[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6201683,"mediaKeyId","3789792-d967b3fba36f4c59be4593b77981ffcc","parentId",3789792,"title","Middletown approves conditional use for 700 Crawford sober‑living home with accreditation, monitoring conditions","audioSeconds",902,"startMs",8710000,"endMs",9612000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789792-d967b3fba36f4c59be4593b77981ffcc&start=8710&end=9612","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789792-d967b3fba36f4c59be4593b77981ffcc/thumbnail_8710000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6201683/Ohio/Middletown-approves-conditional-use-for-700-Crawford-soberliving-home-with-accreditation-monitoring-conditions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6201683-d969f5c15ce641b54b68006cb169c897/orig.mp4?Expires=1770543004&Signature=CHqfl71g7mSfGnfNZ6of~BZNpOHG7q7bshsCXjGvOaUiheZdTKRlpxW6MoDdRfXZ~htQWZvt5wE7eZEOTTD4YywlAdPgy6VBbs8WUFNT423ps9OJzmx18D2pKNi1vVNtPqFwf6-68Isi-JeNRIc6GxQO1~vPlAfLkbBFAMFPY0OABjlSGg82RH9z4HFMzc26DbAvNcQff5iWNnhThScMB-Vdt1NvUM6wXlA9~QCTrhhthhD-nkfdfsJNyeeWfnr5HJHhHbuGRr0xuAFHIm~hMBPrAsl9YC9vMRPNNCacvlQmYhrhKs5EwVAbx6DY06hRMyu5YaSo8FNmflIMgkAhrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Middletown OH","date","2025-06-12T19:12:30Z","article","The Middletown Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional use for a level‑2 recovery house at 700 Crawford Street on June 11, attaching conditions that the operator obtain Ohio Recovery Housing accreditation, submit required architectural and building permits, and operate the property in accordance with house rules and staff monitoring.

The applicant’s representative confirmed the home is intended as transitional housing for people in recovery who have completed detoxification and who participate in peer‑support activities, curfews and drug screening. The operator’s counsel described the facility model and legal protections for disabled residents and said the operator has applied for Ohio Recovery Housing certification; staff presented a database entry showing Middletown Sober Living listed as seeking accreditation.

Neighbors spoke strongly in opposition, describing a history of drug activity at 700 Crawford and raising concerns about safety, property values and a school bus route that serves the block. “The city of Middletown shouldn’t allow a disorganization in an area where children reside,” said resident Christine Buzidas Reisner, who lives across the street and described prior illegal activity at the property.

Staff recommended approval with the conditions described above: proof that the operator has applied for Ohio Recovery Housing accreditation and demonstration of final accreditation within a reasonable timeframe; submittal of architectural plans and compliance with building inspection and certificate‑of‑occupancy requirements; and commitments that the operator enforce house rules, maintain the property, and provide onsite stewardship and a process for neighbor complaints. Commissioners added the same accreditation timing condition used earlier: document the application in the Ohio Recovery Housing system and provide final accreditation documentation to the city within 30 days of state approval.

After deliberation the commission approved the conditional use by majority vote. Staff will monitor the property and may call for a revocation hearing if the conditions are not met or if the property becomes a nuisance. The decision does not change the zoning of the block; it authorizes the conditional use under current R‑4 rules with the listed conditions.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission Meeting 06.11.2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning Commission approved a conditional use for a level‑2 recovery house at 700 Crawford Street with conditions requiring Ohio Recovery Housing certification, building permits and community safeguards; neighbors expressed strong opposition at the hearing.","taxTitle","Middletown City Council, Middletown, Butler County, Ohio","taxId",68987,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6201688,"Commission rejects panhandle (flag) lot split for Roosevelt Commons parcel; lacks unique hardship and direct street access",851,8521000,9372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789792-d967b3fba36f4c59be4593b77981ffcc&start=8521&end=9372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789792-d967b3fba36f4c59be4593b77981ffcc/thumbnail_8521000.jpg","/articles/6201688/Ohio/Commission-rejects-panhandle-flag-lot-split-for-Roosevelt-Commons-parcel-lacks-unique-hardship-and-direct-street-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6201688-43697983dcb81626f956b253c890dd92/orig.mp4?Expires=1770543004&Signature=T1KnNy8va5DGFWokfNPqZZ9h4JAfwmyZWTqR627dvqnr81Rp-K-R0PXPLxH8NJzl3seS1s2H54p1glNNwY9b5yyZYUiriia0DyE0lyNnrxB7rMu5m5TXPp9sCrf1WAn5vomb8USYL6intOBNXzQfszU9sJUhNGHLghL~K2EYLxWmVLWyIG3-ghAx-gWiWBavp6i~r1C5YR3eoeAPB70nmH~Cr7gU6QovU2zJAundri23EWQqSuzFjbVG2wgnK-untNO9A~0b~-CJZduVDeq-4xlil996m-kN3VpPCFYaUz6SogGWS36A7hcR6wK3Flcs8eU~MrQmyB6OxWS211K2eg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission denied a proposed minor subdivision that would split a parcel on Roosevelt Boulevard to create a panhandle (flag) lot for a 24‑unit apartment building.

