LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Author: David Miller

  • [Complete Video] Rezoning of Grailville denied

    [Complete Video] Rezoning of Grailville denied

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Here are the complete meeting videos from May 4 when the rezoning of the Grailville property was denied to Drees Homes. The Northern Kentucky home builder had requested a map and text change to Loveland’s zoning code to build 209 Drees homes on the 111-acre Graville site.

    If you appreciate these kinds of reports, will you be so kind as to send a contribution our way so Loveland Magazine can keep on keeping on?

    All of the many speeches by local residents are here to watch as well as the one person, a Grail member who supported the rezoning. The rebuttal by the Drees’ representative is also here and the discussion by the Planning Commission which ultimately led them to turn down the re-zoning.

    You can also watch the post-meeting interview with the leaders of the movement to stop the rezoning, Lauren Enda and Sharon Scovanner.

    The Grailville Archive
    Because posterity may wish to know.
  • [Video] Jamie Smith: Grailville brought joy to her mentally and emotionally exhausted family

    [Video] Jamie Smith: Grailville brought joy to her mentally and emotionally exhausted family

    David Miller

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Jamie Smith has lived her entire life in Loveland and raised five sons here. She said she has a “very deep connection” to this place, and her family’s favorite place is Grailville.

    She testified during the May 4 meeting when the Planning and Zoning Commission was deciding whether or not to allow 209 Drees homes on the 111-acre Graville site.

    She speaks of her very stressful lifestyle, most of the time as a single mother, and living with the father of her children who struggled with an opioid addiction his entire adult life. She added that he has been “clean” for the past ten years however the experience of dealing with the addiction within her family was traumatizing.

    She defined her financial situation as havoc and how she has maintained a full-time job and two or three additional part-time jobs for her sons’ entire lives. To be able to be a contributing member of society and a good mom, she designed their lives around something she could afford, spending time in nature. “Not only because it was all we could afford, but because it was healthy and fulfilling,” Smith added. “And it brought joy to a mentally and emotionally exhausted family.”

    She took listeners on a journey with her boys down the Grailville path to the respite of the cool waters of the O’Bannon Creek.

  • Tim Butler steps down from Loveland Council

    Tim Butler steps down from Loveland Council

    Loveland, Ohio – Tim Butler, whose term was to expire on December 1, 2025, has sent a resignation letter to City Hall. Citing personal reasons, his last day as a member of the Loveland Council was on May 9.

  • [VIDEO] Diane Fisher testifies to be a good daughter and son of Loveland’s Mother Earth

    [VIDEO] Diane Fisher testifies to be a good daughter and son of Loveland’s Mother Earth

    David Miller – Editor and Publisher

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland resident Diane Fisher testified at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on May 4 about the re-zoning of Grailville and a proposed new development near her home on Oak Street.

    Fisher started by expressing how nervous she was about speaking publicly, however, speaking softly and determined told why she chose to live in Loveland, “…enjoying the mental and physical, and spiritual health that being in nature provides.” Referring to the COVID 19 Pandemic she said that activities in nature have proven more important than ever to many people she knows.

    Fisher also noted that it wasn’t lost on her that the meeting was being held in both “No Mow May” and “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

    It wasn’t a rhetorical question Fisher then asked, “How many more lawns filled with pesticides and herbicides, should be allowed, invited, encouraged into our area.”

    “Each of us. Every person is a steward of our community,” Fisher challenged.

  • The MYTH: “Grow or Die” may be choking Loveland

    The MYTH: “Grow or Die” may be choking Loveland

    by David Miller

    David Miller, Publisher and Editor

    Loveland, Ohio – “What may look good on a zoning map for rezoning and what a developer is wanting to develop, may not always be in the best interest of the City of Loveland and the Loveland homeowners and taxpayers,” is what resident Dave Stanton told the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 4 during their meeting to make a decision on whether to approve 209 Drees homes on the 111-acre Graville site that had recently been annexed into the city.

    You can watch his presentation in the LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video we just published, read the prepared text of his talk, and review the financial report he presented to the Commission.

    Stanton continued, “This commission needs to have a full understanding of the impacts on our existing infrastructure, impacts on the traffic, impacts on the biggest investment people make in Loveland with their homes, and the impacts on the City’s finances.”

    Resident Sharon Scovanner assisted Stanton in preparing the financial report. In an interview after the Meeting, Scovanner said that there should be someone on City staff doing what she and Stanton did, as part of their job when new developments are proposed in the City.

