Tom Grossmann – Commissioner Shannon Jones – Commissioner David G. Young – Commissioner Tiffany Zindel – Administrator Martin Russell – Deputy Administrator Tina Osborne – Clerk of Commissioners
Loveland, Ohio – City Council held a public hearing on August 13, to hear public comments on the proposed purchase of 1.15406 acres of land in Historic Downtown and to construct a parking facility. An entrance to the garage from Rt. 48 is an integral part of the plan presented by City Manager, Dave Kennedy.
The property includes eleven parcels contiguous to First Street to the west and Second Street/State Route 48 to the east. The parcel total 1.15406 acres.
Peter and Matthew Ross agreed to a selling price of $550,000 which matched the appraisal obtained by the City. The total “appropriation” cost according to Kennedy, will be $571,150. Council has already authorized Kennedy to purchase the land.
Council gave the City Manager authority to complete the purchase in May once he completed studies to see if there were such things as environmental or soil problems that would prevent the city from building a garage on the site. These videos are of Kennedy’s report to Council and the public comments they received during the public hearing. After the public hearing, Council debated whether or not to give the City Manager further direction and support for moving ahead with the purchase.
To built the garage would cost between 6 and 6.8 million dollars in addition to buying the land.
You can make a charitable tax-deductible donation to the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association, Inc. and mail it to the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association C/O Rob Geiger, PO BOX 25, Loveland, Ohio 45140.
Rob Geiger is the President of the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association
by Rob Geiger
Over the last 224 years since the first settler that entered the Greater Loveland Area, so many historical landmarks that were created have disappeared because of fire, floods, and development. Our oldest historical landmark of 206 years is well on its way to being preserved for another generation because of the generosity of so many people and having community support.
The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association, Inc has received almost $12,487.00 with another $722.00 pledged to be given – bringing the total to $13,200.00. We are having faith that we will reach our goal of $14,200.00 very soon. We have a tentative date in which the work will start by removing trees, the old rusted chain-link fence, the installation of a new black aluminum industrial grade 4’ fence with an antique wrought iron gate in September.
The old rusted chain-link fence will be replaced with the installation of a new black aluminum industrial grade 4’ fence with an antique wrought iron gate in September.
The first internment was Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton in 1813 who contributed so much on the National, State and Local levels including being in the American Revolution along with his son-in-law Captain John Ramsey, who is buried in the cemetery with other family members. There is plenty of history on Paxton through the internet, the Loveland Museum Center (having the original land grant document for Paxton signed by President John Adams), and family members.
With partnerships formed it seems that the donations started to come and after our third attempt in 23 years to make capital improvements to the cemetery we will succeed this time!
This has been a frustrating project. Trying to get community support was hard until Loveland Magazine became our Media Sponsor and Kevin Egan, one of the owners of Paxton’s Grill and Ramsey’s Trailside restaurants came on board, including the Loveland Legacy Foundation (Steve Max). With partnerships formed it seems that the donations started to come and after our third attempt in 23 years to make capital improvements to the cemetery we will succeed this time!
I was at the Loveland Museum Center and held the original land grant certificate issued by President John Adams issued on April 13th, 1798 for 1,100 acres to Thomas Paxton.
The cemetery is owned by family members of the Paxton Ramsey family which serves as trustees. We do not receive any source of income like other municipality cemeteries that you see along roadsides in our community. We are very conscientious with financial expenditures so that we can preserve this historical site for years to come and look at other funding revenue to accomplish our mission “To preserve and restore the dignity and honor of the graves for the education of tomorrow’s citizens”.
The trustees are very grateful to Loveland’s City Manager, Dave Kennedy for showing his support early on with clearing vegetation on city property by the fence line, installing the Bicentennial Cemetery Sign at the cemetery, and waiving the fence permit.
Loveland’s oldest historical landmark is located in White Pillars subdivision on Ramsey Court.
