Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: tim butler

  • Tim Butler steps down from Loveland Council

    Tim Butler steps down from Loveland Council

    Loveland, Ohio – Tim Butler, whose term was to expire on December 1, 2025, has sent a resignation letter to City Hall. Citing personal reasons, his last day as a member of the Loveland Council was on May 9.

  • [W/Video] Rally at City Hall informs and asks questions about proposed parking garage

    [W/Video] Rally at City Hall informs and asks questions about proposed parking garage

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – An estimated 16 people gathered in front of Loveland’s City Hall at 1 PM on Saturday and spread out through the streets of the Historic District and along the Loveland Bike Trail. They were gathering signatures on a petition and in general educating the public about their concerns about a parking garage that is proposed for the Historic District. They expressed that they want to preserve the existing character and ambiance of the downtown area and the Loveland Bike Trail. Opinions were also expressed about protecting the Little Miami River watershed, including O’Bannon Creek that enters the Little Miami in downtown.

    Those who rallied Saturday are questioning the cost of the proposed garage, the need for studies such as an environmental impact study, parking research, and even the need for a garage. They want “data” about what they say is the costliest municipal project in the history of the City.

    Organizer, Lauren Enda told Loveland Magazine on Monday that she obtained 75 new signatures on a petition adding to the 129 signatures she has gathered from an online petition she created.

    Those who gathered are asking the city council to engage with the public before building a parking garage in historic downtown Loveland and ultimately having the question put on the ballot so residents could vote it up or down.

    Loveland Magazine sent an email to all council members and City Manager Dave Kennedy on Sunday morning seeking comment on the rally. Only Councilmembers Tim Butler and Kip Ping responded. You can read the full text of their responses below.

    Enda said on Monday, “We are not saying, ‘no garage’ only that the proposal should be studied from many angles, and then letting residents vote.”

    Tim Butler response:

    I support the right of the citizens of Loveland under the First Amendment to peacefully assemble and express their position about an important issue such as the proposed Parking Garage. I respect their passion for the City of Loveland. I also support many of their specific points and oppose the construction of the Parking Garage. I urge my fellow Members of City Council to listen to the citizens of Loveland and carefully, completely and thoughtfully address our citizens’ concerns before moving forward any further with this project. 

I believe the referendum process should be used sparingly. However, with the intense feelings on both sides of the issue and the potential impact of the construction of this project, a referendum to gauge the public’s support or opposition to this project, before Council authorizes construction and our taxpayers are responsible for subsidizing and paying off the Garage for a generation, is appropriate.

    Kip Ping response:

    This issue cannot be looked at simply as an “are you for it or against it” sort of issue.  There are too many facets to make it that simplistic since a few tweaks one way or another could shift opinions.  As opponents have stated, there are considerations to be made with regard to cost and environmental impacts.  Proponents would note considerations with regard to supporting downtown patrons, helping traffic congestion (i.e. those circling looking for parking), and making it possible for local businesses to have parking reasonably close to their establishments.  All of these are worthy of due consideration.

Council is listening to those that have varied views on the parking garage.  We have heard in open forum from a few people that have come both in favor of and opposed to the parking garage. 

Walking neighborhoods last fall during the election champaign I had an opportunity to hear from many residents, the majority of whom either didn’t have interest in the downtown parking issue or asked why the garage had not been started yet.  The Sierra Club and CROW both reached out to council members via email, and I responded to each with the intent of promoting dialog with them on their concerns.    

Council is working toward improving the parking and traffic issues downtown and is not deaf to the opinions that have been shared and will be shared at future opportunities.  As already written, it is a multi-faceted issue which calls for a balanced and best solution – the project needs to be fiscally sound, environmentally respectful, aesthetic, etc.  There will, no doubt, be some that will be unhappy with the final resolution (perhaps even on both sides of the issue), but that is obviously the unfortunate necessity when there are honest differences of opinion on any issue.
  • Loveland, Reelect Tim Butler

    Loveland, Reelect Tim Butler

    Jack Butler (Provided Photo)

    By Jack Butler

    Loveland is a lovely place: great businesses, schools, and neighborhoods; a thriving downtown and endlessly entertaining bike trail; and, above all, its wonderful people, who help make the place truly special.

    For 32 years, Tim Butler, my father, has been one of these people. He raised my four siblings and me in Loveland. Because the city has given him so much, he has tried to give back. He’s been, among other things, a parent, a coach, a local business owner, and, for the past four years, a member of Loveland’s city council. 

