July 25, 200618 yr ^ Usually it is bad, however, in this situation, Lebanon will always have people visiting its downtown and it will be better to get traffic out on a bypass.
August 2, 200618 yr No one saw this problem arising....oh wait :laugh: Stemming housing growth seen as key for I-75 corridor Warren County asks neighbors for support By Tiffany Y. Latta Hamilton Journal News Staff Writer LEBANON — Warren County officials want communities along Interstate 75 to help them stop residential growth along the highway to save remaining undeveloped land for new businesses. More commercial development is needed to provide jobs and taxes that would pay for local government services for the residents who streamed into Warren and Butler counties for the past decade, county commissioners say. Warren County, with about 200,000 residents, has been the second-fastest growing county in Ohio for a decade and the population is expected to reach nearly 400,000. http://www.journal-news.com/hp/content/news/stories/2006/08/01/HJN080206developban_s.html
August 6, 200618 yr From the 8/6/06 Enquirer: PHOTO: Jennifer Gordon grew up on a Hamilton Township farm, which now borders Loveland. Developers have approached her and her mother, Peggy Caylor, about selling the land, which could become new subdivisions, but she has refused. "This is home," Gordon said. "This has always been home." The Enquirer / Tony Jones PHOTO: Loveland City Manager Tom Carroll estimates 2,000 acres of Hamilton Township willl eventually become part of Loveland. ENQUIRER FILE PHOTO PHOTO: Bob Conners had to annex his 43 acres into Loveland in order to turn a good profit. PHOTO PROVIDED PHOTO: Michael Munoz wants to protect Hamilton Township constituents, most of whom want to remain in the township. ENQUIRER FILE PHOTO Multimedia Graphic: The annexation debate (PDF) Township faces a divided front As Loveland expands north, many debate annexing land BY JESSICA BROWN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER Most people in southern Hamilton Township have Loveland mailing addresses. But within 20 years they may have more of a connection to Loveland than that. The properties of more than 300 Hamilton Township residents lie within what Loveland envisions as its future city limits. City officials say Loveland will grow northward, eventually engulfing about 2,000 acres of Hamilton Township through annexation - the process by which a property owner seeks to have his or her property transferred into the city. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060806/NEWS01/608060365/1056/rss02
August 8, 200618 yr Warren County might turn to private agency to add more jail beds The Western Star, 7/18/06 Warren County Sheriff Tom Ariss asked commissioners Tuesday to consider partnering with a private agency that would operate a 120-bed minimum-security jail as a way to ease overcrowding at the county jail. The Talbert House treatment program would house non-violent felons and people charged with misdemeanors for 10 to 90 days and offer drug and alcohol counseling and educational and job training services for about $35 a day. Warren County spends $72 a day to house a prisoner at the county jail in Lebanon, according to a sheriff’s report to the commissioners. Mason may stop 'big-box' designs Community Press Mason-Deerfield Twp, 7/19/06 An amendment to the city's zoning code meant to stop large retail establishments from building typical developments in the city will soon make its way to Mason City Council for approval. City Planner Brian Lazor said the amendment will help large retail establishments that are at least 20,000 square feet -- such as Walgreens, Wal-Mart or large retail strip malls -- integrate into the community rather than look like the stores in other communities. "Basically, we want a unique looking building in Mason. We want a building that hasn't been built anywhere else," Lazor said. Water providers fight over turf Cincinnati Enquirer, 7/22/06 As builders prepare to construct about 525 houses in two new subdivisions, a legal fight has emerged over who will be supplying those homes with water. Western Water Co. and Warren County are sparring in federal court over who has the right to serve soon-to-be-built homes along some parts of Zoar and Stevens roads. Those areas include the unbuilt 364-home Stotler I development, the 161-home Providence I subdivision, plus some nearby tracts not yet platted for development, said Bruce McGary, an assistant Warren County prosecutor. Subdivision proposal near new MRH campus draws concerns Middletown Journal, 7/23/06 A Middletown developer will be submitting revised plans to build 493 single-family homes just north of a high-tech corridor anchored by the new Middletown Regional Hospital campus. The proposed subdivision, now called Mad River Trails, has raised concerns of Middletown and Franklin Twp. officials, who say there is better use for the 207 acres between Union and Shaker roads. Kings seeks tax hike for expansion Community Press Mason-Deerfield Twp, 7/26/06 Kings High School is "way too crowded," said Patricia McCracken, a parent of two alumni of the district. Her daughter and recent graduate, Emily, 18, said, "It was so hard to get to class on time." Patricia McCracken said, "I'd like to see them tear down that high school and build a new one." The Western Star: Kings to place $27.2 million bond request on November ballot (7/19/06) Firefighters argue that fourth firehouse is needed Cincinnati Enquirer, 7/30/06 Deerfield Township will soon outgrow its fire department if it doesn't find more money soon. The township needs a fourth firehouse, more equipment and more firefighters to keep up with this rapidly growing Warren County community, firefighters say. Wal-Mart makes its first move in Hamilton Twp. The Pulse-Journal, 8/3/06 A proposed Wal-Mart SuperCenter in Hamilton Twp. has cleared its first hurdle. The Warren County Regional Planning Commission last Thursday recommended approval of the store’s preliminary plan — but not without offering some advice to township officials as the approval process moves forward. The proposed 184,000-square-foot Wal-Mart would be on 18 acres zoned for business and light industry on the west side of Ohio 48 between Grandin Road and U.S. 22/Ohio 3. I-75 corridor 'going to develop' Cincinnati Enquirer, 8/3/06 Lots of people want to have a say in shaping future development along Interstate 75. A group that began last month with just a few public officials in Warren County has expanded to include business leaders, developers and transportation experts from three counties. Nearly two dozen participants from Butler, Warren and Montgomery counties met here Wednesday and brainstormed ideas for including as many interests as possible in the quest for planned development of 17.5 miles of I-75. This "I-75 growth corridor" runs from West Chester north through Warren County and into Montgomery County near the Dayton Mall. Cincinnati Enquirer: 3 counties plan growth along I-75 (7/31/06) Growth spawns 'For sale’ signs The Western Star, 8/3/06 Genntown is “for sale.” The once sleepy hamlet on U.S. 42 is sprouting “for sale” signs as some home owners seek to flee the traffic created by the new Wal-Mart Supercenter. They also hope to attract premium prices for their land, which is prime for more commercial development. The city of Lebanon annexed two properties near the new Wal-Mart — the former Genntown Church and the White farm — earlier this year. City officials expect to see more requests for annexation as developers look to the city for sanitary sewers. Ready or not, cluster coming Cincinnati Enquirer, 8/5/06 The first "cluster" subdivisions in Warren County are sprouting in Franklin and Turtlecreek townships, potentially bringing in more than 2,000 new homes and a rush of concern about rapid housing growth. "Most people don't know what they are," said Turtlecreek resident Michael Shaffer, who lives near three proposed cluster sites. In all, only six such sites drawn up since the design option became available in Warren County in 2003.