We could not complete this project without the in-kind donations from our two contractors, Steve Rainy Tree Service, and Eads Fence Company! This project would normally have cost $32,200.00 but with their generosity, they have reduced the cost to $14,200.
Dale Eads also is donating the antique wrought iron gate that will be the focal point of the project. We were so excited when Paxton’s Grill (Ralph Dunnigan and Sandy Russell) Ramsey’s Trailside (John Zielke) had a benefit night, and so appreciative to Loveland Sweet Shoppe (Gloria Wilson), Bond Home Furnishings (Kevin Malof) and Bush Re Shea Insurance Agency (Bill Re).
There were so many individuals in the area along with the family members of the Paxton Ramsey Family that have donated almost half of the project cost and we appreciate their giving.
We are so pleased to have formed a partnership with the Loveland American Legion Post 256 with their enthusiasm and donations, not only for the present but for our future plans. We are looking forward to when Mike Henderson from the Legion will be cleaning the gravestones in the very near future.
There were so many individuals in the area along with the family members of the Paxton Ramsey Family that have donated almost half of the project cost and we appreciate their giving.
We have one more fundraising event that will take place August 21, at 7 PM at the American Legion Hall at 4618 River Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45204 on the Westside of Cincinnati. This will be a quarter auction type of event along with basket raffles. Please come out to this event or you can make a charitable tax-deductible donation to the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association, Inc. and mail it to the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association C/O Rob Geiger, PO BOX 25, Loveland, Ohio 45140.
In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, Cassie Mattia talked with Steve Max and Rob Geiger last May about the history of the cemetery, who is buried there, and the announcement of the matching grant.
Loveland, Ohio (April 4, 2019) – City of Loveland officials are pleased to announce that they have established a low fixed rate for members in the City’s electric aggregation program. The City selected Dynegy as the program’s supplier following a competitive proposal process for a two-year program starting with the May 2019 meter read.Dynegy recently won a competitive proposal process and is replacing Constellation as the program’s supplier. Program members will pay a low fixed rate of 5.015 cents/kWh for their May 2019 through May 2021 meter reads. Residents should look for a mailer from Dynegy on or about April 8th, announcing the new rates, terms and conditions.
“We’re excited about the two-year offer of 5.015 cents/kWh which is lower than the expiring rate that served us well. The savings will be a benefit to our residents,” said Dave Kennedy, City Manager of Loveland. Kennedy concluded by saying, “Current program members and those customers who are receiving their electric supply from the local utility, Duke Energy, will receive an opt-out letter. The letter will explain the low offer we negotiated and the means to opt-out should a customer not want to participate in the program. Residents will have 21 days to return an opt-out card to Dynegy, if they decide not to participate.”
Mayor Kathy Bailey said, “We are delighted by the low fixed rate for Loveland residents and businesses. This low rate will allow residents to predict their costs for the next two years.Our rate of 5.015 cents/kWh is very attractive, and we expect participation rates in our program to be high.Customers who are currently served by other suppliers may also join the City’s program by contacting Dynegy at 888-682-2170.”
Customers served by another supplier should review the obligations in their existing contract before joining the City of Loveland program, as many suppliers charge a fee for early termination. Customers wishing to join the program must be in good standing with their bill payment and cannot be part of the utility’s percentage of income payment program (PIPP).
The City is pleased to have made this program possible but asks that you do not call the city offices.They are not equipped to handle a large volume of calls.If residents have any questions, they should contact Dynegy at 888-682-2170after the opt-out notice arrives.
Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland has budgeted $205,000 for construction improvements to the traffic signal at West Loveland Avenue, Loveland-Madeira Road, and Elm Street. The intersection will receive replacements of the controller, wiring, and other features, as well as an upgrade to radar vehicular detection capability and decorative poles. The City hired TEC Engineering began the traffic study and timing plan in 2017 in anticipation of this project.
The project has been awarded to Elex, Inc., with construction planned to begin in late July and be complete by December 2018.
