to feel safe in our homes and communities,'' Commissioner Dave Young said. "We can talk about zoning and economic development, but if we don't feel safe, all of that goes out of the window.'' http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/21/ws122106taxbudgetweb.html From the 12/21/06 Pulse-Journal: Plans for new junior high OK'd First phase will accommodate 800 students; will be adjacent to high school. By Megan Gildow Staff Writer Thursday, December 21, 2006 Little Miami board members approved revised plans for a new junior high Tuesday night. The revised plans brought the design within the 109,000-square-foot budget for the building, said officials. The building is part of the $62.5 million bond passed by voters in May. The bond also includes an addition to the high school, a new intermediate school and renovations to existing facilities. http://www.pulsejournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/20/pjl122106lmboard.html
December 30, 200618 yr From the 12/22/06 Enquirer: Warren spending more on safety Next year's general fund budget reflects population growth BY JESSICA BROWN | [email protected] LEBANON - Fast-growing Warren County on Thursday passed a $59.4 million 2007 general fund budget that includes 18 new positions - most of them in public safety. The budget does not fund a courthouse or jail expansion, but that money can be allocated later or financed, when the county chooses to move forward with those plans, commissioners said. The budget is a 6 percent increase over 2006 when appropriations made throughout the year are factored in. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061222/NEWS01/612220355/1056/COL02 From the 12/29/06 Enquirer: Cincinnati Enquirer: Buried drums are toxic threat (12/28/06) PHOTO GALLERIES Photos: Buried paint Multimedia Maps of the cleanup (JPG) PHOTO: An environmental cleanup worker hired by the U.S. EPA digs up drums of paint and solvent buried at least 20 years ago on property near the Little Miami River in Hamilton Township. PROVIDED AERIAL MAP Buried threat: Old toxic waste 1,300 drums dug up near water source BY JESSICA BROWN | [email protected] Miami Bluffs resident Karen Rizzo would be able to see the $1 million environmental cleanup project going on less than half a mile from her house if it weren't for the trees. Until a reporter told her about it, Rizzo had no idea somebody buried more than 1,300 barrels of waste paint and solvents as much as 20 feet deep into a hillside along the Little Miami River. The site at 6451 Striker Road is about 800 feet from the popular Little Miami bike trail. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061229/NEWS01/312290006/1077/COL02
January 10, 200718 yr Warren Co. development hot sites cited Study recommends best places BY JESSICA BROWN | [email protected] January 10, 2006 LEBANON - Sites in Middletown, Deerfield Township and Monroe will be among the next hot spots for commercial and industrial growth if Warren County commissioners have any say about it. And they plan to. Commissioners on Tuesday reviewed the findings of a $59,000 study identifying best places for industrial growth in Warren County, and steps the county can take to lure those types of businesses. For a complete map of all Warren County's industrial sites visit: www.co.warren.oh.us/wcoed/search/industrial_park_directory.pdf http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070110/NEWS01/701100356/1056/COL02
January 25, 200718 yr Planners tout bigger sewer plant Discharge eventually ends up in Little Miami River BY JESSICA BROWN | [email protected] January 25, 2007 LEBANON - A proposed $25 million expansion to a southern Warren County wastewater treatment plant will be the last that area will ever need. So its planners say. Construction is to begin in spring 2008 on a massive expansion to the Lower Little Miami plant, which serves Hamilton and Deerfield townships. The project will double the plant's capacity from 7.28 million gallons per day to 14.56 million gallons and will allow the plant to handle the sewer needs of all the homes and businesses that will ever be built there. The plant, on U.S. 22/Ohio 3 just north of the Landen Deerfield park in Deerfield Township, is the latest in a string of treatment plant expansions along the river in recent years, prompting some concern about the health of the river. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070125/NEWS01/701250367/1056/COL02
January 25, 200718 yr LEBANON - A proposed $25 million expansion to a southern Warren County wastewater treatment plant will be the last that area will ever need. So its planners say. What the crap is that supposed to mean!?!?!?!?
