Radio‑control club seeks Norman Farm site as Duke Energy solar farm forces relocation

Mark Fice, a representative of the Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club, told Crosby Township trustees on March 9 that the club needs a new home after Duke Energy notified the group that a 256‑acre solar farm is planned on the property the club currently leases.

Fice said the club has been leasing the Duke Woodsdale Power Station property for 26 years and is now evaluating options, with one leading candidate the Norman Farm, adjacent to the Rumpke Ballfields off New Haven Road. He described a likely footprint of 7–10 acres for club facilities — a roughly 500‑foot runway for model aircraft, a parking area and a shelter — and said the club would continue youth outreach and STEM programming if it relocates.

“We're gonna need a new home in 2027,” Fice said, summarizing the timetable. He told trustees the club has identified several potential sites and is down to two or three realistic options; he said he is working with the Nolman family, who have indicated support, and that the club is exploring possible financial assistance from Duke Energy and an AI data center nearby.

Trustees asked about noise, environmental safeguards and FAA clearances. Fice said the club enforces a 90‑decibel limit at 10 feet and that about 60–70% of its aircraft are electric. He also said the club is an FAA‑recognized model aviation organization and will pursue the necessary airspace coordination and a variance if it needs to operate above 400 feet.

Zoning, access and floodplain permitting remain outstanding issues: trustees noted the site sits in a floodplain and will require permits and a special zoning certificate if the club proceeds. Fice said the club will continue coordination with zoning staff and Hamilton County and will return with more detailed plans and budgets.

Quote attribution in this article follows the meeting transcript and identifies speakers by the names they used or were introduced by at the meeting.