Wednesday, July 14, 1999
Middletown picks team for project
Commission argued over selection
BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MIDDLETOWN — City commissioners agreed Tuesday to hire a Cincinnati team, Burgess and Niple Ltd. and Scheer and Scheer Inc., for the City Centre Mall demolition project.
The unanimous decision came after heated arguments and accusations of misconduct by Commissioner Jim Armbruster of some of his colleagues.
Tuesday's meeting was reconvened from a July 6 commission meeting because Commissioner Jerry Banks wanted members to question the two top firms, which included Sandvick Architects of Cleveland.
A committee of city staff and residents recommended the Sandvick firm at the July 6 meeting, based on the company's proposal and previous work on the city's urban design plan.
But before Tuesday's meeting began, Commission Chairman Earl Smith decided to eliminate the questioning session because commissioners Armbruster and Paul Nenni had threatened to boycott that part of the meeting.
“What's changed since last week?” asked Mr. Armbruster. “Were there closed door, behind-the-scenes meetings of commissioners? I feel blindsided sitting here tonight.”
Commissioners Smith, Fred Sennet and Banks scoffed at Mr. Armbruster's closed-door meeting accusation.
The three and commissioner Robert Hill had always questioned the Sandvick choice.
Commissioners Armbruster, Nenni and David Schiavone all said they favored Sandvick, but yielded to avoid delays.
Mr. Nenni said it's a “total vote of no-confidence of the staff who recommended Sandvick,” but said the project has been delayed long enough.
The fate of the mall has been discussed for years. In March, commissioners agreed to tear off the roof and reopen Central Avenue to traffic.
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