Greenville Trip

DID YOU CATCH THIS?

"the city and its investors — through private and public partnerships — have spent hundreds of millions of dollars over the last 35 years. Greenville officials and residents said the money was well spent."

BUT YET, THE STORY DIDN'T INCLUDE IF THE PEOPLE HAD AS MUCH "ENTHUSIASM" ABOUT THIS PLAN AND THEIR MONEY SPENT AS THE CITY OFFICIALS HAD. WONDER HOW THE PEOPLE THOUGHT ABOUT THIS? WE DON'T KNOW.

AND THIS?

"The majority of city funds were from tax increment financing"

SINCE THERE WERE PUBLIC FUNDS USES, DOES THIS MEAN THE PEOPLE HAD THEIR TAXES RAISED ON THEM AT VARIOUS POINTS? HOW DOES THAT PAN OUT IN A CITY LIKE MIDDLETOWN WHICH IS POOR? AS OPPOSED TO GREENVILLE, WITH THEIR PRIVATE DONORS, HOW MANY PRIVATE DONORS WOULD MIDDLETOWN HAVE IN COMPARISON?

AND NOW THE RAH RAH, ATTEMPT TO PUMP UP THE CITY STATEMENTS....

Middletown economic developer Denise Hamet agreed. She said the city can’t do it by themselves; and they don’t want to do it by themselves.
“It takes a team,” she said. “We have to look at our assets and see what we can achieve.”

Anita Scott Jones, a Middletown council member, said she left Greenville inspired because she knows “we can turn our city around; we are turning our city around, one piece at a time.”
Terry Sherrer, director of the Middletown Area United Way, added that if a community comes together with “a common cause anything is possible.”
Rick Pearce, president of the Chamber of Commerce serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton, said the group needs to hold community meetings and discuss where residents want the city to go next. That’s only the first step, he said.
“We are not going to duplicate what they have done here,” he said. “We need to take ideas back to see what will work.”
Whatever is done will take time, warned Ken Cohen, president of Cohen USA and Middletown Moving Forward.
“We are starting 30 years behind them,” he said of Middletown’s plan to revitalize its downtown. “We have the resources and the abilities and it’s going to be a long struggle.”
Then he added: “Everybody has to be in. It starts with the first step.”

I LEAVE YOU WITH THIS...

"have spent hundreds of millions of dollars over the last 35 years"

REPEAT

HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OVER THE LAST 35 YEARS. MIDDLETOWN DOES NOT HAVE "HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS" IN THEIR WALLETS FOR THIS NOR DO THEY KNOW HOW TO PRODUCE THIS AMOUNT OF MONEY. THE SITUATIONS ARE DIFFERENT IN GREENVILLE AND HERE. NO RICH PRIVATE INVESTORS HERE, PEOPLE HERE ARE TOO POOR TO AFFORD THE PROPOSED TAX INCREASES FROM THE PUBLIC PORTION AND GREENVILLE APPEARS TO HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE SMART ENOUGH TO PULL SOMETHING LIKE THIS OFF. NOT HERE.IT HAS ALREADY BEEN PROVEN. THE CITY HAS GIVEN AWAY WHAT THEY BOUGHT AND THE RESULTS HAVEN'T BEEN PRODUCTIVE.

MORE PADUCAH CRAP WITH THE SAME RESULT.

I'm glad they came back inspired and energized to revitalize the downtown area of Middletown. I think everyone in Middletown would like to see a rebirth in our area too but their overnight success was 30 years in the making and Greenville told them it takes MONEY and PATIENCE. Middletown is a little short on both counts. The NUMBER ONE thing Middletown has to do to begin this journey is fire Marty Kohler. If you want cooperation from the city he has to go. He is always throwing up roadblocks to progress. We have lost many projects because of his inability to work with people. I know several people that has expressed a desire to be part of this rebirth and they have the money and business sense to be a contributor in this effort but it appears there are some community organizations that only wants to go it alone so they reap all the accolades and the credit when it takes more time, money and people to make it a success. We have a great deal of talent and money in this town and some are willing to give both if approached nicely. I also noticed Greenville has a deputy city manger that appears to also be the economic AND community director. Can we learn from this that we don't need to be top heavy with too many people to get the job done. Some talented and well placed people can make it work and may eliminate disagreements on key issues. Greenville also said they were blessed with previous city officials with visions and with QUALIFIED leaders who had the ability to work with community and city to accomplisih their goals. So Middletown this can be accomplished but it takes time and the right people. So roll up your selves and get started. jmo

Just curious as a bystander....call me Curious George.