Duke is also planning a gas service upgrade within the intersection.
City Manager Dave Kennedy said, “The City’s project should be complete in 45 days. The traffic interruption portion of the project should be complete this week, weather dependent.”
Two Podcasts by Loveland Author and Counselor, Fran Hendrick, PCC
Back-to-School topic is empowering girls to develop new friendships. I’ll be showing you things you can do to help your daughter gain confidence as she starts school.
Starting school can be hard on kids — and moms, too. This post is for you if your child is struggling with separation anxiety. Make sure to download the free planning tool!
If the pilot project proves successful 110 total meters might be installed
by David Miller,
Loveland, Ohio – City Manager Dave Kennedy is awaiting approval from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) before installing 39 test parking meters in Historic Downtown. The property where 26 of the meters are to be located is street parking along Railroad Avenue and the poles would be in the “right of way” controlled by ODNR along the Loveland Bike Trail.
IPS Single Space Meter
The test meters would be on West Loveland Avenue, and Railroad Avenue from West Loveland to Harrison Avenue. Kennedy said he is waiting on a person from ODNR to return from vacation so they can continue their discussion of the right of way issue.
Kennedy is working exclusively with The IPS Group in a test of their meters before possibly installing more of the metered parking. When asked if he has an idea what the parking rate will be he said, “Not yet. I need to clear up right of way with ODNR for the pilot program.”
Kennedy said, “I should add that we hope that the pilot program helps us establish a reasonable parking rate. It is important that the rates of the parking meter find a balance between not having a negative impact on parking within the downtown district while also allowing the meters to effectively manage parking.”
Private interests have begun restricting public parking in private lots in Historic Downtown.
In a June 26 memo to the Mayor and Council he said, “Having reviewed the products of multiple meter companies, the city has decided to work exclusively with the IPS Group due to their advanced technology, ease of enforcement, foolproof collections, and varying designs.” Kennedy also said, in the memo, “The IPS Group are leaders in the parking meter and kiosk field. The IPS meters are equipped with advanced technology, including mobile applications for the users, advanced enforcement, computerized reporting, and fail-safe collections.” There has been no discussion of penalties for violations.
Loveland City Manager Dave Kennedy is exploring using parking meters in the Historic Downtown. (File Photo)
“The initial installation is only a pilot program at no cost to the city to determine operational, collections, and enforcement needs,” said Kennedy.
It is a goal of Council to increase parking turnover in the Historic District and discourage long-term parking in prime retail spots by users of the Loveland Bike Trail. The City would rather bike trail users park in the Linda J. Cox Trailside Parking Area on East Broadway.
Kennedy said that IPS meters are the industry leaders due to multiple features, most notably applications which allow the users many ways to pay, including through their mobile devices.
To discourage long-term parking in the Historic District parking is already being regulated by parking limits such as these next to Nisbet Park along the Loveland Bike Trail.
The meters will be solar powered and managed by the City through a wireless networked data management system. The City Manager said the meters will be easy to maintain and displays a clear violation indication for enforcement. He said the system includes a “failsafe” collection system.
The design of the meters would include one pole for each two meters, which Kennedy said would reduce obstructions along city curbs and would be black in color to match other city sidewalk components.
If the pilot program is successful, Kennedy has presented a plan where there might be anywhere from 27-110 permanent meters and an estimated cost between $32,599 and $124,125.
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
Come take a walk with me while I tell you a story
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.
This is a view of the North side of West Loveland Avenue where construction of a 12′ wide swath of asphalt would require the removal of the front porch of this business. The entry to the basement of this business is through the porch floor.
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.
A view of an automobile dealership that has softened their business frontage. Something will have to give way for the proposed 12′ asphalt bike road.
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.
