Developer advised to await merger decision

LEBANON - Warren County commissioners have told the city of Carlisle that potential impact of a possible merger between Franklin Township and Franklin should be examined before going ahead with the developer of a subdivision in Franklin Township on an agreement for water, sewer and building inspection services.

Carlisle officials planned to annex the property, immediately north of the city, but merger talks between Franklin Township and the city of Franklin have put a hold on the annexation.

The Franklin communities were mandated by voters last November to form a joint commission to study a potential merger. The commission's recommendation would go before voters this November.

"It's our desire at the end of the day that this property, this development, be part of the city," said Carlisle City Manager Brad Townsend.

Commission President Pat South said the best scenario would be if the builder held up until a merger decision is made.

Deerfield postpones decision on Wal-Mart

DEERFIELD TWP. - The township's zoning commission decided this week to delay a decision on a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter and surrounding retail development on Mason-Montgomery Road.

Instead, the five-member board voted to go through each of the 41 conditions township planners feel would be necessary should the commission, and ultimately the township trustees, approve the site plan.

The commission has not ruled out denying the plan.

The zoning commission will meet again at 7 p.m. Monday at the Lakeview United Church of Christ, 8639 Columbia Road.

Miami trustee heads state association

MIAMI TWP. - Long-time township Trustee Joe Sykes has been elected president of the Ohio Township Association, a statewide organization that promotes the township form of government.

Sykes has been a trustee in the southwest Hamilton County township since 1985.

He said he will help promote legislation that benefits township needs, such as having sewers and water lines in unincorporated areas to guard against the threat of annexation.

Loveland shuts down unauthorized car lot

LOVELAND - The owner of a used-car lot that opened in November has shut down the business rather than face a zoning fight with the city.

Officials ordered Michael Rubin to stop operating out of a small building he shared with a convenience store at Loveland-Madeira Road and Main Street. They said M.R. Truck Sales violated the area's zoning, which prohibits used-car lots.

Rubin, who recently relocated the business from Goshen, could not be reached. He claimed earlier that the city took action against him after the owner of a long-time auto repair shop complained about a car he bought from the lot.