    The Commission ultimately decided to reject the re-zoning request, (Drees zoning denied) (Video interview with Lauren Enda and Sharon Scovanner after they defeat)

    Let’s take a moment to understand the decisions made by this commission have both short term and long-term impacts on the Loveland community. Both positive and negative. What may look good on a zoning map for rezoning and what a developer is wanting to develop, may not always be in the best interest of the City of Loveland and the Loveland Homeowners/Taxpayers. This commission needs to have a full understanding of the impacts on our existing infrastructure, impacts on the traffic, impacts on the biggest investment people make in Loveland with their homes, and the impacts on the City’s finances. Before any SPD rezoning requests has a decision made.

What you have in front of you is a Financial Analysis Report focused on the impact of adding an additional 209 homes both in property tax and income tax. The information in the report is comprised from public data and supporting documentation from the City. 

As you can see from the Property and Income Tax summary. The City of Loveland’s annual Property Tax income for 209 homes would be $ 255,660.00. The additional costs to the City of Loveland to fully support the Drees development with Police, Fire / EMS, Roads, and Maintenance would be $ 294,099.00. This creates a deficit in spending of (-$ 38,440) annually against the Property Tax revenue income. The Property Tax analysis supported detail is included in the Financial Analysis Report.

The City of Loveland’s annual Income Tax revenue for the 209 homes would be $ 105,300.00 based on 135 homes with a median income of $ 150,000 per year. 74 patio homes would be retirees who pay no income tax. As confirmed with Mark Medlar, Director of Finance only 52% of working Loveland residents pay Loveland Income Tax. The 2022 City of Loveland budget is $ 7,965,755.00. The 2021 City of Loveland population is 13,485 which equates to $ 590.71 per resident in budget expenditures. In using conservative numbers in the increase to the City of Loveland population, based on the Drees development, would be 620.5 additional residents. With this 4.6% increase in population to a total of 14,106 residents at $ 590.71 per resident would increase the City’s annual expense budget to $ 8,332,292.00. The increase in the City’s budget of $ 366,537 to cover the new residents in comparing to the City’s income tax from the Drees Development of $ 105,300.00. This creates a deficit in expense spending of (-$ 261,237.00). The Income Tax analysis supported detail is included in the Financial Analysis Report.

This financial analysis does not include additional expenses that Drees should be responsible for regarding this development. Drees would need to pay for the improvements to O’Bannonville road to handle the additional traffic and pay for the half mile MSD sewer upgrade on O’Bannonville road. As MSD has no Capital Funds to pay for this sewer upgrade. Drees has stated in their April 22nd letter to the City of Loveland regarding infrastructure “Responsibility will be on Drees to make the necessary improvements”. The city should bare no cost for the MSD sewer upgrade and road improvements to O’Bannonville road.  

As you can see from the Financial Analysis showing the negative impact to the City of Loveland’s expenses with regards to Property and Income Tax Revenue. This is not a good Investment for the Taxpayers of Loveland and reflects deficit spending.  

Going back to my opening statement of “Understand the decisions made by this commission have both short term and long-term impacts on the Loveland community”. A decision that was made by this commission on the rezoning to Multi-Family from Medium Residential for Blossom Hill has had a direct negative impact on Sentry Hill homes. Your decisions have made some of the Sentry Hill homes unsellable based on your rezoning recommendation with Multi-Family structures being built right next to Sentry Hill.  

So again, think about your decisions being made with the full understanding of the impact to the City and the people of Loveland.

    The Grailville Archive

    Because posterity may wish to know.

  • Make Your Voice Heard, Take the Hamilton County Broadband Survey

    Make Your Voice Heard, Take the Hamilton County Broadband Survey

    The Hamilton County Broadband Survey is your chance to let county officials know whether you have the broadband you need for your business – now and for the future.

    This online survey will inform the Hamilton County Commissioners’ disbursement of $10 million in federal ARPA recovery funding for local broadband improvements. Help shape Hamilton County’s broadband investment. Click the button below to take the survey today. Take the Hamilton County Business Broadband Survey Here!
    The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, and will be used to expand and improve broadband services in the Hamilton County community.
    For more information, check out the County’s website www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/broadband.
  •  Dr. Stace Orso selected to oversee Loveland’s teaching and learning

     Dr. Stace Orso selected to oversee Loveland’s teaching and learning

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland City Schools has announced that Dr. Stace Orso will be the new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. Dr. Orso will join the district leadership team this summer, pending Board approval. 

