Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: Loveland Bike Trail

  • [TONIGHT] Agenda and details of BZA hearing on six-unit, 3-story townhome

    [TONIGHT] Agenda and details of BZA hearing on six-unit, 3-story townhome

    A six-unit, 3-story townhome that is proposed by local builder John Hill Construction

    Loveland, Ohio – On March 5, a six-unit, 3-story townhome development proposed by local builder John Hill Construction, to be located at 200 Railroad Avenue within the Historic Preservation District Boundaries, was determined to be “inappropriate” for the neighborhood. The proposed townhomes were to be adjacent to existing cottage-style homes and Nisbet Park on the Loveland Bike Trail in Historic Downtown Loveland. The proposed project encompasses two vacant parcels consisting of .229 acres.

    The Historic Preservation and Planning Commission voted unanimously, to reject Hill’s proposal. (3-story townhome development proposed for historic district deemed not “appropriate”)

    The developer has now appealed the denial, to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The case will be heard tonight at City Hall at 5:30 PM.

    In the below agenda for tonight’s meeting you can read the details of the development proposal and the reasons John Hill believes the planning commission erred in ruling his request to build the townhomes was “inappropriate” for the neighborhood.

    FOR BACKGROUND:

    3-story townhome development proposed for historic district deemed not “appropriate”

    [pdf-embedder url=”https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Agenda-Monday-April-21-2025.pdf” title=”Agenda – Monday, April 21, 2025″]

  • Denial of six-unit 3-story townhome development in Historic Downtown is appealed

    Denial of six-unit 3-story townhome development in Historic Downtown is appealed

    Loveland, Ohio – On March 5, a six-unit, 3-story townhome development proposed by local builder John Hill Construction, to be located at 200 Railroad Avenue within the Historic Preservation District Boundaries, was determined to be “inappropriate” for the neighborhood. The proposed townhomes were to be adjacent to existing cottage-style homes and Nisbet Park on the Loveland Bike Trail in Historic Downtown Loveland. The proposed project encompasses two vacant parcels consisting of .229 acres.

    The Historic Preservation and Planning Commission voted unanimously, to reject Hill’s proposal. (3-story townhome development proposed for historic district deemed not “appropriate”)

    The developer has now appealed the denial, to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The case will be heard at City Hall on Monday, April 21 at 5:30 PM.

    The public will be heard and comments can be submitted to the City’s zoning and economic development department by emailing ewisby@lovelandoh.gov or questions can be asked by calling 513-707-1450.

    BACKGROUND

    3-story townhome development proposed for historic district deemed not “appropriate”
    Infuse Holdings back with “take two” of townhomes on Loveland Bike…
    Six, three-story apartments proposed adjacent to Nisbet Park on Loveland Bike…

    Demolition of historic home in Loveland’s Historic District under appeal

     

    A Call for Transparency in Loveland City Government

     

    Demolition of home in Loveland Historic District causing uproar

     

    “Pitchforks and torches”: Mayor gets heated while discussing demolition in Historic…

     

    BZA dismisses appeal making way for demolition of historic home

     

    Board of Zoning Appeals will meet Wednesday to decide fate of…
  • From the Little Miami Conservancy’s Live Eagle Cam

    From the Little Miami Conservancy’s Live Eagle Cam

    The Little Miami Conservancy’s headquarters are in Historic Downtown Loveland on the Loveland Bike Trail. The location of their “Live Eagle Cam” is not shared with the general public.

    Click “Watch on YouTube” below to watch on their video.

    LMC Bald Eagle Live Camera Feed

    Bald Eagles Facts- Provided by Ohio Department of Wildlife

    • Mating: Monogamous, pairs for life

    • Peak Breeding Activity: Early February through March

    • Incubation Period: 35 days on average, February through April

    • Clutch Size: Usually two eggs; with a range of one to three

    • Young are Hatched: Peak hatching occurs in mid-April

    • Young: Altricial (helpless and dependent on the parents). They leave the nest at about 10-13 weeks

    • Number of Broods per Year: 1; however, if a nest is destroyed, some pairs will “recycle” and initiate a second nest within the same year.

