[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6197359,"mediaKeyId","3853372-549334e9be4e626addafd812908cdf1f","parentId",3853372,"title","City highlights $2.5M Town Mall grant, East End planning and approves $3.95M paving contract","audioSeconds",3185,"startMs",5323000,"endMs",8508000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853372-549334e9be4e626addafd812908cdf1f&start=5323&end=8508","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853372-549334e9be4e626addafd812908cdf1f/thumbnail_5323000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6197359/Ohio/City-highlights-25M-Town-Mall-grant-East-End-planning-and-approves-395M-paving-contract","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197359-a701b9cc1f379748a9ca14cc04a74e20/orig.mp4?Expires=1775125814&Signature=dq6Q3vFvGSudaowa3gboWKiY8~rAPi3WsjtoVg0EWYkJQ6Y53bkBypktv303BFFPK7t3EgHXh2-UfHCdj2PwizsUh3EPOZr53MD7JBNKraBgjl74oACUxxsmy26DvXS40eL56vqpuFMFouuExmQad2c1sr2ggB3D3RJeTrwhlQ-ajDlt0FA4svm4HXF5ELS0zY6nfCCeo18PIpjjtt3y6cP5t32St8pZcXbZZy0XBpgzKBjy553umI8~sYYq0qE-GueGyA2esXBtFYdRJO7cDwK6XjK1rMAXpYj2Dmr15qulPQUOQhlBoOjPQCqXvHRZzWLYPkBYjoyXFp7G9ZClmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Middletown OH","date","2025-06-13T13:52:41Z","article","City staff provided a broad update on economic development initiatives June 17 and council approved several procurement and construction items, including a $3.95 million ODOT urban paving contract.

Community and Economic Development Director Lisha Moreland described active projects: the city awarded a developer for the Town Mall RFQ and recently learned it had received a $2,500,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Development tied to that redevelopment; Renaissance Pointe infrastructure work is nearing the end of a first phase and the city was awarded roughly $1.8 million in infrastructure funding from the Ohio 629 program for public work. \"So right now, the developer has a vision for a commercial mixed use residential retail development project,\" Moreland said of the Town Mall award.

Moreland also outlined East End opportunities, saying the city is targeting clean-manufacturing and biohealth uses on greenfield parcels and that about 90 acres (Union Run Farms) and additional sites could be marketed with site-readiness support; the city was accepted into the Duke site-readiness program and could receive $10,000 for further assessments. She described a community grocer and health clinic project targeting a $10 million total cost; the city has identified roughly $9.4 million of that funding stack and held about $161,000 in CDBG funds for initial work.

On the motion agenda, council authorized the city manager to enter a $3,951,374.20 contract with John R. Jurgensen Company for the 2025 arterial paving project covering Grand Avenue, Manchester Road and Briel Boulevard. City Manager Ashley Combs said the work will include replacement of defective curbs, drive aprons, sidewalks, handicap ramps and pavement markings and that the low bid was about 6% under the engineer\u0000s estimate.

Council also approved a permanent easement to Duke Energy for airport property, the purchase of a 2026 Ford F-550 truck and chassis for parks maintenance for $185,398, corrected a vendor name for an approved aerial ladder truck contract, and authorized several smaller station and equipment purchases out of the fire station levy and police grant funds. City staff said one of the large development projects, EI Ceramics, awaits an EPA covenant-not-to-sue before moving interior build-out; staff and elected officials noted the timing of that federal clearance is uncertain.

What happened: staff summarized several major development initiatives and funding results; council approved the ODOT paving contract, multiple procurement items and a Duke Energy easement.

Why it matters: the Town Mall grant and East End site-preparation plans could shape near-term job creation and redevelopment; the paving contract funds multimillion-dollar road work that will affect traffic and sidewalks on three arterial corridors.