February 20, 200718 yr From the 1/8/07 Enquirer: Justice unlikely on buried waste Hard-to-prove case costly to taxpayers BY JESSICA BROWN | [email protected] HAMILTON TWP. - No one will go to jail for burying more than 1,300 drums of toxic waste along the Little Miami River for several reasons: a hard-to prove criminal case, an uncooperative and bankrupt company, and lingering questions about who was responsible. So taxpayers are funding the $1 million cleanup. That fact has outraged some, according to reader responses to an Enquirer story about the cleanup. Some say state and federal officials didn't act quickly enough or put enough pressure on the now-defunct Diversified Products, a metal manufacturing company. The Ohio EPA says the company buried the waste and solvent more than 20 years ago. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070108/NEWS01/701080365/1077/COL02 From the 1/15/07 Enquirer: Loveland park being carved out of Hamilton Township BY JANE PRENDERGAST | [email protected] LOVELAND - It'll be Loveland's first park in Warren County - necessary, officials say, to meet the recreation needs for the hundreds of families moving in. But the purchase of 10.7 acres on Butterworth Road is also another bite out of neighboring Hamilton Township, the area with which Loveland has long battled over annexation. As part of the purchase deal, property owners Terry and Mary Christman agreed to petition that the property be annexed into the city. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070115/NEWS01/701150359/1056/COL02 From the 1/23/07 Western Star: Little Miami accepts land donation for new school By Megan Gildow Staff Writer Tuesday, January 23, 2007 MORROW — Little Miami school board members on Tuesday night completed a deal with a housing developer who will donate 35 acres as the site for a new intermediate school. The deal is not cost free. School board members agreed to put approximately $945,000, or $27,000 an acre, in an escrow account at Fifth Third Bank while River III developer Steve Wallace of Mason pays off the land. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/23/ws012307lmdonationweb.html
February 20, 200718 yr From the 1/25/07 Western Star: Citizens oppose shopping center By Daniel Wells Staff Writer Thursday, January 25, 2007 The idea of living next door to a 20-acre shopping and office center doesn't sit well with some Turtlecreek Twp. residents. About 10 township residents showed up at the Lebanon City Council meeting Tuesday night to voice their opposition to the development, which would be located at the northeast corner of the Monroe Road and Ohio Bypass 48 intersection. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/24/ws012507lebzoning.html From the 1/25/07 Western Star: Cincinnati Enquirer: Warren Co. needs more jail space and alternatives, consultant says (1/19/07) Cincinnati Enquirer: Warren Co. plans jail expansion (1/3/07) Report: Warren jail at 'breaking point' Expansion or new construction needed to halt breakdown of criminal justice system. By Tiffany Y. Latta Staff Writer Thursday, January 25, 2007 Warren County Commissioner Dave Young said Tuesday that officials will double the size of the current jail before considering a pair of federal consultants' suggestion of building a new facility. Young's comments came after consultants from the National Institute of Corrections said the Warren County Jail — built just 10 years ago — is too small to handle the region's growing population. Bill Crout and Kevin Warren of the NIC recently revealed findings of a three-day study. It concluded that the county must build new or make significant changes to the current facility to accommodate additional bed space. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/24/pjl012507jail.html From the 1/25/07 Enquirer: St. Susanna continues expansion Church launches $7M campaign for donations BY KATIE WEDELL | ENQUIRER CONTRIBUTOR MASON - St. Susanna Catholic Church has launched a nearly $7 million fundraising effort to complete a campus expansion project that began in 1999. "Looking Forward to the Day," the second phase of the project, would add a 100-seat chapel, new parish offices, a second gymnasium and new classrooms to the church along Reading Road. These are just part of the overall project that already has completed a new 1,500-seat church and an eight-classroom addition to its Education Center. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070125/NEWS01/701250357/1056/COL02
February 21, 200718 yr From the 1/31/07 Enquirer: Senior housing met with hostility 'There's too many damn give-away programs,' Warren County commissioner says BY JESSICA BROWN | [email protected] LEBANON - A plan to build low-rent apartments for the elderly here using state housing-tax credits will move forward, despite strong criticism Monday by a Warren County commissioner. The idea was met with resistance by Commissioners Dave Young and Pat South, and downright disgust by Commissioner Mike Kilburn. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070131/NEWS01/701310362/1056/COL02 From Community Press Mason-Deerfield, 1/29/07: Deerfield Twp. trustees may ask voters for more fire funds BY ERIC BRADLEY | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER DEERFIELD TWP. - Township residents may soon see an increase in their property tax bill for fire services. Trustees are considering whether they will replace and possibly increase a fire levy passed by Deerfield Township voters almost six years ago. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070129/NEWS01/701290321/1085/Local From the 1/28/07 Enquirer: First phase of Villages subdivision under way SOUTH LEBANON - Work is 40 percent complete on phase one of the Villages at Rivers Bend, a new subdivision that will eventually include 300 homes. The development near the Little Miami River along Zoar Road about 2 miles east of Ohio 48 will include 77 homes in the first phase. Maureen McDermott, president at Oak Leaf Homes in West Chester, said 30 homes have been built and sold. Phase one will be done by January 2008. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070128/BIZ01/701280302/1001/BIZ
