LIBERTY TWP. — As efforts to block growth gain steam here, township officials are teaming up with the Southeastern Butler County Chamber of Commerce and Butler County Farm Bureau for an upcoming forum.

        The April 25 event announced Tuesday comes amid growing pains in this rapidly expanding township, which saw a 146 percent population increase between 1990 and 2000. About 25,000 people now call Liberty Township home.

        “There's been a misunderstanding of what the township is wanting to do and what the residents think Liberty Township is going to look like in the future,” said Joe Hinson, chamber president and chief executive officer.

        The 7 p.m. forum will be held at Lakota East High School. There will be six panel members: Lakota School Board member and Liberty resident Susan McLaughlin, a representative from the county's farm bureau, and Liberty residents Jim Gorski and Robert Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman has helped lead petition drives to halt commercial development. Liberty trustee Christine Matacic most likely will represent the township. A third Liberty resident also will serve on the panel.

        Some citizens have been fighting development west of Cincinnati-Dayton Road. They have repeatedly complained that township officials seem eager to allow whatever type of business developers want to build in Liberty, as long as it's not bars or nude dancing clubs.

        The second referendum in Liberty in less than a year hits the ballots in the May 7 primary, when voters will decide whether businesses can come to two corners of the Ohio 747 and Princeton Road intersection. A referendum in November stopped development off Yankee Road next to the Michael A. Fox Highway.

Police inquiry scorches Roach
Video showed officer lied
Chief supported Roach early
Different statements key in investigation
Evendale leaders shrug at report
Racial, police, legal issues converge as anniversary nears
Streicher's statement
Timeline of Roach-Thomas case
Graham refuses to halt mission
Hispanic tastes feed businesses
Anti-boycotters meet, brainstorm
Anti-lead paint campaign readied
Cranley chooses UC legal faculty
High-school critics assess diverse musicals
Hike/bike trail raises concerns
Kids' weight, heart risk tied
Lodging tax debate starts anew
Negotiators hope to reach agreement today
Tristate A.M. Report
Two shot dead, one stabbed
BRONSON: Roach report
HOWARD: Some Good News
SAMPLES: Not-so-big news
SMITH AMOS: Praying for change
Attorney accused of sexual assault
Forum tackles Liberty growth
Hospital president criticizes leaders
Principal, board mum on departure
Run benefits ill Oxford girl
Puck kills fan during NHL game
Defendants in pilot's killing face separate trials
Kenton County schools seek workers at job fair
Kentucky fears more flooding
Priest cases upset faithful
Tax reform goal of baby steps