Friday, March 03, 2000
Miami's plan for center backed
Commission supports VOA project
BY STEVE KEMME
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HAMILTON — Miami University asked for and received an endorsement Thursday from the Butler County commissioners for its planned Learning Center at the former Voice of America site in Union Township.
Miami wanteded the commissioners' support to help obtain a $500,000 grant from the state for the $5 million project.
The Learning Center will offer work force development for professionals and entry-level employees. The site is off Tylersville Road, just west of Mason, in a fast-growing part of the county. About 7,000 businesses are within an 8-mile radius.
The Learning Center will be designed to serve people who can't conveniently travel to Miami's campuses or to other universities.
“This facility will be a tremendous asset to the community,” Commissioner Mike Fox said. “This is an ideal chance to expand opportunities for people already employed who are trying to upgrade their skills.”
Miami expects to receive the deed for the 20-acre site from the federal government any day, said Randi Malcolm Thomas, Miami's director of institutional relations.
The parcel cost Miami nothing. The federal government is awarding portions of the 625-acre former VOA site to Miami, Butler County and Union Township.
MetroParks of Butler County will develop a 200-acre golf course, and Union Town ship will have 300 acres for a park. Private developers will build a commercial shopping center on 75 acres near Tylersville and Cox roads.
The Learning Center will include classroom, conference and laboratory areas as well as a lecture hall, an administrative office and a reception area. Each classroom/laboratory will be wired for computer network and Internet access.
The facility will be a service to businesses, industries, local governments and school districts, said Rod Nimtz, assistant executive director of Miami's Middletown campus.
“This could be extremely important for the development of the entire I-75 corridor,” said Holly Wissing, Miami spokeswoman.
Miami plans to talk to officials at the University of Cincinnati's Raymond Walters campus, Xavier University, the College of Mount St. Joseph and Cincinnati State Technical and Community College about participating in the project.
Courses from outside institutions could be beamed electronically to the Learning Center, Mr. Nimtz said.
Under the federal government's terms, Miami has six years to show a good-faith effort to build the center.
Auditor challenges officials' travel expenses
Talk tough on all sides of levy issue
McCain: Message inspires new voters
Primary causes little stir in Lebanon
School violence shows need to teach peace
Cops accused of racial profiling
New area code forces changes
Egg donors in demand at fertility center
Jury awards family $65M in '98 crash
Parking garages: Third St. or riverfront?
Riverfront redevelopment awaits funding
Ten Commandment defenders build up funds
Gift of land could help school move
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Colerain Twp. woman is TV's top fan
Cammy tickets on sale
GET TO IT
Print keeps coach's story ticking
Web site explains experimental treatments
WKRC-TV keeps ratings crown
Boone honors its football hero
Council votes itself salary hike
Councilman and son to join civil-rights pilgrimage
Ex-treasurer goes to court over firing
Fairfield host to choral competition
GOP's 72nd District primary features three fresh faces
Hamilton selling year-old cars
Jury rules against eye doctor
Levy renewal would keep repair going
Man's coin hobby shows his metal
Miami's plan for center backed
N.Ky. gets on-demand bus service
Retiree brought in to help run MRDD
The joy of books marked
Tournament name change raises furor
TRISTATE DIGEST