Resident and business owner Paul Elliott bought this business building on West Loveland Avenue in 1997. He has asked City Hall how the proposed connector path will affect the front yard of his property.This is a view of business and residential properties on the South side of West Loveland Avenue. Although the proposal isn’t clear, presumably this 4′ concrete sidewalk will be replaced by a 12′ wide swath of asphalt, equivalent to a one-lane road. These street trees will with be cut down or have their roots severely damaged by the excavation. It is not clear whether the grassy strip will remain.
Another view of the beauty salon on the North side of West Loveland Avenue where construction of a 12′ wide swath of asphalt would require the removal of the front porch of this business. The entry to the basement of this business is through the porch floor.If the 12′ wide bike road wraps around this building this sign and landscaping will have to go. The sign may need to be replaced with two signs to satisfy the business owner, yet there is no apparent budget item for moving or replacing business signs in the proposal.Depending whether the 12′ bike road goes down this side of Main Street, these street trees may be removed. These utility poles if moved to the left would might result in fatal topping of the trees. If the poles remain in place it puts the asphalt even closer to the house. If the road goes on top of the tree roots the trees will shortly die. The owners will pay higher air-conditioning cost without their shade trees. If the trees die because of the location of the bike road, the home owner will then be required to pay to have the tree removed. Will the homeowner’s brick wall survive the project?This is another problem area on Main Street where homeowners will lose a good portion of their already small front yard.The 12′ bike road could cut across the front yard of this Main Street home taking out a tree and landscaping.Another front porch, this one on Main Street may stand in the way of the 12′ wide asphalt bike road or end up only inches away.If the 12′ wide asphalt bike road goes down this side of Main Street it will leave the Artists Studios on Main without street trees and much needed parking.The landscaping, street trees, utility polls, and sign at this business on Loveland Madeira Road appear to be in the path of the 12′ wide bike road.This landscaping area that softens the appearance of this automobile dealership on Loveland Madeira Road will be replaced with a 12″ asphalt bike road.This is more of the landscaping along Loveland Madeira Road that will be removed (or most of the parking lot) to make room for a 12′ asphalt bike road.
This is the only green space at the Chase Bank on Loveland Madeira Road. There will be a 12′ asphalt bike road running down the middle of it.If a proposed 12′ wide asphalt bike road goes past Shoppers Haven shopping center these street trees may be removed, utility lines moved, parking spaces removed, or all three. Private property may have to be acquired through “willing seller – willing buyer” agreements or “taking” by eminent domain and associated legal costs. In the end, these parking spaces used by local businesses and the schools may be eliminated for the prospect of freeing up parking spaces a mile away in Historic Downtown.There does not appear to be a budget item for moving this business sign out of the path of the proposed 12′ wide asphalt bike road, nor is there any discussion of whether the owner and the businesses would want their sign moved further away from the visibility of automobiles on Loveland Madeira Road.If a proposed 12′ wide asphalt bike road goes past Shoppers Haven shopping center these street trees may be removed, utility lines moved, parking spaces removed, or all three. Private property may have to be acquired through “willing seller – willing buyer” agreements or “taking” by eminent domain and associated legal costs. In the end, these parking spaces used by local businesses and the schools may be eliminated for the prospect of freeing up parking spaces one mile away in Historic Downtown.Will the landscaping and street buffer, the business sign and the parking at the 910 Building be sacrificed to free up an un-estimated number of parking spaces for the businesses one mile away in Historic Downtown?Another Loveland Madeira Road business sign in the way of a proposed 12′ asphalt bike road. Is this sign still going to have the same visibility if it is relocated? Is there enough room to just push it closer to the building or will it need to be re-engineered, and reconstructed smaller?This is the hillside in front of New Hope Baptist Church where City Hall wants to build a 12′ wide asphalt bike road. Its there money in the estimate of cost to build a retaining wall or will the hill just get steeper?This is Loveland Madeira Road looking North from New Hope Baptist Church toward Kroger. The guard rail protects motorists from a steep immediate drop into a very deep ravine. The 350′ long stretch quickly drops 50′ below the grade of the road. It is not clear if the budget estimate has taken into consideration the expense of building a 12′ wide bike road at the edge of this ravine.