    He has taken his role on council seriously, knowing he serves the people of Loveland. He carefully studies the issues before Loveland city council, making sure he has a full understanding of them before voting. He also tries to ensure that the city council has all the relevant information on the issues of greatest importance to Loveland. And he seeks input from city residents, who entrusted him with his position.

    He has agreed with his fellow council members on many of these issues. Sometimes, however, they have disagreed with him, leaving him in the minority on important votes. The most important of these involve the ongoing debate over the possible construction of a parking garage in the middle of Loveland’s downtown area. Tim has taken a position against this garage, citing its projected costs, its effects on downtown Loveland’s traffic and pedestrian flows, and the unlikelihood of its being consistently used to full capacity. He has proposed alternatives, such as making fuller use of other available parking in the area that often goes unfilled, and considering shuttle services. He has done all of this in good faith, trying to present his views honestly to his fellow council members.

    Yet for his opposition to the proposed garage, Tim has been consistently sidelined by council. Members have engaged in procedural trickery to prevent him from starting the kind of discussion about the project that would be appropriate for one of the largest such efforts in the city’s history. And now, it seems like some members of council want him gone. In the current Loveland city council election campaign, two incumbent members and two new candidates are openly collaborating, all with the backing of the mayor, and with the implicit goal of knocking my father out of his position. This is unfortunate. A council without Tim Butler would almost certainly think about and discuss important votes less before actually taking them, to the likely detriment of Loveland’s future. 

    My father is not some reflexive contrarian. He will vote with other members when he considers them in the right, and has done so many times. But when his study of the issues leads him to a different position, he won’t go along to get along. That’s just not who he is. 

    So who is Tim Butler? He’s the kind of person the people of Loveland should want to remain their representative on city council. He will consider their interests, ask tough questions, and push for the kinds of discussions that will be necessary for Loveland to chart a successful course. In my father’s four years on council, he has put the people of Loveland first. He’s in it for them, and always will be. I’ve never known him to be anything else. 

    Jack Butler, is a graduate of St. Xavier High School (’11), and is from Loveland.

  • Tim Butler: “I humbly ask for your support for the next four years on City Council.”

    Tim Butler: “I humbly ask for your support for the next four years on City Council.”

    by Tim Butler

    Four years ago, you trusted me with your vote to City Council. Now I humbly ask for your support for the next four years on City Council. With over 32 years of living in and raising our family in Loveland, I have a strong commitment to speak for our citizens. Our family is invested in the success of Loveland. We started a successful track and cross-country program which launched the running careers of hundreds of Loveland’s boys and girls. Our family has invested its time, financial resources, and energy in the creation and operation of Mile 42 Coffee in downtown Loveland. Our roots are firmly planted in Loveland. 

    We have a great city. Our downtown is vibrant and unique with its access to the bike path and the Little Miami River. We have a strong community spirit. We have successful local businesses. With our growth comes inherent challenges. 

    We are at a point where the decisions made by your City Council will affect the character, look, and feel of Loveland for future generations. Here are a few key areas where Council’s decisions will impact Loveland going forward: 

    • The first is zoning and development. Our Council has approved the rezoning demands of developers which increased the density of development and will contribute to further congestion. I listened to your fellow citizens and voted against this rezoning. Council will face similar zoning and development questions over the next four years. 
    • Second is how we manage traffic and parking downtown. Our Council is considering a multi-million dollar parking garage and we do not know whether it is even financially sustainable. The location of the garage will cause overcrowding in the busiest part of our downtown. There are other options we can explore before we change the landscape of downtown for the next 30 years with a garage which may not even solve the problem. I have consistently asked Council to explore these options and explain to our citizens the financial impact of the garage and the availability of alternatives. 
    • The third is ensuring we fully involve our citizens as we make these and other decisions, including annexation of new property into the city. Unfortunately, our Council has not been fully transparent in this decision-making process. 

    As I talk to our fellow citizens, I hear concerns about the direction of our city and some of the decisions made by our City Council. How much development is too much? Are we spending your taxpayer dollars on pet projects? Are we sufficiently planning for the next generation of Loveland’s families so they can enjoy the kind of childhood our own children were fortunate enough to have? 