Next steps: staff will continue developer due diligence on downtown properties, begin contracted paving work per the ODOT schedule, and continue assembling the capital stack for the community grocer and health clinic.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Middletown Council Meeting 06.17.2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff reported multiple economic development projects including a $2.5 million state grant for the Town Mall redevelopment, infrastructure work at Renaissance Pointe and an East End site-readiness push; council authorized a $3,951,374.20 contract for the 2025 arterial paving project and approved multiple procurement items.","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},6197364,"Septic task force urges outreach, flowchart and limited grant aid as aging systems prompt planning",6,7527000,7533000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853372-549334e9be4e626addafd812908cdf1f&start=7527&end=7533","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853372-549334e9be4e626addafd812908cdf1f/thumbnail_7527000.jpg","/articles/6197364/Ohio/Septic-task-force-urges-outreach-flowchart-and-limited-grant-aid-as-aging-systems-prompt-planning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197364-3bf7fe26610a49f3723fbd986306acac/orig.mp4?Expires=1775125814&Signature=ggcuU-k7427xaTKrLlXgeGKoHccOdeBIf~GxB9yVOZMD-DdFZvGhF1tSdfDKrOQgDSGe2BAchw9IFOtzR55Oqp-A7WDq9iVwdsv~SKRgOf7ZIxGIvVz326KHybq8VtXFx7svsK5G1e~HYxzCqS7wgcqDVjGdbu-GW30AZ3XY5-pKjVJ3ovmlTBZFP3hkWOqbdFH7rkhfpLbmJGR7MUmJ5aGoABSIcE0o92ViRXPm3XsO27s2GOM0X8QzGX5yRygHLqA8UNyoKgLyg2fd13E9PJWJolOmYMSgGXb9wjs6CJQb3N17LM6fhxX3u-oc~r4Q7LdKppM9-x-DHQURp~5raA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A city task force convened by Middletown Connect presented June 17 an initial plan to educate residents and prepare for aging and failing septic systems in parts of Middletown.

Deanna Shores, speaking for the septic task force, said the group focused on outreach, homeowner guidance about options and potential funding channels. \"We formed a group of concerned citizens and of course city leadership, health department, city manager's office, and a member of council, and put some urgency around the fact that we kinda needed to know more,\" Shores said.

The task force presented a step-by-step flowchart it developed with the health department to guide residents through the inspection, notice and permitting process that follows a suspected septic failure. The task force noted that replacement options are site-specific; soil, lot size and floodplain status affect whether a conventional replacement is permitted or whether alternative systems are required.

On funding, the task force said the Ohio EPA has awarded a reimbursable grant that the group will use to assist qualified homeowners, but the available dollars will likely serve only a small number of households each year. The task force also reported discussion of reactivating a city revolving loan fund to support repair and replacement costs. Task force materials cited an average replacement cost in the discussion of about $35,000 per household and said a large-scale sewer expansion to eliminate septic in the worst-affected neighborhoods would carry an estimated price tag in the $20\u0000to\u000022 million range.

The task force recommended continuing outreach to renters and landlords, because many renters do not know whether their residence is on septic. Members also proposed a town-hall meeting after the group finalizes funding details and administrative steps so residents can ask questions and learn next steps.

What happened: the task force publicly described the failure-response flowchart, reported the EPA reimbursable grant award, and asked council and staff to consider a small revolving loan fund and continued public education. No ordinance or appropriation was taken at the June 17 meeting.

Why it matters: aging septic systems can pose public-health and environmental risks and impose substantial costs on homeowners. Early outreach, clear permitting guidance and small-scale financial assistance can reduce the chance of emergency relocations and unplanned public-health interventions.

