[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6247241,"mediaKeyId","3213226-d61b1cec1c40b5e8e7da64f02de9ff43","parentId",3213226,"title","Council advances negotiations with Empower Me Living for neuro‑inclusive housing project on city land","audioSeconds",1111,"startMs",2622000,"endMs",3733000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213226-d61b1cec1c40b5e8e7da64f02de9ff43&start=2622&end=3733","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213226-d61b1cec1c40b5e8e7da64f02de9ff43/thumbnail_2622000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6247241/Oxford/Butler-County/Ohio/Council-advances-negotiations-with-Empower-Me-Living-for-neuroinclusive-housing-project-on-city-land","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247241-0d2ea726e2c0a750b05b13a6054b7f90/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440175&Signature=LpXFYJxDIYoq-0GjMNZ4RYiPsJklK6m-HeI4JOsTzHucQdfEVtQHV0AkGFJGeEKMZZkp20vtH7rA7LUvDQoQRhTBHiSZl1UK3BYiQ2noB-Oz5ht8E5URoH1a-vIZDDi0erJVUy1pB-usNDLxRg1mHHd3VSGsnp1Mqn-USkpUmXfAHgTrTiL8ifCFwt3WvBRp4HBEFewoGhABijkB2bfeYO8oJn5UgqoBzeBvp5MXbp6AeWp4DRML8KsYHiS5BLes9Pf29m84RYvcnnkT2e0Pif2G~QFeLggmB~XykbuCf5ljNsW0csLVjLAxNeZQe-SJQKX2AUFJj~MOyqBYQwB~BA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Oxford, OH ","date","2025-05-07T16:18:18Z","article","Oxford City Council on Tuesday accepted the Housing Advisory Commission’s recommendation to advance negotiations with Empower Me Living and partner Inclusive Housing Resources to develop a proposed neuro‑inclusive housing project on the city‑owned site identified during the staff presentation.

The project concept, as presented by Empower Me Living and Inclusive Housing Resources, would deliver up to 16 modular, universally designed units (roughly 400–800 square feet each) arranged as individual homes or paired townhomes and targeted to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their aging caregivers. The developers described a landominium model with a homeowners association to manage common areas, a potential right of first refusal for Inclusive Housing Resources on resales, and mechanisms to preserve long‑term affordability.

“In our proposal … we would plan to work with Tallawanda’s program and the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities,” a representative of Inclusive Housing Resources said, explaining outreach plans and long‑term monitoring to preserve affordability and supportive occupancy for qualifying residents.

City staff told council the city issued a request for proposals in January 2025 and received four submissions; Empower Me Living and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati were the two finalists. The scoring committee of staff and Housing Advisory Commission members interviewed finalists and recommended Empower Me Living based on experience, initial funding, and supportive programming. The Housing Advisory Commission approved the recommendation on April 17, 2025.

Council members asked detailed questions about long‑term affordability, site density and emergency‑vehicle access, and the city’s future role. A city staff member clarified that the council’s vote authorizes negotiation only: “The vote yes on this today is to begin the negotiations of a development agreement,” and that staff had asked applicants about long‑term affordability during the review process and envisioned affordability covenants of a multi‑year duration tied to other funding sources.

Empower Me Living cofounders presented personal and professional motivation for the project and said the development would be focused on local residents, including mechanisms to reserve “four units” for adults with developmental disabilities and to preserve units through association governance and rights of first refusal. Council members broadly supported moving forward to negotiations while pressing to maximize unit count, preserve affordability “in perpetuity” when possible, and ensure that site planning meets building‑code, accessibility and emergency‑access requirements.