August 9, 200618 yr County OKs taxing district THE ENQUIRER A special taxing district in Liberty Township that will impose an income tax on those who work in the 528-acre area got its final go-ahead Tuesday from Warren County commissioners. The commissioners were the fifth and final governmental entity to approve the joint economic development district that will help pay for a $50 million interchange at Interstate 75. "When good things happen in neighboring counties, good things happen in our county," said Commissioner Dave Young. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060809/NEWS01/608090406/1056
August 9, 200618 yr Warren Co. eyes housing density Commissioners propose rule changes to regulate number of homes per acre BY JANICE MORSE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER LEBANON - Warren County commissioners are taking another stab at a key issue: changing rules that govern how many single-family homes can be built per acre. Commissioners on Tuesday unveiled the proposed rule changes and set a public hearing for 6 p.m. Sept. 7 in the commissioners' hearing room, 406 Justice Drive. The goal of the proposed rules is to better regulate density of subdivisions in rural areas of the fast-growing county. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060809/NEWS01/608090384/1056
August 11, 200618 yr From the 8/11/06 Middletown Journal: Warren commissioners trying to revive zoning overhaul By Tiffany Y. Latta Staff Writer LEBANON — Warren County commissioners hope a meeting next month will help keep their proposed plan to overhaul county rural zoning rules alive. Residents and zoning officials can voice their concerns about the proposed changes at 6 p.m. Sept. 7. The meeting will come more than two months after the Rural Zoning Commission voted 2-1 on June 27 to kill county commissioners’ plan to change the zoning rules. The changes would lower density in areas with sanitary sewers from two homes per acre to one home per acre. http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/content/news/stories/2006/08/10/mj081106zoningweb.html
August 19, 200618 yr Panel looks at housing costs in growing Warren County BY JANICE MORSE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER LEBANON - As a lifelong resident of Warren County, Margie Dunn expressed an earnest wish: "I want to be able to stay here until I die - and I hope I can afford it." Worries like Dunn's have prompted Warren County's Regional Planning Commission to assemble a housing advisory committee that includes real estate agents, developers, government officials, bankers and civic groups. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060819/NEWS01/608190360/1056
August 20, 200618 yr From the 8/20/06 Enquirer: PHOTO: Maronda Homes contractors Luis Campoverde (front) and Fernando Nauta of Nauta Construction install siding on a new home in the Woodlands at Morrow. The Enquirer / Sarah Conard Woodlands rising BY JEFF MCKINNEY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER MORROW - Construction is moving along on Woodlands at Morrow, a development off Morrow-Blackhawk Road and Morrow-Woodville Road a quarter-mile south of U.S. 22/Ohio 3 that will include 960 single-family homes. So far, work on 20 homes has begun and is expected to be completed this fall. Three model homes have been built. Several builders have signed deals to buy lots to build 177 homes, leaving 783 lots to be sold, said Jim Allen, vice president of Nathaniel Development Co., the Westwood-based company developing the project. He estimated the homes will initially run from $153,400 to $250,000. The development is expected to be done in 10 years. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060820/BIZ01/608200307/1076/rss01
August 22, 200618 yr From the 8/22/06 DDN: Warren's growth still near the top Census says county has state's second-fastest rate of growth, right behind Delaware County. By Tiffany Y. Latta Staff Writer Tuesday, August 22, 2006 HAMILTON TWP., Warren County — Caroline Curtis moved a year ago from Butler County to Warren County in part because of its schools, shopping, neighborhoods and entertainment. "I like the fact that I can go to nearby stores and pick up things, I can to go the water park and Kings Island and live in a great family environment,'' said Curtis, 29, now of Bannock Drive in Hamilton Twp. For a decade, Warren County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in Ohio and the nation. Monday, the U.S. Census Bureau released figures that show that the number of housing units in the county increased 21 percent from 2000 to 2005. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/ddn082206census.html
August 25, 200618 yr From the 8/24/06 Western Star: Area officials team up to manage growth Municipalities, schools are hoping that by combining efforts they can capitalize on land on Ohio 73 and U.S. 42. Thursday, August 24, 2006 By Lawrence Budd Staff Writer The communities that comprise Wayne Local Schools — as well as the school district — are working together to develop a plan to manage growth transforming much of Warren County. Officials from Waynesville, Wayne Twp., Corwin and Wayne Local Schools have turned to Wright State University for help in fashioning a comprehensive plan — a step toward reaching regional consensus on where businesses, parks and other joint developments should be located among housing subdivisions sprouting up around the community. “Historically, the local governments in our school district have not worked well together. The school district has been the glue holding them together,” Superintendent Tom Isaacs said. http://www.western-star.com/news/content/news/stories/2006/08/24/ws082406waynegrowth.html HOTEL DECISION DELAYED Community Press Mason-Deerfield Twp, 8/23/06 The final site plan decision on a Holiday Inn Express planned for Deerfield Crossing has been moved to the next trustee regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 5. The proposed development of the four-story, 106-room hotel would be built on 1.9 acres along the north side of Natorp Blvd. The hearing, which was scheduled last week, was moved after community development staff determined modifications were necessary to the site plan.