Next steps: the task force will continue to finalize grant paperwork, refine the homeowner guidance materials and discuss a potential revolving-loan proposal to bring before council for consideration.","A city-sponsored septic task force presented a public education and assistance plan after the health department identified aging septic systems; group described flowchart for failures, an EPA grant that will help a handful of homeowners and a $20\u0000to\u000022 million estimated sewer-expansion cost for large-scale connections.",{"_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},6197368,"Residents and preservation groups press council on downtown buildings; council signals expedited review and new RFQ",4150,1320000,5470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853372-549334e9be4e626addafd812908cdf1f&start=1320&end=5470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853372-549334e9be4e626addafd812908cdf1f/thumbnail_1320000.jpg","/articles/6197368/Ohio/Residents-and-preservation-groups-press-council-on-downtown-buildings-council-signals-expedited-review-and-new-RFQ","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197368-15b20fe78f91227f54f6100145b05bbc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775125814&Signature=Lk6CPBOCOV8GGekfSWboHON7dJf1EveEPgZ-V873FNnaA-1bmeBzl8nf7pjWNAajFhG~bW7Bzj~idmUk7ENgi7uCuoM19vvqHYizbIJl9dTg1ns7ACrN6NeBDJGR9aMzB52Ynuup3~RRIXNgRb0XC5euE6vAb5RhBRtAOFJw0kgt5PUDYSV1wBXAifRKpBAljfMgkOatjXIU74zY0Qm-P3edswVspv0UtsW5ZOoaPyQGGgkGa1iMHkCNq2mz8oU3da833sIQsfaIaWQWHa4R8sJQmQwbuI6KjRAfgbl5LwpKFuYHb3x~FOqSA~y83scEM3-mxAnBA7F9ECxodFgC0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Speakers at Middletown\u0000s June 17 public comment period urged City Council to preserve historic downtown properties and to take visible steps to address vacant buildings and public-safety concerns downtown.

Gabe Schoenlein, speaking for the South Main and Highlands Historic Association, the Middletown Historical Society and a coalition called Save Downtown Middletown, said council members had signaled openness to demolishing the Manchester, Sunshine, First National Bank and Knights of Columbus buildings and asked council to provide the public with the specific criteria they would use if they decide to vote for demolition in August. \"If city council members believe that any of these buildings are structurally unstable, they should present proof to the public before voting on demolition,\" Schoenlein said. He asked members to declare decisional criteria or state if they had already made up their minds.

Multiple downtown stakeholders backed preservation: Mika Glazer Jones, owner of the Windermere Event Venue, and Mary Johnson, chair of Downtown Middletown Inc. (DMI), described past private investment and argued that enforcement of existing vacant-property legislation would encourage rehabilitation. Glazer Jones said several long-vacant buildings have sat empty for a decade and that stronger enforcement could spark reinvestment; Johnson highlighted upcoming downtown events and said preservation ties to economic activity.

At the same public comment block, Heather Gibson, owner of Triple Moon Coffee, linked business safety concerns to broader downtown conditions, asking council for immediate shelter options, mental-health crisis teams, and clearer enforcement of ordinances to protect customers and employees. \"Homelessness is a complex human issue,\" Gibson said. \"It deserves compassion, but what it doesn't deserve and what our citizens shouldn't have to live with is fear, danger, and inaction.\"

Council members and staff described parallel actions. Community and Economic Development Director Lisha Moreland reported that staff had conducted developer walk-throughs of downtown properties on June 17 with Joshua Smith of the Butler County Finance Authority and other potential developers, and that a community downtown-refresh working group is drafting an RFQ. Moreland said staff also is revising the city\u0000s vacant-property legislation to address enforcement barriers and that the draft RFQ was targeted for release in early July.

Council members said they had not yet made final decisions on demolition. Councilman West and Councilman Lolli described additional developer tours and said external partners, including the Butler County Finance Authority and the Middletown Port Authority, had been engaged. Councilwoman Carter said she personally favors demolition of the Manchester building, citing long-term vacancy, while other council members emphasized a need for clear plans before demolition.

What happened: Preservation advocates asked council for evidence and transparent decision criteria ahead of a possible August vote; council and staff said they are pursuing developer assessments, revising vacant-property enforcement language, and preparing a refreshed RFQ. No demolition decision was taken at the June 17 meeting.

Why it matters: The four buildings named are prominent downtown properties; their disposition will affect grant eligibility, property tax outcomes and the character and economic trajectory of downtown Middletown. Public commenters and business owners warned that uncertainty, vacant storefronts and safety concerns are already affecting downtown foot traffic and businesses.

