Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: historic downtown loveland

  • 5 years ago an early morning fire destroyed 2/3 block in Historic Downtown Loveland

    5 years ago an early morning fire destroyed 2/3 block in Historic Downtown Loveland

    Loveland, Ohio – It was Memorial Day Weekend, Sunday, May 28, 2017, when an 11-alarm fire in Downtown Loveland did extensive damage to two historic buildings and minor damage to a third. There were no injuries to occupants, and only one firefighter suffered a minor injury. One firefighter was treated for exhaustion.

    Here are “then and now” photos.

    NOW photos

    EDITOR’S NOTE:

    After reading this story today, firefighter Steve Pegram sent us the following message:

    “11 departments yes there is no such thing as an 11 alarm fire. A 1 alarm in Loveland brings 4 departments and 7 stations. For example, the initial dispatch to Tano’s was LSFD (60, 61, 62, 63), Goshen (19), Miami Township (27), and Deerfield (57). So 11 departments would be 2-3 alarms of course the only people that would know that are fire people like me.”

    Thank you Steve for helping us be more accurate!

    Below you can view all of the photos of the fire’s aftermath in this re-print of the first story we published that day.

    Early morning fire destroys 2/3 block in Historic Downtown Loveland

    Loveland, Ohio – An 11-alarm fire in Downtown Loveland early Sunday morning did extensive damage to two historic buildings, and minor damage to a third. There were no injuries to occupants, and only one firefighter suffered a minor injury. One firefighter was treated for exhaustion.

    West Loveland Avenue, Karl Brown Way, and Railroad Avenue remain closed to traffic. There are nearby businesses that remain closed until electrical service is restored.

    The former Julian’s Deli, now owned by Paxton Grill, which recently had sprinklers installed on both floors, has slight structural and water damage.

    The fire apparently started in the rear of Tanos Bistro at 1:20 AM. Four businesses lost almost everything. Firefighters remain on the scene, and inspectors are assessing damage and looking for cause.

    The buildings are close to the street so roadways may be closed for quite some time as inspectors evaluate possible danger to motorists traveling West Loveland Avenue and Karl Brown Way.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: A reader has brought to our attention that residents of five apartments lost “everything” in the fire, including damage to automobiles. There is a goFundme page already set up to help a photographer, Brad Uhrig and his son who lost their personal belongings, including Brad’s photo gear.

    Photos by David Miller/Loveland Magazine © 2017

    Click on a photo to enlarge and view as a slide show.

    Up-date on major fire in Historic Downtown Loveland

    By Loveland Magazine – May 29, 2017

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland/Symmes Fire Chief Otto Huber told Loveland Magazine Sunday evening that the structural engineer the City brought in to inspect the buildings damaged by an overnight fire in Loveland’s Historic District said that after a preliminary look, the buildings could be restored. He also told Huber that he had seen building with more damage, brought back to life.