August 28, 200618 yr From the 8/26/06 Enquirer: Sheriff hits wall on jail Warren Co. leaders won't agree to start expansion project BY JANICE MORSE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER LEBANON - Sheriff Tom Ariss' frustration is growing -along with his jail population - with Warren County commissioners' refusal to get started on a jail addition. "It gets worse every day," Ariss said Friday. "We're forced to release prisoners to keep some bad-asses in jail. We don't have any place to put them. And I'm not going to take them home to sleep with me." http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060826/NEWS01/608260389/1077 Senior aid levy on agenda Cincinnati Enquirer, 8/21/06 As Warren County's overall population has grown, its population of senior citizens has grown, too. That's why the Warren County commissioners on Tuesday will consider whether to put a senior services levy renewal and increase on the Nov. 7 general election ballot. Last week, commissioners approved a resolution certifying the need to renew a 0.96-mill levy that took effect in 2002 and to add another 0.25 mills, for a total of 1.21 mills. The additional money would eliminate a waiting list of 250 people who need transportation to medical appointments, home health care and homemaker services.
September 2, 200618 yr From the 8/31/06 DDN: District lauds $62M upgrades But, amid the celebration, Treasurer Tim Dettwiller warns that there may be deficits as early as 2008. By Lawrence Budd Staff Writer SPRINGBORO | As contractors added the finishing touches, Springboro school officials took a moment to applaud the $64 million spent in construction projects, including two sprawling new elementary schools, before looking ahead to potential financial problems in 2008. "To see them all together is quite impressive," board Vice President Diane Trifiro said, after viewing administrators' presentations of the construction projects during a board meeting last week. The Springboro Community City School District spent $61.5 million financed through voter-approved bonds, plus $2.5 million in interest on the bonds in the construction of Dennis and Five Points elementary schools, a bus garage, and junior high and high school expansions. http://www.daytondailynews.com/community/content/localnews/neighbors/warren/2006/08/31/ddn083106springboro.html
September 6, 200618 yr Deerfield YMCA plan on ice BY JESSICA BROWN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER September 6, 2006 DEERFIELD TWP. – The problem-plagued plan to build a $6 million, 45,704 square-foot YMCA on Montgomery Road in southern Deerfield Township is dead – at least for now. Financial troubles in the township and changes in management in the township and at the Ralph J. Stolle Countryside YMCA in Lebanon – which was to run the Deerfield facility – have nixed the current plan and sent the entire idea to the back burner. “We’ve (The township and Countryside) jointly determined that it’s impractical for the project to go forward as anticipated,” said Township Administrator Dan Evers on Tuesday. “The contract is done.” http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060906/NEWS01/309060012/1056
September 7, 200618 yr TOWNE FINISHES FIRST 34 CONDOS IN LANDEN Cincinnati Enquirer, 9/3/06 The first 34 units of Towne Development Group's planned 146-unit Falls at Landen condominium project off Columbia Road, south of Western Row Road., are completed. Priced starting at $120,950, the two-bedroom, two-bath condos are available in eight floor plans ranging from 1,200 to $1,500 square feet and are available with attached and detached garages. Amenities at the Falls of Landen include two fishing lakes, a pool, recreation courts, walking trails and a clubhouse featuring a pub and fitness center.
September 7, 200618 yr eight floor plans ranging from 1,200 to $1,500 square feet <sarcasm> Another fine Enquirer moment! </sarcasm> But seriously, $ signs with square feet amounts? Even a high school intern should have caught that!
September 7, 200618 yr Planned park land will now be sold THE ENQUIRER September 7, 2006 DEERFIELD TWP. - Plans to use 20 acres in southern Deerfield Township for a park were nixed Tuesday because of its poor road access and hilly terrain. Township trustees voted to declare the former Farmer property in the 2300 block of Socialville Fosters Road surplus. It will sell or auction the land. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060907/NEWS01/609070359/1056 Deerfield Twp. shelves YMCA Big land buys among financial factors BY JESSICA BROWN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER September 7, 2006 IMAGE: Proposed $6 million YMCA Cincinnati Enquirer DEERFIELD TWP. - The problem-plagued plan to build a $6 million YMCA on Montgomery Road in southern Deerfield Township is dead - at least for now. The township can no longer afford to build the fitness center because it spent $11 million this year for other land purchases, officials said Tuesday. That, and several other factors, have thrown the whole idea of a fitness center into question. Shelving the plan was a joint decision between the township and the Ralph J. Stolle Countryside YMCA, in Lebanon, which was to run the Deerfield fitness center. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060907/NEWS01/609070341/1056
September 8, 200618 yr From the 9/8/06 Enquirer: Forum gives look at school plans BY MICHAEL D. CLARK | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER DEERFIELD TWP. - Todd Overturf has two children who will soon be attending Kings High School, so he wanted to see Thursday what plans school officials have for a $27.2 million bond issue that would expand the school. Overturf joined about a dozen other residents at the school for the first of four district public forums discussing the proposed property tax increase voters will see on the Nov. 7 ballot. It will be the first new capital improvement tax issue since 2003, when voters overwhelmingly defeated a $43 million bond issue that would have doubled the size of the high school and adjacent junior high. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060908/NEWS0102/609080385/1058/NEWS01
September 9, 200618 yr Warren in snarl over zoning Interim growth-control plan fails to win approval BY JANICE MORSE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER LEBANON - Immediate attempts to slow residential growth in five Warren County townships have hit a roadblock that cannot be overcome until early next year, officials said Friday. In a three-hour meeting that turned ugly Thursday night, county commissioners failed to agree on interim, stopgap measures to control growth. That means they must wait for a more permanent solution from consultants who will take until year's end to rewrite county zoning rules. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060909/NEWS01/609090347/1056