Staff said panhandle lots are discouraged and may be approved only where unique topography or special physical conditions necessitate them. The applicant told staff the motivation was to ease insurance coverage for a 24‑unit building by separating units into two 12‑unit parcels; staff said the surveyor confirmed the split was for different ownership of the new parcels rather than to avoid constructing a street.

Planning staff measured the proposed panhandle width at approximately 18.75 feet — below the city’s 20‑foot minimum for panhandle access — and noted the proposed lot would not have direct frontage on Roosevelt Boulevard. Staff recommended either increasing the panhandle width to at least 20 feet or ensuring direct access to the street; the commission found neither condition had been met and voted to deny.

The commission discussed practical concerns: the proposed lot line would run through existing building/parking areas, and no physical constraint, grading issue or environmental barrier was identified that would justify a flag lot under the code. Commissioners concluded the request appeared strictly financial (insurance) rather than driven by topography or design necessity.

The applicant may revise the plat — for example by ensuring a 20‑foot panhandle width and a formal access route to Roosevelt Boulevard — and return to the commission. The administrative record includes staff direction that panhandle widths be 20–40 feet and that minor subdivisions provide frontage and access to an existing street.

","A proposed minor subdivision creating a panhandle (flag) lot through a 24‑unit apartment parcel on Roosevelt Boulevard was denied because the lot would not provide direct frontage or meet the minimum panhandle width and staff found no topographic hardship to justify the split.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6201692,"Planners deny conditional use for used‑car sales at Titus and Verity; lot size and prior violations cited",455,8015000,8470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789792-d967b3fba36f4c59be4593b77981ffcc&start=8015&end=8470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789792-d967b3fba36f4c59be4593b77981ffcc/thumbnail_8015000.jpg","/articles/6201692/Ohio/Planners-deny-conditional-use-for-usedcar-sales-at-Titus-and-Verity-lot-size-and-prior-violations-cited","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6201692-da6756547d4a8f7d6c015d230b0713a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770543004&Signature=IwtoLeYAX7-81ySL9OsxNHvNicGPaMB14Z1KAoqxw1cX~CWgBnm3O-FQvhg3NnjsY53hl6KVkpnpqGA9qRwAzmDPp-YwsWltIwCboPSQDMjK-yTAqu77UfRnkAXRxcJMqfdWvbHrnmhn~yxnw-EqYZs7DxZ2lmCbGWAkwOO-TXEt-9XN9W~XFgmfSXnzJYAtdz8bdeU6DVIar0hR30fE~5igZXBGx6favTuPKwwok2WXI~bOM679mwfXYusVsCvu1duYaPZEzbd7O4wHdZtJBzuS2Un5otMW-f82qE9Be3rvKIskdqb-~oOWsjB35jRd0qc5d2LYc9rowdEHvA~x8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Middletown Planning Commission voted to deny a conditional use application to operate an automotive sales and leasing business at 1601 Titus Avenue, a roughly 0.11‑acre parcel at the Titus and North Verity Parkway intersection.

Staff told the commission the property sits in the B‑3 general business district where automotive sales are a conditional use. The property previously applied for the same use in 2021 and was denied; staff also noted a February 2025 zoning violation for selling vehicles on the site without prior zoning permission. The violation was closed after compliance was achieved in April.

In its report staff recommended strict screening for any outdoor display or storage, requiring all vehicle repair be conducted indoors, submission of a dealer’s license and signage plans, and limits on loudspeaker hours. Commissioners raised practical objections: the lot is approximately 0.1 acre, significantly smaller than typical dealer lots, and the corner is a high‑conflict traffic area where test drives, delivery vehicles and customer parking could exacerbate safety concerns.

After hearing no supporters at the public hearing and no new information from the applicant, the commission voted to deny the conditional use. Commissioners said the parcel and intersection did not appear appropriate for full‑scale automotive sales and that prior history of a similar application and the recent violation weighed against approval.

The denial is advisory to City Council, which will receive the commission record if the applicant appeals or re‑applies with a revised site plan.