February 23, 200718 yr From the 2/1/07 DDN: Commission divided on Stoney Brook Farm plan This leaves the Village Council to decide whether to rezone 480 acres for Stoney Brook Farm development. By Lawrence Budd Staff Writer WAYNESVILLE | This village remains divided on a plan to develop 480 acres on the south side of town. On Jan. 25, after more than three hours of debate, the Waynesville Planning Commission split 3-3 over the request by Oberer Land Developers to rezone the land, known as the LeMay farm. The Village Council has 45 days to decide on the rezoning, based on a plan submitted by the Dayton-based developer, officials said. http://www.daytondailynews.com/community/content/localnews/neighbors/warren/2007/02/01/ddn020107waynesville.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=9 From the 2/1/07 Western Star: More courtrooms, county offices to cost $20 million By Tiffany Y. Latta Staff Writer Tuesday, January 30, 2007 LEBANON — A makeover for the common pleas and juvenile courts could cost taxpayers $15 million to $20 million, Warren County commissioners heard Tuesday. Commissioners plan to add offices to the juvenile court and at least three courtrooms and administrative offices to the common pleas court. The number of cases is rising along with Warren County's population and there's no room for files, additional judges, clerks, social workers and other employees. Commissioners interviewed four architects from four firms who drew up plans for a proposed 20,000 square foot, multi-floor addition to the juvenile court and about 200,000 square feet in additions on the north, south and west sides of the common pleas court. The courts are located in the county government complex on Justice Drive, off East Street in Lebanon. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/30/ws020107courthouse.html From the 2/1/07 DDN: Will the pen prove mightier than the Sword? Residents are circulating a petition to protest the plan to build a church and the Sword Deaf Bible College. By Lawrence Budd Staff Writer CLEARCREEK TWP., Warren County | Neighbors have joined forces to oppose plans to build a church and Bible college for the deaf on Lower Springboro Road, about a mile east of Ohio 48. Last fall, close to 40 of them signed petitions protesting the plan. Yet, Sword Deaf Bible College's 8-acre facility in Mason is up for sale, and officials say they're leasing and could purchase 22 acres along the rural two-lane road in Clearcreek Twp. http://www.daytondailynews.com/community/content/localnews/neighbors/warren/2007/02/01/ddn020107sword.html
February 26, 200718 yr From the 2/4/07 Middletown Journal: Cincinnati Enquirer: Warren township zoning changes posted on Web (2/4/07) Western Star: Warren to ask citizens for help (2/1/07) Middletown Journal: Public to have say on zoning rewrite (1/30/07) Land-use plan aims to preserve 'rural character' of Turtlecreek Twp. By Daniel Wells Staff Writer Sunday, February 04, 2007 TURTLECREEK TWP. — Residents hope to take the township's future into their own hands. A group unhappy with Warren County's proposed land use plan is drafting the residents' own version that they say will put more emphasis on protecting the township's two-lane country roads, open fields, barns, woods and open vistas. "I didn't think what they were coming up with reflected what the people at large wanted," said Tom Spellmire, who worked on the residents' rewrite. "I just felt we needed a little more emphasis on rural character." http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/02/04/mj020407warrencountyzoning.html From the 2/15/07 Hamilton JournalNews: Cincinnati Enquirer: Zoning commission OKs Wal-Mart (2/14/07) Cincinnati Enquirer: New Wal-Mart closer to reality (2/13/07) Cincinnati Enquirer: Commission to vote on Wal-Mart Supercenter (2/11/07) Wal-Mart moves closer to construction The building on Towne Center Boulevard will be designed to compliment other buildings in the area. By Danyrae Lockwood Staff Writer Thursday, February 15, 2007 The Hamilton Twp. Zoning Commission passed a motion Monday night to approve Wal-Mart's stage 2 preliminary site plan and stage 3 final site plan for the new Wal-Mart Supercenter that will be located on Towne Center Boulevard. "(Wal-Mart) agreed to do all the recommendations," Hamilton Twp. Planning Zoning Administrator Gary Boeres said. "They're asking for a stage 2 and 3 final site plan, which we've done in the past as long as the applicant has enough information." The complex will sit on 18 acres and be 200,000 square feet and Wal-Mart is working with an architectural firm making the facade more dimensional — not just a solid box. It will be designed to compliment other buildings in the area and the material will be textured. http://www.journal-news.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/02/15/pjl021507hamiltontwpzoning.html From the 2/5/07 Cincinnati Business Courier: Meeting at the theater Marketing consultant sets stage for corporate creativity Cincinnati Business Courier - February 2, 2007 by Dan Monk Senior Staff Reporter Steve Schwandner hopes Cincinnati is ready for "business theater." The Mason-based marketing consultant is planning to break ground by June on the first phase of the Seeideas Creativity Center, a $5.5 million corporate-events center on a 3.4-acre site near the ATP Tennis Center. Schwandner describes the 34,000-square-foot center as a flexible space where companies can hold training events, brainstorming sessions and team-building exercises in a theater-style environment that's intended to boost creativity. http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/02/05/story4.html
February 26, 200718 yr From the 2/15/07 Enquirer: Cincinnati Enquirer: Hamilton Twp. impact fees on agenda (2/14/07) Hamilton Twp. closer to impact fee Would add $6,000 to cost of a new house BY JESSICA BROWN | [email protected] HAMILTON TWP. - Developers may soon be charged about $6,000 for each new house they build in this fast-growing Warren County township. Township trustees are moving forward with a plan to impose impact fees on new development to help pay for roads, parks and emergency services. If approved, this would be the first township in Ohio to implement impact fees. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070215/NEWS01/702150341/1056/COL02 From the 2/21/07 Enquirer: Community Press Mason-Deerfield: Mason Board expected to approve $30 million bond issue for May (2/16/07) Pulse-Journal: School expansion bond closer to ballot (1/25/07) Cincinnati Enquirer: School bond issue likely will be back (1/25/07) Community Press Mason-Deerfield: Mason High expansion issue takes a step toward ballot (1/24/07) Cincinnati Enquirer: Mason High's new wing would add 49 classrooms (1/18/07) Pulse-Journal: Residents get sneak peek at plans (1/18/07) Cincinnati Enquirer: Meeting on proposed Mason addition (1/7/07) Mason to vote on issue in May It would expand the high school BY MICHAEL D. CLARK | [email protected] MASON - Voters here will be asked to approve a $30 million bond issue in May to pay for expanding Mason High School. The Mason school board voted 4-1 Tuesday evening to place the tax issue on the May 8 ballot, with member Jennifer Miller opposing. School officials said passage of the 28-year-bond issue will not raise school property taxes because the school system's existing debt would be refinanced under state funding provisions that apply to fast-growing districts. Moreover, district officials said, anticipated growth in property values will also spare homeowners from rising school property taxes. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070221/NEWS0102/702210341/1058/NEWS01 From the 2/18/07 DDN: GRAPHIC: Site plan Springboro's new Beck Park will provide plenty of green for city The 85 acres will preserve natural resources and add value to existing and future homes, say planners. By Lawrence Budd Staff Writer Sunday, February 18, 2007 SPRINGBORO — An 85-acre leafy preserve is taking shape in the middle of this densely developed suburb. E. Milo Beck Park is Springboro's fifth city park, but the first created to preserve green space, rather than support public recreation. "Wow, I never imagined we could do something like that here," Councilwoman Marie Belpulsi said Thursday, after staff unveiled a 10-year, $1.6 million plan including a tree house, overlook, observation tower, hiking trails and picnic areas. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/02/17/ddn021807parks.html
February 28, 200718 yr From the 2/22/07 DDN: Pulse-Journal: Maineville readies for comprehensive plan (2/8/07) Western Star: Village of Maineville eyes comprehensive zoning plan (1/25/07) Village receives contract for comprehensive plan By Danyrae Lockwood Staff Writer Thursday, February 22, 2007 Village council members are considering hiring CDS Associates Inc. to create a comprehensive plan for growth and development in the village. "It does have some initial traffic concept plans, the overall comprehensive plan which deals with the various aspects of potential development along 48 (and) potential residential developments," Don Scvcgzda of CDS Associates said. "(But) we can certainly add to it." http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/02/22/pjl022207mainevillecouncil.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=16 From the 2/22/07 Pulse-Journal: Center designed to inspire By Denise G. Callahan Staff Writer Thursday, February 22, 2007 MASON — If he builds it they will come. Actually, Steve Schwander's motto is "build it right, and they will come." The "it" is the Seeideas Creativity Center he plans to construct on Courseview Drive near the new Sinclair Community College that is under construction and across from Kings Island. Schwander, a business development consultant and marketing guru, is creating 34,000 square feet of conference rooms designed to pull creativity from the people who inhabit the space. http://www.pulsejournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/02/23/pjm022207seeideas.html
February 28, 200718 yr From the 2/24/07 Enquirer: Mason and Deerfield Twp. urged to think about adding new firehouse BY JESSICA BROWN | [email protected] Deerfield Township and Mason don't have enough fire stations to respond to emergencies within six minutes, which could pose a problem as the area grows, a consultant said Friday. The consultant recommended the departments work together to relocate some fire stations and build at least one new one to best serve the 60,000 residents in the two Warren County communities. "You would do a very effective job with seven stations," consultant Michael Kelly told Deerfield Township trustees Friday. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070224/NEWS01/702240433/1056/COL02
March 5, 200718 yr From the 3/4/07 DDN: Warren County's growth equals busy year of road work By Tiffany Y. Latta Staff Writer Sunday, March 04, 2007 LEBANON — — Good news if you're a commuter — there will be fewer orange barrels on Warren County roads when road repairs and new construction start in a month. Last year, Warren engineers handled about $12 million in construction projects. They expect this year's work to total more than $4 million. The other good news — more projects are in the works and will begin as early as 2008 to expand roads to keep up with the county's fast-growing population. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/04/ddn030407w4roads.html From the 3/4/07 Enquirer: Trustees to vote on Wal-Mart Supercenter Trustees will vote Wednesday on plans for a Wal-Mart Supercenter, the first large-scale commercial development in this heavily residential Warren County community. The 184,212-square-foot center would be built on the southwest corner of Ohio 48 and Grandin Road. Plans can be viewed at www.hamilton-township.org/zoning_commission.php. The meeting will be at 12:30 a.m. at the township offices, 7780 S. Ohio 48. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070304/NEWS01/703040390/1056/COL02
March 9, 200718 yr From the 3/6/07 Western Star: Split vote OKs formation of Warren port authority Tuesday, March 06, 2007 By Tiffany Y. Latta Staff Writer The Warren County Port Authority is set to take off. In a 2-1 vote, county commissioners on Tuesday appointed seven Warren County residents to serve on the authority, which will put together financing packages to bring more businesses and jobs to the region. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/06/ws030607warrenportweb.html From the 3/8/07 Western Star: Council could annex 13 acres Homeowners near new Wal-Mart have petitioned; residential area prime for future commercial development. By Daniel Wells Staff Writer Thursday, March 08, 2007 Lebanon City Council is considering an annexation of 13 acres north of the Wal-Mart property on U.S. 42. Ten homeowners on both sides of the road petitioned the city for annexation last August, but only three property owners on the east side of the road would be annexed. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/08/ws030807lebcouncil.html
March 10, 200718 yr who really cares about warren county growth? its mostly just parasitic suburbanism.
