Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: historic downtown

  • [Photos/Stories] 3-Years Ago: Early morning fire destroyed 2/3 block in Historic Downtown Loveland

    [Photos/Stories] 3-Years Ago: Early morning fire destroyed 2/3 block in Historic Downtown Loveland

    This is a re-print of the 2 stories Loveland Magazine published 3-years ago on May 28 and 29, 2017

    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.

    The next day on May 29 Loveland Magazine published this up-date. After this story was published more than 1.3 million people read about the fire in Loveland Magazine.

    Up-date on major fire in Historic Downtown Loveland

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.”

    Photos by David Miller/Loveland Magazine © 2017

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

     

  • [Video/Photos] The Covid 5/19 High Water

    [Video/Photos] The Covid 5/19 High Water

    Loveland, Ohio – Just when local folks thought things were returning to the way they were, Barbara Streisand style, mother nature had another trick up her frock to show us who’s boss when around 4″ of rain swelled Loveland’s streams Tuesday morning. For those with a flooded basement or business, swell would be a wrong description.

    Memories light the corners of my mind
    Misty water-colored memories of the way we were
    Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind
    Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were
    Can it be that it was all so simple then
    Or has time rewritten every line

     

    Here are some of the videos and photos sent our way. We appreciate these in the way it documents Loveland, Ohio on May 19, 2020.

    A return to normal is a typical Spring rain event when the town is divided by the State and National Scenic Little Miami River.

    This video was sent by Cindy Wilmes.

     

    This video was sent by reader Nick Dyson.

     

    This aerial footage and the following photos were taken by Steve Beamer who puts all of Loveland in the passenger seat of his drone.

    Wait till Steve takes you just a few feet from the railroad overpass where the water crashes into the pillar with such tremendous force.

    Wait till Steve flys you under the Col. Paxton Bridge at West Loveland Avenue then soars high above Historic Downtown.

     

    These photos were sent to us from Eileen Washburn.

    Also…

    [Photos] Higher-Ground needed today in Loveland

    Little Miami in Loveland leaves banks closes roads

  • Curbside Pick Up Is back at Plaid Room Records/Colemine Records in Historic Downtown Loveland

    Curbside Pick Up Is back at Plaid Room Records/Colemine Records in Historic Downtown Loveland

    Loveland, Ohio – “We’re happy to announce that we will be starting curbside pick up again today,” said Terry Cole a co-owner of Plaid Room Records and Colemine Records in Historic Downtown Loveland.

    Curbside Pick Up Is Back

    Monday – Saturday from 11 AM – 4 PM

    Cole said customers can simply call the shop with their name and order number and, “One of us will run it out to you.”

    Terry and Bob Cole

    The record store has been fulfilling on-line orders but now wish to better serve customers with curbside pick-up also.

    Cole said to his customers, “Thanks for your patience while we slowly start to ramp up our employee’s hours again during this strange time for all of us. And thanks for all of the online orders! It’s been all we can do to keep up with them! We love you!”

    BROWSE the ONLINE STORE

    Plaid Room Records is a new and used record store in Historic Downtown in the same block as the Loveland Bike Trail. It is also home to the Colemine Records label, an analog studio, and a live music venue. They have been operating their record label since 2007 and opened up Plaid Room Records in February of 2015. They have 20,000 LPs in their store that includes new vinyl available to order from their Online Store.

    Cole said, “If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at (513) 583-1843 or email us at plaidroomrecords@gmail.com.” Plaid Room Records is at 122 West Loveland Avenue.

    Plaid Room Records
    Colemine Records

  • COVID-19 Update: Reopening of restaurants, bars, and personal care services

    COVID-19 Update: Reopening of restaurants, bars, and personal care services

    CURRENT OHIO DATA

    There are 22,131 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 1,271 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths. A total of 4,140 people have been hospitalized, including 1,167 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.

    Video of yesterday’s State House announcements, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page.

    CURRENT LOCAL DATA

    Clermont County

    115 confirmed cases. 5 probable cases. 120 total cases. 2 confirmed deaths. 1 probable death. 27 Hospitalizations. 60 Recovered.

