Commission rejects Kenwood office plan

SYCAMORE TWP. - The zoning commission rejected plans last week for two 30,000-square-foot office buildings at the northeast corner of Kenwood and Galbraith Roads.

About 60 residents from the surrounding neighborhood turned out at a public hearing with concerns that the development was oversized, too close to their homes, and that it would increase traffic and create parking problems in their neighborhood.

"They were really nice buildings, just in the wrong location," zoning administrator Greg Bickford said of the project.

Developer Myers Y. Cooper of Milford is expected to modify the plans and resubmit them, he said.

Neighborhood Summit will be held Jan. 31

EVANSTON - Invest in Neighborhoods, the umbrella organization for Cincinnati's 50 community councils, will host the second annual Neighborhood Summit Jan. 31 at Xavier University's Cintas Center.

Last year's meeting brought 500 neighborhood leaders under one roof for the first time in 20 years. This year's agenda will feature an address by Mayor Charlie Luken and breakout sessions on crime, housing and neighborhood development.

The daylong event is free, but registration is required. Registration forms can be obtained by calling 921-5502 or on the Internet at http://www.investinneighborhoods.com/register.html.

Fairfield to collect ambulance payments

FAIRFIELD - Expecting to generate $800,000 a year, the city has hired MBI Solutions of Kettering to bill insurance companies for emergency ambulance runs.

Seeking reimbursement from insurance companies for emergency medical runs has become commonplace in the past decade, said Jim Hanson, city finance director. Nearly 50 Southwestern Ohio communities - including Cincinnati, Hamilton, West Chester Township, Forest Park, Springdale, Montgomery and Middletown - have adopted the practice, he says.

Hanson told City Council in November that the fire levy revenues would be not cover operational costs in 2005. Fairfield made 3,886 runs last year, about 280 more than 2002, says Fire Chief Don Bennett.

Billing will begin in April or May. Only insurance companies - and not residents - will be billed for service.

Columbia Twp. seeks development plan

COLUMBIA TWP. - The township hired the Hamilton County Development Co. to design an economic development plan for the commercial area around Ridge Road and Highland Avenue.

The plan will focus on ways to retain and recruit businesses and to redevelop vacant property.

The township will pay $20,000 for this plan. The Hamilton County Development Co. runs the county's economic development office.

Waynesville to hold planning forums

WAYNESVILLE - The community development office is hosting the first of a series of public meetings to discuss the 2004 comprehensive plan update.

The meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. Jan. 26 in council chambers at 1400 Lytle Road, will include an opportunity for people to give their ideas.

The plan will address several areas, including economic development, land use, education, transportation, as well as parks and recreation.