HAMILTON TOWNSHIP — A deal has been struck between township and South Lebanon officials that will keep the business district the village wanted to annex along Ohio 48 in the township.

        The compromise means that Kroger, People's Bank and South Lebanon Elemen tary School, as well as the clubhouse and River's Bend Golf Course, will remain in the township. South Lebanon officials saw the annexation as a way to spur more development in the village, which has lagged behind its fast— growing neighbors in Warren County.

        Under the deal, the village will annex about 45 acres of the proposed 267 acres. And because the petitioner, Paul Baker, agreed to exclude the commercial development from the annexation petition, township officials said they agreed to drop their opposition to a separate 17—acre annexation, which includes a new subdivision.

        But village Law Director Jack Quinn said 100 percent of the property owners of the 17—acre tract approved the annexation, so the village never expected a problem. The only thing the village gave up that it really wanted was the school, he said, and it intends to file a separate annexation petition for the property later.

        Township officials are pleased with the agreement.

        “We're going to retain a large portion of our commercial area along State Route 48, which is a positive,” township Planning and Zoning Officer Gary Boeres said. “I'm not going to come out and say this is a victory for the township, but it's definitely a positive that we're going to retain those areas.”

        Trustee Becky Ehling said the township will keep its promise to provide free sewer tap-ins to Sunny Lane and Snook Road residents who agreed not to be annexed into South Lebanon.

        “We've already hired (engineering firm) Henderson & Bodwell to look into it and give us some prices,” Ms. Ehling said.

        Annexation is a hot battleground between townships and municipalities in Warren County and statewide.

        “Any time governmental entities and property owners can negotiate a settlement, then it's a win-win situation for everyone,” Warren County Commissioner Pat South said.

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