    Let’s take a breath and engage in thoughtful, analytical growth. Let’s seek out the opinions and gauge the wishes of our citizens. Let’s spend our tax dollars wisely. Let’s think and talk about what is best for the city of Loveland for the next ten to twenty years, so future generations will continue to think of Loveland as a wonderful place to live, work, and raise their families. 

    I ask for your support for reelection to Loveland’s City Council. If you trust me with your vote, I pledge to continue to serve as your voice on Council. Together, we can plan and build the best Loveland for the present and for our future. 

    Meet the candidate nights

    Candidate List and Voter Information

  • October 4 – Deadline for voter registration

    October 4 – Deadline for voter registration

    David Miller

    by David Miller

    Who will be in your corner?

    Loveland, Ohio – These events will be your chance to personally meet the local politicians who want to be part of the teams leading the Loveland City School District and Loveland City Council for the next 1,440 days. Four-long years, so this is important!

    On October 21 the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, Loveland Magazine, and LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV will host the contenders for seats on the school board, and on October 14 they will bring together on a public stage your job applicants for Loveland City Council.

    Loveland’s 2021 General Election candidates

    City Council – October 14, at 7:00 PM at the Loveland Middle School/Intermediate School Cafeteria.

    School Board – October 21, at 7:00 PM at the Loveland Middle School/Intermediate School Cafeteria.

    Will there be undisputed champs?

    Election fans can see if the contenders roll with the punches, stick and move, or have promises that pack a punch. Will you see any future respected political figures or elder statesmen/women?

    Both of these heavyweight championship Forums will be broadcast “LIVE” on the Loveland Magazine FaceBook Page. It’s not Pay-per-View and tickets are not required – it’s totally FREE!

    Who knows, there might be some highfalutin’ good ideas that come from one or more of these candidates that can transform Loveland. There will almost certainly be some re-hashing the past but that will be OK if it leads to knowledge of what the future might hold.

    Politicians routinely offer more promises than they keep, however hearing them straight from their mouths is the start of holding them accountable. Meeting them in person is always better than voting based on the number of yard signs and you can be a political influencer if you can say, “I actually heard her say it!”

    If you cannot attend in person or chose to be inside the safety of your own home you may want to tune in LIVE to be in-the-know.

    The format will follow the same as in the past:

    • To begin, candidates will each present their platform for 2 minutes and tell you why they are running for office.
    • Questions will be asked for 60 minutes allowing each candidate two minutes to reply or pass.
    • After 60 minutes candidates are asked to close with 2-minute speeches.

    Voters can throw their written questions into the octagon and all questions will be screened for duplicity by independent ring-side judges. The emcees will ask as many of the questions as time allows in the 60 minutes.

    You the registered voters of the City of Loveland and the Loveland City School District however will be the crucial and critically important judges come November 2 so reserve your ring-side seat by saving these dates.

    Loveland’s 2021 General Election candidates

    Important Election Dates for Voters in Ohio

    August 23 – Write-in candidates must file declarations of intent by 4 p.m. (72 days before general election

    September 17 – Military & Overseas Absentee Voting begins (46 Days Before Election Day)

    October 4 – Deadline for voter registration for Nov. 2 general election (30 days before general election)*

    October 5 – Early In-Person Voting begins and includes the Saturday, Sunday and the Monday before Election Day

    October 5 – Absentee Voting By Mail begins (28 Days Before Election Day)

    October 11 – Board of Elections Closed to In-Person Voting (Columbus Day).

    October 30 – Applications for absentee ballots to be mailed for Nov. 2 general election must be received by boards of elections by noon (3 days before general election)

    November 2 – General Election Day. Polls open at 6:30 AM and close at 7:30 PM.

    View the Ohio Secretary of State voting calendar and schedule in a Month by Month view

    *REGISTER TO VOTE OR UPDATE YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION (Update your voter registration address)

    Find your Early Voting Location

    Find your Polling Location

    District Maps

    STATE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DISTRICTS

    FEDERAL CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

    EDUCATIONAL & JUDICIAL DISTRICTS

    IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

    Future Voter Coloring Pages (ohiosos.gov)

    DOWNLOAD

    Clermont County Board of Elections Website

    Hamilton County Board of Elections Website

    Warren County Board of Elections Website

    Throughout the years, men and women in our armed forces have made great sacrifices to protect our freedom and democracy. Today, the courageous members of our military branches continue to serve our country so we all can enjoy one of our most sacred rights – the right to vote. Through the I Vote in Honor of a Veteran initiative, you can demonstrate the pride you feel for a veteran or servicemember and, at the same time, encourage others to vote on Election Day.