September 11, 200618 yr Woods spared, now parkland BY JESSICA BROWN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER September 11, 2006 DEERFIELD TWP. - The sun dapples the brown earth as the lazy Little Miami River meanders under century-old trees. The peace is broken only by the hum of insects, the scampering of squirrels and the occasional clack of an acorn falling to the ground. These 40 acres of woods in southern Deerfield Township came close to being destroyed. Scattered around and inside these woods are the homes that make up the Loveland Park subdivision, one of Deerfield Township's oldest neighborhoods. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060911/NEWS01/609110369/1077
September 11, 200618 yr Mason to vote on tax abatement Cincinnati Enquirer September 11, 2006 MASON - City Council is voting tonight on an eight-year, $300,000 tax abatement package that officials hope will lure a Wilmington-based fencing company and its 120 jobs to the city. Vinyl Visions, a division of Crane Plastics, has expressed interest in relocating its headquarters to the former Leggett & Platt building in Mason’s northern industrial district. The 200,000-square-foot building at the northwest corner of Bethany Road and Ohio 741 has been vacant since Leggett & Platt, one of Mason’s top employers, closed at the end of 2005. The bed springs manufacturing company employed about 300 at its peak, though that number had dropped by the time the closing was announced. The building is one of several sites Vinyl Visions is considering. It would complete a $12.5 million retrofit of the building and expand onto 25 acres to the west. It also would relocate 120 jobs starting at the end of the year, and expects to add 40 jobs over the next three years. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060911/NEWS01/309110022
September 12, 200618 yr Hmm, now the suburbs are stealing companies from outlying towns, not just the center city. I have to laugh.
September 12, 200618 yr Both from the 9/10/06 Enquirer: Some fear rezoning opens doors too far THE ENQUIRER HAMILTON TWP. - Some Hamilton Township residents say they fear the rezoning of a 1.9-acre parcel on Ohio 48 north of Loveland will open the door for unwanted commercial development in this region. Township trustees last week voted to rezone 9465 Ohio 48 from residential to business. The property is on the southeast corner of Ohio 48 and Cozaddale-Murdoch Road north of Loveland. Owners Gil Adkins and Walt Huegle bought the property a year ago as an investment. Although the land won't be developed for several years, they said they needed it rezoned to market it. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060910/NEWS01/609100378/1056/rss02 Here's your chance to talk about growth THE ENQUIRER If you want to know what else is going on in Warren County's fastest-growing community, Thursday is your chance. Hamilton Township will hold a community meeting to answer questions about the future of the township. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060910/NEWS01/609100376/1056
September 12, 200618 yr Fence factory moving to Mason BY JESSICA BROWN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER September 12, 2006 MASON - A Wilmington, Ohio-based fencing company has chosen to relocate its headquarters, and 180 jobs, to this Warren County city. Vinyl Visions, a division of Crane Plastics, made the announcement Monday night. It will change its name to Crane Fencing Solutions and move into the former Leggett & Platt building in Mason's northern industrial district. The 200,000-square-foot building at Bethany Road and Ohio 741 has been vacant since Leggett & Platt, one of Mason's top employers, closed at the end of 2005. The bed-springs company employed about 300 at its peak. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060912/NEWS01/609120377/1056
September 12, 200618 yr From the 9/11/06 Dayton Business Journal: Design Homes launches $20M project Clearcreek Township plot to have 50 houses Dayton Business Journal - September 8, 2006 by TIm Tresslar DBJ Senior Reporter Despite a chilly period for homebuilding, Design Homes and Development Co. Inc. is turning up the heat with a $20 million subdivision in Clearcreek Township. Dubbed Chadwick's Claim, the 63-acre project has two houses in early stage construction, said Terri Mundy, vice president of sales and marketing. Including these, the Washington Township-based developer has sold four lots in what it expects to become a 50-home neighborhood. Plans call for homes to range in price between $350,000 and $450,000. The company will develop six of the lots on a speculative basis, Mundy said. http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2006/09/11/story5.html From the 9/10/06 Enquirer: Fleckenstein Park design to be unveiled Wednesday THE ENQUIRER The final design for Fleckenstein Park in Deerfield Township will be unveiled Wednesday . Poggemeyer Design Group representatives will discuss the plan at 6 p.m. in the township meeting room in the Landen Station shopping center, 3292 Montgomery Road. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060910/NEWS01/609100377/1056/rss02
September 13, 200618 yr Jewish center opens in Mason Education for children and adults reaches out to growing population BY AMY SAUNDERS | ENQUIRER CONTRIBUTOR September 13, 2006 MASON - Five years ago, Rabbi Yosef Kalmanson spotted a trend: The previously "non-existent" Jewish population in the Mason area was growing. He also identified a void: The area had hardly any infrastructure of Jewish culture. So Kalmanson and his wife, Rochel, founded the Jewish Discovery Center, a non-profit education center that, in August, moved from its space in Cedar Village - and for some time, the Kalmansons' basement - to a new $1 million building on Central Parke Boulevard. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060913/NEWS01/609130362/1056
September 14, 200618 yr Plan for subdivision comes with conditions BY JESSICA BROWN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER September 14, 2006 HAMILTON TWP. - Maineville might soon be getting a 180-home subdivision and an 11-acre commercial development on 94 acres behind Maineville Elementary School. Mark Hildebrandt, of Salt Run Ventures, wants Maineville to annex the Hamilton Township property and build on vacant land at the southeast corner of Lebanon Road (Ohio 48) and Fosters-Maineville Road. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060914/NEWS01/609140380/1056