","A conditional‑use application to operate a used‑car lot at 1601 Titus Avenue was denied; staff cited prior denial in 2021 and a recent zoning violation for selling vehicles without permission, and commissioners raised traffic and site‑size concerns.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6201696,"Planning commission approves recovery house at 814 14th Ave; approval conditioned on Ohio Recovery Housing accreditation and building permits",1723,8175000,9898000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789792-d967b3fba36f4c59be4593b77981ffcc&start=8175&end=9898","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789792-d967b3fba36f4c59be4593b77981ffcc/thumbnail_8175000.jpg","/articles/6201696/Ohio/Planning-commission-approves-recovery-house-at-814-14th-Ave-approval-conditioned-on-Ohio-Recovery-Housing-accreditation-and-building-permits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6201696-0f354c693425ce3f713e8c1721580ed3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770543004&Signature=Loiou-F1n42zPzUwS7CLVGg6kC2fcLRDmRX6A8XAIGOBXYc~33OoK9fKeZnFHB5Pqhi1ueKJorg5JlYgr49WjV~mdAqzoLpk8T0g0t2Nhp0bmhNjq1acTZT6ZJF-dNtFeBP7vt5tWUBIw4ywCOWCRZU9zDqIa9wSv59e0fBH22ymZupUPgDAImly9XqA-aFN1NFae1iJ~1V3J0oIncS1yBq3KCcl49RvELb9na-xxWJQMYXyqOyQuo2WnPxEihnganUFy0KPDPFLE1u98Whh7loXYzDivBeo8jMfrJPt7oB~O-SoA2QhquP17g9BdhkwYHAlGlR8yfLwR57-GNpt1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Middletown Planning Commission on June 11 approved a conditional use to allow a transitional recovery house at 814 Fourteenth Avenue, finding the operation met the city’s conditional‑use criteria so long as the operator follows staff conditions and secures accreditation.

Courtney Hunter, compliance officer for Modern Psychiatry and Wellness (the operator), described the facility as “a safe place for people to live” and said the operator has applied for Ohio Recovery Housing certification and maintains daily oversight. “The purpose is to provide a safe place for people to live. These are just common residents,” Hunter said when commissioners asked about operations.

Staff reported the use is located in an R‑4 attached residential district; transitional housing is a conditional use in that district. Staff noted the facility had begun operating before zoning authorization was obtained and recommended conditions if the commission approved: verification of Ohio Recovery Housing accreditation, submittal of architectural and building‑permit plans and continued adherence to house rules, including 24‑hour stewardship and property maintenance.

Commissioners asked about licensing, onsite supervision and how residents are screened and monitored. Hunter said the operator requires residents to have completed detoxification, enforces curfews and regular drug testing, and assigns a house steward who lives onsite. She told the commission the organization’s application to Ohio Recovery Housing was submitted in mid‑April and is under review.

Legal counsel for the applicant pointed commissioners to state law that exempts certain facilities already operating and pursuing accreditation; counsel also argued that federal fair‑housing protections require reasonable accommodation where applicable. The commission attached a condition clarifying the timing of accreditation: the operator must provide documentation showing the Ohio Recovery Housing application is in process and must furnish accreditation documentation to the city within 30 days of receiving final state approval; the operator must also obtain all required building permits and a certificate of occupancy.

The commission voted to approve the conditional use with those conditions. Staff noted it will monitor police calls for service and may bring the conditional use back for revocation proceedings if conditions are not met or if the property becomes a nuisance.

","The commission granted conditional use approval for a transitional recovery house operating at 814 Fourteenth Avenue, requiring Ohio Recovery Housing accreditation, a certificate of occupancy and continued compliance with house rules and monitoring.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6201701,"Middletown planners recommend denying 217‑home Brielle area development over density, infrastructure and materials concerns",3608,207000,3815000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789792-d967b3fba36f4c59be4593b77981ffcc&start=207&end=3815","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789792-d967b3fba36f4c59be4593b77981ffcc/thumbnail_207000.jpg","/articles/6201701/Ohio/Middletown-planners-recommend-denying-217home-Brielle-area-development-over-density-infrastructure-and-materials-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6201701-b175f0a54c212b73acd61e9f1db042e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770543004&Signature=YULYinR3y8a43QaEMk74cyU3254kPJ~ML-vwISXSrDbLBpmvefqJ1aPWU5Xt4p3zrBcDCE6ltqv70eDte~ybR83rA1ZJyHPWId6e3JZn5afdJAIXTJ145ZPMDlYaC9G~Ydfq5SaaERwevRS-MGLdUA7xg9df5BynRWAMSpyGWcT0s9qWnY4Athmf6lb2HQfikqmX93cQ~NiXZudErTAjOpC9GU7qbpCpahMyvCB6syQssSaQA6MQXbjpndvZZEJZSGbqXoypiKG05XI2t9jl3GPuQVgTmotpUAgpbuSj1-Ni-qQnviXl~el7mC6-~31nwdlMfb3I6rkVAC~A7gJLcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Middletown Planning Commission on Wednesday recommended denying a plan development map amendment and preliminary plan for roughly 86 acres proposed for 217 single‑family homes and a commercial outparcel in the city’s Northern Brielle development area.