    Hamilton County

    1664** confirmed cases. 100 deaths. 323 Hospitalizations.

    **Includes Cincinnati, Norwood, and Springdale.

    Warren County

    191 cases. (46 new possible cases in last 14 days). 36 hospitalizations. (9 new hospitalizations in last 14 days). 13 total deaths (3 in the last 14 days).

    In Loveland City Council unanimously passed a resolution expanding the dates and times for the operation of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (“DORA”) in downtown Loveland. The action authorized the City Manager to implement this expansion once the State relaxed the Stay at Home Order or allowed residents to leave their homes to engage in non-essential work or activities.

    On Thursday, City Manager Dave Kennedy used that authority and announced that the expansion of the DORA will begin Saturday, May 9, at noon and run until 11 PM. The DORA will remain in effect 7 days a week for 60 days.

    Within the DORA people can purchase alcoholic beverages in a designated cup from permitted establishments and carry the beverages outside within a defined Downtown area.

    Additional picnic tables have been placed in Nisbet Park. Visitors to Historic Downtown may also bring tables or chairs to use as long as they “maintain safe distancing guidelines which will also be posted in the downtown area.”

    The newly renovated restrooms in Nisbet Park are also open and will be sanitized daily by the City.

    In Columbus, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, announced Thursday the next phase of the Responsible RestartOhio plan as it relates to restaurants, bars, and personal care services.

    As part of yesterday’s announcement, Governor DeWine reminded Ohioans that COVID-19 is still “incredibly dangerous” and stressed the importance of continuing to exercise safe health habits as different sectors of the economy begin to reopen.

    “Reopening Ohio is a risk, but it’s also a risk if you don’t move forward. We’re on a dangerous road that has never been traveled before in Ohio and the danger is that we relax and stop taking precautions,” said DeWine. “All of us collectively control this. I ask you to take calculated risks and make good judgments. Continue social distancing, washing your hands, and wearing face coverings. If you aren’t concerned with what happens to you, do it for others.”

    RESTAURANTS/BARS

    Restaurants and bars in Ohio will be permitted to reopen as follows:

    • Outdoor dining: May 15
    • Dine-in service: May 21

    DeWine’s Restaurant Advisory Group created a detailed list of guidelines and best practices for restaurant and bar owners to follow. The full list of mandatory and recommended best practices can be found at coronaviurs.ohio.gov.

    PERSONAL CARE SERVICES

    Personal care services such as hair salons, barbershops, day spas, nail salons, and tanning facilities may reopen on May 15.

    DeWine’s Personal Services Advisory Group created a detailed list of guidelines and best practices for personal care service providers to follow. The full list of mandatory and recommended best practices can be found at coronaviurs.ohio.gov.

    CURRENT OHIO DATA

    There are 22,131 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 1,271 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths. A total of 4,140 people have been hospitalized, including 1,167 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.

    Video of yesterday’s announcements, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page.

  • Studio launches online shopping

    Studio launches online shopping

    by Bonnie McNett

    Loveland, Ohio – Whistle Stop Clay Works (WSCW) is pleased to announce an online gallery and store to help at home shoppers find that perfect gift for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10.

    The virtual gallery highlights local potters who create unique, hand made pottery. Gift givers will find functional wares like mugs, serving and soup bowls, vases, and chip & dip servers. In addition, there will be one of a kind clay sculptures, whimsical fairy houses, and even gift certificates.

    The online store is a unique opportunity for people to shop locally and support small businesses and area artists. You’re sure to find a unique, handcrafted gift for Mom and you might even find something for yourself.

    The online shop is also pleased to show the work of two local high school students, Micah Dowdy (polymer earrings) and Alex Eicher (photographs). It is difficult and stressful for artists to approach galleries to show their art, especially for young people. Our studio is proud to showcase their work and help promote their budding interest in the arts,” says Tim O’Grady, studio owner.

    The online store can be found at http://www.whistlestopclayworks.com/pages/shop.html.

    Once items are bought, the studio will contact buyers via email to arrange curbside pickup at the studio, located at 119 Harrison Avenue, in historic downtown Loveland, Ohio.

    All physical distancing guidelines will be followed, face masks will be worn and items will be wiped with a disinfectant prior to pick up.