    Wear an I Vote in Honor of a Veteran pin on Election Day to show your appreciation to those men and women who made it possible for you to exercise your right to vote.

    To get your pin, click this LINK to submit a testimonial about how they’ve inspired you will be sent one.

  • [VIDEO] Mark Bersani honored with Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Volunteer Award

    [VIDEO] Mark Bersani honored with Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Volunteer Award

    Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland is full of lovely people! If you visit the city and simply walk along the Loveland Bike Trail or along the sidewalks as you pass the local businesses you will find that everyone within the community supports and loves one another. Many individual community members, business owners, and local leaders have been recognized for what they have done for the City of Loveland and its people but one person, in particular, has proven time and time again to go above and beyond what is asked of him. That person is Mark Bersani, owner of Loveland Canoe and Kayak.

    On October 13th at Loveland’s City Hall Bersani was honored with the Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Award, an award that recognizes the time and accomplishments of volunteers in the City of Loveland.

    Bersani was introduced and was given the prestigious award by Mayor Kathy Bailey. Two prominent members of the Loveland community nominated Bersani for the award and read their testimonials during the city hall meeting.

    Tim Butler, member of the Loveland City Council and Owner of local business Mile42 Coffee, read his nomination first.

    “Mark is a ceaseless advocate for preservation and aesthetics along the Little Miami River.  He is an active and fervent supporter of local businesses,” Butler noted, “Mark is also involved in a project which offers canoeing and kayaking opportunities to inner-city youth. Mark is a true representative of the ‘Think Global/Act Local’ mentality. Mark is always thinking of ways to improve the City.  He is well-deserving of this honor.”

    Neil Oury, also a member of the Loveland City Council, delivered his kind testimonial next during the city hall meeting.

    “Mark Bersani, owner of Loveland Canoe & Kayak, for his tireless efforts to helping Loveland businesses since 2003 with events and for being involved in the downtown business district,” Oury said, “Mark has mentored many young employees through his summer hiring.  Mark cares about Loveland, the river, and our residents.  His retail store offers canoes & kayaks and accessories along with offering demos, fishing tournaments, and tread shows which brings our community together.”

    After Mayor Kathy Bailey awarded Bersani, his wife, and daughter, Bersani got the opportunity to speak about how thankful he was to receive such an honor in the city he loves so much. Bersani explained that he was not only honored but very humbled by the award. He said everything he does is a team effort and that his family has played a big part in his success and volunteering efforts. Bersani said that he loves being apart of a community that supports one another and was sure to thank his wife, daughter, and canoe staff for all their hard work and support especially during the pandemic.

    Here at Loveland Magazine, we have always been huge supporters of Mark Bersani, his amazing family, and his legendary business! The Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Award could not have been given to a better Loveland community member! We are so lucky to be apart of a community that recognizes people like Mark for their outstanding efforts in making Loveland that much better to live, work, and have fun in! From the moment I stepped foot into the City of Loveland I knew the Bersani family was special so I decided to write a story about their journey last year! If you would like to read the story click the following link: https://lovelandmagazine.com/an-inspirational-loveland-family-canoes-their-way-into-peoples-hearts/.

    Congratulations Mark Bersani! Click below to watch Bersani and his family honored at the October 13th City Hall Meeting with the Louis G. Rockwood Community Service Award!

  • Land formerly set aside for a Loveland park to “pave” way for HOMEARAMA

    Land formerly set aside for a Loveland park to “pave” way for HOMEARAMA

    Loveland, Ohio – City Council has scheduled a public hearing for October 13, at 7 PM to hear from the community on a proposed sale of city-owned property on Butterworth Road, in Warren County. Council voted in a special session on September 29 and voted unanimously to set the public hearing date after a motion by Tim Butler. The meeting lasted 141 seconds and there was no discussion about the sale.

    The property consists of 9.8389 acres. The purchaser of the property would be the Campbell Berling Development Company. The proposed use of the property is to accommodate a single-family residential development of no more than 35 single-family homes. The company address is 333 Madison Pike, Suite C in Ft. Write Kentucky.

    (Right-Click to open these images in a new tab or window to see a larger view.)

