News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area
Without fear or favor
Since 2004
Dawling, I’ve heard that someone is proposing that Tiger Trail should be extended all the way from Loveland High School to Columbia/Lebanon Road.
Has anyone heard the same thing and can shed some light on this rumor?
Please use the Comment section below if you have any information.
Loveland, Ohio – In 2014 City taxpayers, through the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) purchased the site of the closed, Loveland Lanes bowling alley. The CIC demolished the building in 2015 in preparation of looking for a buyer. In April of 2017, the CIC sold the property for $540,000 to Lebanon based Schueler Group who said they would look for investors interested in building a combination of professional/medical office and retail, including restaurant space on the 6.53-acre parcel. Construction was planned to start in April 2017.
On August 21, by a unanimous vote, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the site plan for Oasis Turf and Tree to build a 26,284 square foot office/warehouse complex (8,183 square feet of office/business space and 18,101 square feet of warehousing) that will serve as the company’s headquarters with up to 70 employees.
The site will include a detention basin located in the northwest corner of the property and seventy-nine (79) parking spaces with three (3) handicap spaces.
Oasis Turf and Tree is currently at 8900 Glendale-Milford Road. The new location will be at 897 Loveland Madeira Road across from the Loveland Kroger store.
“Our hearts are with the entire community of Paradise and surrounding areas affected by the Camp Fire. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to the…
Special Meeting Notice
Loveland City Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, located at 120 W. Loveland Avenue. The purpose of the meeting is to consider the following legislation:
Ordinance authorizing the City’s participation in financing special energy improvement projects in cooperation with the Suburban Communities Energy Special Improvement District; authorizing the execution of documents to effectuate such financing; and declaring an emergency
Ordinance determining to proceed with the acquisition, construction, and improvement of certain public improvements in the City of Loveland, Ohio in cooperation with the Suburban Communities Energy Special Improvement District and declaring an emergency
Ordinance levying Special Assessments for the purpose of acquiring, constructing and improving certain public improvements in the City of Loveland, Ohio in cooperation with the Suburban Communities Energy Special Improvements District, and declaring an emergency
An executive session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22 (G)(1) to discuss the terms and conditions of employment, hiring, or discipline of a public employee.
And any other business as may properly come before the municipal body at the meeting may be considered and acted on.
This meeting is open to the public.
City of Loveland
Misty Cheshire
Clerk of Council
Loveland, Ohio – The City is seeking candidates, “Committed to the excellence in the field of finance to serve the role of Assistant Finance Director.” The position will report directly to and be responsible for assisting the Director of Finance in overseeing the Finance Department which includes income tax, utility billing, and accounting/budgeting functions.
To learn more about the City of Loveland and Assistant Finance Director Position qualifications, click here. Submit cover letter and resume to the Assistant Finance Director Position, c/o Clerk of Council, 120 W. Loveland Avenue, Loveland, Ohio 45140. The City will continue to accept resumes and cover letters for the position until the position is filled.
by Tom Smith,
I have been fortunate to receive an opportunity to be part of the great Loveland City team as the new Assistant City Manager. My wife, Shuree, and I are from Layton, Utah. We have three children: Joshua, 14, Marissa, 9, and Tyson, 5. We enjoy the outdoors, motorcycles, and sports of all kinds.
I enjoy being active in the community where I have coached soccer, basketball, and served as a Scout Leader for the Boy Scouts of America.
Although we are from Utah, the majority of my family resides in Pennsylvania, Virginia, with a sister-in-law in Mason, Ohio. Consequently, I am a Penn State Nittany Lion, University of Virginia Cavalier, and of course a Utah Ute. As part of my formal education I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Utah Valley University and a Graduate Degree in Public Administration from the University of Utah. I have 12 years experience in the field of public administration, including my previous capacity where I served as the City Manager.
My background is in public policy, land use, utility billing, capital asset management, planning and zoning, budget and finance, and human resource administration.