September 14, 200618 yr Warren peeks into the future 140 local leaders hear an expert's message: Life will keep changing, and more quickly BY MIKE BOYER | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER September 14, 2006 PHOTO: Procter & Gamble Pharmaceutical's Health Research Center in Mason employs 2,200 people. Its presence in Southern Warren County is one the economic lynchpins of the area. THE ENQUIRER / CRAIG RUTTLE PHOTO: The center was site of a presentation Wednesday by Ed Barlow, president of Creating the Future Inc., about Warren County's outlook. "Warren County's future looks good,'' he said. THE ENQUIRER / CRAIG RUTTLE MASON - Warren County is one of the nation's fastest-growing counties, but it isn't resting on that laurel. During a whirlwind two hours Wednesday morning, about 140 local education, business and government officials listened as Ed Barlow, a Michigan-based futurist, described the global forces shaping the 21st century and what communities ought to be thinking about to prepare. Barlow described forces including globalization, accelerating knowledge, fewer qualified workers, converging technologies and the growth of diversity. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060914/BIZ01/609140330/1076/BIZ
September 15, 200618 yr Residents preview $2.5M park plans CINCINNATI ENQUIRER September 15, 2006 DEERFIELD TWP. - A $2.5 million park project in Deerfield Township could begin as early as this spring. Residents on Wednesday night got a preview of the final design for the 50-acre Fleckenstein Park at Mason-Montgomery Road and Chestnut Hill Drive. It will include two baseball fields, two soccer fields, a tennis court, a pond, trails and a playground. The park plan will be up for final approval at Tuesday's Township Trustee meeting. Construction is expected to begin in the spring. View the design at www.deerfieldtwp.com/departments/Parks/fleckenstein_park.htm. Click on "Option #5." http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060915/NEWS01/609150378/1056
September 16, 200618 yr From the 9/14/06 Enquirer: Hamilton Twp. meets police demand - now BY JESSICA BROWN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER HAMILTON TWP. - Despite explosive population growth, the police department in this booming Warren County area should be able to keep up with service demands until at least 2030. At least as long as the community renews the police levy every seven or eight years, says Jack Willard, a Cincinnati-based consultant. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060914/NEWS01/609140384/1056 From Community Press Mason-Deerfield Twp, 9/13/06: Kings levy broken down; residents respond BY ANDREA REEVES | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER KINGS MILLS -- Bob Berger opposed the last Kings Local School District bond issue, which failed in 2003. "I think there was too much built into it that didn't need to be," he said at last week's bond issue forum at the high school. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060913/NEWS01/609130377/1085/Local
September 23, 200618 yr From the 9/22/06 Enquirer: Multimedia Map: Little Miami addition (PDF) Six-year-old school doubling in size Fast-growing Little Miami district shows plans for addition and new junior high BY SUE KIESEWETTER | ENQUIRER CONTRIBUTOR HAMILTON TWP. - A two-story addition to Little Miami High School will nearly double capacity at the 6-year-old school. Community members got their first glimpse of the $11.2 million project Tuesday during a presentation by Steed Hammond Paul architect Todd Thackery. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060922/NEWS0102/609220369/1058/NEWS01 From Community Press Mason-Deerfield Twp, 9/20/06: Deerfield Twp. park plans coming into focus BY ERIC BRADLEY | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER DEERFIELD TWP. -- Residents who met last week to discuss final plans for a 50-acre park at Mason-Montgomery Road and Chestnut Hill Drive were left asking a question. Is the park going to be built? Deerfield Township officials say yes, and the $2.5 million project is being worked into preliminary budgets for 2007. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060920/NEWS01/609200367/1085/Local
September 24, 200618 yr Land sale clears way for 2 hotels in Deerfield Twp. BY MIKE BOYER | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER DEERFIELD TWP. - Two new hotels are on the drawing boards here as a result of Duke Realty Corp's sale of 4.5 acres off Natorp Boulevard west of Mason-Montgomery Road. Hotel developer Krishna of Ohio LLC acquired the land for $1.8 million, according to Warren County property records. Developer Dennis Patel said he hopes to break ground late this year or early in 2007 on the first hotel on the site, a 106-room Holiday Inn Express. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060924/BIZ01/609240360/1076/BIZ
September 29, 200618 yr From the 9/27/06 DDN: Warren commissioner, sheriff exchange barbs in fight over jail space One official walks out during quarrel about how to solve ongoing overcrowding issue. By Tiffany Y. Latta Staff Writer Wednesday, September 27, 2006 LEBANON — Warren County Commissioner Michael Kilburn walked out of a meeting Tuesday after a heated exchange with the sheriff over jail overcrowding. Kilburn, who adamantly opposes building a jail, became upset after repeatedly asking Sheriff Tom Ariss to agree to seek the state's permission to double the number of prisoners in cells to ease overcrowding. When Ariss said he would agree if commissioners promised to add more jail space down the road, Kilburn either didn't hear him or refused to accept his answer. "We're giving you an opportunity to give us an answer and you did not give us an answer,'' Kilburn said sharply. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/09/27/ddn092706jail.html From Community Press Mason-Deerfield Twp, 9/27/06: Deerfield Township to buy park land Residents worried about trespassers BY ERIC BRADLEY | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER DEERFIELD TWP. -- Teenagers drinking. Drug-dealers. Bodies washing up from the Little Miami River. It happened before, Loveland Park residents said, and they are worried it will happen again now that Deerfield Township is buying 40 acres of property near Shore Drive and Davis Road. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060927/NEWS01/609270385/1085/Local