    • Adult Weight: Males – 10 pounds; Females -12 pounds

    • Adult Length: 34-43 inches, including the tail

    • Adult Wingspan: Between 6 l /2 and 7 feet

    • Life Expectancy: 15-20 years in the wild

    • Migration Patterns: Adults are generally year-round residents; immature birds sometimes migrate during spring and fall.

    • Feeding Periods: Anytime during daylight hours

    • Typical Foods: Mostly fish, will also feed upon waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion

    • Native to Ohio: Yes

    • Active or Potential Conflict Species: No

    For more information on Bald Eagles in Ohio visit https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/home/additional-resources/division-of-wildlife/bald-eagles-promo

    ​Comment from Ohio Division of Wildlife: Although bald eagles are no longer endangered, they are still protected under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. It is illegal to disturb bald eagles. When viewing these majestic birds, remember to respect the animal’s space and stay at least 100 yards away from the animal or nest. Disturbing bald eagles at the nest site could lead the pair to abandon the eggs.

  • Monkey Bar owners propose new restaurant/bar in Loveland

    Monkey Bar owners propose new restaurant/bar in Loveland

    A “picture sketch” of a new bar and grill proposed by the owners of the Monkey Bar

    Loveland, Ohio – On December 15, 2022 the owners of the property at 115 Railroad Avenue presented early redevelopment design plans to the Loveland Historic Preservation and Planning Commission (HPPC) for review. The proposed development sits between Hometown Cafe and The Wicked Pickle on the Loveland Bike Trail in Historic Downtown. The site previously held  a single family residence that has since been demolished. The new owner of the site is MADJ Properties LLC.

    Amy Altemeier told Loveland Magazine on March 18, “We are delayed on our Loveland project due to the fire at our Monkey Bar & Grille last year. Amy and her husband Mark are co-owners of the Monkey Bar & Grille in Fosters along the Loveland Bike Trail. She also said that they have a “picture sketch”, which is solidified. She added, “We will not be breaking ground until likely one year from now.”

    “We also have some great concepts for the restaurant/bar but nothing is solidified yet. It will not be another Monkey Bar. I like to design around the history, so this will be a unique concept in Loveland.”

    The Loveland Bike Trail would connect both establishments owned by the Altemeiers.

    The Monkey Bar in Fosters

    The Monkey Bar & Grille was recently chosen as the “Best Bar or Pub” in Warren County – Ohio’s Largest Playground for 2024.

    Below is the plan as initially approved:

    The proposed project at 115 Railroad Avenue, is the construction of a 2-story restaurant with outdoor seating on the ground and the 2nd floor. The first floor area includes the kitchen, a 760 square foot main dining area, restrooms,
    and outdoor seating for approximately 32. The second floor will include both a dining area and a bar area, along with outdoor seating for 32. The name of the restaurant was still to be determined, although a railroad them is
    anticipated, and will include a mural of the south facing side of the building.

    Beth Sullebarger, from the historic preservation consulting firm Sullebarger Associates presented the plan on behalf of the HPPC. She commented that the HPPC had two decisions to make. The first is whether the current property can be saved and the second, if it can’t be saved, what kind of new building should be approved. She said that regarding the current building, it appears to have been built in the early 1900’s as it can be seen in a 1911 Sanborn Map of historic Loveland. She shared pictures of the property, both inside and out. The structure had been gutted down to the studs and then demolished.

    An architect representing the owners commented that most of the building was beyond saving from a financial standpoint because it’s located in a flood plane, and the cost to bring it up to standards that insurance would require, would be prohibitive.

    Sullebarger reviewed the design guidelines that apply to any new building that
    would be built on this site and made several suggestions to improve the building’s appropriateness for the immediate neighborhood.

    Key suggestions by Sullebarger were as follows:

    ▪ Flip the site plan so that the solid wall faces the north side. This will make the building seem less massive next to Hometown Café. It would also allow for a better experience for the diners as they would overlook more of historic downtown Loveland.
    ▪ Incorporate other materials into the balcony pillars. Suggestions were steel or other metals to soften the look.
    ▪ Possibly lower the first floor ceiling and thereby the entire building. This might allow for a rooftop façade that could be gabled and fit better with adjacent buildings.