    Additional information can be be obtained by emailing Bonnie McNett at WSCW@whistlestopclayworks.com or by calling the studio at (513) 683-2529.

  • Have you ever visited Loveland’s South Island?

    Have you ever visited Loveland’s South Island?

    David Miller is the Publisher and Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio– I’ve always called it the South Island because just north of Nisbet Park there is a similar island I call the North Island. During dry spells, you can walk across dry creek beds formed by erosion to get onto the islands, but during higher river levels the water channels merge into one wider, Little Miami River.

    Both channels of water may someday form into permanent and complete oxbow ponds, but for now, they only occasionally do.

    Both islands are one of nature’s ways to prevent downstream and localized flooding. Because of their unique soil composition, they can absorb rainfall from the hills high above and hold water when the Little Miami rises. River floodplains are low, flat areas that periodically flood, collecting water that would otherwise rush downstream, threatening people and property. They temper the river flow.

    According to American Rivers: “A single acre of wetland, saturated to a depth of one foot, will retain 330,000 gallons of water – enough to flood thirteen average-sized homes thigh-deep. Wetlands also help provide clean rivers and drinking water by naturally filtering out run-off pollution.”

    The channel of water flowing through the east side of the South Island.

    The topography of the approximately 12 acres South Island benefits from both the erosion caused by the flow of the Little Miami and the deposits of silt left during flooding. It’s an ever-changing physical environment, but the flora and fauna remain pretty consistent. The emerging spring-time growth and the natural decay of the ancient tree trunks, including those trees that fall prey to the eroding effects of spring rains and fast river current are the seasonal changes you will notice.

    The South Island is the City of Loveland owned property just south of the Linda Cox Parking lot on Broadway in Historic Downtown. When you enter the lot, head to the last parking spaces and walk south between the Loveland Bike Trail and the Little Miami River. The path you begin on is the abandoned section of Lower River Road. You will be walking towards Branch Hill.

    This is a remarkable spot in the City and perfect for solitary exploring, dog walking, or picnicking with friends or family. Use caution and good judgment during periods of rain or storms and waterproof boots are recommended although occasionally you will find that some fellow explorer has placed convenient river stones to keep you dry and less muddy.

    You will enjoy the large lawn-like open spaces, however, it is not a place for throwing a ball or frisbee – beware of the hidden groundhog holes.

    These photos have been taken over the past 14 years. Most of them in the springtime.

    Perhaps because of the insane beauty of the South Islands, I always called the second set of mages below “Spring Rorschach Photos” because one day on one of my many treks I started noticing what I imagined stick-like animal figures entering my camera lens. A “wide-opened” telephoto lens that blurs the background can help you discover things you will not ordinarily notice. You have to look for eyeballs.

    Some psychologists used to use the Rorschach Test to examine a person’s personality characteristics and emotional functioning. It was employed to detect underlying thought disorder, especially in cases where patients are reluctant to describe their thinking processes openly.* So there you go… I confess.

    Feeling a little insane right now? This insane beauty might be your balm.

    Another place to visit in our resort-like town is the Simpson Farm
    Parents and children should explore Loveland’s Simpson Farm

     

    “Spring Rorschach Photos”

    Feeling a little insane right now? This insane beauty might be your balm.

     

     

  • Hannah and Alexander Laman receive Library of Congress State Literacy Award

    Hannah and Alexander Laman receive Library of Congress State Literacy Award

    Nonprofit started by two Loveland students receives Library of Congress State Literacy Award

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland nonprofit Adopt A Book has been announced a winner of the 2020 State Literacy Award by the Library of Congress. The award is bestowed upon 10 organizations across the country that, “tirelessly work to mitigate illiteracy throughout communities and the world.” Organizations are awarded grant money for, “Exemplary, innovative and easily replicable longstanding initiatives toward this goal.”

    Started by current Loveland High School Juniors Hannah and Alexander Laman, Adopt A Book regularly provides books for preschool programs, Cincinnati Public Schools, home-based programming, health clinics, and even schools abroad to encourage children to read. To date, Adopt A Book has donated over 165,000 books to more than 100 organizations, schools and programs that serve children in need.