October 1, 200618 yr From the 9/28/06 Pulse-Journal: Wal-Mart: Potential traffic biggest concern More than 50 citizens at Hamilton Twp. informational meeting. By Linda Scott Contributing Writer Thursday, September 28, 2006 Monday night's informational meeting for a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter in Hamilton Twp. drew only about half as many people as an initial August session. But among the 52 residents in attendance, their biggest concern about the township's first "big box" retail store seemed to be the potential traffic congestion it could bring to the area. "I have no problem with Wal-Mart, per se, but there's going to be another red light (on Ohio 48) between Grandin Road and (U.S. 22 and Ohio 3) and man, is that going to be a problem," said Swigert Road resident John Bergerhouse. "It has to be, because they need that light to get in and out of there, but I think they need to be more complete with their plans to disperse the traffic." http://www.pulsejournal.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/09/28/ws092806hamwalmartmeet2.html
October 8, 200618 yr From the 10/4/06 Enquirer: Warren asks for OK to double-bunk Requests state allow temporary measure to ease jail crowding BY JESSICA BROWN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER LEBANON - After months of debate over whether double-bunking would be allowed, Warren County leaders are sending a joint letter to the state asking for permission to temporarily double-bunk inmates as a way to ease overcrowding at the county jail. The Ohio Bureau of Adult Detention has said it would be reluctant to approve double bunking unless commissioners are able to give a timetable for adding jail space. So on Tuesday, commissioners also voted to form an 11-member committee that will examine just that. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061004/NEWS01/610040368/1056 From the 10/5/06 Pulse-Journal: Kings Dodge, Performance Lexus sites OK'd by trustees Lexus dealership moving nearby; Kings Dodge to add Chrysler, Jeep products. By Christopher Magan Staff Writer Thursday, October 05, 2006 The Kings Automall is growing again. Deerfield Twp. trustees approved a 10-acre expansion of the Midwest's largest auto dealer complex Tuesday that will bring an expanded Kings Dodge store and a new Performance Lexus location. The new Lexus site is north of the existing Automall near the intersection of Kings Water Drive and Waterstone Boulevard. The dealership hasn't said if they will vacate their current building in the Automall. http://www.pulsejournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/10/05/pj100506deerfieldtrustees.html
October 8, 200618 yr "That will be one of the finest structures in Deerfield Twp.," developer Terry C. Brennan said of the new Lexus building that will feature a pond with fountains and a waterfall. Well, I feel sorry for the good people of Deerfield Township!
October 14, 200618 yr From the 10/9/06 Pulse-Journal: Board: MHS needs an expansion Bond issue could be on May ballot, but school officials say it won't raise tax rate. By Richard Wilson Staff Writer Thursday, October 05, 2006 When Mason High School was built in 1999, school officials told residents that they'd probably need to add on to it in the future. Now seven years later, the future is a few months away as district enrollment continues to rise and Mason school board members plan to make a bond request in May 2007. "That's been the plan for at least seven years," Board President Kevin Wise said at last week's school board meeting. "We try to build as we need it." http://www.pulsejournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/10/09/pj100506masonbond.html From the 10/8/06 DDN: No home their own Families are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population in Warren County. By Margo Rutledge Kissell Staff Writer Sunday, October 08, 2006 LEBANON — Six-week-old Rose Lynn sleeps in a baby swing as her 19-month-old sister, Emily, pushes a toy vacuum nearby. Their mother, Rebecca Edds, 26, is waiting on oldest daughter, Bria, to return from Head Start so she can fix the kids lunch. Dad is at work. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/10/07/ddn100806homeless.html From same: Shelters for homeless hit capacity even as problem grows Warren County, like Dayton, needs more space for families, the fastest-growing segment. By Margo Rutledge Kissell Staff Writer Sunday, October 08, 2006 ... Transitions in Warren County Rebecca Edds and her boyfriend, Keith Taylor, have been homeless in Warren County since mid-September although they are both employed. Edds plans to return this week to her job at a Subway restaurant in Monroe. Her doctor had ordered her to take time off from work because of a high-risk pregnancy. Taylor has worked at a landscaping company in Lebanon for nine years but is already topped out on the pay scale at $12.50 an hour. He ends up working 75 to 80 hours a week to earn more. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/10/07/ddn100806homelessinside.html
October 17, 200618 yr Xavier opening branch in Deerfield Twp. BY JESSICA BROWN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER October 17, 2006 DEERFIELD TWP. – Xavier University’s Williams College of Business announced today it is opening a branch campus in this fast-growing community to meet an increasing demand for continuing education in Cincinnati’s northern suburbs. Starting in January, MBA classes will be offered to up to 35 students in 2,400 square feet of rented office space at 4770 Duke Drive, just off of Mason Montgomery Road. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061017/NEWS01/310170031
October 20, 200618 yr From the 10/12/06 Lebanon Western Star: 'Conservation design' added to Hamilton Twp. zoning code Aim is to preserve rural landscape Thursday, October 12, 2006 By Linda Scott Contributing Writer Hamilton Twp. may be one of Warren County's fastest growing communities, but trustees are taking measures to preserve what is left of its rural character — at least in areas without a sanitary sewer system. Trustees voted unanimously Oct. 4 to adopt "conservation design" into the township zoning code. "We already have a cluster development design which allows for cluster zoning within portions of Hamilton Twp. with sanitary sewers. Conservation design is a brother to that which allows for clustering of houses in areas without sanitary sewers. The big difference is, with conservation design there is no density bonus," said Gary Boeres, township planning and zoning administrator. "If you have a hundred acres, you can only get 50 units on it. You can't get 51." http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/10/12/ws101206hamconserve.html From the 10/15/06 DDN: Plans for Clearcreek Twp. Kroger still on Co-owner of Windmill Farm, township official expect transfer of the property soon. By Pamela Dillon For the Dayton Daily News Sunday, October 15, 2006 CLEARCREEK TWP., Warren County — Paperwork and traffic flow hurdles have slowed the proposed development of a Kroger supermarket at Ohio 73 and Ohio 48, but the plan is still ongoing. Although the site that has been known as Windmill Farm Market for 24 years has not yet been sold, a property transfer is expected soon, a co-owner and township official said. The popular farm market known for its fresh produce, petting zoo, and hayrides to the pumpkin patch, would move two miles east on Ohio 73. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/10/15/ddn101506windmill.html
