Saturday, November 06, 1999
Butler Co. to aid in fund hunt for City Centre
County to help with grant, may give $3M
BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MIDDLETOWN — They met for a buffet lunch, and wound up discussing a smorgasbord of topics.
Before dessert ended, the county commissioner and city commissioner had cooked up a sweet idea that could net Middletown $6 million in funding for the City Centre Mall project.
Butler County Commissioners agreed this week to help Middletown seek a $3 million state capital improvement grant, County Commissioner Mike Fox said Friday.
After the discussion with Middletown City Commissioner Fred Sennet, he presented the proposal to fellow commissioners, who directed County Administrator Derek Conklin to work with Middletown City Manager Ron Olson on the plan.
In coming weeks, city commissioners plan to ask county commissioners to pitch in another $3 million from county coffers, Mr. Sennet said.
“I'm asking to get a resolution on the agenda for our Nov. 16 meeting to formally ask the county for the money,” said Mr. Sennet, who said he and Commission Chairman Earl Smithwill likely deliver the request to county commissioners. “I would hope we might have some decision from county commissioners by the end of the year.”
On Nov. 2, city commissioners chose a plan called Design Concept I for the mall project. The estimated $14.5 million plan includes removing the mall roof, reopening Central Avenue and Broad Street to traffic, razing some buildings and revitaliz ing downtown.
Mr. Fox, a former state representative, said Friday that he's convinced the county should help, and is optimistic his colleagues will agree. Approval requires two votes from the three commissioners.
“We have a lot of important projects, and I'm not suggesting the county is overflowing with money,” Mr. Fox said. “We're stretched, putting together funding for a jail, highway projects that will require some county funding ... I can't speak for my colleagues, but I believe we can help with funding the Middletown project. And I believe we should. If we can help Middletown grow, it's good for all of Butler County.”
County Commissioners Chairman Courtney Combs and Commissioner Charles Furmon, could not be reached for comment Friday.
Mr. Fox said the topic came up during the recent lunch as he and Mr. Sennet discussed city priorities and projects.
“I just asked how the mall project is going,” said Mr. Fox. When Mr. Sennet said the project is progressing, but the city could use funding help, Mr. Fox offered assistance.
Mr. Fox said Middletown has supported projects in other parts of the county, including the Butler County Regional Highway.
The city must come up with a detailed proposal for both the county and the state request, Mr. Fox said.
There is no deadline for the county. But it's essential not only that the application be filed with the state quickly so Middletown's proposal can be high on the list, but also that state, county officials and other county municipalities present a united front, he said.
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