March 11, 200718 yr who really cares about warren county growth? its mostly just parasitic suburbanism. That's precisely why people care. From the 3/8/07 DDN: Council set to vote on big development plan Oberer Land Developers wants to put 800 homes on the LeMay farm on the southwest edge of the village. By Lawrence Budd Staff Writer WAYNESVILLE | Monday night might be the last chance for those intent on publicly voicing their opinion before the Village Council votes on a development plan expected to double the local population. The Waynesville Planning Commission split 3-3 on Jan. 25 over the request by Oberer Land Developers to rezone the 480 acres, known as the LeMay farm, on the southwest edge of the 200-year-old village. http://www.daytondailynews.com/community/content/localnews/neighbors/warren/2007/03/08/ddn030807waynesville.html From the 3/8/07 Western Star: Lebanon eyes 20-acre rezoning Some residents oppose commercial development for 20-acre property along Monroe Road. By Daniel Wells Staff Writer Thursday, March 08, 2007 Lebanon City Council will decide the fate of 20 acres at the northeast corner of Monroe Road and Ohio Bypass 48 on Tuesday. Upper Arlington-based developer Long & Wilcox wants the land rezoned for retail and office uses, but a group of residents from nearby Harbor Drive and Mockingbird Lane say commercial development is not right for their hilltop neighborhood. Residents want the land to stay zoned for rural residential. They worry that they'll be left to deal with unsightly strip centers and noise, light pollution and traffic. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/08/ws030807monroeroad.html
March 11, 200718 yr From the 3/8/07 Enquirer: Cincinnati Enquirer: Wal-Mart could get OK today (3/7/07) With vote, township welcomes Wal-Mart Warren Co. community expects more retail BY FEOSHIA HENDERSON | [email protected] HAMILTON TWP. - A new Wal-Mart SuperCenter will spur business development in this small but growing Warren County township, officials said Wednesday. "This is going to be a catalyst for our business district," said township trustee Becky Ehling, minutes after the three-member board approved plans for the 184,000-square-foot store. It will be the first large-scale retailer in this township of about 19,000. The store site is 29 acres off Ohio 48 south of Grandin Road in the township's Hopkinsville community. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070308/NEWS01/703080423/1056/COL02 From the 3/10/07 Enquirer: Report: Warren jail needs to grow BY JANICE MORSE | [email protected] LEBANON - Experts say Warren County leaders have taken just about every feasible step to handle an influx of jail inmates - short of adding jail space. That's the conclusion of a National Institute of Corrections report. Prepared free of charge for the county, the report was released this week following consultants' on-site visit to the Warren jail and criminal justice complex in January. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070310/NEWS01/703100358/1056/COL02
March 12, 200718 yr From the 3/11/07 DDN: Plans for green space bring condos closer in Clearcreek By Lawrence Budd Staff Writer Sunday, March 11, 2007 CLEARCREEK TWP., Warren County — — Condos could be coming to Clearcreek Twp., as part of development of one of the last farms along the Ohio 48 corridor and the Warren-Montgomery County line. Township officials and Design Homes are close to a deal to build 148 condo units and 231 homes in a $20 million, 179-acre community featuring shopping, restaurants and offices. Design Homes swayed township officials, previously opposed to condos in the community, with a plan to set aside 31 percent of Soraya Farms as green space, along with amenities ranging from recreation to restaurants without even pulling out onto Ohio 48. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/10/ddn031107w4condos.html
March 20, 200718 yr From the 3/18/07 DDN: Schools' quaint character under siege Districts in northern Warren County trying to cope with expected influx of students in the next five years. By Lawrence Budd Staff Writer Sunday, March 18, 2007 WAYNESVILLE — In the next five years, thousands of new students — some who moved to get away from larger communities and class sizes — are expected to enroll in school districts in fast-growing northern Warren County. Waynesville's quaint character, as well as its old school, could be a casualty. "You lose it because of the growth," Wayne Superintendent Tom Isaacs said, standing in the hall of a 90-year-old school building that could be razed to make room for the new students. "It's no longer a small community." http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/17/ddn031807schools.html
March 24, 200718 yr From the 3/22/07 Western Star: County growth slows but Warren still among top 100 in U.S. By Tiffany Y. Latta Staff Writer Wednesday, March 21, 2007 LEBANON — Warren County remains among the nation's fastest-growing counties, but isn't as popular as it used to be. It's no longer in the top 50 and has dropped to near the bottom of the 100 top growth counties, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report out today. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/21/ws032207census.html
March 25, 200718 yr I took a drive out into Warren and Butler Countys this weekend, the northern parts, and it is pretty impressive to see the development happening. A lot of it isn't in conventional subdivisions, but as large lot development. I went into Lebanon a different way this time, from Waynesville, and it is really suprising to see the new commercial development on the edge of town. One doesn't see this that much coming straight in on 48.
March 26, 200718 yr unfortunately, the new growth between I-75 and Lebanon that has begun and is planned to accelerate, is for tight subdivisions, with lot sizes under a quarter acre. You should have driven out Greentree road from Lebanon to Monroe/Middletown area. You would have seen the ugly side of urban sprawl. Yes, 2+ acre lots are not bad. but ugly subdivisions are.
March 26, 200718 yr unfortunately, the new growth between I-75 and Lebanon that has begun and is planned to accelerate, is for tight subdivisions, with lot sizes under a quarter acre. You should have driven out Greentree road from Lebanon to Monroe/Middletown area. You would have seen the ugly side of urban sprawl. Yes, 2+ acre lots are not bad. but ugly subdivisions are. I'm not sure why small lot sizes are considered to be a negative. I am also surprised that people on this forum would claim that 2 acre lot sizes in subdivisions are good things?!?! 2+ acre lot sizes are a BAD thing! Its one thing to have huge agricultural lots, but thats not what 2 acre lots serve. 2 acre lots serve those people in society that want to live near a city for its benefits, but do not want to live within a stones throw of another person. This kind of development is terrible in the long run and is completely unsustainable. I would take it as a good sign if they are constructing homes on lot size smaller than half or quarter acre lots. Bigger is not always better...and most of the time the environment would say that it is usually worse!
March 26, 200718 yr I am going to have to do some pix threads on the evolving Daytonnati landscape. I want to vomit every time I hear that term!