    “I am very honored and it means a lot to me to be recognized by the largest library in the world for my efforts in making sure as many kids as possible have access to books,” said Alex Laman upon receiving notification about the award.

    His sister Hannah agrees: “This award means a lot to me because we were one of 10 recipients from all across the country, so to see that we stood out among many applicants is very meaningful. It is great to not only be recognized for our efforts, but to also be recognized by the Library of Congress, and to think that we have made a large enough impact on the community to be chosen is great.”

    Alex and Hannah Laman with their parents Brent and Angela at “Fall Feast” on Thanksgiving Day 2019. Fall Feast is a Give Back Cincinnati program which makes a difference in the lives of neighbors throughout the community, especially the less fortunate, by offering the opportunity for people to unite and share a Thanksgiving meal, receive health checks, haircuts, coats – and books. More than 2,000 books by Adopt A Book found new homes at the event last November.
    This photo was taken when ten-year-old twins Alex and Hannah Laman’s “Little Library”  was first planted right on the Loveland Bike Trail at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Harrison Avenue. (Loveland Magazine File Photo)

    Impacting the community is exactly what Adopt A Book has encouraged many others to do. It all started in 2011, when Hannah and Alex as third-graders at Loveland Elementary School decided to “start a business” that would donate reading material after hearing about an elementary school in the Cincinnati area that didn’t have library books or even textbooks for their students. To share their own love of reading, they turned the idea into an incorporated nonprofit with the help of their parents. For Hannah and Alex, the model is quite simple: they involve other students, teachers, churches and charities, and have reached out to numerous businesses in the area for donations over the years. They run book drives and have expanded their efforts to include fundraising for things like bookshelves, furniture for personal reading spaces, and to create “reading buddies” programs for young children.

    The “Little Library” that Hannah and Alex Laman planted is located along the Loveland Bike Trail in Historic Downtown Loveland. (Loveland Magazine File Photo)

    Adopt A Book was nominated for the State Literacy Award by the Ohio Center for the Book as the one Ohio nonprofit that best exemplifies outstanding and innovative contributions to promoting literacy and reading in the local communities. The Library of Congress is expected to announce all winners of the Literacy Awards later in the year and Hannah and Alex will be presented the award of $2,225 in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the promotion of literacy and reading at a formal ceremony.

    As such successful ambassadors of reading, what are Alex and Hannah’s own favorite reads?

    For Hannah, it’s IT by Stephen King, mystery novels, and any books by John Green.

    Alex’s favorites include Science Magazine and he reads anything from reference books, Science Fiction and Classics to books on history.

    “I always have something on my nightstand, floor or desk,” he said.

    Read these past stories about

    Hannah Laman a Freshman at Loveland High School recognized for outstanding acts of volunteerism

    Read this Loveland Magazine story from 2013 about Layman’s Little Free Library in Loveland

     

    Want people to care about climate change? Skip the jargon. /…

    Loveland Magazine is one of the 400 news outlets worldwide, with a combined audience of over 2 billion people “Covering Climate Now”, a global journalism…
  • [Videos and Photos] Citizens successfully organize to preserve their neighborhood

    [Videos and Photos] Citizens successfully organize to preserve their neighborhood

    Mihaela Manova

    by Mihaela Manova

    Loveland, Ohio – On February 4, the Loveland City Hall was filled with a crowd to witness and hopefully influence a vote for or against the building of an apartment complex at Loveland’s 102 Oak Street. As the meeting commenced, the public heard Rodney Sabo of Sabo Design Associates, describe the plans for the complex, budget, and method of parking and traffic.

    The proposal the Planning and Zoning Commission was considering during the public hearing was to build four 16 unit apartment buildings on Oak Street in the Clermont County side of the City. “Oak Apartments” would have been four levels each with parking garages below each building. The proposal was for 106 total parking spaces with 1.6 parking spaces per unit. The lot is 1.033 acres.

    Sabo Design submitted the application on behalf of their client, Hunt and Whitacre. To build the project the City would need to create a Special Planning District (SPD) which if approved would have erased the existing zoning restrictions and protections for the immediate neighborhood and create a separate zoning district with distinct restrictions, permissions, and guidelines.