I have been an active participant in the Utah League of Cities and Towns organization (similar to the Ohio Municipal League), serving as a member of the Legislative Policy Committee and the Land Use Task Force Committee for three legislative sessions. While on those committees I worked with local officials, lobbyists, and legislators to combat against the scrutiny and continued efforts of federal, state, and third-party organizations in restricting the local government control of municipalities.
As part of my professional development, I am a member of the International City Managers Association where I am working towards receiving my Credentialed Manager accreditation. My ambitions also include becoming a certified planner through the American Planners Association.
I am very fortunate to be a part of the City’s team. This is an exciting time for the City as it continues to experience growth and redevelopment. I am grateful to be brought on as a part of this wonderful team that the City Council and City Manager Mr. Kennedy have created. I am both eager and anxious to get started and to develop my relationship with you as well as the wonderful members of this community.
513-683-1052
215 Loveland-Madeira Rd
Loveland, Ohio 45140
This is a reprint of an Email the Dyson’s sent to City Manager Dave Kennedy and Loveland Magazine after they read our Editorial: No public input sought on new one-lane asphalt road that will cozy within feet of the front doors of homes and businesses in the W. Loveland Historic District and L. Madeira Rd. The Dyson’s own a home and business on West Loveland Avenue.
by Deirdre and Richard Dyson,
The concept of taking a 12ft swath off of North side of West Loveland Avenue is totally appalling and preposterous! As long-time residents of Loveland we have touted for years the following “solution” to the traffic flow and cyclist problems on West Loveland Avenue, but never had any feedback.
In desperation again, please consider the following:
West Loveland Avenue, between Loveland Madeira Road and the bridge over the Little Miami is currently 4-lanes wide. It could easily be three lanes wide with the center lane being used for a much needed left turn lane at Riverside Drive and also at Wall Street. That would open up the width of an entire lane for bicycles. All that would be needed then is re-striping: with a half lane on the curbside (in each direction ) which would serve as the dedicated bike lanes on the north and south sides of West Loveland Avenue and continuing over the bridge.
Benefits: NO CONSTRUCTION required. NO claiming of property from owners. Confusing and Often dangerous last-minute lane changes, particularly at Wall Street, would be eliminated. Traffic on West Loveland Avenue would calm down (Drivers really hit the gas pedal pulling away from the bridge and West Loveland Avenue intersection.) Pedestrians would be further away from traffic. Congestion at the West Loveland Avenue and Riverside Drive intersection would be relieved.
For the Loveland Madeira Road section, a similar approach could be adopted. We suggest an analytic viewing of and study of traffic patterns developed on Montgomery Road, South of Bethesda North Hospital. It could apply in a similar manner all down Loveland Madeira Road, and EVEN accommodate a pretty landscaped center strip between left turn areas.!! Think how THAT would upgrade L/M Rd!!
Note: As drivers, we are always surprised how well the Montgomery traffic plan works, ie: that one lane with turn signals flows better than two. Please give these ideas serious consideration. They are offered up with genuine concern for the betterment of the city.
Sincerely Deirdre and Richard Dyson
EDITOR’S NOTE: In reaction to this editorial, City Council voted on Tuesday, April 24 to have a public hearing on this proposal during the City Council meeting of May 9.
It’s past time City Hall start a dialogue with those most affected
by David Miller, Publisher
It’s just my opinion, but I believe City Hall should start talking to people about this before it gets so far along people will need 1.6 million dollars worth of arguments against it. Once City Hall gets the funding for what they will describe as “Free Money” it will be extremely hard to turn council members to “No” votes. Residents should be given a fighting chance.
As the equivalent of a one-lane asphalt road that will cozy within feet of the front doors of homes and businesses in the West Loveland Historic District and along Loveland Madeira Road, and City Hall moves closer to securing funding, property, and homeowners have yet been asked their opinion. Almost all do not yet know the proposal has already been partially funded by Hamilton County and the Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Council of Governments has committed their resources to finding 80 percent of the $1,623,000 and growing price tag for construction.
Some front porches would have to be removed to accommodate the 12’ wide asphalt bicycle road. The road will be reduced to 10’ wide only where construction proves difficult.
