Mason, which has the distinction of being Ohio's second-fastest growing city, just got bigger.

        Warren County commissioners Tuesday approved two annexations totaling about 105 acres into Mason from Union and Deerfield townships.

        But unlike past hearings, there was no opposition. That's because Mason already owned the 102 acres annexed from Union Township, which was purchased Nov. 5 from Adolph and Beverly Biehle for about $3 million. The city will use the property, which straddles Mason—Morrow—Millgrove Road, to build a water-reclamation plant and for park land.

        “The plant is being built to accommodate the build—out of the city based on current building activity rates,” city spokeswoman Jennifer Trepal said. “If ... the city should expand beyond the current projected build—out, the plant will be designed so that a third phase could be added.”

        Phase one of the water-reclamation facility will be built to process 9 million gallons of waste water per day, but will have a peak of 18 million gallons. In phase two, the daily capacity will increase to 13 million gallons, with a peak of 26 million gallons.

        The existing water reclamation facility, which has a daily capacity of 5 million gallons, will be closed when the new plant is built.

        The total project cost is estimated at $27 million. Construction will take 18 months and should be completed by 2004.

        The second annexation was for 3 acres owned by Robert and Diana Beatty, who wanted to annex their Mason—Montgomery Road property in Deerfield Township so they could get utilities from Mason.

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