The Cities of Blue Ash, Loveland, Sharonville, Mason and Symmes Township joined forces to purchase replacement ambulances for each community. Through their combined organization known as the Northeast Fire Collaborative (NEFC) these communities look for ways to: “Improve service, enhance training and save tax dollars on group purchasing.”
“Recently we received a regional grant for new self-contained breathing apparatus. This grant was worth nearly eight hundred thousand dollars.” – Chief Kirk Mousa
Together these five communities developed a single ambulance specification that provides for commonality of patient compartment configuration. “This type cooperation allows for maximum savings through multi-unit discounts” said acting Fire Chief Bryan Brumagen, City of Mason Fire Department.
“The NEFC has been cooperating now for 10 years” said Fire Chief Rick Brown with the City of Blue Ash Fire Department. “Just last year the group came together for the construction of a Fire Training Tower that is shared by the NEFC as well as other regional partners.”
The ambulances that were purchased went in service just this past month. “These units replace aging equipment and were part of each community’s capital fleet replacement schedule” said Fire Chief Otto Huber with the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department.
“Our collaborative looks for ways to apply for grants to improve service” said Fire Chief Kirk Mousa of the City of Sharonville Fire Department. “Recently we received a regional grant for new self-contained breathing apparatus. This grant was worth nearly eight hundred thousand dollars.”
“The fire collaborative that was started in 2008, following the great recession, has proved to be a worthy endeavor for our communities. It improves service for all our communities and provides for improved training and equipment for our firefighters” said Dave Kennedy, City Manager for the City of Loveland.
EDITORS NOTE:Because the proposal goes into no detail or discussion of possible negative impact to private property, homeowners (the residential Main Street neighborhood), schools, the natural environment, street trees, or aesthetics, this is an important read for those affected property owners along the proposed route.
City recommendation is for parking on west side of town and walking or bicycling into Historic District on new pathway and crossing river using existing bridge – Cost to be $1,623,000.
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – The City commissioned a study of how to alleviate parking congestion yet bring more customers into Historic Downtown by developing a new crossing over the Little Miami River. The report was released last Wednesday. The recommendation is to create “parking pods” in existing commercial and school parking lots or create new parking lots on existing City owned land in the Loveland Madeira Road business corridor and in the West Loveland Historic District. A new ten-foot shared pathways for pedestrians and bicycles along Loveland Madeira, West Loveland Avenue, and possibly Main Street would bring the customers into the Historic District via the existing roadway of the Col. Thomas Paxton Bridge.
Talk of a new bridge over the State and National Little Miami Scenic River or expanding the existing bridge over the river have been abandoned in favor of using a shared lane for pedestrians and bicycles on the existing roadway over the bridge.
The report says:
While a stand-alone bridge, a modification to the existing bridge to create a cantilever type path were both examined, the most feasible and cost-effective crossing entails the modification of the existing lanes of traffic of the bridge to accommodate an expansion of the existing sidewalk.
The cost estimate for the project is $1,623,215.
Project Goals
• Develop a safe, feasible crossing over the Little Miami River • Reduce downtown traffic congestion by encouraging riders to park and ride into downtown
The preferred option according to a recommendation to City Council by City Manager Dave Kennedy is to modify the Col. Thomas Paxton Bridge to accommodate a 10 ft. wide separated path with three vehicle lanes across the bridge. The “collector pathway” is expected to encourage Loveland Bike Trail users to “park and walk or ride” into the Historic Downtown District.
Description
The Loveland Collector Trail will be a new, shared use, grade-separated facility connecting the Loveland Madeira Business Corridor to the Historic Downtown District. The intent of this facility is to provide visible, shared parking opportunities at strategic locations westof the river, along Loveland Madeira Rd, where Little Miami Scenic Trail users – or general visitors to Downtown Loveland – can park their vehicle and follow an easily-navigable shared-use trail along Loveland Madeira Rd, across the Little Miami Scenic River and into the Historic Downtown District to the Little Miami Scenic Trail trailhead.
