Sunday, February 14, 1999
Symmes trustees list priorities
Cooperation on roads sought
BY WALT SCHAEFER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SYMMES TOWNSHIP — Road, park and sidewalk improvement issues, along with increased communication between government and residents, lead a list of 1999 goals for township trustees.
There is a need “to continue cooperation with surrounding communities and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) on road projects,” said Trustee Kathy Wagner.
The township looks forward to completion of Loveland-Madeira Road improvements north of Interstate 275, and hopes to begin working with the state and neighboring communities to widen and improve the Montgomery Road corridor, where rapid development has brought more traffic congestion, trustees said.
Mrs. Wagner said trustees need to be heard as ODOT begins widening Interstate 71 from Pfeiffer Road north to Ohio 48 in Warren County — particularly in the Fields Ertel/Mason-Montgomery Road interchange, where ramp improvements are included.
Fields Ertel Road is the boundary between Symmes Township and Warren County's Deerfield Township.
Trustee President Eric Minamyer said that while improvements to major thoroughfares are important, the township also must continue the restoration and resurfacing of neighborhood streets it began last year.
Trustee Mike Gentry said the board needs to move quickly on “the sidewalk development portion of the (levy-funded, township-wide) project. It is one of providing safe access to our schools, library, parks and other public areas.” Mr. Minamyer said about $500,000 of the seven-year road and sidewalk improvement levy has been set aside for walks and access paths.
The three trustees agreed a development plan is needed for the 16 acres the township has earmarked at Hopewell and Humphrey roads for a neighborhood park.
Mrs. Wagner said that and other park projects hinge on the success of a levy planned for November which, if approved, would replace an expiring five-year levy.
Although trustees have not determined the millage, it appears it will be about 1 mill — less then the expiring 2-mill levy, Mr. Minamyer said.
Mrs. Wagner and Mr. Minamyer said the board needs to enhance communications among citizens, neighborhood groups and township leaders.
Mr. Gentry noted two additional goals:
• With the hiring of Greg Huber as police chief/assistant administrator, the township will increase public safety awareness, Drug Abuse Reduction Education programs in schools and Community Oriented Policing programs. The township will continue to contract with the Hamilton County sheriff for police patrol and investigative services, he said.
• The township must continue a cooperative effort with the city of Loveland for a YMCA facility in the area. The location of the YMCA has not been decided.
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