    Taxpayers originally bought a total of 10.737 acres. The justification given at the time for the $900,000 expenditure was that it would be the last chance for Loveland to have recreation space in fast-developing southern Warren County. In 2010, 0.8981 acres of the property, which included a home, was portioned off and sold to Judith Lund for $102,000.

    A Recreation Tax Increment Financing District (TIF) was created by Ordinance 2008-38 to pay off financing of the $900.000. The TIF consists of approximately 27 acres and includes the property known generally as the Christman Farm as well as the Crane property.

    The TIF provides financing for the property purchase that the City recoups through increased property tax revenues generated from future development within its boundaries.

    Tom Carroll, the City Manager at the time said, “The City will continue to slowly retire the debt on this property and the remaining ten acres of the Christman Farm will be land-banked until the Crane property is developed and a municipal park can be constructed. Continued patience is therefore necessary before Loveland can build its first park in Warren County.”

    Taxpayers have been paying close to $48,000 annually in debt service for the Christman Farm purchase.

    In their offer letter, Campbell Berling says the development will have a buildout value of $25,250,00 with an assessed valuation of $6,860,000.

    Campbell Berling will be paying $350,000.00 for the land.

    Their plan is to build fifteen $550,000 and up “empty nester” homes on the parcel they would like to buy from Loveland taxpayers. The lots would be between 11,000 and 18,000 sq ft.

    The Crane property would have 20 homes and two styles of “Estate Homes” valued at $850,000 and up on lots that would average 32,000 sq ft.

    Campbell Berling is proposing that future homeowners be allowed to pay the cost of sewer line extensions over 20-years.

    Access to the development would be from Butterworth Road across from the Brandywine subdivision. The developer already has a “Crane family property”, parcel number 16074000240 under a purchase contract.

    There have been 57 previous HOMEARAMA showcases

    The 28th was in 1989 at The Glen of Claiborne (Loveland)

    The 29th was in 1990 at Chatham Woods (Symmes Township)

    There will be a request for a zone change to a Special Planning District and the “Estate” homes built on the Crane property will be a future HOMEARAMA site.

    HOMEARAMA is an annual event that is billed as the “latest and greatest” in home and landscape design.

    HOMEARAMA® offers you the opportunity to not only see the latest trends in home design and decorating, but also learn why buying a new home continues to represent an excellent value. Today’s new homes offer the latest trends in technology and more energy-saving features than ever before.

    City Manager Dave Kennedy proposes a transfer of the 9.8 acres to the Loveland Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) for purchase by CB Butterworth, LLC and has prepared legislation and it will be presented to City Council as an emergency measure. Emergency legislation cannot be overturned at the ballot box as they become effective immediately.

    Section 4 of the emergency legislation states:

    That this Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety and general welfare and shall be effective immediately upon its passage. The reason for said declaration of emergency is to allow for the property to be transferred and sold as soon as possible so that infrastructure can be installed to allow for its development for the benefit of the City.

    The CIC is a quasi-government arm of the City. Once they take possession of the land their actions are not subject to Council approval and their actions cannot be overruled by a vote at the ballot box.

    A 2007 proposed development, Summit Pointe, was for 70 attached units, and later reduced to 58 units, however it never came to fruition.

    Kennedy in a memo to City Council today said, “Proposals also included multiple high-density townhome type projects which would be rental occupied. These proposals were never accepted, due to the fact that City Council and staff did not see high density, much less rental type projects, as a good fit for the surrounding neighborhoods of Brandywine on the Little Miami and Butterworth Glen.”

    Kennedy says in the memo that he and staff met with numerous Cincinnati area home builders in the hopes of creating a low density project, and that one message from the developers that continued to surface was that the cost of  bringing utilities to the properties was expensive. Therefore, most developers saw a higher density project as a way to recoup those expenses.

    “With that consistent message from developers, and a low-density project clearly being the choice of City Council and staff, a possible option was created,” said Kennedy. The option is to include the City extending the sanitary sewer collection main up State Route 48 to the properties and placing an assessment on the parcels within the residential development so that the City would be reimbursed for the project costs.

    An assessment on each parcel, for a period of 20 years would allow for Loveland taxpayers to recoup their subsidy of the sanitary sewer main extension and to the Campbell Berling Development Company. Kennedy has not said what what the sewer extension will cost nor said how the initial sewer construction will be financed. It remains unclear if Loveland taxpayers can recoup the cost of borrowing money for the sewer construction.