    The architect agreed to look at all of the suggestions and work with the owners to see what they might agree to do.

    On January 31, 2023 applicant returned and addressed the HPPC requests with plan modifications include the following:

    • The front columns/piers were reduced from 24” x 24” to 20” x 20” square.

    • Windows have been added to the rear/west facing wall of building.

    • Additionally, the landscape plan, that was still being developed at the previous meeting, was included.

  • Infuse Holdings back with “take two” of townhomes on Loveland Bike Trail

    Infuse Holdings back with “take two” of townhomes on Loveland Bike Trail

    Loveland, Ohio – Developer Infuse Holdings, LLC is on the agenda for the March 5 meeting of the City of Loveland Historic Preservation and Planning Commission. They have applied for a “Certificate of Appropriateness” for the construction of a six-unit, residential development in Historic Downtown. The proposed project is to be located at 200 Railroad Avenue, with three units facing Railroad Avenue, Nisbet Park, and the Loveland Bike Trail, and three units facing First Street. This is within the city’s Historic Preservation District Boundaries.

    The meeting will be at City Hall on Wednesday, March 5th at 6 PM.

    BACKGROUND:

    Demolition of home in Loveland Historic District causing uproar

    t

    Demolition of historic home in Loveland’s Historic District under appeal

    Six, three-story apartments proposed adjacent to Nisbet Park on Loveland Bike…

    [pdf-embedder url=”https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Agenda-Wednesday-March-5-2025.pdf” title=”Agenda – Wednesday, March 5, 2025″]

  • Meet the Loveland Dairy Whip’s new owners

    Meet the Loveland Dairy Whip’s new owners

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – I arrived at the Loveland “Whippy Dip” this morning with snow flurries flying in 20 degree temperature to record an interview about cold stuff, that will warm everyone up. Loveland has had snow on the ground continuously since January 6. The Loveland Dairy Whip will open for their 2025 season on February 28 at 2 PM.

    Luke and Mellissa Wiley are the new owners, buying from Terresa (Flint) Morgan and Rick Morgan who retired last Fall. The business has been at 611 West Loveland Avenue since 1972. The Morgan’s decided they would not sell unless they found buyers who would keep the business essentially unchanged, especially the menu and the Flint/Morgan traditions. The Dairy Whip is Located In Loveland’s West Loveland Historic just 4/10 tenths of a mile west of the Loveland Bike Trail.

    Watch this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video as Luke and Mellissa talk about the happenstance of purchasing the Dairy Whip and the few things they will add that are sure to please many customers.

     

  • City Hall sends Resolution to National Park Service in support of Loveland Bike Trail becoming part of a national trail

    City Hall sends Resolution to National Park Service in support of Loveland Bike Trail becoming part of a national trail

    Loveland, Ohio – On January 28th the Loveland City Council voted to send a resolution to the National Park Service in support of the Buckeye Trail becoming a National Scenic Trail. The Loveland Bike Trail is part of the Buckeye Trail that runs through Historic Downtown Loveland. The Loveland trail runs adjacent to the State and National Scenic Little Miami River and is officially called the Little Miami Scenic Trail and is part of Little Miami State Park.

    The National Park Service is conducting a feasibility study to determine if the Buckeye Trail should be designated as a National Scenic Trail. It spans 1,454 miles, connecting 47 counties and over 100 communities across Ohio, including Loveland.

    In introducing the resolution, Clerk of Council Misty Clark said, “If designated, it would join an elite group of just 11 National Scenic Trails, and it would become the fifth largest in the nation. It would also be the only loop trail and the first to receive this designation since 2009. Clark added that the designation would bring “significant benefits, including increased federal support, enhanced visibility, and expanded opportunities for community and economic development throughout Ohio.”

    The study was approved with bipartisan support Congress. In 2022 Congress directed the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility and suitability of designating the Buckeye Trail as a National Scenic Trail.

    A roll call vote was taken at the Loveland council meeting and the resolution was adopted by a vote of 7-0.

    The action by City Council came after Loveland Magazine Editor David Miller sent an email to City Manager Dave Kennedy alerting him of the opportunity.