    “I am excited to be working in the community that I call home, and being able to contribute to a destination school district like Loveland,” Dr. Orso said. 

    Dr. Orso has served as the Assistant Superintendent for Deer Park City Schools since 2019, moving into that role after leading Deer Park Jr/Sr High for 5 years. Dr. Orso earned her Doctorate of Education, and Masters in Education from the University of Cincinnati, and Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State. She is also a Loveland parent with a student heading to the high school next year. 

    “After a thorough search and interview process, I am confident that we have the right person to continue to deliver academic excellence for our students, families, and community, while still pushing us forward to grow as a district,” Superintendent Mike Broadwater said. 

    When approved by the Board, Dr. Orso will begin transitioning into the role, with her first official day on August 1. She will take over as Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning as Andrea Conner moves to a new role as principal of Batavia High School.

  • [Video Interviews] Loveland Artists “Stood with Ukraine” during open-house fundraiser

    [Video Interviews] Loveland Artists “Stood with Ukraine” during open-house fundraiser

    Feature photo is by David Hartz

    David Miller is the Publisher and Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – On Saturday, April 27, artists at the Loveland Art Studios on Main participated in a fundraiser and donation drive for Ukraine called WE STAND WITH UKRAINE. 

    Donations were collected that support Matthew 25: Ministries’ Ukrainian relief efforts. 

    Resident artists created paintings depicting their response to Putin’s war against the Ukrainian people. 

    Portions of the sale proceeds of all paintings went directly to Matthew 25: Ministries.

    The public was invited to the free wine & hors d’oeuvre reception.

    Guests met many of the artists and viewed the artwork for sale. Guests were also encouraged to bring a donation for Ukraine that went directly to (Matthew 25:Ministries that especially wanted medical supplies and paper products.) To make a donation, please CLICK HERE.

    In these three LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV videos, I interviewed Johanna Kremer, who organized the event, as well as resident artists, Lucinda Peterson and Kim Wanamaker.

  • Loveland Youth Volleyball Organization’s food drive a success

    Loveland Youth Volleyball Organization’s food drive a success

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Youth Volleyball organization sponsored a food drive to benefit the Life Food Pantry this past Saturday, May 7th, at the Loveland Elementary School gym.

    The community was invited to come to the convenient location to add to the collection of the players.

    Dad, Steve Rumberg says to the community, “Thank you for your support of our food drive. We collected a lot of cans and boxes of food. In addition, we were able to get $309 in donations!”

    Individuals, businesses, or community organizations can consider organization a food drive to benefit the pantry by getting more information HERE.

  • To Councilmember Andy Bateman: Correction and apology

    To Councilmember Andy Bateman: Correction and apology

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – On Sunday, May 8, Councilman Andy Bateman wrote to Loveland Magazine with dismay he has over our recent story about “Mound” at site of proposed Parking Garage in the Historic District” and asked us for a correction.

    Here is what we wrote in our story: “After (Lauren) Enda and Scovanner gave speeches during the open forum at Monday’s council meeting, there was also no discussion between Council and the City Manager. She said on Monday that she did not hear back from either Kennedy or Bateman after she sent them the report.” (“Questions arise about possible Native America remains and “Mound” at site of proposed Parking Garage in the Historic District”)

    Bateman did however respond on the same day after he received Enda’s initial email, acknowledging he received her email. You can read his response below. He did communicate more fully with Enda the day after the council meeting when Enda expressed disappointment with the communication coming from City Hall.

    We owe Mr. Bateman a correction and an apology. Loveland Magazine did double-check the facts in dispute and we got it partially wrong. He is certainly correct that we should have gone further and checked with him directly. Loveland Magazine did contact City Manager Dave Kennedy before publishing the story and we should have also contacted Mr. Bateman.

    We also thank Mr. Bateman for allowing us the chance to report more accurately.

    Mr. Bateman wrote on Sunday evening:

    Dear David,

    Several people in the community have approached me about an article you wrote recently. The article published on 4/28/2022 is titled; “Questions arise about possible Native America remains and “Mound” at site of proposed Parking Garage in the Historic District”, and within the body of the article there is a claim which I wish to have corrected.

    Citing your article; After Enda and Scovanner gave speeches during the open forum at Monday’s council meeting, there was also no discussion between Council and the City Manager. She said on Monday that she did not hear back from either Kennedy or Bateman after she sent them the report.

    Please see the forwarded email chain which clearly demonstrates a timely response regarding the inquiry.