    After the taxpayers bought the land to be used as recreation and formal proposals for how it would be developed as ballfields and passive recreation came forward, opposition from many in the Brandywine subdivision doomed its development. Traffic concerns and “strangers” coming to a public park in their neighborhood distressed many homeowners. Many said they did not want to come across strangers as they were on walking trails and said they would not let their children play where strangers would be using the public park as well. Currently anyone wishing to use city or school recreational fields, tennis and basketball courts, etc., in the immediate neighborhood must drive through Historic Downtown to facilities in Clermont or Hamilton County.

    Kennedy told Council, “The proposed legislation, (was) being requested as an emergency to allow infrastructure work and planning to begin immediately.” Normally passed ordinances must be read at two separate council meetings and don’t become law until 30-days after the vote at the second meeting.

    The developer wants to rezone all of the property as a Special Planing District which would require Planing and Zoning Commission and City Council approval.

    Kennedy presented this “Fiscal Impact” study in the package of information he presented to City Council:

    The agreed purchase price for the property is $350,000. As the project begins to develop it will begin to produce TIF revenues until such time as the TIF expires in 2037. TIF revenue is calculated based upon an increasing scale as the development is completed and placed on the tax rolls. After the development is completed, TIF calculations includes a 0.5% to 1% appreciation over the life of the TIF. Based on these calculations, the TIF at buildout, will produce revenue for the City in the range of $135,000 to $143,000 annually. If the project goes as scheduled, it will produce a total revenue over $2,000,000 to the City over the life of the TIF. A summary of projected TIF revenues to the City is shown below.

    The Public Hearing is this Tuesday, October 13, at 7 PM at City Hall.

    Ordinance 2020-_____

    Ordinance transferring the real property on Butterworth Road located in the City of Loveland, Warren County, Ohio to the Community Improvement Corporation of Loveland and declaring an emergency

    WHEREAS, the City of Loveland (the “City”) desires to see certain undevelopedreal property owned by the City located on Butterworth Road known as Parcel No. 16072000550 used for a combination of residential and recreational purposes; and

    WHEREAS, the City has determined that the Property is no longer needed for municipal purposes; and

    WHEREAS, the Property should be transferred to the Community Improvement Corporation of Loveland without competitive bidding pursuant to Codified Ordinance Section 107.01(f) to dispose of as that organization shall best determine; and

    WHEREAS, City Council conducted a public hearing on October 13, 2020 as to the disposition of the Property.

    Now, Therefore, Be It Ordained by the Council of the City of Loveland, Hamilton, Clermont and Warren Counties, Ohio.

    Section 1. Council of the City of Loveland (“City Council”) hereby determinesthat the undeveloped real property located on Butterworth Road known as Parcel1607200055 and further described in Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Property”) is no longerneeded for municipal purposes.

    Section 2. City Council hereby authorizes the Property be transferred to the Community Improvement Corporation of Loveland to be used to promote the welfare of the people of the City, stabilize the economy, provide employment, assist in the development of industrial, commercial, distribution, and research activities to the benefit of the people of the City, provide additional opportunities for their gainful employment or will promote the reclamation, rehabilitation, and reutilization of vacant, abandoned, tax- foreclosed, or other real property in the City. The City Manager is authorized to execute any and all documents on behalf of the City consistent with this transfer.

    Section 3. Council hereby finds and determines that all formal actions relative to the passage of this legislation were taken in an open meeting of this Council, and that all deliberations of this Council and of its committees, if any, which resulted in formal action, were taken in meetings open to the public, in full compliance with applicable legal requirements, including Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.

    Section 4. That this Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety and general welfare and shall be effective immediately upon its passage. The reason for said declaration of emergency is to allow for the property to be transferred and sold as soon as possible so that infrastructure can be installed to allow for its development for the benefit of the City.

  • Loveland Magazine Presents a “9/11 Photo Essay”

    Loveland Magazine Presents a “9/11 Photo Essay”

    Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown and the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Downtown Loveland celebrated those heroes who lost their lives during the 9/11 tragedy gathered around the Chief Candace M. Cook Firefighters Memorial, located on Harrison Avenue right along the Loveland/Little Miami Bike Trail just two Fridays ago. 

    Both the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department and the Loveland Police Department attended the beautiful ceremony as well as several dedicated community leaders.