    Huber also said that they suspect the fire began because of an electrical problem, and there is one spot that will receive more attention in the coming days as they try to determine how the fire started.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-5466420906099875&output=html&h=280&adk=3608273107&adf=861100906&pi=t.aa~a.829776362~i.5~rp.4&w=640&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1653835819&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=6519503178&psa=1&ad_type=text_image&format=640×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lovelandmagazine.com%2Fup-date-on-major-fire-in-historic-downtown-loveland%2F&host=ca-host-pub-2644536267352236&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=160&rw=640&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&adsid=ChAI8LPMlAYQjbq74J6XuOpSEjkAVlULhMUZ-KBfG4ut-551NNObiVGl4gzYun23M2AwN1mprUxRkA8pldhSON69Z9vBHbybFRatluY&uach=WyJtYWNPUyIsIjEwLjEzLjYiLCJ4ODYiLCIiLCIxMDEuMC4xMjEwLjUzIixbXSxudWxsLG51bGwsIjY0IixbWyIgTm90IEE7QnJhbmQiLCI5OS4wLjAuMCJdLFsiQ2hyb21pdW0iLCIxMDEuMC4xMjEwLjUzIl0sWyJNaWNyb3NvZnQgRWRnZSIsIjEwMS4wLjEyMTAuNTMiXV0sZmFsc2Vd&dt=1653835819579&bpp=4&bdt=733&idt=-M&shv=r20220525&mjsv=m202205240101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D55acfa9313540311-22b78d0427d2007c%3AT%3D1649684162%3ART%3D1649684162%3AS%3DALNI_MbdGaiL61apm8KZ6Qgpxz9HlDC9qw&gpic=UID%3D000004535653105b%3AT%3D1649278188%3ART%3D1653833522%3AS%3DALNI_MbJ0mrFVpN2Wbw5Y_9INzMkwkCYhQ&prev_fmts=0x0%2C1034x280&nras=3&correlator=5928493865838&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=371103363.1615984224&ga_sid=1653835819&ga_hid=296308691&ga_fc=1&u_tz=-240&u_his=4&u_h=800&u_w=1280&u_ah=777&u_aw=1280&u_cd=24&u_sd=2&dmc=8&adx=27&ady=1437&biw=1034&bih=698&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=44759875%2C44759926%2C44759837%2C44763505%2C31062931&oid=2&pvsid=2612451399889931&pem=491&tmod=431814633&uas=0&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lovelandmagazine.com%2F%3Fs%3Dhistoric%2Bfire&eae=0&fc=1408&brdim=93%2C23%2C93%2C23%2C1280%2C23%2C1049%2C777%2C1049%2C698&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&jar=2022-05-21-17&ifi=3&uci=a!3&btvi=1&fsb=1&xpc=p8So1WQZgB&p=https%3A//www.lovelandmagazine.com&dtd=69

    An 11-alarm fire in Downtown Loveland early Sunday morning did extensive damage to two historic buildings, and minor damage to three others. There were no injuries to residential occupants, and only one firefighter suffered a minor injury. One firefighter was treated for exhaustion.

    Residents of five apartments on the upper floors have lost everything, including damage to automobiles

    The building that housed Tano’s Bistro and the Bishop Building sustained substantial fire damage. Three businesses had extensive damage: Tano’s Bistro, Cincy Fashion Wheels, and Gina Dubell-Smith, a Comey & Shepherd Realtor.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-5466420906099875&output=html&h=280&adk=3608273107&adf=1403234929&pi=t.aa~a.829776362~i.11~rp.4&w=640&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1653835819&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=6519503178&psa=1&ad_type=text_image&format=640×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lovelandmagazine.com%2Fup-date-on-major-fire-in-historic-downtown-loveland%2F&host=ca-host-pub-2644536267352236&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=160&rw=640&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&adsid=ChAI8LPMlAYQjbq74J6XuOpSEjkAVlULhMUZ-KBfG4ut-551NNObiVGl4gzYun23M2AwN1mprUxRkA8pldhSON69Z9vBHbybFRatluY&uach=WyJtYWNPUyIsIjEwLjEzLjYiLCJ4ODYiLCIiLCIxMDEuMC4xMjEwLjUzIixbXSxudWxsLG51bGwsIjY0IixbWyIgTm90IEE7QnJhbmQiLCI5OS4wLjAuMCJdLFsiQ2hyb21pdW0iLCIxMDEuMC4xMjEwLjUzIl0sWyJNaWNyb3NvZnQgRWRnZSIsIjEwMS4wLjEyMTAuNTMiXV0sZmFsc2Vd&dt=1653835819579&bpp=3&bdt=732&idt=-M&shv=r20220525&mjsv=m202205240101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D55acfa9313540311-22b78d0427d2007c%3AT%3D1649684162%3ART%3D1649684162%3AS%3DALNI_MbdGaiL61apm8KZ6Qgpxz9HlDC9qw&gpic=UID%3D000004535653105b%3AT%3D1649278188%3ART%3D1653833522%3AS%3DALNI_MbJ0mrFVpN2Wbw5Y_9INzMkwkCYhQ&prev_fmts=0x0%2C1034x280%2C640x280&nras=4&correlator=5928493865838&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=371103363.1615984224&ga_sid=1653835819&ga_hid=296308691&ga_fc=1&u_tz=-240&u_his=4&u_h=800&u_w=1280&u_ah=777&u_aw=1280&u_cd=24&u_sd=2&dmc=8&adx=27&ady=2029&biw=1034&bih=698&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=44759875%2C44759926%2C44759837%2C44763505%2C31062931&oid=2&pvsid=2612451399889931&pem=491&tmod=431814633&uas=0&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lovelandmagazine.com%2F%3Fs%3Dhistoric%2Bfire&eae=0&fc=1408&brdim=93%2C23%2C93%2C23%2C1280%2C23%2C1049%2C777%2C1049%2C698&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&jar=2022-05-21-17&ifi=4&uci=a!4&btvi=2&fsb=1&xpc=ARY9cT2lAF&p=https%3A//www.lovelandmagazine.com&dtd=174