March 27, 200718 yr From the 3/25/07 DDN: * GRAPHIC: Warren County: Where your neighbors live Growth rate slows slightly in southern Warren County However, with more than 200,000 residents, the county remains one of the country's fastest growing. By Tiffany Latta Staff Writer Sunday, March 25, 2007 Becky Ehling said Hamilton Twp.'s good schools, rural character and the fact that there's no income tax draw new families into the southern Warren County community like a magnet. "It's really a beautiful place to live," said Ehling, a township trustee who has lived in the community for 39 years. "I understand why people want to live here. You get the rural atmosphere and still have amenities close by. But whether you're pro-growth or anti-growth, it's obvious that we can only handle so much." http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/25/ddn032507growth.html From Cincinnati.com, 3/26/07: Mason closes on golf course Contributed By Carrie Whitaker | The Enquirer The Grizzly golf course at the Golf Center at Kings Island is now officially property of the City of Mason. Mason and Golf Center officials gathered at the Mason Municipal Center on March 15 to sign the closing documents that transferred ownership of the 209-acre property to the city. Mason bought the land for $9 million from Great American Insurance, according to the city’s Spokeswoman Jennifer Trepal. The council voted 5-1 to buy the property at its meeting June 27, 2006. http://rodeo.cincinnati.com/getlocal/gpstory.aspx?id=100227&sid=110163
March 29, 200718 yr "I'm not sure why small lot sizes are considered to be a negative. " Sorry Uncle Rando, didn't see your post until just now. 2+ acre lots are better than small lots in my opion for several reason: Larger lots mean a lower density of housing - less traffic, less noise, less light polution, etc. It also means more space for rain water to soak into the ground (less run-off, an increasing problem in tight subdivisions). Also, more trees an plants, better path for wildlife to move through, fewer children playing in the streets, better views out your windows, etc, etc, etc. You can make an arguement that it is elitest in that larger lots do cost more. There may be a valid point there. But with the increased cost of larger lots, there tends to be improved property maintenance (not always), fewer cars parked on the street, etc. Large lots also serve as a transitional space and buffer space between city living and traditional rural agriculture fields. When you drive past a couple of miles of fields, then see a tight subdivision with 1/5 acre lots and large 2-story houses side-by-side, followed by more corn fields, well, the juxtaposition just doesn't fit in, in my mind.
March 29, 200718 yr 2+ acre lots are TERRIBLE in my opinion for several reasons: Larger lots mean more sprawl, actually more traffic (duh you have to drive virtually everywhere), longer travel times, more pollution i.e. vehicle exhaust *cough*cough*. Trees and plants flourish in city parks all over the world and can be enjoyed by all, especially children who should probably be in playgrounds or parks within walking distance of their homes – not in the street. If sprawl was not some rampant maybe wildlife wouldn’t end up as some much road-kill. Just some thoughts on the subject.
March 29, 200718 yr LEBANON - A proposed $25 million expansion to a southern Warren County wastewater treatment plant will be the last that area will ever need. So its planners say. What the crap is that supposed to mean!?!?!?!? "What you say?" ;p I am going to have to do some pix threads on the evolving Daytonnati landscape. I want to vomit every time I hear that term! /approved Why even call it Daytonnati or Cincidayton? Why not call it by its real name? Shallow Fallow.
March 29, 200718 yr I agree with the comments of UncleRando and Mr. A. When you drive past a couple of miles of fields, then see a tight subdivision with 1/5 acre lots and large 2-story houses side-by-side, followed by more corn fields, well, the juxtaposition just doesn't fit in, in my mind. I couldn't agree more. However, I'd rather see the solution as placing these subdivisions right on the edge of the city, instead of out in the middle of nowhere, isolated from everything.
March 29, 200718 yr 2+ acre lots are TERRIBLE in my opinion for several reasons: Larger lots mean more sprawl, actually more traffic (duh you have to drive virtually everywhere), longer travel times, more pollution i.e. vehicle exhaust *cough*cough*. Trees and plants flourish in city parks all over the world and can be enjoyed by all, especially children who should probably be in playgrounds or parks within walking distance of their homes not in the street. If sprawl was not some rampant maybe wildlife wouldnt end up as some much road-kill. Just some thoughts on the subject. QFT. "I'm not sure why small lot sizes are considered to be a negative. " Sorry Uncle Rando, didn't see your post until just now. Well, everyone needs to find something to reply to. The following is just my opinion and experience talking. This is not meant to insult or offend any urbanohio.com user. If you have any major concerns I probably won't care. 2+ acre lots are better than small lots in my opion for several reason: What you say? Larger lots mean a lower density of housing Yea, so? Not everyone wants lower density. Larger Lots also mean the developer has to sprawl out even further and use much more land to reproduce the same development or [/headache] "improve"(make larger -_-) future developments, which often happens. Larger lots can be a vice to the developer also, since it costs more to develop and build. The developers can easily go bankrupt if they are too zealous [fanatical] about how much they spend. less traffic No. Just look at the highways and some of the major routes. They are poorly designed and people have terrible mindsets when driving causing a lot of grief for all drivers in the area. At first, the traffic is "good" but get to the single road everyone needs to leave the shallow fallow and then you hit the traffic snafu. Not only that, its usually the suburban cro-magnon that demands more roads and highways to get them to places they demand to go and this leads to even more needless empty sprawl. You've gotta love the "me me me" attitude eh? -_- less noise Yes indeed, because everyone is inside their carbon copy empty shell. Hence no noise, no life, no nothing. less light polution I've been to urban places with even less light polution than the suburbs. It also means more space for rain water to soak into the ground (less run-off, an increasing problem in tight subdivisions). Yea, lets forget the fact that a lot of these 2 acre lot subdivisions have needlessly wide roads and multiple cul-de-sacs for any road intersecting the primary street. The rain water isn't gonna soak into the ground through that material. Also, more trees an plants Uh...Urban areas