The council adopted the resolution to begin development negotiations by voice vote. Staff will return with negotiated development and purchase agreements for council approval and will include details on affordability covenants, unit count and site plan as part of the planning and development agreement process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting, May 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Oxford City Council authorized staff to begin negotiations with Empower Me Living and Inclusive Housing Resources to develop a proposed neuro‑inclusive housing project on the city land identified in the RFP process.","taxTitle","Oxford, Butler County, Ohio","taxId",71185,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6247246,"Oxford council asks Butler County RTA to study expanded seasonal bus route to improve access to aquatic center and senior housing",467,2154000,2621000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213226-d61b1cec1c40b5e8e7da64f02de9ff43&start=2154&end=2621","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213226-d61b1cec1c40b5e8e7da64f02de9ff43/thumbnail_2154000.jpg","/articles/6247246/Oxford/Butler-County/Ohio/Oxford-council-asks-Butler-County-RTA-to-study-expanded-seasonal-bus-route-to-improve-access-to-aquatic-center-and-senior-housing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247246-468f04de80703ab47f46eb088e7b0157/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440175&Signature=WTAhlK0OZkWzC7infiyJMmLLypHfGddXIuEj51oXvG8qF7OwjpljZSlvODzWyxuYxodIHGf7exkwuSanAnQeVueq2XMKLZJdC7v48L4RzVKNbPlk5M8lt0c1kPAumc~YiZweTf4m18FqeHyr5oVydQOYqNWjtjZ17EgKFKTIHsxRxqYrw2JM5cbrn9k1AMMhwElNqdeVstFXhd5BUDhCUZQFrEXEqKiaNboVBaNwh9eoxeErgqgndQda2~YVimY12ZJE76KgBF0LBpRJxDS~RyGjW4WoBY-VwFhKM2I-yMza8SNaO-ai1BoNq0DKdhFyHl7k6HJb42YG3MPvwurXkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oxford City Council voted to send a letter to the Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA) asking the agency to consider an expanded seasonal bus route that would serve the community park and aquatic center, the Knowles of Oxford senior community and the Locust Street business corridor.

The Recreation Board recommended the request after finding access to the aquatic center and park is difficult for residents without motor vehicles, particularly Oxford’s largest senior neighborhood, the Knowles of Oxford. The council’s action formally forwards the Recreation Board’s recommendation to BCRTA for consideration.

A staff representative said the resolution’s intent is limited to sending the letter and does not commit the city to funding a route. “Any expanded route would have a fiscal cost to the City of Oxford, upwards of $50,000,” the staff report said, noting additional budget discussions would be required if BCRTA recommends implementation.

The Recreation Board’s recommendation and council discussion emphasized equity and mobility for seniors, families and teens. In remarks to council, a recreation representative said, “It’s about opportunity. It’s about equity. It’s about making sure that everyone in Oxford is a full participant in community life,” and argued that a seasonal route could close gaps in service west of McGuffey Avenue.

Council members supported sending the letter as a first step, saying it would allow the city to gauge BCRTA’s response and, if warranted, pilot a one‑year trial and evaluate ridership before committing funds. Options for potential city contribution discussed included Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding or other locally allocated funds; a council member noted the city has in the past provided modest one‑time support to BCRTA for specific needs.

The resolution passed on a voice vote with no public opposition recorded. Council members said they expect BCRTA to respond with feasibility and cost options and that further council action would be required before any service change or city subsidy takes effect.","Council approved a resolution to send a letter to Butler County Regional Transit Authority requesting study of a seasonal route to the community park, aquatic center and Knowles of Oxford senior community; staff warned any expanded route could cost the city about $50,000 annually.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6247251,"Oxford council waives $2,100 in fees for annual Wine and Craft Beer Festival after debate over fairness",1213,938000,2151000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213226-d61b1cec1c40b5e8e7da64f02de9ff43&start=938&end=2151","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213226-d61b1cec1c40b5e8e7da64f02de9ff43/thumbnail_938000.jpg","/articles/6247251/Oxford/Butler-County/Ohio/Oxford-council-waives-2100-in-fees-for-annual-Wine-and-Craft-Beer-Festival-after-debate-over-fairness","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247251-77fea49904841e68448fd1be4ddb169c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440175&Signature=kDugvjFoR-287L3socsFmXSxVfo~ZCZJa~FzilGLsI-mEzEMi8fmSZFj46Q8oAYq3e0BooxNLRHNx8a~bQ9qU2mqY8XSgCVwKcCYqygLiPpn-pDAIXUciPSqyYVY8Rjn1bN18CnIFsb95YTLMPt4Idpv-B4UhwqnB75hX34ANuHo-mGcOD85E~rL4kg0kXcxZdKCH5RzyQhQDTlUDzTW6~VHy5KIUyv0SQxxQJaDxUMTEafdCfpfF3Df~P6wWS5JzC7WesyKauyFVayPocScwHwMeC3G5oSIoS-kU1PKpC7t0H-UkeqecNHDeDGysLZMVrkUEtDqx~BtC1G3HQPxqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oxford City Council on Tuesday adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to waive street‑closure and parking‑meter fees totaling $2,100 for the Oxford Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Oxford Wine and Craft Beer Festival.