    The current zoning of the immediate neighborhood is Residential-Medium Density (R-MD). The existing R-MD zone does not permit high-density multiple-family uses.

    Commission Chairman Al Kressler, Mark Redmond, Michael Kady, Brian O’Neill, and Tim Butler posed questions for the plan such as the possible rewards and pitfalls from the building of this complex before they each voted, “No”.

    In opposition to the plan, the public bound together to declare and stand for the preservation of the land and current zoning, as each speaker presented individual points to support their cause. Many of the points included environmental damage, blockage of people’s home views, out-of-place aesthetics, lowering of the water pressure, and the promotion of in-and-out rental, not community bound estates.

    The Commission heard both sides and decided with a 5-0 vote to not develop the land into an apartment complex.

    The filled room disbanded in agreement around 9:10 PM.

    Scroll down through this story to see a photo slideshow and watch post meeting interviews. You can watch the speeches during the open-forum, the proponent explaining the proposal, the staff report, and the questions P&Z had for the applicant.

    Oak Street Apartments Interviews

    Connie Crawford on Oak Street Apartment Proposal

    Julie Fuson comments of Oak Street Apt. proposal

    Neil Kluender wants his neighborhood protected

    Becky Hasselbeck speaking about preventing more apartments

    Steve DeFosset explains potential water supply problems if Apartments are built

    Todd Osborne talks about proper use of SPD Zoning

    Rocky Carpenter speaks up to preserve sanctity of his neighborhood

    Mary Ann Bird discusses Oak Apartment proposal

    Scott Lindgren talks about traffic conditions if Oak Street Apartments are built

    Mark Krum talks about tearing down a home built in 1870s to built apartments

    Cati O’Keefe lives immediately downhill from Oak Apartment and talked about how unstable the hillside is

    Real Estate Agent Keli Williams’s take on Oak Apartment proposal

    Tom Smith introduces staff report

    Rodney Sabo with Sabo Design Associates explains his proposal for Oak Apartments

    Oak Apartment designer answers P&Z questions


  • 64 apartments proposed for Oak Street

    64 apartments proposed for Oak Street

    Editor’s Note:

    1-16-20 at 1:11 PM

    Sabo Design Associates wants readers to be aware that even though they applied for SPD designation for “Oak Apartments” that they are not the “Developer/Owner” of the property. They said in an Email to Loveland Magazine, “Sabo Design Associates is not the Builder, nor are we the Owner for this project. We simply designed the building for clients.”

    Sabo Design Associates declined to name their client however Loveland Magazine has since learned that the Client is Hunt and Whitacre, 550 Wards Corner Road and the current owner of 102 Oak Street is Wilma Conley.

    Loveland, Ohio – Sabo Design Associates with offices on Wards Corner Road has applied to build four 16 unit apartment buildings on Oak Street in the Clermont County side of the City. “Oak Apartments” will be four levels each with parking garages below each building. The proposal is for 106 total parking spaces with 1.6 parking spaces per unit. There will be 0′ set-back to the side and rear of existing properties.

    Sixty-four apartments are proposed in four-story buildings. The most recent apartment complex constructed and nearby is Loveland Station with 94 units on approximately 3 acres. Loveland Station was also made possible by SPD zoning.

    The parcel for Oak Apartments is approximately 1.033 acres.

    Sabo Design will need for the City to create a Special Planning District (SPD) which if approved will erase the existing zoning restrictions and protections for the immediate neighborhood and create a separate zoning district with distinct restrictions, permissions, and guidelines.

    The current zoning of the immediate neighborhood is Residential-Medium Density (R-MD). The existing R-MD zone does not permit high-density multiple-family uses.

    According to a memo written by Assistant City Manager Tom Smith to the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) the applicant must first make a written finding that one or more of the following conditions exist, or will exist, within the proposed SPD:

      1. (a)  A concentration of retail and service oriented commercial establishments serving as a principal business activity center for the community.
      2. (b)  Land that is occupied by substantial natural characteristics worthy of preservation or which are historic aids to the identification of residential communities which help residents relate to their communities and to relate the social organization of communities to their physical environments.
      3. (c)  Lands which permit for ingenuity, imagination, and design efforts on the part of builders, architects, site planners, and developers that can produce residential developments which are in keeping with overall land use intensity and open space objectives of the Comprehensive Plan while departing from the strict application of use, setback, height, and minimum lot size requirements contained in the Zoning Code.