    The former Julian’s Deli, now owned by Paxton’s Grill only suffered minor fire damage. The fire sprinklers in the building did not activate. Huber said the heat inside the building wasn’t great enough to activate the sprinklers, but the interior of the building has damage from the water used to keep the fire from spreading. Cleanup was already underway on what will be called, Bike Trail Junction. Co-owner, Kevin Egan said their opening was scheduled in the coming weeks, but the opening will have to be rescheduled. 

    Narrow Path Brewing Company on Karl Brown Way had roof damage that was being repaired Sunday evening. The business remained closed throughout the day. Another building, further north on Karl Brown Way had newly installed plastic siding, buckle from the heat.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-5466420906099875&output=html&h=280&adk=3608273107&adf=2317031084&pi=t.aa~a.829776362~i.15~rp.4&w=640&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1653835819&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=6519503178&psa=1&ad_type=text_image&format=640×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lovelandmagazine.com%2Fup-date-on-major-fire-in-historic-downtown-loveland%2F&host=ca-host-pub-2644536267352236&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=160&rw=640&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&adsid=ChAI8LPMlAYQjbq74J6XuOpSEjkAVlULhMUZ-KBfG4ut-551NNObiVGl4gzYun23M2AwN1mprUxRkA8pldhSON69Z9vBHbybFRatluY&uach=WyJtYWNPUyIsIjEwLjEzLjYiLCJ4ODYiLCIiLCIxMDEuMC4xMjEwLjUzIixbXSxudWxsLG51bGwsIjY0IixbWyIgTm90IEE7QnJhbmQiLCI5OS4wLjAuMCJdLFsiQ2hyb21pdW0iLCIxMDEuMC4xMjEwLjUzIl0sWyJNaWNyb3NvZnQgRWRnZSIsIjEwMS4wLjEyMTAuNTMiXV0sZmFsc2Vd&dt=1653835819579&bpp=3&bdt=732&idt=-M&shv=r20220525&mjsv=m202205240101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D55acfa9313540311-22b78d0427d2007c%3AT%3D1649684162%3ART%3D1649684162%3AS%3DALNI_MbdGaiL61apm8KZ6Qgpxz9HlDC9qw&gpic=UID%3D000004535653105b%3AT%3D1649278188%3ART%3D1653833522%3AS%3DALNI_MbJ0mrFVpN2Wbw5Y_9INzMkwkCYhQ&prev_fmts=0x0%2C1034x280%2C640x280%2C640x280&nras=5&correlator=5928493865838&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=371103363.1615984224&ga_sid=1653835819&ga_hid=296308691&ga_fc=1&u_tz=-240&u_his=4&u_h=800&u_w=1280&u_ah=777&u_aw=1280&u_cd=24&u_sd=2&dmc=8&adx=27&ady=2647&biw=1034&bih=698&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=44759875%2C44759926%2C44759837%2C44763505%2C31062931&oid=2&pvsid=2612451399889931&pem=491&tmod=431814633&uas=0&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lovelandmagazine.com%2F%3Fs%3Dhistoric%2Bfire&eae=0&fc=1408&brdim=93%2C23%2C93%2C23%2C1280%2C23%2C1049%2C777%2C1049%2C698&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&jar=2022-05-21-17&ifi=5&uci=a!5&btvi=3&fsb=1&xpc=xqJK2oAOI5&p=https%3A//www.lovelandmagazine.com&dtd=182

    Huber also said that if possible, scaffolding will be erected on the west side of the Bishop Building on Monday. He said it will depend on whether they can get someone to do the work on the Memorial Day Holiday. The scaffolding will be erected to shore up the brick exterior, making it safe to be inside the building where crews could better assess the structural damage, and make it possible for rebuilding to begin.