The vote implements a staff request described in the council packet and follows public comment from Kelly Riggs of the Oxford Chamber asking the city to renew the fee waiver granted in 2024.

City staff reported the waiver request covers 150 parking spaces at $12 per space (totaling $1,800) and two road closures at $150 each (totaling $300). “These large one‑day events are extremely staff‑intensive and close the uptown area for an entire day,” a staff presentation said. The staff report also noted parking fees are used to service the parking‑garage loan and for garage maintenance.

At the meeting, Kelly Riggs, speaking for the Chamber, said the event would again pay for police officers and comply with city safety rules, and that the Chamber would continue to work with the city: “We want to continue to work very closely with the City of Oxford and maintain the City of Oxford as a sustaining sponsor in trade for doing this for us,” Riggs said.

Council members debated whether this kind of one‑off waiver would be fair to other organizations. A council member noted that the city lacks “a clear system for when to say yes or no to waiver fees” and urged development of a rubric or prioritization process that would weigh costs (which staff said can be estimated from meter data) against community benefits (which are harder to quantify).

A Police Department representative raised staff concerns that granting one waiver would prompt many similar requests. The speaker described meter revenue on Saturdays (after students leave) as ranging from about $1,300 to $1,900 across affected meters and said the city still owes roughly $440,000 on the parking garage loan and spent more than $1,000,000 on garage upkeep last year.

Several council members said they were sympathetic to the Chamber’s request because the festival has grown (the festival was described as in its 18th year) and draws visitors to uptown, but many also expressed a desire to establish guardrails for future requests — options discussed included a fixed number of yearly waivers, a lottery, or a split (50/50) cost‑share as a temporary compromise.

After discussion the council approved the resolution by voice vote. The action waives the parking and closure fees for this year's festival; council members said they expect to return with policy guidance or a rubric to govern future fee‑waiver requests.

Council members and staff noted that the decision to waive fees for this event does not change the city’s obligation to the parking garage loan or the long‑term need to decide how to treat city‑sponsored events (which the city sometimes effectively charges itself for via the general fund).","Oxford City Council voted to waive $2,100 in street‑closure and parking meter fees for the Oxford Wine and Craft Beer Festival, prompting council discussion about fairness, parking-fund impacts and the need for a formal rubric for future waivers.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6247232,"Council approves call for art for parking garage mural, plans panel installation to protect brick",380,3736000,4116000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213226-d61b1cec1c40b5e8e7da64f02de9ff43&start=3736&end=4116","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213226-d61b1cec1c40b5e8e7da64f02de9ff43/thumbnail_3736000.jpg","/articles/6247232/Oxford/Butler-County/Ohio/Council-approves-call-for-art-for-parking-garage-mural-plans-panel-installation-to-protect-brick","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247232-6de6a1056275e034f9c2bb3c51f15bf3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440175&Signature=IlCxiXnFQMOCAJFhtnepp5WjyvZhowDbjPUGJwEADFss-WcQXQtsk81nh~v2uEoOMWVFAx-3M8O5tIIkyUbPk~lWE9RXeIyXkLzXtthyFtPUXXTvmvgkO6BOciPao1DZ4DzHzT8uEIERa8LaSDqukvV3ocEYOBE7H-Bc8-DFt-iklb0Vf4Lw1YN0AJ3IxZg2ofT3G2nLorkmwvvhp10mJsBHSmuYHPsbC7lmN9sMDWsk9PL8xuLQD8PwZZI9FjOtRs8DTz3ARGphzcssGp5lW4otEsWYslkr7PHM1VY7FBjwMpjshTJdXs5BKrqOaqe0Zsy8TD00vycY8hoYZqjYUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oxford City Council on Tuesday authorized the Public Art Commission to release a call for art for a mural installation at the municipal parking garage and affirmed the city’s preference for mounting the artwork on a panel system rather than painting directly on brick.

Staff told council that the city’s comprehensive plan encourages creative placemaking and that a mural on the parking garage would be a highly visible landmark for uptown visitors. Because of concerns about painting directly on brick, the city plans to use removable panels as the preferred installation method.

