Loveland contracts for a master plan

LOVELAND - The city will pay Burgess and Niple engineers up to $30,000 to develop a master plan for streetscape improvements and development in the Loveland-Madeira Road business district.

The area has been targeted as a council priority this year in an effort to retain and attract business.

Short-term improvements such as flower and tree plantings, landscaping and other cosmetic changes could happen as early as September, and would include the portion of the corridor from Kroger to West Loveland Avenue.

Road plan OK'd for Hamilton Township

LEBANON - Warren County Regional Planning Commission on Tuesday night approved a road plan for Hamilton Township.

The Hoptown 2010 plan outlines a series of roads around the intersection of Ohio 48 and U.S. 22/Ohio 3 in the Hopkinsville area.

The commission gave its approval with the understanding that future developments near that intersection could be asked to set aside land. Future developments also could be asked to help pay for the project's $10 million cost.

The Ohio Department of Transportation will have to approve any intersections the new roads have with the state highways. There's no timetable for the road development.

Toyota supplier gets tax abatement

FAIRFIELD - Pacific Manufacturing Ohio, a Toyota parts supplier, will more than double its employment here after expansion at 8955 Seward Road.

Fairfield City Council this week approved a 75 percent tax abatement for a $2 million, 60,000-square-foot addition, plus a $30 million investment in machinery, furniture, fixtures and inventory.

The company agreed to pay $68,105 annually for eight years to the Fairfield School District.

Kimm Coyner, city economic development manager, said Pacific Manufacturing estimates an additional 250 full-time equivalent positions will be added, bringing total employment to 400.

Wal-Mart on Milford's May 4 council agenda

MILFORD - The first of two hearings to discuss the possibility of building a Wal-Mart in the city will be held at the May 4 City Council meeting. Representatives from Wal-Mart will be present and the public will have a chance to voice opinions. The hearing will begin at 7 p.m.