    Luckily, Loveland Magazine was there to capture the breath-taking ceremony that included, a speech by retired Cincinnati Police Lieutenant and Republican candidate for Hamilton County Sheriff ,Bruce Hoffbauer, the playing of bagpipes as the firefighter memorial flag was lowered to half-mast, search lights resembling the Twin Towers set off into the sky, and a patriotic display of fireworks as songs honoring the fallen heroes rang throughout the night. Pastor Bill Hounshell led the gathering in prayer.

    We understand that many may have missed Loveland’s 9/11 ceremony so here at Loveland Magazine we wanted to make sure our readers could virtually enjoy the experience through our “9/11 Photo Essay.” Click below to view the compilation of photos taken by Editor-In-Chief David Miller honoring the 9/11 heroes, local first responders, and attendees.

    (The Memorial – the Monument – the Ceremony – the Fireworks – the Searchlights – the Solemn People of the Greater Loveland Area)

    Stay tuned for more of the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • [VIDEO] Local Soccer Program Donates Checks to Mile42 Coffee and the Loveland Legacy Foundation

    [VIDEO] Local Soccer Program Donates Checks to Mile42 Coffee and the Loveland Legacy Foundation

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The COVID-19 pandemic has effected many across Ohio including those involved in Loveland’s elite kids’ sports programs. A local soccer group by the name of “Loveland Storm FC” has become very familiar with the obstacles COVID-19 has created many of the obstacles coming right before their Spring soccer season.

    Due to the pandemic Loveland Storm FC had no choice but to cancel their Spring soccer season. Because of the season cancellation, the local soccer program quickly recognized that their financial outlook was troubling because they had already made investments before COVID-19 made itself known. On top of the prior investments, Loveland Storm FC  also felt a strong obligation to return the downpayment parents had already made for the spring season registration. At the same time, the Storm did not want to totally bankrupt the youth soccer program.

    In order to help out the Loveland Storm FC soccer program and get the community involved the decision was made to hold a Virtual 5k Walk/Run Fundraiser with donations going towards the soccer program. Although the Loveland Storm absolutely wanted the community involved in the Virtual 5k Walk/Run the soccer program also wanted to be sure that the way they asked the community for help was done in the right way especially with so much economic hardship present due to the pandemic.

    Local mother and Loveland community advocate, Libby Westerman, took the time to explain to us and our many readers in the video interview below how the Virtual 5k Walk/Run decisions were made, and how the Loveland Storm FC program’s plan would emphasize the values that they make a top priority. According to the soccer program’s mission statement, the Loveland Storm FC is meant to be a “player-centered, family-friendly, community connected, competitive soccer program that grows players, has fun, and gives back.” The Loveland Storm FC program stands by their mission by asking each team to take on a community service project each season as part of its investment in the community.

    After the Virtual 5k Walk/Run was all said and done the Loveland Storm FC program was able to not only refund the money they received for registrations but also give away a doughnut or pizza party to the top teams in the Virtual 5k Walk/Run.

    On Friday, August 7th the local soccer program was able to take more of the donations they received from the Virtual 5k Walk/Run and give back to both the Loveland Legacy Foundation and Mile42 Coffee located in Loveland’s Historic Downtown District. The President of the Loveland Youth Soccer Program, Bruce Jones, along with Loveland Storm FC representatives personally presented checks to the Loveland Legacy Foundation and Mile42 Coffee in a special ceremony on Friday, August 7.

    The Loveland Legacy Foundation will use their check to support the foundation’s mission which is “the betterment of Loveland, now and in the future.” Mile 42 Coffee plans on using their donation on providing Loveland teachers with free coffee. Loveland teachers will need to present their school I.D to retrieve a 4 dollar credit towards a coffee or specialty drink of their choice.

    Katie Butler, the owner of Mile42 Coffee, expressed her gratitude for the donation as well as explained what the coffee shop would be doing with the donated check in the on-camera interview below. You will also witness the check being presented to both Katie and her mother, Jackie Butler!

    In the interview below Libby Westerman shares with us how the Virtual 5k Walk/Run came to fruition, why the money was raised by the Loveland Storm FC, and why she wanted herself and her children involved in such a great local sports program!

    In the 3rd on-camera interview, we captured on Friday we talked to Steve Max, CeeCee Collins, and Brian Garry, who were representing the Loveland Legacy Foundation, about the donation check and what they would be using the donation for!

    For more of Loveland’s latest sports stories stay tuned to the Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia!

  • [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