Weekly Update to City Council
from the City Manager
June 6, 2010
Middletown Regional Airport
Team FastTrax is progressing very well in their move to the Middletown Regional Airport. As of
March 1st, they report that nearly 12,000 visitors have come to Middletown who have used
500+ hotel room nights. Good news for our airport and surrounding businesses.
Discuss in the MUSA Forum
Nuisance Abatement Budget
To date, we have spent $30,000 more on nuisance abatement than this time last year. This
means that we will most likely run out of grass cutting, nuisance abatement and enforcement
money sooner than anticipated. We will provide more details in a future weekly update in
order to have a conversation with Council on the level of enforcement for the balance of the
year.
Discuss in the MUSA Forum
Dublin House Redevelopment
A $2 million grant provided for renovation of this facility at 1425 Central. In addition to
improving the façade, the renovation allows the senior living facility to enlarge 40 former single
room units to be one bedroom units, and provides for a new roof, landscaping, and improved
parking. This project adds to our Central Ave. corridor improvement.
Youthland Academy Redevelopment
This wonderful redevlopment project opened January 11, 2010, in a newly renovated facility at
the former Ryan's Steakhouse located at 4435 Marie Drive. The $235,000 upgrade to the facility
included an indoor and outdoor playground, multiple classrooms, and a kitchen. The center can
accommodate 145 children at capacity. The franchisee selected Middletown after demographic
data indicated strong growth potential here. The Center has hired 9 new employees and plans
to eventually have 22 to 25 full-time staff.
Middletown Animal Hospital Redevelopment
More new investment in Middletown! This project received zoning approval for the demolition
of the existing facility at 3615 Grand Ave (and an adjacent single-family home) to allow the
construction of a new 4,600 sq. ft. veterinary hospital on the same site with an estimated
investment of $1 million. The expanded facility should support the hiring of two to three new
veterinarians and as many as 10 new staff members.
Discuss in the MUSA Forum
VA Clinic Development
Construction has started on the new 20,300 square feet clinic on Union Road adjacent to the
Inn at Renaissance Village. The opening is targeted to occur in November 2010. The new $6
million facility is expected to result in 33 new jobs.
Verizon Retail Store Development
A new prototype for Verizon recently opened in Meijer out lot at 3663 North Towne.
Middletown was selected as a test market to construct one of four sustainable stores in the
United States!
Wausau Paper
The former Sorg paper mill demolition is underway and is expected to be completed by August.
This massive demolition project was funded by Wausau Paper and included 25 structures
containing about 500,000 square feet.
Midwest Service/Vail Rubber
Remediation and demolition of the industrial building at 605 Clark Street is complete. The
project will allow the company to grow their roll repair business for the rubber industry and to
eventually add 25 jobs. Nice to see this project complete.
Former STM Paper Mill
The vacant property located on a 5 acre site at 810 First Street (at Water) will be demolished
and the site remediated. Work is expected to start in the third quarter of the year. This $2.1
million project is being funded through a Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant of $1.6 million,
$112,000 provided by USEPA and the balance from the City as a local match.
Down Payment Assistance Available
This is a great program that assists the city in attracting new home owners:
New homeowners can apply for down payment assistance from the City of Middletown
through the HUD Home Investment Partnership (HOME) Program. Our Community
Revitalization Department administers the program. The loans are forgivable down
payment/closing cost assistance loans for eligible home buyers. Purchasers may obtain
mortgage financing through participants in the Middletown Homeownership Partnership or
other lenders of their choice.
Underwriting criteria: monthly principle, interest, taxes and insurance costs shall not exceed
35% of monthly household income; and, these costs plus other long-term fixed obligations
shall not exceed 45% of monthly household income. Property taxes and homeowners
insurance are escrowed. All purchaser(s) must have sufficient creditworthiness.
Applicant Eligibility - Adjusted Gross Annual Income
One Person Households $37,050
Two Person Households $42,350
Three Person Households $47,650
Four Person Households $52,950
Five Person Households $57,200
Six Person Households $61,400
Eligible Residential Properties: One- and two-family dwellings (including condominium units)
and permanently installed manufactured homes (including building lots) are eligible. These
dwellings shall be located within the incorporated limits of the City of Middletown, Ohio.
Financial Assistance: Qualified home buyers are eligible to receive up to $6,000 for down
payment and closing cost assistance. Program participants shall not receive funds back at
closing.
Process: Applicants must attend the home buyer class and then get pre-qualified with a
lender. Once a purchase contract is finalized, contingent upon City approval if relying on
down payment and/or rehabilitation assistance, the process takes a minimum of 30 days
from acceptance to closing.
Census Information
The Census Helpline is 1.866.872.6868. Although all mailing of forms has ceased, citizens are
able to submit information to a Census employee at this number.
Upcoming Events
June 7 Middletown Park Board meeting – Conference Room 2C 5:30 p.m.
Middletown City Schools Board of Education meeting 6:30 p.m.
June 8 Middletown Board of Health meeting –Conference Room 2C 7:30 a.m.
June 9 Middletown Planning Commission meeting -Council Chambers (Lower Level)
5:30 p.m.
June 11 Farmers Market @ Governors Square 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
June 15 MPHA meeting -Council Chambers (Lower Level) 5:30 p.m.
City Council meeting- Council Chambers (Lower Level) 6:00 p.m.
June 16 Broad Street Bash Governors Square 5:00 p.m. Band 6:00 p.m.
June 18 Farmers Market @ Governors Square 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
June 19 Multicultural Festival @ Douglass Park 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
June 25 Farmers Market @ Governors Square 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
June 30 Broadstreet Bash Governors Square 5:00 p.m. Band 6:00 p.m.
Links for additional information:
City Manager’s Weekly Update: www.cityofmiddletown.org
Middletown Community Calendar: http://www.calendarwiz.com/middletowncalendar (copy
and paste in your web browser)
Pothole Patrol: www.cityofmiddletown.org or call 727-3691 (Option 2)
Have a great week! Judy