    Smith said that if the P&Z determine the application meets the requirements for an SPD they should set a public hearing of the Planning and Zoning Commission for February 4. P&Z has voted to set that date for a public hearing.

    The property currently has one single-family home on 1.1496 acres. The property is on Oak Street and wraps around the bend to Second Street. The Northwest side of the property has significant to extreme slopes according to the application.

    The existing single-family home could be demolished and replaced by 64 apartments on Oak Street. (Photo by David Miller/Loveland Magazine © 2020)

    In the application, Sabo Design said, “As proposed, the development would provide 64 new apartment residences with remarkable views and walkable to Downtown Loveland. Additionally, with the self-contained parking provided, there would be no additional burden to the Business District.”

    The application will be first reviewed by P&Z. If the Commission feels that the SPD, as proposed in the Preliminary Review, does not fall within the SPD purpose and scope the Planning and Zoning Commission may deny the application or suggest an alternative action.

    The Planning and Zoning Commission meets next on Jan 27 at 6 PM.

    “Right Clicking” on the below documents will open them to a larger size.


  • Most read Loveland Magazine stories of 2019

    Most read Loveland Magazine stories of 2019

    David Miller is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    We will almost certainly never surpass the 1.3 million readers we had in 2017 (combined on lovelandmagazine.com, Facebook, and Twitter) on the day and the day after the fire in the Historic District. And, we quite frankly never want to surpass that record unless it’s much better news. (Early morning fire destroys 2/3 block in Historic Downtown Loveland)

     

    #1

    The most-read story by a wide margin in 2019 involved the levy the school district put on the ballot. Actually, we only published a few stories that were informational, the Five Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why) of the levy vote. We provided public documents, notices of public meetings, etc.

    Interesting is what drove readership… we let our readers tell the story through Guest Columns and Letters to the Editor.

    Letting our readers, and District staff tell the story in balanced thought-provoking columns proved that we had no need to publish “she said-he said” stories filtered through our eyes and we are extremely grateful to those who submitted columns and the reflective social media comments that followed. We published each and every opinion piece we received and only occasionally felt the need to delete some of the social media comments that were inappropriate.

    Topping all of the levy stories was a Guest Column by Juliet Tissot, “We should not thumb our noses at the less fortunate just because we want nice stuff.” We did nothing special to promote Tissot’s column, however, are extremely proud of the Loveland community taking such interest in the subject she raised, because the plight of the “less fortunate” is rarely if ever discussed here in the Loveland area. I hope in 2020 this subject is revisited often inside the institutional framework of school board meetings, city buildings, and township halls.

    LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV also produced several videos of school board meetings where the District and local residents discussed the levy which added to making the levy by far the most looked at topic of 2019.

    #2

    “Public Advised Not to Enter Little Miami River South of Old 3C Highway Until Further Notice” and “Canoe liveries warn of dangerous river conditions this weekend“.

    #3[VIDEO] Parking garage coming to Historic Downtown and Council executes purchase agreement for 1.15406 acres of land on First Street in Historic Downtown

    #4 Buy the original White Pillars home

     

    #5 Loveland Magazine “Local Voter Guide” to issues and candidates

     

    #6 Loveland’s Rails Trails & Ales Festival is Sept. 6 thru 8

     

    #7 Beloved Loveland High School educator: Charles R. Schmidt passes

     

    #8 It only took 8 minutes a story about flash flooding on Loveland Maderia Road.

    #9 Arrest made for scattering screws and nails on the roadway at SR 131 & Betty Lane

    #10 [Breaking] W. Loveland/Loveland Madeira area is being evacuated (Crews are investigating a natural gas leak at the intersection of W. Loveland/Loveland Madeira. The area is being evacuated and Duke is on scene.) Exact source of natural gas leak still not pinpointed – evacuation still in place