have them too... And I've seen 2+ acre lots with only 1 or 2 trees on them. Usually the goal of subdivisions is to destroy as many trees as possible just to plant 1 or 2 per lot (and thats generous for some cases). better path for wildlife to move through O-Rly? The fact that certain wildlife is running about through the suburb doesn't elicit a feeling of guilt? (Or does the guilt arrive only when you hit said wildlife with your SUV?) I mean, it should remind the developers and the residents who's home it really is er well who's home it was... fewer children playing in the streets They still play in the streets, especially if they are wide and they know cars are only on them intermittently. Not only that, does anyone see kids playing outside (streets or yard) anymore these days? The suburb sedentary mentality has brushing off on our kids with passing time... better views out your windows Moot. The views also depend on terrain and what you are surrounded by. I can point out several urban areas with excellent views of the city and night sky, and at the same time I can point out subdivisions that are at the bottom of a hill and the only view you get is a view of your own lawn. Lame. etc, etc, etc. Uh huh -_- You can make an arguement that it is elitest Gladly - It is elitist, it does cost more, you are correct. - It is also elitist since it literally embraces a "me only" lifestyle. no real interaction or anything. - Lets not forget most of these 2+ acre lots are behind some gated community. I'm just waiting for the sentry towers and barbwire to go up. xp - Its excessive, who really needs 2+ acres or more anyways? Just what are you gonna do? Try to use landscaping to spell something viewable from Google Earth? There may be a valid point there. But with the increased cost of larger lots, there tends to be improved property maintenance (not always) If anything the quality seems to get worse at least on the developer's side. Homeowners are getting electrocuted in new housing, some are finding their new housing is already in need of major repairs [walls, foundation], others are steping through floors and some are taking a ride when their deck collapses right from underneath them. fewer cars parked on the street, etc. Don't even care since it doesnt change the impervious surface ratio. Parking a metal car on an asphalt street = no change in permeability. Large lots also serve as a transitional space and buffer space between city living and traditional rural agriculture fields. Only because the developers haven't acquired said rural space for more development yet...
March 29, 200718 yr I think we are not referring to the same thing here. I don't like gated communities with large lots either. I'm talking about preserving the rural character of Warren County. I'm arguing against building subdivisions at all, but I see small-lot subdivisions springing up in agricultural fields, way far away from any school, grocery, stores, or work place. If you want to live right next door to your neighbor, then there are many subdivisions in Mason and Westchester. I don't understand why people choose to move 20 miles out into the country and then want to live so close to their neighbors that they can reach out the window and flush the neighbor's toilet. Yet that is what I see happening in central Warren county. I'd prefer to see people buy land as they wanted (minimum 2 acres) off some farmer and build a nice, custom house. Or better yet, don't buy the land and don't build anything on it. Leave some rural-type land around.
March 29, 200718 yr You are sounding very much like John Q. Suburbanite the more I hear you talk. Guess what you are not the only person in the world who has the thought that "Hey, lets move out to the country and enjoy nature"...but guess what happens when you multiply that by 100,000 or so. It then becomes unfeasible and unsustainable for everyone to live that lifestyle. If you would like to see the land stay rural and be preserved...then maybe you shouldn't have moved out there! By living in more dense communities you are able to preserve more land. You make a couple of popular but absurd claims: better path for wildlife to move through Uh...I wonder what it was like prior to all of these 2 acre subdivisions popped up... It also means more space for rain water to soak into the ground (less run-off, an increasing problem in tight subdivisions). Once again...how is this an improvement over the true natural/rural state that was there prior to the suburban hell?? Also, more trees an plants That is a BIG assumption...and we all know what happens when people assume! Large lots also serve as a transitional space and buffer space between city living and traditional rural agriculture fields. When you drive past a couple of miles of fields, then see a tight subdivision with 1/5 acre lots and large 2-story houses side-by-side, followed by more corn fields, well, the juxtaposition just doesn't fit in, in my mind. Clearly you've never been to a European city...or at least seen pictures of how European cities are developed: Ehh...you're probably right; the juxtaposition just doesn't fit :|
March 29, 200718 yr Large lots also serve as a transitional space and buffer space between city living and traditional rural agriculture fields. When you drive past a couple of miles of fields, then see a tight subdivision with 1/5 acre lots and large 2-story houses side-by-side, followed by more corn fields, well, the juxtaposition just doesn't fit in, in my mind. Clearly you've never been to a European city...or at least seen pictures of how European cities are developed: Ehh...you're probably right; the juxtaposition just doesn't fit :| I agree with you up to this point, well part of it. I don't see the need for a buffer either, but his point about juxtaposition was in reference to a subdivision wedged between two fields, not between a field and a city. BTW, where do you live in Middletown CincyDad?
March 29, 200718 yr However, I'd rather see the solution as placing these subdivisions right on the edge of the city, instead of out in the middle of nowhere, isolated from everything. That's German-style eurosprawl...adding to the village with new subdivisions. I will post some pix of Franfurt exurbia tomorrow.
March 29, 200718 yr m talking about preserving the rural character of Warren County. I'm arguing against building subdivisions at all.... ....I'd prefer to see people buy land as they wanted (minimum 2 acres) off some farmer and build a nice, custom house. Or better yet, don't buy the land and don't build anything on it. Leave some rural-type land around. For me it is somewhat about aesthetics. Large lot development mixed in with farms seems to keep the open-space character of the landscape, or creates sort of a hyrbid middle landscape between pure rural and suburbia. I think some of Cincydads other comments make sense too, about traffic issues and wildlife and such.