Preferred Alignment
The eastern terminus of the proposed Loveland Connector Trail will begin at the proposed Deer Ridge II development (1401 Loveland Madeira Rd). The shared-use path will continue along Loveland Madeira Rd to W Loveland Rd, where users will turn right onto W Loveland Ave and cross the Little Miami Scenic River on the existing W Loveland Ave bridge into downtown Loveland.
Alternative Alignments
Similar to the preferred alignment, the shared-use path will continue along Loveland Madeira Rd to the south of Main Street where the City owns a vacant development parcel (referred to as the Chestnut St. Development) between Loveland Maderia Rd and the river. Users can turn right onto one of the three access points into the Chestnut St. development. From there they can either head north through the future development or the existing residential streets to access a river crossing.
“Next step is to seek funding for construction.” – City Manager Dave Kennedy
Kennedy is confident he will find 80% of the $1,623,000 cost from the Federal Government. The city was able to secure grant funding ($19,900) from the Hamilton County Planning and Development Department to conduct the feasibility study. At the council meeting, he said, “Next step is to seek funding for construction. We are still digesting it… looking for the funding.” He said councilman Ted Phelps is reaching out to the Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) for funding.
Also during the Council discussion, Phelps who is spearheading the project, inherited from former councilman Brent Zuck, said about the Loveland Connector Trail, “This serves two larger, important goals and it’s a big step towards getting those goals realized. Number one is to reduce traffic in downtown Loveland. Second thing it does… I think it’s an economic shot in the arm for the Loveland Madeira corridor which I think will have positive repercussions.”
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.”
“In delivering it (the study) to Bob Koehler at last week at the regular OKI meeting, he was very positive in terms of its reception,” said Phelps. Koehler is Deputy Executive Director/Transportation Manager at OKI.
Phelps said, “We will be moving forward on this and I think it will be another great feather in the cap of Loveland when it’s realized.”
“We still need people to weigh in on it,” Phelps said. “We will be moving forward on this and I think it will be another great feather in the cap of Loveland when it’s realized.” He suggested the plan be put on the City’s website.
The study does not contain any data on 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.
There has been no recommendation to forward the plan to the Planing and Zoning Commission, Tree and Environment Committee, Beautification Committee or Safety Service & Street Improvement Committee for review. No public hearings are scheduled.
Loveland, Ohio – The City has launched a redesigned website in what City Manager Dave Kennedy described as, “An effort to create a more user-friendly site for its residents, businesses and visitors.” In a press release the City said the new website streamlines access to the city’s most utilized web pages including job notification, public meetings, applications, on-line park reservation and so much more.
The website www.lovelandoh.gov was redesigned in collaboration with CivicPlus and features enhanced functionality, improved interaction with our residents and features which will allow for immediate notifications to our residents and businesses of important city news, events and emergency items. Through the Request Tracker feature, the public can easily notify the city of road repairs, property maintenance issues along with a wide range of other city needs directly to our staff. This feature is enhanced by the website’s mobile version. Other features include the Notify Me link, which allows citizens to stay informed on local news and updates by creating an account and signing-up to receive notifications when a new alert has been posted, a new employment position has been added, additions to the city calendar and much more.
“The city’s new website represents our commitment to serving our residents and businesses by supplying easy access to important city information, tax and utility payments and a platform for reporting city
maintenance needs directly to our staff”, said Loveland Mayor Kathy Bailey. “I am excited about the community voice feature on our new site which allows citizens a platform to offer feedback on community topics and suggest new initiatives.”
The city will continue to update the website over the next several months as we receive input from the public.
Input on how the new website fits your needs as a citizen can be sent to Kennedy or Bailey via email.
![[VIDEO] Parking garage coming to Historic Downtown](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/feature-loveland-parking-garage.jpg)
by David Miller, Publisher