The developer, who identified himself at the hearing as Todd Hall, described the project as a mixed‑use neighborhood intended to provide starter and move‑up homes. “I build homes for people to grow families, to live in, and to enjoy on holidays with their friends and their family,” Hall told the commission during the public hearing.

The commission, staff and scores of nearby residents focused their objections on three central points: lot sizes and requested waivers from the Middletown development code, the placement and open characterization of a commercial outparcel on Brielle Boulevard, and existing local infrastructure — especially narrow, unimproved sections of Miller Road and traffic at Miller Ridge Elementary.

Staff’s report described the project as a planned development district request that would require waivers from Middletown development code Table 12‑04‑3 and parts of Chapter 12‑04‑10 to allow reduced minimum lot widths, depths and setbacks and to permit commercial uses not allowed in the base R‑1 zoning. The application shows the developer proposing a mix of 50‑, 60‑ and 70‑foot lots and nine 1‑acre ‘‘estate’’ lots; staff said the proposal also seeks a waiver to permit vinyl siding on above‑ground stories.

Neighbors and speakers at the hearing said the proposed densities and materials would not match surrounding neighborhoods. “This plan, as it is, is not acceptable in any way,” said Judy Gilliland, whose property abuts the proposed estate and commercial lots. Several residents cited repeated drainage problems tied to nearby construction and said detention/retention basins proposed as open space would be wet basins rather than dry basins, raising safety and maintenance concerns.

City Planner Claire Benninger told the commission the developer proposes dedicating about 6.5 acres of open space, largely composed of detention/retention basins, in lieu of paying a $500 per‑unit park impact fee. She also noted outstanding submittal items: streetscape and lighting plans, detailed architectural elevations for side and rear facades, and a required traffic impact study.

Councilman Paul Horn, speaking in favor, said the city needs more housing and asked the commission to consider the broader vision of the Brielle area. “We want our citizens and also our future citizens to want to embrace Middletown,” Horn said. Developer Hall said the market has changed and he believes the parcel will not develop under strict R‑1 rules.

Planning commissioners repeatedly returned to traffic and school impacts. Multiple speakers said Miller Road is narrow, partly gravel in places and heavily used by school traffic; several referenced previous denials for other nearby proposals. Longtime local developer Rick Fishbaugh noted past requirements that builders extend and improve Miller Road as part of subdivisions and urged detailed traffic study and school‑district coordination before approval.

After deliberation the commission voted to recommend denial of the plan development and map amendment. The commission’s action is advisory; the matter proceeds to City Council, which will hold its own public hearing and make the final decision.

The record at the Planning Commission included staff recommendations that, if commissioners were inclined to approve, would have required: larger lot sizes to better match R‑1 and adjacent neighborhoods, adherence to architectural standards prohibiting vinyl on first‑floor facades, a minimum palette of base models, and restrictions on specific commercial uses (retail fuel sales, convenience stores, automotive sales and leasing). The applicant told the commission he would be willing to discuss certain facade materials and to limit uses on the commercial parcel if the city specified allowable uses.

Next steps: the Planning Commission’s denial will be transmitted to Middletown City Council for review; the developer may revise the proposal and return to the commission or present to council as submitted.

","The Middletown Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of a 217‑unit mixed‑use subdivision and map amendment on roughly 86 acres, citing lot sizes, traffic and commercial placement near existing neighborhoods; developer said the project is needed to meet market demand.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Middletown approves conditional use for 700 Crawford sober‑living home with accreditation, monitoring conditions

Commission rejects panhandle (flag) lot split for Roosevelt Commons parcel; lacks unique hardship and direct street access

Planners deny conditional use for used‑car sales at Titus and Verity; lot size and prior violations cited

Planning commission approves recovery house at 814 14th Ave; approval conditioned on Ohio Recovery Housing accreditation and building permits

Middletown planners recommend denying 217‑home Brielle area development over density, infrastructure and materials concerns