What\u0000s next: City staff said the downtown working group will meet again June 26 to finalize RFQ language; city staff expect to release the RFQ in early July. Council indicated an intention to review developer feedback during the summer before any formal August action.","Multiple residents and preservation groups urged Middletown City Council to preserve four historic downtown buildings and to enforce vacant-property rules; council members and staff described ongoing developer tours, a new RFQ for downtown redevelopment, and proposed changes to the vacant-property ordinance.",{"_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},6197371,"Middletown council adopts Midpoint Library—s 2026 tax budget after hearing from library officials",7779,531000,8310000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853372-549334e9be4e626addafd812908cdf1f&start=531&end=8310","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853372-549334e9be4e626addafd812908cdf1f/thumbnail_531000.jpg","/articles/6197371/Ohio/Middletown-council-adopts-Midpoint-Librarys-2026-tax-budget-after-hearing-from-library-officials","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197371-e49dcc825c48eaccfc398d63c8e94002/orig.mp4?Expires=1775125814&Signature=C9RBCULDt5w1ZJXPbfC0IYEh46ooeD~4ePW8ZmHkItl3SYsWzcx5h3Rx1mZevnqbp7~CKXQ5jxp3cstE2GK8eDnZtW6u1z6nuwZfxhLO1KcjjlRP3dDiJGiuieHPCPvhWCnxWsY3Ie~pOFXsygK-0PBZEetfVKXPyOebAUr1j0V~VR3Ta4rd7KfZ14lgittwygTGIGr7yH5r1acZpEzuJR~6Ru6XJyCOXFo3IJoi2vZP-72EEWHI6b1tcG3OMl1KdBQnKsRJCVzuhhaQtympySey6PTwbcuRzkkVx4mYRh-D0iNavsojZMXGvvB5RreQ5h7ogRvFfnKoySexB6mhng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Midpoint Library fiscal staff presented the library system\u0000s 2026 tax budget at a public hearing June 17 and Middletown City Council voted to receive, file and adopt the document.

The library\u0000s fiscal officer, Emily Foote, told council the Midpoint Library\u0000s 2026 general fund revenues are estimated at $12,488,700 and expenditures at $12,031,718. \"By way of review, since you are the taxing authority for the Midpoint Library, I'm here bringing forth the 2026 budget for your review, which will then be sent to the Butler County auditor for approval,\" Foote said during the hearing.

Travis Belt, a Midpoint Library representative who highlighted summer programming and services during the hearing, noted systemwide activities and local services at the Middletown branch, including a USDA summer lunch site and a new makerspace called Innovation Point.

Council President or the meeting moderator explained that the public hearing was held because \"each year by state statute the Midpoint library must hold a public hearing for their tax budget,\" and that the city is the taxing authority that provides the hearing space. No members of the public spoke in support, opposition, or neutral comment during the hearing.

After the public hearing concluded, council added the library item to the motion agenda. A motion to accept the 2026 Midpoint Library tax budget carried on a roll call vote; the roll call recorded affirmative votes from Council Members West, Horn, Mayor Slamka, Councilwoman Carter and Councilman Lolli. The ordinance to receive, file and adopt the 2026 tax budget will be forwarded to the Butler County auditor as required.

What happened: council followed the state statute process for a tax-budget hearing, heard a staff presentation of the library\u0000s revenue and expenditure estimates for 2026, and voted to adopt the budget for submission to the county auditor. The adoption does not itself appropriate spending beyond the budget submission step; the auditor\u0000s review and any subsequent appropriations remain separate.

Looking ahead: the library will proceed with the county-level steps needed to finalize the tax budget and any related certification; council did not amend the figures presented at the hearing.","Midpoint Library officials presented the library\u0000s 2026 budget at a statutorily required public hearing; city council voted to receive, file and adopt the tax budget, which estimates $12,488,700 in general fund revenue and $12,031,718 in expenditures for 2026.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City highlights $2.5M Town Mall grant, East End planning and approves $3.95M paving contract

Septic task force urges outreach, flowchart and limited grant aid as aging systems prompt planning

Residents and preservation groups press council on downtown buildings; council signals expedited review and new RFQ

Middletown council adopts Midpoint Library—s 2026 tax budget after hearing from library officials