March 29, 200718 yr However, I'd rather see the solution as placing these subdivisions right on the edge of the city, instead of out in the middle of nowhere, isolated from everything. That's German-style eurosprawl...adding to the village with new subdivisions. I will post some pix of Franfurt exurbia tomorrow. I am aware that sprawl exists in Europe...I was simply illustrating that density immediately next to rural land does work. Sure the suburbia version is whacked out, but I find it disturbing to even find homes on 2 acre lots out in the middle of rural farm land. It is not an improvement and it sucks as much...and is even worse (in my opinion) than the typical sprawl that we see (1/2 acre lots).
March 30, 200718 yr Ok, for the record, I live on Greentree road, just east of I-75 outside Middletown/Monroe/Lebanon. I picked the name CincyDad on another financial board I belong to because, at the time I joined, there was a lot of discussions where the answers were based on where you lived (Cincy metro) and if you had a family (I have 2 kids). Maybe a better name on this board would have been 'TurtleCreek Dad'? As to me moving out to the country like everyone else, I bought a 130 year old house. It is in surprisingly original shape. I am preserving it. My elderly neighbor says that when he was a kid, there were only 12 houses on the road for a 3 mile stretch. So I am not desecrating rural land to build a house. There is a corn field next to me, and a soybean field across the street (I do not own either of these.) I am even in the process of expanding a small orchard on my land (about 15 trees), but an orchard none-the-less.
March 30, 200718 yr ^^When you are coming up 75, there is a great old farmhouse on Greentree that puts electric candles in their windows and a star on their silo at Christmas, it must be one of your neighbors. That is a sight that will be sad to lose, although I'm sure that it isn't a peaceful farm like it was prior to 75.
March 31, 200718 yr From the 3/28/07 Enquirer: Port Authority gets $58,000 THE ENQUIRER Mason City Council allocated $58,000 to the Mason Port Authority on Monday for a study of the Interstate 71 growth corridor. The study will identify a development strategy for the 2,000 acres that includes the Western Row Road and Kings Mills interchanges. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070328/NEWS01/703280414/ From Community Press Mason-Deerfield, 3/28/07: Mason tax rates clarified for school bond issue MASON - Tax rates would decrease at a slower pace if a bond issue to expand Mason High School is approved on May 8. Using a state formula, the $30 million bond issue has been certified at 1.27 mills by the Warren County Auditor's office, but school officials say a restructuring of debt under state funding law applying to fast-growing districts will allow financing of the issue under existing millage. The district will also depend on rising property values and new construction. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/C2/20070328/NEWS01/703280380/
April 1, 200718 yr From the 3/28/07 Enquirer: Warren kept on thriving in 2006 BY ELAINE TRUMPEY | [email protected] Last year was a good one for economic development in Warren County, officials said Tuesday. New business investment in the county soared 57 percent from about $207 million in 2005 to $326 million in 2006. That investment helped create more than 1,100 jobs while it helped retain another 1,300, according to a report delivered Tuesday to Warren County commissioners. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070328/NEWS01/703280419/ From the 3/30/07 Enquirer: Little Miami gains 35 acres Donated land would be used for school BY MICHAEL D. CLARK | [email protected] HAMILTON TWP. - After more than two years of negotiations, Little Miami school officials this week were happy to finalize an agreement for 35 acres of donated land - worth $1.6 million - for a new school. The deal between the Warren County school system and Mason-based developer River III also includes donating $300,000 in construction fees based on the sale of lots in a new 377-home community. That planned subdivision on 207 acres in Hamilton Township will surround Little Miami's new intermediate school at Stephens and Zoar roads. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070330/NEWS0102/703300410/
April 2, 200718 yr You should have driven out Greentree road from Lebanon to Monroe/Middletown area. You would have seen the ugly side of urban sprawl. I took a Sunday drive out there today, and did see some new subdivisions, but it seems they are set someback back from the road, so are not so visible. I noticed that the latest version of subdivision design doesn't have houses fronting the local old road..that there is better access control nowadays.
April 2, 200718 yr " When you are coming up 75, there is a great old farmhouse on Greentree that puts electric candles in their windows and a star on their silo at Christmas, it must be one of your neighbors. That is a sight that will be sad to lose "" You can kiss that site goodby. The draft Warren County Land-Use Plan, set to be approved at an April 10th meeting, has that land labeled for "office use". When the time comes for the house to sell, expect a developer (either directly or thru the Warren County Port Authority) to buy it and bulldoz the house. I'll try talking to the owner tonight (yes, a neighbor of mine) and see if he knows anything about this and if he cares. Since he bought an old house, he "may" be an old-house person and he "may" take offense at the planned destruction of a house he has worked hard to save and restore. Who knows.
April 2, 200718 yr I can see office use making sense along I-75, as that would be continuing a pattern of development that's already on the interstate. Since he bought an old house, he "may" be an old-house person and he "may" take offense at the planned destruction of a house he has worked hard to save and restore. Who knows. ...old house person....boy don't we need more of those! I have a lot of admiration of people who buy and restore or keep up these old farmhouses, and town houses in those country villages and towns out around the area. Loss of the rural architectural patrimony in suburbanizing areas is a real issue. I recall this was a big deal for the Centerville/Washington Twp Historical Society, back when I was a member, as there was always developer pressure to demolish, and road widenings had their effect, too.
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