October 22, 200618 yr Both from the 10/13/06 Dayton Business Journal: Warren County attempts to heighten emphais on economic development Dayton Business Journal - October 13, 2006 by Yvonne Teems DBJ Staff Reporter When David Young took office as commissioner of Warren County at the beginning of 2005, one of his first duties was to fulfill a promise made to the business community during his campaign the year before: To heighten emphasis on economic development. In August of last year, he and other economic development advocates got their wish. The county created an economic development department to serve existing businesses and pull in new investment. Young said that while the county is booming with new residents each year -- its population grew from 158,000 in 2000 to 197,000 in 2005 -- there was little effort to cultivate the business community. And that's necessary for a viable community. http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2006/10/16/focus1.html From the 10/19/06 Enquirer: Little Miami Jr. High shown BY SUE KIESEWETTER | ENQUIRER CONTRIBUTOR HAMILTON TWP. - Little Miami's new junior high will be built for 800 students, but is designed so it can be expanded to serve as many as 1,500. Plans for the $19.2 million school to open in fall 2009 were unveiled Tuesday by Steed Hammond Paul architect Connie McCarthy. The 115,485-square-foot building will be built behind the football field on the six-year-old high school campus and designed to match the high school's look. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061019/NEWS0102/610190375/1058/NEWS01
October 23, 200618 yr Mason to buy golf course BY JESSICA BROWN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER October 23, 2006 MASON – City Council tonight is expected to finalize its $9 million purchase of the 209-acre Golf Center at Kings Island. The city contracted in June to buy the course from Great American Insurance for $9 million. It was a strategic move to prevent more residential development in that area. Council had learned a developer planned to buy the land and could build up to 500 condominiums there. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061023/NEWS01/310230031
October 26, 200618 yr Zoning rewrite a slow go THE ENQUIRER It could be up to a year before zoning codes are rewritten in Warren County, as officials try to slow growth. Warren County leaders hope to speed up that process. Representatives from several townships and the county met for the first time Tuesday night with McKenna Associates, the consulting firm overseeing the rewrite. McKenna's Bradley Schwab explained the process and 12-month timeline. County Commissioner Pat South urged it be revised to six months. Schwab agreed to step up the project, but said it will take about nine months to do it right. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/NEWS01/610260388/1056/COL02
November 8, 200618 yr From the 10/26/06 DDN: New group arises to oppose development By Lawrence Budd Staff Writer SPRINGBORO | A Clearcreek Twp. man is the latest Warren County resident driven to citizen action by developments in the neighborhood. James Cornett recently formed Citizens for Controlled Growth in Springboro and Clearcreek Twp. after Springboro City Council approved denser residential development than recommended by the city planning commission for the Beck Ridge subdivision, which backs onto his property. http://www.daytondailynews.com/community/content/localnews/neighbors/warren/2006/10/26/ddn102606smartgrowth.html From Community Press Mason-Deerfield, 10/25/06: Deerfield Township expanding park system BY ERIC BRADLEY | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER DEERFIELD TWP. -- Deerfield Township residents should see construction ramp up on a new 50-acre park near Mason-Montgomery and Bethany roads in May of next year. Work on the new Fleckenstein Park, adjacent to the Chestnut Hill subdivision, is scheduled to begin on May 1 and last nine months, according to a schedule approved by trustees last week. Trustees approved a $161,177 agreement with Columbus-based Poggemeyer Design Group for the design of site improvements, structure design, construction documents and bidding assistance for the $2.5 million project. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061025/NEWS01/610250374/1002/RSS01
November 9, 200618 yr From the 11/8/06 (Lebanon) Western Star: Cincinnati Enquirer: High school needs relief, but tax has opposition (11/3/06) Kings voters reject bond request for school construction By Richard Wilson Staff Writer Wednesday, November 08, 2006 KINGS MILLS — Voters on Tuesday rejected a 2.6-mill bond request for Kings Local School District, 51 percent to 48 percent, according to unofficial results from the Warren County Board of Elections. Kings voters also said no to a bond request in 2003. The bond issue would have generated about $27.2 million over 26 years. School officials said they will not be able to go forward with plans to renovate and build classrooms at the high school and junior high. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/08/pj110706kingsbondweb3.html From the 11/7/06 Enquirer: Preliminary plans OK'd THE ENQUIRER Township trustees have approved preliminary plans for the six-acre River's Bend Towne Center. The shopping center, at 6273 Ohio 48 just south of Grandin Road, will include two restaurants, a bank, day-care center and an office building. The center is being developed by Gate Interests LLC and is next to the site of a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter. A house on the property will be torn down. Trustees approved the preliminary plans for the shopping center last week. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061107/NEWS01/611070400/1056/COL02
November 12, 200618 yr 156-house subdivision slated for Ham. Twp. Ranch style, two-story homes start at $200K BY JEFF MCKINNEY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER HAMILTON TWP. - Developers have begun site-preparation work for a new subdivision that will include up to 156 houses at the corner of Mounts and Zoar roads. The subdivision, to be known as Wellington Estates, will be built on about 71 acres, said Don Misrach, president of Cobblestone Development Co. of Symmes Township. Cobblestone Development is developing the project with In-Line Development and Culley Properties of Butler County, Misrach said. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061112/BIZ01/611120342/1076/BIZ
