Monday, December 20, 1999
Meeting to clear air on Lemon annexation
BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MONROE — While many people are scurrying to finish last-minute Christmas shopping, others are trying to wrap up a controversial annexation effort. Monroe will have an information session at 7 p.m. today in the municipal building.
Mayor Elbert Tannreuther said he hopes to respond to rumors that arose when petitions began circulating to annex a chunk of Lemon Township. “There's some misinformation being given out,” Mr. Tannreuther said. “This is not a meeting for people to stand up and argue, pit one township against another or against the city. This is to provide good, sound, detailed, solid information so they can decide.”
Mr. Tannreuther said the city engineer will discuss roads, bridges and new subdivisions; the finance officer will address the tax base and the earnings tax; the zoning officer will discuss changing from county to township zoning; and the fire and police chiefs will talk about their services.
Lemon Township, once 33 square miles, has shrunk to about 3 square miles of unincorporated land. With the fate of the last two large parcels of land now under debate, the township could be whittled to a few tiny pieces next year.
In recent weeks, residents Rodney and Deborah Barker began a petition drive to annex an estimated 1,000-acre parcel — which cuts through the middle of Monroe — to the city. They said some residents want to stay in a township but most appear to favor annexation.
There are 71 owners of 45 parcels of land, and 36 signa tures are needed for annexation. More than half that land is owned by a handful of farmers who refused to comment.
If that area is not annexed to square off its borders, Monroe officials say, they will end contracts with Lemon to provide, police, fire and road service next year.
The Barkers and other neighbors say the main benefit would be to have city water, police, fire and emergency medical services close at hand. That, they continued, would preserve property values and property insurance rates.
“I hope there will be a lot of people come to the meeting so they can get straight facts on this situation,” Mr. Barker said. “People are just saying all kinds of things.”
After Monroe recently sent residents an annexation fact sheet, adjoining Liberty Township countered with a similar letter, “but only at the request of some residents,” said Nell Kilpatrick, Liberty Township administrator.
While some residents say they'd like a joint meeting with officials from Monroe, Lemon and Liberty townships, Mr. Tannreuther said, “This is an issue between people living in Lemon Township and the city of Monroe. ... Liberty Township officials stuck their nose in.”
Ms. Kilpatrick responded, “This is a decision for the property owners, and they should be able to make their own decision. ... We were not invited to the meeting. In fact, Monday is our trustees meetings.”
Next year, Middletown plans to work toward annexing the other large section of Lemon Township, known as Engle's Corner, on the southwest edge of the city.
While Lemon Township trustees say it's been painful seeing their township chopped up, they agree it basically exists in name only. They say it will likely dissolve if the two annexations take place.
Shooting cars a dangerous tactic
Missed shots
Are teen drivers getting better?
High air fares getting attention
Toyota sets expansion at Princeton truck plant
1,000 help prelate mark anniversary
Senior center needs $23,000
Donors come through for Tristate's needy
Fireworks to usher in 2000 with bang
City floats water ideas
Handling grief at holidays
Meeting to clear air on Lemon annexation
Old homes a specialty
Tobacco farmers worried
Head Start to weigh report on contract
Lebanon might cut city jobs
No arrest in shooting of two men
Towns hope to share Butler Co. growth
GET TO IT
TRISTATE DIGEST
