FRANKLIN TWP. — The first of two controversial Middletown annexations could be decided tonight, after Warren County commissioners listen to the pros and, especially, the cons of letting the city absorb Franklin Township land for a Catholic school.

        “If they want to be in Middletown, let them find land in Middletown,” says Gertrude McClain, a nearby resident who opposes annexation. “We came out here to get out of the city.”

        Fenwick High School alumnus Bill Akers and his wife, Debbie, are giving the Archdiocese of Cincinnati 66 acres on Ohio 122 to rebuild the growing Middletown high school. The campus is expected to cost $12 million and hold 600 students.

        The annexation would expand Middletown's reach east from Butler County into Warren, a trend that began about a decade ago. Draws for the city include plentiful undeveloped land and access to Interstate 75. The latest effort only includes the Fenwick site, but that wouldn't be the end of it, Mrs. McClain and others contend.

        City officials would say little on the eve of today's hearing, but Warren Commissioner Mike Kilburn said he has received more calls on the issue than any other in recent memory — the vast majority negative.

IF YOU GO

What: Annexation hearing     When: 6 tonight     Where: Hunter Elementary, 4418 Ohio 122, Franklin Township

        Fenwick will have to “reassess its options” if the annexation is rejected, Archdiocese spokesman Dan Andriacco said.

        “The denial of annexation would not stop the project from going forward, but it would make it more expensive,” Mr. Andriacco said.

        The flak officials are taking over the Fenwick annexation is a warm-up to the debate over Middletown Regional Hospital's proposed move to Warren. The plan would require several hundred acres near Greentree and Union roads in Turtlecreek Township to be annexed into Middletown, the hospital has said.

        That deal is not as far along, but already residents and anti-sprawl activists are preparing for battle.

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