As the City Hall proposal gets yet more expensive and closer to fruition there is still no initiative from the Council table to ask the thoughts and suggestions of citizens, home-owners, affected businesses, property owners, or pertinent City Commissions and Committees.
As the City Hall proposal gets yet more expensive and closer to fruition there is still no initiative from the Council table to ask the thoughts and suggestions of citizens, home-owners, affected businesses, property owners, or pertinent City Commissions and Committees.
One property and business owner along the proposed route wrote to City Hall. Paul Elliott said, “I am under the impression that such a proposal ‘has legs’, and city officials are even seeking funding sources. First, as a taxpaying resident and longtime business/property owner on West Loveland Avenue, I am disappointed that no city official has approached either the public in general nor us property owners who may be affected by such a bike corridor.”
The project, called the Loveland Connector Trail, will be approximately 1.4 miles long and will begin at the Deer Ridge II Apartments being built next to New Hope Baptist Church. It will continue along Loveland Madeira Road to Main Street, to the southern part of Wall Street, then to West Loveland Avenue, crossing over the Little Miami River at the Col. Paxton Bridge ending in Historic Downtown.
“I am disappointed that no city official has approached either the public in general nor us property owners who may be affected by such a bike corridor.” – Resident and affected business owner, Paul Elliott.
The goal and impetus for the project are to reduce congested parking in the Downtown Historic District by encouraging Loveland Bike Trail users to park somewhere along the new bike road and ride their bikes into Historic Downtown.
City Manager, Dave Kennedy announced in February that he was confident he will find 80% of the $1,623,000 cost from the Federal Government. He has since announced changes that will raise the price tag an undetermined amount.
The study does not contain any data on the potential number of users, nor potential customers to Loveland Madeira Road businesses. The study also does not address any repercussions on the residential neighborhood of Main Street or the Business/Residential neighborhood on West Loveland Avenue. For instance, it does not address future maintenance or whether property owners will be responsible for snow and ice removal on a path that replaces their current sidewalks. It’s right to ask when residents are left without sidewalks, “When will the bike road be cleared of snow? Who will do it, with what type of equipment, and when will it happen?”
A close look at what is described as a “Detailed Cost Estimate” appears to be grossly underestimated in terms of things that are absent consideration such as acquiring private property, relocating business signs, and replacing private parking,
Light colored 4′ tree-shaded concrete sidewalks where children can walk without shoes, and people walk their dogs will be replaced with a 12’ barren swath of black, heat-absorbing asphalt the width of a one-lane road just feet from homes.
Light colored 4′ tree-shaded concrete sidewalks where children can walk without shoes, and people walk their dogs will be replaced with a 12’ barren swath of black, heat-absorbing asphalt the width of a one-lane road just feet from homes where owners will pay higher air-conditioning costs.
There has been no recommendation to forward the proposal to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Tree and Environment Committee, Beautification Committee, or Safety Service & Street Improvement Committee for review. No public hearings are scheduled. None have been suggested.
Phelps and City Manager Dave Kennedy have attended workshop/training on a Federal grant program along with a meeting with OKI officials to discuss the city’s project in more detail. While the updated cost estimate is being secured, the grant application is being reviewed and various needed documents are prepared. They plan to ask City Council in May to move forward seeking funding.
Phelps said that people who are using the bike trail are using too many of the downtown parking spots and using them for too long a period of time. “This is going to give them another place to get on the trail, better parking, easier on and off.” He believes the bike road will bring in new customers to Loveland Madeira Road businesses when they park nearby but head into Historic Downtown. The study does not contain any data on the potential number of users, nor potential customers to Loveland Madeira Road businesses. The study also does not address any potential negative repercussions on the residential neighborhood of Main Street or the Business/Residential neighborhood on West Loveland Avenue.
Some “Progressives” may love the idea, some may like it but believe it ill-considered given the impact on individuals who live or have invested in the impacted area. Some money conservatives may believe it an economic boon to both the Historic District and Loveland Madeira Road. Some money crunchers may ask, where is the cost-benefit analysis and just how many people will actually use it and spend money along Loveland Madeira Road. Some may ask if all costs factors have been included in the early estimate and if the price tag goes north after a grant is awarded – who will get stuck.