November 30, 200618 yr From the 11/17/06 Enquirer: City to help business expand THE ENQUIRER LEBANON - The city of Lebanon is planning to spend $235,000 to buy land for a forestry equipment supplier to expand. City Council had a first reading this week and is expected to vote Nov. 28 on buying 1.4 acres for Fecon Inc. The company, which makes stump grinders, mulchers and other such equipment, has promised to invest $2.5 million into improving the plant in the next few years and add 20 jobs with an annual payroll of $1 million. The land addition will allow Fecon to build a 50,000-square-foot expansion, doubling its manufacturing space. The city is using tax-increment financing - a tool that allows future tax revenue to be applied toward infrastructure debt - to pay for the property. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061117/NEWS01/611170391/1056/COL02 From the 11/13/06 Enquirer: Supersized Wal-Mart opens Shoppers in Deerfield will find more space, more stuff BY JESSICA BROWN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER DEERFIELD TWP. - Now shoppers here can get their eyes checked, buy Christmas toys for the kids and get their tires rotated - all in the same store. Need a new outfit? A bag of grass seed? A manicure? No problem. Welcome to the Wal-Mart Supercenter. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061113/NEWS01/611130377/1056/COL02 From Community Press Mason-Deerfield, 11/10/06: Township pays for survey of complex Loveland Park land BY ERIC BRADLEY | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER DEERFIELD TWP. - One of the legal requirements for Deerfield Township closing on its 40-acre Loveland Park land buy is to complete a survey that is nearly the price of the parcel itself. In August, trustees authorized the purchase of the land for $49,000, promising to protect it as parkland. At their Nov. 15 meeting, trustees agreed to conduct a boundary survey prior to the Dec. 15 closing date for $45,177. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/C2/20061110/NEWS01/611100315/
December 1, 200618 yr From the 11/23/06 Western Star: Prof: County should build on its strengths Says Southwest Ohio has regional problems; Warren economic development director says county's future bright By Tiffany Y. Latta Staff Writer Thursday, November 23, 2006 A University of Cincinnati professor painted a grim picture of Southwest Ohio Tuesday morning at the 23rd Annual Warren County Economic Breakfast held at the Kings Island Resort & Conference Center. George M. Vredeveld said the region's unemployment rate is about 5 percent, just above the U.S. rate of 4.7 percent. Manufacturing jobs are declining, and while Warren County — the second fastest growing county in the state — increases by 16 new residents daily, the region as a whole loses more and more people annually, he said. http://www.western-star.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/22/ws112306econ.html From the 11/17/06 Middletown Journal: Franklin site could be part of jail overcrowding fix Treatment facility would help ease overcrowding of Warren County Jail. By Christopher Magan Staff Writer Friday, November 17, 2006 FRANKLIN — A vacant building in the city's Jaygee Industrial Park could be part of the solution to ease overcrowding at the Warren County Jail. Talbert House, of Cincinnati, is exploring opening a new facility for low-level, nonviolent offenders in Warren County, said spokeswoman Teri Nau. http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/17/mj111706franklintalbert.html From the 11/23/06 Western Star: Little Miami planning two-story intermediate school building Facility will be designed so capacity can eventually be nearly doubled. By Megan Gildow Staff Writer Thursday, November 23, 2006 Little Miami school officials revealed plans Monday night for a new two-story intermediate school. The school, provided for by a $62.5 million bond issue passed by voters in May, will accommodate 800 students in phase one with the option for a second phase to take capacity to 1,500 if needed. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/22/ws112306lmboard.html
December 2, 200618 yr From the 11/23/06 Western Star: Cincinnati Enquirer: While Kings is in limbo, Hamilton, Monroe plan (11/11/06) Kings officials consider several measures over failed bond issue Tuesday's count picks up 50 'for' votes, but it still fails 4,361 to 4,127. By Richard Wilson Staff Writer Thursday, November 23, 2006 Kings school officials met with the school district's attorney Monday night to discuss "possible litigation" regarding the Nov. 7 election. It appears at least some Kings voters who live in split precincts weren't given the correct ballot, they said. With the narrow defeat of a 2.6-mill bond request slated to pay for renovations and additions at the high school and junior high, Kings school officials and residents wonder if possible mistakes cost them the election. http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/22/pj112306kboe.html From the 11/26/06 Enquirer: Community Press Mason-Deerfield: Sports Park construction starts, other greenspace additions planned (11/22/06) Construction starts on sports complex THE ENQUIRER MASON - Construction is expected to begin Monday on a $5.5 million sports complex in Mason that will bring baseball fields, football fields, and a disc golf course to area residents by spring 2008. The 54-acre Mason Sports Park will be located on Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Road next to the city's new water reclamation plant. It will include five natural turf baseball fields - complete with lights, scoreboards and fencing - for youth play. Two fields also can be used for adult play. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061126/NEWS01/611260383/1056/COL02
December 2, 200618 yr Good luck, I have no idea what they can do to this piece of crap area to help improve traffic, there is just nowhere else to go.... Fields Ertel study should begin in '07 Traffic congestion clogs artery from Reed Hartman Highway to Interstate 71 area BY FEOSHIA HENDERSON | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER SYCAMORE TWP - Officials will soon study how to relieve congestion on a 2.64-mile section of Fields Ertel Road between Reed Hartman Highway and Wilkens Boulevard, just west of Interstate 71. The Hamilton County Engineer's office is organizing the study that will examine everything from road widening, adding or removing stop lights and signs, adding turn lanes and putting in curbs, said Tim Gilday, a Hamilton County planning and design engineer. "I would expect it to run the gamut," he said. "Nothing has been eliminated at this point and nothing has been proposed." http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061202/NEWS01/612020371/1056/COL02
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