    At 8:30 PM Sunday, a fire crew was still at the scene.

    In a press release issued this afternoon by Loveland City Manager, Dave Kennedy, he said, “It is the City’s desire to save these historic structures and will work with the building owners to make this happen. This is a tragic event but the City of Loveland is a very strong community and will work together to repair this part of our downtown. The City of Loveland is thankful that the fire caused no injuries or loss of life and salute the efforts of the City’s first responders.”

  • [VIDEO] Sir Harry Striber was in Historic Downtown Loveland on his way to work

    [VIDEO] Sir Harry Striber was in Historic Downtown Loveland on his way to work

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Sir Harry Striber stopped in Historic Downtown Loveland last Saturday morning while walking the 2.5 miles to the Loveland Castle Museum where he gives guided tours.

    “The Historic Loveland Castle & Museum Chateau Laroche was built as an expression and reminder of the simple strength and rugged grandeur of the mighty men who lived when Knighthood was in flower. It was their knightly zeal for honor, valor, and manly purity that lifted mankind out of the moral midnight of the dark ages and started it towards the gray dawn of human hope. Present human decadence proves a need for similar action. Already the ancient organization of Knights has been re-activated to save society. Any man of high ideas who wish to help save civilization is invited to become a member of the Knights of the Golden Trail, whose only vows are the Ten Commandments. Chateau Laroche is the World headquarters and Residence of the K.O.G.T.”

  • Skimmers found on gas pumps at Mobil station in Historic Downtown

    Skimmers found on gas pumps at Mobil station in Historic Downtown

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – According to the Loveland Police Department, skimmers were found on gasoline pumps at the Mobil gas station at 106 West Loveland Avenue. A short time after the initial investigation by the local police, the United States Secret Service responded to the scene.

    The Department said on FaceBook, “If you feel you have been impacted by the skimmers placed at the Mobil gas station, please contact Officer Michael Wright at the Loveland Police Department.” His telephone number is 513-677-7000.

  • Questions arise about possible Native American remains and “Mound” at site of proposed Parking Garage in the Historic District

    Questions arise about possible Native American remains and “Mound” at site of proposed Parking Garage in the Historic District

    *Please read this CORRECTION to this story.

    The hillside in Loveland’s downtown where a highly contested proposed parking garage may be built

    “It is not known whether the ‘mound’ remains or is an Indian mound, but it is possible.” – Hamilton County Community Development

    David Miller is the Publisher and Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – The possibility of Native Americans’ remains under the site of a proposed parking garage on a hill in “Historic Downtown” may give a new connotation beyond the history of White settlers and developers of the area.

    At Monday’s City Council meeting, both Lauren Enda and Tom Scovanner reported that they have come into possession of a 2019 report by a preservation consultant that was commissioned by Hamilton County. The report says there is some potential for “archaeological resources” on the property. The report was based on an 1848 map of Loveland. The consultant said the map identifies a “mound” at the location. The report was commissioned because Loveland was seeking federal dollars to demolish two houses on the site and the money Loveland was seeking, was ultimately federal dollars. According to Enda and Scovanner, the report concluded that there was no historical significance to the houses so the City was given a green light to proceed with removing them.

    However, after the houses were removed, the City proceeded to do excavation on the hillside to make a temporary overflow parking lot to mitigate parking congestion in “Historic” downtown apparently without the knowledge of the reported mound that may contain the remains of American Indians who once lived on the bank of O’Bannon Creek which abuts the hillside. O’Bannon Creek enters the Little Miami River a few hundred feet downstream.

    The proposed garage site is 213 North Second Street (Parcel 200602.029).