Elliott said his email to City Hall, that included the City Manager, Mayor and Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Recreation Commission, and the Streets and Public Safety Committee was his attempt to open a dialogue between the decision makers, and those “of us” who will be financially and personally affected.
You can DOWNLOAD the full report HERE: Loveland Collector Trail Feasibility Study
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland officials have announced the continuation of their natural gas aggregation program for another two years with IGS Energy as the City’s selected supplier.
Residents and businesses currently participating in the City’s natural gas program will remain in the program unless they respond to the opt-out letter which they should receive on or about January 26.
Newly eligible account holders who receive their gas supply from Duke Energy will also receive a notice from IGS Energy explain the rate formula, terms and conditions, and various means of opting out of the City’s aggregation program. City Hall advises to read the information carefully before making your decision. These accounts will be added to the program unless they opt out as prescribed in the letter.
David Kennedy, City Manager, said, “We have decided to continue with rates that will be set each month, a strategy that has worked well in the previous program. We have structured our program to allow us to convert to fixed-rates if and when we think that is in the best interest of Loveland residents.” Kennedy also pointed out, “This program makes no guarantee of savings and it is completely voluntary.”
Mayor Kathy Bailey said, “we are pleased to offer this program to our residents as another option to manage increasing energy costs. The City was able to negotiate a great feature for our residents and small businesses. Participants will be able to leave the program, at any time for any reason free of charge.”
Mark Burns, President of Independent Energy Consultants, Inc., said, “we are pleased to have designed this program for Loveland and have negotiated a favorable formula for determining future gas rates. Residents should expect to receive a notice from IGS Energy explaining the rate formula, terms and conditions, and various means of opting out of the City’s aggregation program. Please read it carefully before making your decision.”
Doug Austin, Executive Vice President of IGS Energy, said, “Any resident or small business that is currently served by another supplier should also receive a letter inviting them to receive the same rate, but anyone may call IGS Energy at 1-877-353-0162. If residents are served by another supplier, they should be aware of the obligations in their existing contract before joining the program as many suppliers do charge a penalty for early termination.”
The City asks that you do not call the City offices because they are not equipped to handle a large volume of calls. Residents should directly contact IGS Energy toll free at 1-877-353-0162 if they have questions.
Matt Huether studies stats to predict the outcome of Loveland High School sporting contests.
RITA staff will be onsite at the Loveland City Hall on December 5 and 6 to process returns for those who elect to make an appearance.
Loveland, Ohio – Approximately 1,868 administrative subpoenas were mailed by the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) this week to City of Loveland taxpayers who neglected to file a municipal income tax return for tax years 2011-2015 or failed to notify they had moved outside the city limits.
All of the taxpayers that will receive the subpoenas were first issued a non-filing notice and were given an opportunity to respond before a subpoena was issued. There were 2,864 non-filer letters mailed in October, therefore, around 35% responded to these letters and will not receive an administrative subpoena. This response is comparable with the prior year.
Taxpayers can avoid an appearance by e-filing delinquent returns at www.ritaohio.com, mailing the documents to RITA at: Attn: Compliance Department 198, Regional Income Tax Agency, PO BOX 470538, Broadview Heights, OH 44147-0538 or faxing to RITA at 440-922-3510.
RITA staff will be onsite at the Loveland City Hall on December 5 and 6 to process returns for those who elect to make an appearance.
![[POLL] Should Andy Bateman be appointed to City Council?](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/andy-batenam-appointment.jpg)
Have the voters spoken?
The council seat of former mayor Mark Fitzgerald will remain vacant after newly elected members take office on Monday, December 4. They will appoint a new mayor who can then nominate someone for the remaining two-years of Fitzgerald’s term.
Eight people ran for election to the council on November 7 for four open seats and Andy Bateman received the 5th most number of votes. Have the voters spoken? Should Bateman get a seat on City Council?
VIEW ELECTION RESULTS
