The Enquirer

Warren County commissioners will use their regular meeting time today to discuss impact fees with state lawmakers.

The commissioners will meet this morning with a committee that is researching what amount, if any, should be imposed on new housing to help pay for the growth. The group is gathering at the statehouse in Columbus.

Warren County commissioners have pushed for a fee as high as $10,000 per home, but they need state lawmakers to approve legislation that gives them the authority to impose it. State Rep. Michelle Schneider, R-Madeira, has said the committee is trying to find a "reasonable" figure that even developers would agree with.

After the Columbus visit, the commissioners will regroup around 2 p.m. today at the county offices in Lebanon to approve housekeeping items such as the bills.

Butler County rejects plan to build houses

MADISON TWP. - New houses will not be built between Trenton-Franklin Road and the CSX railroad tracks northwest of Middletown, Butler County commissioners say.

Commissioners Monday rejected a zoning change for 13 acres of farmland from flood plain to residential.

Developer Larry Chrisman wanted to build four new houses on the property.

The county planning commission, rural zoning commission and township trustees objected to the development.

Neighbors expressed concerns about flooding, traffic and the possibility that Chrisman could erect up to eight houses on the land owned by farmer Goble Shepperd.

Fees for Habitat house considered by council

LOVELAND - Council is expected to vote tonight on a measure to eliminate $4,000 to $5,000 in development fees on TriState Habitat for Humanity's third house in Loveland.

The two-story, three bedroom home to be built at 614 Park Ave. is the local organization's 150th house. The homes are offered to low-income families who must spend at least 500 hours helping to build them.

City manager Fred Enderle has recommended that council forgo the fees.

Development director starts in Clermont Co.

BATAVIA - The new economic development director for Clermont County began work on Monday.

Andrew Kuchta, who had the same position for Butler County since October 2000, was named to the Clermont County post last week.

Kuchta is credited with helping more than two dozen companies locate or grow in Butler County, which created more than 2,000 jobs and spurred more than $200 million of investments in real and personal property.

Program will discuss prescription cards

WESTWOOD - Frank Hatfield, a volunteer Medicare Specialist for AARP, will do a presentation on prescription drug cards at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Mercy Franciscan at West Park, 2950 W. Park Drive.

The program is free and open to the public.

Information: 451-8900 or www.e-mercy.com.