    Enda says that as soon as she received the report she immediately put in a call to City Manager Dave Kennedy who could not be reached. She then sent the report to both Kennedy and Councilmember Andy Bateman on April 8. She sent it to Bateman because he is the council’s representative on the City Historical Preservation and Planning Commission (HPPC). Bateman is a sitting member of the Commission.

    Enda’s presumption was that Bateman would forward the report to all of the HPPC members, however, the report was not brought up or discussed at their next meeting. She had asked Bateman in an email, “Please share with the other members as I do not have their addresses.” She said on Monday that she was surprised that it was not discussed at the HPPC meeting.

    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. *

    City Manager Kennedy told Loveland Magazine via email that he first knew of the report when Enda sent it to him on April 8 at 2 PM. He said that subsequently, the Ohio Historic Preservation Office contacted him and they are scheduling a time to discuss the matter.

    The Hamilton County Community Development Historic Preservation Review worksheet says, “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.” It concludes, “The property is not considered eligible for historic architecture for the purpose of demolition, but consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office regarding the need for an archeological survey is recommended if a federal permit or funding is involved for new construction.”

    Enda said at the council meeting that according to Loveland’s Director of Finance, Mark Medlar, Loveland taxpayers have already spent $980,000 on purchasing the site, demolition, and design engineering for the “multi-million dollar” proposed garage.

    Enda wants Council to commission an archaeological survey of the property which she says is the recommendation of the Ohio History Connection. The Ohio History Connection was formerly the Ohio Historical Society and carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state’s history. This includes housing the state historic preservation office, the official state archives, local history office and managing more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio.

    Enda was contacted by the Greater Cincinnati Native American Coalition, who in turn have reached out to other Native American organizations such as the National Congress of the American Indians in Washington, DC. During the council meeting, Scovanner read a letter from the Cincinnati organization.

    Enda has advocated for months for residents to be given the chance to vote the proposed parking garage up or down at the ballot box.

    She says that if there are Indian remains at the site they should be treated with respect and dignity.

  • Trailside Provisions; a little “pop” of Loveland paradise!

    Trailside Provisions; a little “pop” of Loveland paradise!

    Sean Behling
    Sean Behling

    by Sean Behling

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland is known for many unique and authentic experiences! People from all over Cincinnati come down to the “Sweetheart of Ohio” just to experience the local delicacies Loveland has to offer. One shop located right off the Loveland Bike Trail specializes in all things homemade and local, encompassing what Loveland is really all about. 

    Introducing Trailside Provisions; a little pop of Loveland paradise!

    Trailside Provisions is a family-owned store that specializes in homemade treats and features local vendors’ handcrafted products. Trailside opened in Loveland two and a half years ago, in a more expansive location after operating in Mason for 13 years. Owner Vickie Larcomb has an extensive background in the food industry, as she grew up in her family’s butcher shop. 

    “I’ve always been in the food business. I was a caterer and grew up in my family’s butcher shop. We were just looking for something that there wasn’t. There was not a popcorn shop, nor was there a chocolate shop in Mason, so that’s where we started and we just kept getting bigger.”

    After working in the food business for such a long time, Larcomb wanted a shop of her own. She said, “Instead of running around catering for others and planning events, doing everybody else’s stuff, I wanted my own place.”

    After looking for a market in Mason that didn’t exist, she settled upon owning a shop that sold popcorn and sweets, opening Main Street Sweets and Popcorn in 2006. Though it was tough to start her business in Mason, she kept adapting and growing further and further. After 13 successful years, Main Street Sweets and Popcorn closed in Mason, reopening as Trailside Provisions in a larger building here in Loveland.

    “You know, whenever you start, not everything works, and we had to make changes and adjustments as we went along, so it made it easier when we made the change from Mason to Loveland because we already had 13 years behind us in this business,” said Larcomb.

    Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic started flaring up after Trailside Provisions had only been in business for two months. However, Larcomb managed to keep the business running using an online order system through Facebook. Larcomb established “pickup days” outside of the storefront, which carried Trailside through until its full reopening in late May of 2020.

