By Michael D. Clark
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LEBANON - The city of Monroe got a little bigger Thursday after Warren County commissioners approved an annexation of 135 acres from Turtlecreek Township in a deal notable more for confusion than any controversy.

The annexed land, which is east of Interstate 75 and just south of Greentree Road, gives Monroe prime real estate and highway frontage for light industrial and commercial development.

The annexation was sought by the family owners of Berns Garden Center, which operates nearby on I-75's western side.

Turtlecreek Township officials, citing the township's goal of maintaining a rural, bedroom community, did not object to the annexation once details concerning road maintenance were ironed out with Monroe officials.

"We're never opposed to people pursuing their dreams," said Turtlecreek Township Trustee Dan George. "If they want to become part of Monroe, then that is their business."

But confusion over exact property boundaries and responsibilities for road maintenance on Greentree and Union roads required approval from Warren County commissioners. Monroe officials eventually agreed to handle all road maintenance.

When commissioners voted 2-0 to approve the deal (Commissioner C. Michael Kilburn was absent due to family illness), Commissioner Larry Crisenbery joked with Monroe and Turtlecreek Township officials, saying, "Congratulations - finally!"

The deal's final approval is scheduled to be done after Tuesday, when the Monroe City Council meets to amend a previous ordinance that initiated the annexation effort.

E-mail mclark@enquirer.com