    Furthermore, both Mr. Kennedy and I provided an email to Ms. Enda regarding our reasoning for not speaking immediately on the issue. Below is the transcript of my email which was sent to Ms. Enda on 4/26, the day after the Council Meeting and two days before your article was published.

    Lauren,

    Following the original email, I consulted with Mr. Kennedy at the HP&P meeting and I also brought this matter to two members of the commission. Both members have had past experiences with archaeological surveys. They each expressed a need for additional information. I agree with Mr. Kennedy that we need to do a fair amount of work behind-the-scenes before a topic or issue becomes an official agenda item.

    I know you’re passionate about local issues and I appreciate the commitment to finding more information. Open Forum is the perfect venue for you and other residents to voice your perspectives to council on any topic, particularly those not on the meeting agenda. However, I am not in favor of council members using this section in the agenda for engaging in an open dialogue. Other council members may opt to use this section as a means for back-and-forth. but I don’t believe that is its purpose.

    As the garage is in the Historic District, I assure you that this information would be discussed whenever an application would be before the commission for work to be performed on this site. 

    This topic may come up sooner; but it should be thoughtfully researched so that the discussion is based on data pursued by staff and other subject-matter experts.

    Thanks for working with us.

    Andy 

    David, as you can see, I provided timely and reasoned responses to her inquiries as did our city manager. You know me well enough to reach out if you had questions pertaining to this issue, yet you didn’t. I wouldn’t have noticed this had your readers not contacted me asking why I didn’t respond to and/or forward the email. I hope these emails show a different picture. Whether you choose to correct the article or provide an update is your decision. But I’m a little disappointed that you published an article which described an alternate version of the events than what actually transpired. 

    Andy Bateman

    Councilmember

    City of Loveland

    Here is the email string Batemand included in his correspondence Sunday evening:

    From: lauren enda <lauren_enda@hotmail.com>

    Sent: Saturday, April 9, 2022 10:36 PM

    To: Bateman, Andrew <abateman@lovelandoh.gov>

    Subject: Re: Possible “mound” site

    [ EXTERNAL SENDER ] 

    Andy,

    I appreciate you getting back to me. What a crazy thing, eh? It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

    Take care,

    Lauren

    From: Bateman, Andrew <abateman@lovelandoh.gov>

    Sent: Friday, April 8, 2022 8:50 PM

    To: lauren enda <lauren_enda@hotmail.com>

    Subject: Re: Possible “mound” site

    Lauren,

    Thank you for digging this up. I will certainly let my colleagues on HP&P know about the report and will converse with Mr. Kennedy as well regarding the findings and possible courses of action.

    Hope you’re doing well and enjoying warmer weather (when we are lucky).

    Andy

    Andy Bateman

    Councilmember

    City of Loveland

    From: lauren enda <lauren_enda@hotmail.com>

    Sent: Friday, April 8, 2022 2:05:25 PM

    To: Kennedy, Dave <dkennedy@lovelandoh.gov>; Bateman, Andrew <abateman@lovelandoh.gov>

    Cc: lauren enda <lauren_enda@hotmail.com>

    Subject: Possible “mound” site

    [ EXTERNAL SENDER ] 

    Dave and Andy,

    Attached is the document that I received earlier this week from Beth Sullebarger, a Historical Preservation Consultant. Hamilton County Community Development hired her in 2019 in response to a funding request from Loveland to tear down the two houses where the proposed garage will be built.  In her report, she includes a map from 1849 labeled “mound” and further states that,

    “There is some potential, however, for archeological resources on the property, based on the 1849 plat of Loveland, which identifies it as being the location of a “mound” and owned by W. J. Ballard. The 1870 map shows the property as owned by “T. T. Heath,” who was a Union General in the 5 th Regiment, Ohio Cavalry, during the Civil War and an attorney. See maps below. (Neither of these maps shows a dwelling in the current location, nor does the 1891 atlas.) It is not known whether the “mound” remains or is an Indian mound, but it is possible. The area appears topographically similar to other areas with Indian mounds. Locations on a bluff or hill overlooking a flat river or creek bottom always have high probability for prehistoric sites of all time periods. Consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office regarding the need for an archeological survey is recommended prior to new construction if a federal permit or funding is involved.”

    Andy – I have already spoken to Dave on the phone about this and am sending to you as a member of the Historical Preservation and Planning Commission. Please share with the other members as I do not have their addresses. 

    I will answer any questions you may have for me.

    Lauren