    Larcomb said, “The pandemic hit us a little differently because we had only been open 2 months before it hit. So we were open for 2 months and then closed down. But, Loveland being Loveland, we did Facebook business.”

    When I arrived at Trailside Provisions, Larcomb was hands-deep in chocolate preparing treats for the Easter season, which only enticed me more about what the local shop had to offer. Trailside Provisions is most well known for its delicious selection of chocolate treats, and scrumptious array of gourmet popcorn. Their most popular popcorn is the caramel corn, which Larcomb makes fresh and serves warm every day. Luckily I got the opportunity to personally try Trailside’s caramel corn, and I found it to be a delectable combination of sweet and salty.

    Trailside Provisions is also known for its locally sourced products. The shop carries Wolf’s Honey Bee Farm honey from Goshen, Thomas Ireland Smith Farm maple syrup from Morrow, La Crema Coffee Company coffee from West Chester, and The Jam and Jelly Lady jams and jellies from Lebanon just to name a few.

    “When you start with one local product, they talk to you about somebody else that they know. It’s sort of like a network”, said Larcomb.

    To my surprise, Trailside Provisions not only sells local businesses’ products, but they also sell small businesses’ products from all over the country.

    “What other things we buy we try and buy from small businesses, women-owned businesses, and family-owned businesses from across the country. So we’ve got stuff from the East Coast, West Coast, North and South,” said Larcomb.

    On top of supporting small businesses from all over the country, Trailside Provisions also plays a part in many community events. Whenever there is a City or Chamber of Commerce event or fundraiser, you can be sure that Trailside Provisions will participate. On top of that, they also help with other events as well, such as giving out samples and holding giveaways at events to lend a helping hand to the people running them.

    Larcomb is always trying to find new products to add to her shelves, scouring food shows looking for great new products to sell. Not only is she always searching for new local products, but she’s always coming up with new and interesting popcorn recipes to line their shelves as well. Soon, they’re planning to roll out a seasonal assorted mix of glazed popcorn to celebrate Easter.

    “So I went to a food show in January, found new things and they’re starting to come in now. We found a few new things that will go with what we have here, and we’ll just keep adding to it as long as I’ve got room,” said Larcomb.

    Trailside Provisions is located at 120 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, OH 45140, and is open from 10 AM until 6 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 10 AM until noon on Fridays, and noon until 5 PM on Sundays. 

    If you’re craving some delectable local treats, head on down to the Loveland Bike Trail to taste and see what Trailside Provisions has in store for you.

  • City Council set for emergency vote on purchase of Mobil Gas Station in Historic Downtown

    City Council set for emergency vote on purchase of Mobil Gas Station in Historic Downtown

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – At Tuesday’s meeting, Council will hear the first reading of an ordinance to purchase the Mobil Gas Station at the corner of West Loveland and State Route 48.

    The ordinance will authorize the City Manager to execute a purchase agreement for the property located at 106 West Loveland Avenue for the construction of a turn lane and other traffic improvements on State Route 48 – “and declaring an emergency”.

    The ordinance says the final purchase is not to exceed $440,000.00.

  • [VIDEO] City Manager addresses acquisitions associated with the proposed parking garage

    [VIDEO] City Manager addresses acquisitions associated with the proposed parking garage

    This story was updated at 10:30 AM, Sunday, February 27*

    Loveland, Ohio – On Tuesday, February 22, at the City Council meeting, City Manager Dave Kennedy addressed the acquisitions associated with the proposed parking garage project and how they relate to other associated projects.

    This video was produced by the City of Loveland and edited by LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV to show only the presentation by the City Manager and the ensuing discussion by Council members.

    *Publisher’s Note: At the end of this video is a discussion by Mayor Kathy Bailey about a news reporter, however, she failed to mention the name of the reporter. We want our readers to know that the story told by the Mayor did not have anything to do with Loveland Magazine.

    Below are the slides that Kennedy used in his presentation. You can Right-Click an image to open in a new tab to view larger sizes.