    BACKGROUND: Loveland Bike Trail could become part of National Scenic Trail

    ________________

    About the Buckeye TrailSince its establishment in 1959, the Buckeye Trail has grown from a 500-mile route into the nation’s largest loop trail, closing the loop in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in 1980. Free and open to all, 1,454 miles of the Buckeye Trail pass through 21 designated Buckeye Trail Towns and landmarks such as Wayne National Forest, Serpent Mound, and Fort Ancient, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Buckeye Trail is within 90 minutes of every Ohioan, providing an accessible connection to Ohio’s Great Outdoors and showcasing the state’s scenic and historical diversity. buckeyetrail.org

    About the Buckeye Trail Association
    Established in 1959, the Buckeye Trail Association builds, maintains, preserves, and promotes Ohio’s Buckeye Trail as a sustainable resource connecting people to the state’s scenic and historical diversity. The BTA inspires conservation and outdoor recreation across the state. buckeyetrail.org

  • After many weeks of competition, Nala is currently in 10th place in the U.S.A in America’s Favorite Pet contest

    After many weeks of competition, Nala is currently in 10th place in the U.S.A in America’s Favorite Pet contest

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – A beloved resident of Historic Downtown Loveland, Nala is always making new human forever friends on the Loveland Bike Trail. Nala is the fur baby of Loveland Magazine President and Publisher Cassie Mattia, and her boyfriend Adam Ploof.

    After many weeks of competition, Nala is currently in 10th place in the U.S.A in the America’s Favorite Pet contest. She needs to be one of the top 5 pets before February 6 at 7 PM to remain in the contest. If she wins she will win the top prize of $10K and be featured on the cover of Modern Dog magazine! If she wins the national competition, Nala’s story will be shared in a special 2-page feature that showcases her unique personality and charm.

    Please, lend her a loving hand by casting your VOTE today. It only takes a few seconds to VOTE.

    If you have already voted, and we know many of you have, remember that you can cast your FREE vote again every 24 hours. If you believe in Nala as much as we do, a donation that goes to the Progressive Animal Welfare Society can greatly amplify your voting power.

    Bear with me here… I know all of you pet owners believe your fur baby deserves to be on the cover, but Nala now has a real chance – and how cool would it be to brag that one of Loveland’s favorite pets is also America’s Favorite Pet?

    America’s Favorite Pet is excited to partner with PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society) to aid in its mission to help cats, dogs, and wild animals thrive in happy, healthy homes or in their natural habitats. Since 1967, PAWS has unified more than 130,000 cats and dogs with loving families, nurtured more than 140,000 sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife, and made the world a better place for countless critters.

    I’ve dozed off on Nala’s living room couch and woke with this adorable and loving fur baby cuddling closely and warmly by my side and found out she’s been there for an hour – both of us in a deep, deep sleep. Nala would represent Loveland in a remarkable way.

    Cassie says, “Thanks to all those who have supported my little girl! Would you be so kind as to vote and keep on voting?”

  • City Council may lend support to Loveland Bike Trail becoming part of National Scenic Trail

    City Council may lend support to Loveland Bike Trail becoming part of National Scenic Trail

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – After being notified by Loveland Magazine and being encouraged to lend support to an initiative of the National Park Service that the Loveland Bike Trail could become part of National Scenic Trail, Loveland City Council is considering sending this resolution to the Park Service.

    BACKGROUND

    Loveland Bike Trail could become part of National Scenic Trail – The Buckeye Trail runs through Loveland


    The resolution will be voted on at their next meeting on Tuesday, January 28.

    We encourage all Loveland Area residents to read the background story and send comments to the National Park Service applauding their initiative.

  • Loveland Bike Trail could become part of National Scenic Trail

    Loveland Bike Trail could become part of National Scenic Trail

    National Park Service considering making the The Buckeye Trail (including Loveland Bike Trail) a National Scenic Trail

     

    David Miller is the Editor in Chief of Loveland Magazine

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland certainly, and rightfully so, brags of having the National and State Scenic Little Miami River flowing through our Historic Downtown. Recent and ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of its water quality and shores demonstrate how entirely virtuous these bragging rights are. (Planning and Zoning Commission reverses course on SPD for 12 homes on Riverside Drive)

    Now comes the opportunity to have a National Scenic Trail running, walking, and jogging through our renowned, resort-like community.