The Public Art Commission (PACO) will receive artist qualifications through the call for art and select finalists who will be paid a stipend to prepare full‑color renderings scaled to the garage. Staff said the capital budget contains an appropriation for the mural and that PACO receives annual support for its programs. The city expects the ideal installation window to be fall 2025.

Council members praised the project’s potential to aid wayfinding and enhance placemaking. “That piece of art could be a landmark to help people find the garage,” a councilor said. The commission and staff will proceed with a standard request‑for‑qualifications process, followed by finalist selection, negotiation and contracting with the selected artist, who is expected to lead final implementation.

The resolution passed by voice vote. Council requested that artist contracts address durability and maintenance expectations and noted the city’s preference for an implementation model where the artist serves as lead contractor, as has been done on prior local installations.","Oxford City Council approved the Public Art Commission’s recommendation to release a call for artists to create a mural for the municipal parking garage; the city will install the mural on a panel system rather than painting directly on brick and has budgeted funds for the project.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6247236,"City awards $430,709 contract for South Locust Street drainage and sidewalk project; ODOT grant covers most cost",238,4120000,4358000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213226-d61b1cec1c40b5e8e7da64f02de9ff43&start=4120&end=4358","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213226-d61b1cec1c40b5e8e7da64f02de9ff43/thumbnail_4120000.jpg","/articles/6247236/Oxford/Butler-County/Ohio/City-awards-430709-contract-for-South-Locust-Street-drainage-and-sidewalk-project-ODOT-grant-covers-most-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247236-b90dcb39c01c957caff7b647d8fb9e7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440175&Signature=OFQ4nJNXnTTBcY2p1w83rMBolX~khBqGTc48~iSsrZdzGMBEMCc8I1P6eHlgxvVw2rDbBVYI4Ii09mpWMmRWd6TJ56iGYBcHvntSWkasaibzPQbcJ6EVy80sDwKWzVwHSW-qxeqCENAyGgl8OkihcVyAnLRNGJVv4kztKzTAdeb3PY5XQnavmJmKjq08ELWW83MQE85FVflGUXUtcaLl-DTl0Iz62FRukRSQNzxm1DemVyO5EGE1XeqwvwTgtZLbn-Nz8znkE~RdRTkrkowQnUdJ38qkgyhp48jQgeABykgq2qBQKnHgUp0aHADx4VTdnsRfflDFwGR29X8gzqj5lQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oxford City Council authorized the city manager to execute a contract with Benchmark Land Management LLC for construction of stormwater, drainage and sidewalk improvements on South Locust Street at a contract price of $430,709 plus a contingency of $43,070.90 (total not to exceed $473,779.90).

City staff said the project includes installing about 470 feet of culvert stormwater pipe in front of the Duke substation and Goodwill, constructing approximately 738 feet of new sidewalk on the east side of South Locust and Brookview Court, and adding two high‑visibility crosswalks equipped with rapid‑flash beacons at Collins and Brookview Court.

Engineering staff reported three competitive bids and recommended the low bidder, Benchmark Land Management LLC, which the city has not used previously but whose references were satisfactory. An ODOT Systemic Safety Program grant is expected to fund approximately $388,000 of the project, leaving limited local exposure for the city.

Council members described the improvements as an important safety and connectivity investment for a roadway that currently divides neighborhoods and lacks consistent pedestrian infrastructure. One councilor praised the grant award and engineering work as delivering “a lot of bang for our buck.”

The resolution authorizing the contract passed on a voice vote. City staff will proceed with contracting and scheduling construction under the approved contingency.","Council accepted a low bid from Benchmark Land Management LLC to build stormwater, drainage and sidewalk improvements on South Locust Street for $430,709 plus a 10% contingency; an ODOT Systemic Safety Program grant will cover approximately $388,000 of the work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council advances negotiations with Empower Me Living for neuro‑inclusive housing project on city land

Oxford council asks Butler County RTA to study expanded seasonal bus route to improve access to aquatic center and senior housing

Oxford council waives $2,100 in fees for annual Wine and Craft Beer Festival after debate over fairness

Council approves call for art for parking garage mural, plans panel installation to protect brick

City awards $430,709 contract for South Locust Street drainage and sidewalk project; ODOT grant covers most cost