  • Rally this Saturday at City Hall to ask for public engagement on proposed parking garage

    Rally this Saturday at City Hall to ask for public engagement on proposed parking garage

    “Make Your Voice Heard About the Garage Proposal“

    by Lauren Enda

    Everyone is invited to a rally this Saturday, February 19 at 1 PM in front of Loveland City Hall. Members of the community are asking the city council to engage with the public before building a parking garage in historic downtown Loveland. There are too many unanswered questions surrounding the garage proposal.

    Before spending millions of taxpayer dollars, council should: 

    1. Determine the exact need 

    2. Look at less expensive options – cost to build, maintain and enforce 

    3. Look at the environmental consequences – water runoff, noise, light, and air pollution 

    4. Address other priorities of the city, like traffic and the antiquated water systems that won’t be addressed because of this spending 

    5. Balance parking issues with how the massive size (about the size of a football playing field) will detract from Loveland’s charm 

    6. Let the citizens vote by referendum if council decides to move ahead

    Join us on Saturday if you believe the citizens of Loveland should have answers to these questions before moving forward. Sign the petition at the link below to let your voice be heard.

    Petition · Stop the Loveland Garage · Change.org


    by Lauren Enda,

    Lauren Enda lives in Loveland at Hidden Creek

  • Let Loveland Heal – Create a Referendum for the Garage

    Let Loveland Heal – Create a Referendum for the Garage

    by Lauren Enda

    Loveland is a vibrant, bustling, and prosperous city. Which is why the question of increased parking space is an issue. People come to Loveland to live and visit because it is quaint and unique. Another asset that Loveland enjoys is an educated, engaged, and energized resident population. This is an asset that many towns would covet and that could be used to great advantage. Sadly, however, the mayor’s council continues to deny residents a vote on the parking garage, keeping them from actively participating in their own city. Instead of seeking a clear mandate through referendum to go forward with the plan, the council claims that all decisions, regardless of impact and cost, belong squarely with them. This lack of respect for residents’ role in Loveland’s future causes controversy and encourages mistrust of authority. A referendum would take away the controversy completely – the voters would have their say and all questions about the soundness of a garage and discord between residents on either side of the issue would simply dissolve.

    The council could easily calm this discord and start to heal the damage caused by the garage proposal. By creating a referendum for the garage, the council sends a clear, strong, unequivocal message that they care what voters think; that they listen to the will of the people; that they trust the residents to make wise, thoughtful decisions. There is a bonus to the referendum for newly elected council members. By voting in favor of the referendum, the new members would prove beyond doubt that they are living up to their campaign promises to listen to residents.

    Whether in favor of the garage or opposed to the garage, every resident in Loveland should have a voice in this momentous decision. And Loveland residents should not have to force the council into the referendum by collecting signatures. The path of pitting residents against council by collecting signatures to force a referendum is beneath Loveland city council and its constituency. This would only cause further distrust and anger among residents, which is not in Loveland’s best interest.

    According to Councilmember Bateman’s statement on 23 November 2021, democratic principles are alive and well in Loveland. This comment was seconded by Mayor Bailey. A referendum is your chance to prove it. Create a referendum and let democracy take its course. There is literally nothing to lose and everything to gain.

    Almost everyone agrees that the parking situation in Loveland needs attention. Let’s create a parking committee. Loveland has almost 20 committees and not one of them is tasked with parking. Let’s invite residents to investigate options and alternatives that will be cheaper, more flexible, and less intrusive. Let’s work together to gather data, define the problem, and come up with a range of solutions that can be openly discussed and debated. Working on this project could bring people together instead of causing strife.

    Myriad solutions are possible: institute valet parking; purchase an old-fashioned retro shuttle to get visitors to locations in downtown; increase use of Nature Preserve parking; use Loveland’s beautiful parks for events and gatherings instead of having every event in the downtown area. All of these could be accomplished for a fraction of what the garage would cost and keep our town quaint and unique. Each of these solutions would also greatly reduce traffic into the downtown area. Let’s take a breath, think outside the “parking garage” box, and have a conversation. Let’s work together to get it right.

    The decision on whether to build the proposed garage is too important to get wrong. And it isn’t important enough to tear the city apart.

    Do the right thing. Heal the conflict. Put the garage on a referendum.

