County remands controversial Hurricane Hill event-venue request after neighbors raise traffic, noise and safety concerns

Butler County commissioners voted 5-0 to remand an application by Michael Page to operate an event venue on a 19.5‑acre parcel known as Hurricane Hill back to the planning commission for further review, after neighbors and county staff raised questions about traffic flow, late‑night noise and fire‑safety infrastructure.

The application sought a conditional use to rent the property and its pool house for events with an estimated building occupancy of 240 to 275 people, hours of operation from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, and alcohol served by licensed bartenders for some events. Toby Stewart, community development staff, told the commission the planning commission had denied the request by a vote of 5‑0 with one abstention.

The decision to remand followed testimony from the applicant and nearby residents. Colt Page, speaking for his father, said the family had measured distances to neighboring houses and that “I’d rather just operate on what the truth is of the matter,” arguing visual buffers of trees and distance reduced likely impacts. Barbara Ferguson, a neighbor, told…