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Council holds first readings on bond anticipation notes, Atticus project amendment and fence-height code change
Summary
City staff presented three first-reading ordinances: a note issuance in anticipation of bonds for a multiuse development, an amendment to the Atticus planned development, and a change to limit residential fences to 6 feet; no council votes were taken on these first readings.
Middletown City Council received staff presentations and held first readings on three ordinances on Feb. 4: (1) authority to issue up to $4,950,000 in bond anticipation notes for acquisition and infrastructure for a multiuse development along Union Road and State Route 122; (2) a revised final development plan for the “Atticus” mixed-use project at Market Avenue and Union Road proposing increased dwelling units and altered building layouts; and (3) an amendment to the Middletown Development Code to remove a provision that permitted 10-foot fences in residential districts, changing the standard to a 6-foot maximum in residential areas (with variance options via the Board of Zoning Appeals).
Why it matters: The note-issuance authorization addresses short-term financing for land acquisition and public infrastructure related to economic development. The Atticus amendment represents a major change under the city’s development code and requires council approval after the planning process. The fence-code amendment aims to resolve an inconsistency in city code; planning commission voted unanimously in favor and applicants may still seek variances.
Details: Staff said the proposed increase in the note-authority from $4.9 million to $4.95 million aligns with TIF revenue projections and would allow transition to long-term bonds pending coordination with Butler County finance authorities. The Atticus project request was described as removing certain uses, increasing residential density, and altering building layouts. The fence amendment was presented as a consistency change; staff noted the Board of Zoning Appeals remains the path for relief where needed.
Next steps: As first readings, no council action was required Feb. 4. Future council votes will be scheduled per normal ordinance procedure.