    A a group ride in Historic Downtown at Nisbet Park on the Loveland Bike Trail.

    The National Park Service is conducting a feasability study to determine the status of the Buckeye Trail to become a National Scenic Trail. Community members and stakeholders can share their support for the Buckeye Trail through an opportunity to review the feasibility study process and share feedback regarding the study. You are invited you to review the project and provide input. Visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/buckeyetrailfs for details and to share comments. The public comment period will be open until February 19th, 2025.

    National Park Service Public Meetings

    The National Park Service is conducting meetings around Ohio the week of January 13‐17 as part of the feasibility study to determine National Scenic Trail status for the Buckeye Trail. There is an additional virtual meeting scheduled for January 23.

    Meeting Information:

    In these public meetings, NPS staff will share information about the study process, including the criteria used to evaluate the trail for inclusion in the National Trails System, and answer questions.

    • Thursday, January 16, 2024 from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M.
      Cincinnati, Ohio – Digital Futures Building
      Level 1 Conference Room, Room 140
      3080 Exploration Avenue
      Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
    • Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 5:30 to 6:30 P.M.
      This will be a Virtual Meeting using Microsoft Teams.
      Login information will be available in a few weeks.

    The 1,454-mile Buckeye Trail, spans Ohio’s diverse landscapes, connecting 47 counties and more than 100 communities.

    The study was approved with bipartisan support Congress 2022. Congress directed the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility and suitability of designating the Buckeye Trail as a National Scenic Trail.

    According to the Buckeye Trail Association, “National Scenic Trail designation would see the Buckeye Trail join an elite group of 11 existing trails, making the Buckeye Trail the 5th largest in the nation, the only circumferential trail, and the first trail to receive this designation since 2009. This recognition would unlock significant benefits, including increased federal support, enhanced visibility, and expanded opportunities for community and economic development across Ohio.”

    The trail was built from 1959 to 1980 by the Buckeye Trail Association, a non-profit organization that still administers it. More than half of the Buckeye Trail route overlaps the North County National Scenic Trail route as it passes through Ohio.

    The Little Miami State Park, (What Lovelander’s refer to as the Loveland Bike Trail) is a unique recreational asset in the state park system: a trail corridor. This scenic, riverside trail offers numerous recreational pursuits — bicycling, hiking, cross-country skiing, rollerblading, backpacking and horseback riding. The corridor also provides access to boating on the Little Miami River.

    The park contains 50 miles of paved trail from Terrace Park in Hamilton County to Hedges Road in Greene County. The remainder of the trail to Springfield is also paved and operated by Greene County Parks and Trails. (For information on the trail north of Hedges Road, visit gcparkstrails.com or call 937-376-7440.)

    A staging area in Corwin has parking, flush restrooms (seasonally), and picnic tables. Other facilities have been developed along the trail in Oregonia, Morrow, South Lebanon, Fosters, Loveland, Miamiville, and Milford. These trailside stops may include parking, restrooms or portable toilets, benches, picnic tables, restaurants and trail access points. These facilities are wheelchair accessible.

    ____________________

    About the Buckeye Trail
    Since its establishment in 1959, the Buckeye Trail has grown from a 500-mile route into the nation’s largest loop trail, closing the loop in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in 1980. Free and open to all, 1,454 miles of the Buckeye Trail pass through 21 designated Buckeye Trail Towns and landmarks such as Wayne National Forest, Serpent Mound, and Fort Ancient, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Buckeye Trail is within 90 minutes of every Ohioan, providing an accessible connection to Ohio’s Great Outdoors and showcasing the state’s scenic and historical diversity. buckeyetrail.org

    About the Buckeye Trail Association
    Established in 1959, the Buckeye Trail Association builds, maintains, preserves, and promotes Ohio’s Buckeye Trail as a sustainable resource connecting people to the state’s scenic and historical diversity. The BTA inspires conservation and outdoor recreation across the state. buckeyetrail.org