Four WWII-era Stearman biplanes from the Red baron Squadron fly in formation over Warren County Wednesday. (Glenn Hartong photo) | ZOOM |

        BLUE ASH — When it comes to the fate of the Cincinnati-owned Blue Ash Airport, City Manager Marvin Thompson is feeling more optimistic than he has in years.

        It all stems from a visit that Valerie Lemmie, Cincinnati's new city manager, made recently to the airport. She impressed Mr. Thompson with her open, professional manner — and he has high hopes that open-mindedness will extend into future negotiations over who will oversee the airport.

        It would be a refreshing change from Blue Ash's talks with Ms. Lemmie's predecessor, John Shirey, Mr. Thompson said.

        In 1998, Mr. Shirey brushed off Blue Ash's offer to pay $17 million for the 226-acre parcel. In 2000, he said the property was worth $30 million — far more than Blue Ash could afford.

Bryan Regan of Phoenix, a pilot with the Red Baron Squadron, which will perform at Blue Ash Airport Days, does a barrel roll. | ZOOM |

        Meanwhile, Blue Ash officials have wanted to guide the land's development — whether the suburban city purchases it or not — and Ms. Lemmie seems more approachable than Mr. Shirey, Mr. Thompson said.

        “I feel kind of optimistic right now, (and) I did not feel optimistic at all in the last several years,” said Mr. Thompson, who has worked with four of Cincinnati's city managers since the larger city first proposed selling the land in 1987.

        “She's open-minded. I'm just confident that if we can sit down with the city of Cincinnati ... we can have a win-win situation. (But) we're going to be very, very stubborn on what we think should occur there, because it's in the heart of Blue Ash.”

IF YOU GO

What: Blue Ash Airport Days.     When: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.     Where: Blue Ash Airport, Glendale-Milford Road and Reed Hartman Highway.     Cost: Adults, $5; free for children 12 and under.     The sixth annual Airport Days will feature aerobatic acts from noon to 3 p.m. both days. Highlights for Saturday are an 8 a.m. 5K run and pancake breakfast, and the 10 a.m. sale of airplane and helicopter rides for throughout the day. Sunday will feature an antique car show, the aerobatics show, and plane and helicopter rides.     For more information, call 981-7179 or log on to www.airportdays.com.

        For more than a decade, Mr. Thompson has been telling Cincinnati city officials that he'd like to see 100 acres reserved for the airport while at least another 75 are developed into high-tech office space and 25 acres used for park space. Glendale-Milford Road also would be widened and improved.

        Ms. Lemmie said she's open to ideas. Cincinnati is studying a variety of options, including selling the property and establishing a joint economic development district with Blue Ash.

        But, ultimately, Cincinnati City Council members will decide the matter. Mayor Charlie Luken will be the main negotiator.

        “There are many options up for consideration that I hope to discuss over time with the City Council,” Ms. Lemmie said. “The goal is to create an environment where development can occur.”

        It's just what Mr. Thompson wants to hear.

        “The plan that we want can happen if we own the airport or if Cincinnati maintains ownership,” he said. “We want a better, safer, more attractive airport. We can work it out.”
       

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