    Lauren Enda lives in Loveland at Hidden Creek

  • To the Mayor and City Council: 
Why Can’t We Vote?

    To the Mayor and City Council: 
Why Can’t We Vote?

    The proposed parking garage for Historic Downtown as envisioned by City Hall.

    “A man without a vote is a man without protection.”

    Lyndon B. Johnson

    by Lauren Enda

    I retired here from the National Security Agency after 30 years of playing my part to protect the United States. I did not expect to continue that role in retirement, but in my opinion, democratic principles in Loveland are in trouble, especially with the proposed parking garage in Historic Downtown. The Mayor is on record denying residents the right to vote on whether to build the garage. I will not stay silent when this and other examples of abuse of power in my own city are happening. Below, I outline examples.

    In recent weeks, we have heard evidence about the mayor’s record of stifling free speech – both of ordinary citizens and of council members. Also, a Loveland resident captured a photo of a campaigner for the Mayor’s “endorsed block” who was removing campaign signs of their opponent on Election Day. Removing campaign signs subverts open, free and fair elections. Who authorized this tactic? Every Loveland resident should be concerned that this type of anti-democratic behavior is happening here. This behavior does not uphold democratic principles. These are two examples of democracy in trouble, but I will focus now on the garage. 

    Building a multi-story level parking garage in Loveland is very controversial. Many Loveland residents do not want it. The only official feedback we have about the garage is the recent election. Only one council member indicated he was opposed to the garage. And he won the most votes. The message is clear. Loveland voted against the garage. If the Mayor and the newly appointed Council go forward with the garage, they do so against the will of the people. 

    But does the will of the people matter in Loveland? Mayor Bailey clearly does not think so. During a council meeting on 11 February 2020, the mayor said, “Residents will not be voting on the garage.” When asked WHY residents were not allowed to vote, the mayor responded, “You vote on your elected officials and those are the decisions we have been elected to make.” The Mayor would like for residents to become mute after an election, however, an election does not provide the winning party free rein with taxpayer money. An election does not give the winning party carte blanche to permanently disfigure a town without the clear support of the people. An election does not give anyone a green light to plan a large, controversial project in virtual secrecy. 

    Below is video of resident Karen Hawkins asking the Council, and specifically, Mayor Kathy Bailey, about the inevitably of the parking garage being built in Historic Downtown Loveland and if the public will be allowed to vote on its construction.:

    Elected officials should uphold the will of the people. They should give citizens a voice, not deny their voice. Residents are not mute once they leave the polling booth. Quite the contrary. Loveland citizens should retain a voice in what is decided here – especially on the largest capital expenditure in the history of Loveland.

    The proposed parking garage for Historic Downtown as envisioned by City Hall.

    Protection from abuse of power at the federal level is enshrined in the Constitution by checks and balances between the executive, legislative and judicial branches. What safeguards against abuse of power does Loveland have?  Where are our checks and balances? How does Loveland’s electorate ensure our voices are heard? 

    Luckily, there is precedence that the council could use to uphold democratic principles – Council could determine the will of the people by submitting the garage to a vote. In 2007, Loveland was faced with a similar decision – whether or not to build a YMCA. Since it was an expensive project with strong opposing views, the council wanted citizen input and put in on a referendum. The voters went to the polls and voted the project down. Other municipalities have put similar proposals to a vote. This is how democracy can work when a Council respects the electorate and allows them a vote. Why is our Council not providing us the same opportunity?

    My recommendation to the new Council who support the garage is to let Loveland vote on it. The recent election suggests the public doesn’t want the garage. The burden lies with Council to convince the public that this project is in the best interests of the city and the taxpayers. Once appropriate data is gathered and shared with the public on why it is necessary and how much it will cost, then let us vote. Ignoring voter input from the recent election and restricting voter input for the next election is certainly not democratic. 

    It is not too late for the Council to make this right. Loveland goes to the polls again on May 3rd. To the new Council, this is your chance to show that you are listening to us, not developers or outside interests. Your responsibility to listen to the voters does not end once the election is over. That is when your responsibility begins. Let us vote.