How many years are residents going to tolerate the fox having control of the chicken hen. Marty Kohler, Mulligans, enjoying all the money being taken from city and putting downtown.

The investors are the state and tax credits. Beggers with tin cups, that's all Middletown has become.

Your top 1% of wage earners, all faxes in chicken house, Newlin kid, cop,  today, $89,000, Dad, magistrate. Jeffries, 31, Fenwick kid, cop, $103,000, dad, retired cop. Noah Powers Jr. $90,000, dad, sr, judge, and former city council member. List is over 50. Neptotism has a home in the chicken house.

Your banker Middletown. Tin cup handouts.

It has come to our attention that the Sorg Opera Revitalization Group, in partnership with the City of Middletown and Cincinnati State’s, request for capital funding submitted last October and later vetted and recommended by the Oh Arts Council, (FY 2015 and 2016 Capital Project Requests and Recommendations Received as of January 2, 2014) was not included in HB 497 first reading yesterday. HB 497 is the Ohio State Capital Improvement Bill which appropriates funding for capital projects around the state. This funding is a significant component of the Sorg’s overall fundraising strategy and would provide a critical turning point for the renovation and re-birth of the Sorg Opera House complex.

It is widely known and agreed that a fully functioning Sorg Opera House is key to Downtown Middletown’s economic revitalization. Further, a recent study conducted through the University of Dayton revealed that the Sorg’s combined 4yr economic impact is estimated to generate over $10M return to the community in the form of jobs, sales and income tax revenues, tourism, etc. Additionally, if granted capital funding, the Sorg project will create nearly 100 construction jobs, 60 full time permanent jobs post construction within the Sorg’s own commercial complex, and generate additional 50 jobs within the downtown core. This is a win/win for all of Middletown.

Time is of the essence! HB 497 is scheduled to move from the House to the Senate next Wednesday, March 26th. Representative Tim Derickson is fully supportive of the project and is committed to doing what he can to reinstate the Sorg project into the bill. However, we need your help NOW!

The citizens of Middletown and beyond MUST SHOW SOLIDARITY! You have the power to rise up and be heard. Show your support by contacting both Representative Tim Derickson and Senator Bill Coley, as well as the members of the House Appropriations Committee stating your support of the Sorg Opera House and the impact it will

have for Middletown and the region and urge them to re-instate the Sorg Opera House capital funding request as recommended by the Ohio Arts Council as of January 2, 2014 in HB 497.

Message Draft

I urge you to re-instate the Sorg Opera House capital funding request as recommended by the Ohio Arts Council as of January 2, 2014 in HB 497.

The following link will take you to the House Finance and Appropriations Committee which lists each member and their contact:

http://www.ohiohouse.gov/committee/finance-and-appropriations    

"As Middletown continues to grow"    

GROW WHERE? WHAT AREAS OF TOWN ARE GROWING? WHERE ARE THESE PEOPLE LOOKING TO FIND GROWTH?

THOUGHT MIDDLETOWN WAS LOSING POPULATION (AND BUSINESS....AND SCHOOL POPULATION.....AND INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE......AND IMAGE......AND....AND)

WAIT!

MY MISTAKE. YES WE ARE GROWING....IN SECTION 8 AND LOW INCOME AND FOLKS BROUGHT IN HERE FROM DAYTON AND CINCY TO UP THE NUMBERS ON CRIME, DRUGS, GANGS, DESTRUCTION OF ONCE NICE NEIGHBORHOODS AND GENERAL GHETTO ACTIVITY.

I TOTALLY OVERLOOKED THIS GROWTH CATEGORY.

Vivian Moon wrote: Vet At the moment our only potential growth area is around the airport, however since City Hall has wasted so much. money in THEIR DOWNTOWN they now do not have funds for the upgrades needed at the airport. I have heard that several new fast food places are planing to move to that area. Hope this is true.

OK, THE CITY HAS TWO AREAS OF GROWTH....THE DOWNTOWN, WITH IT'S APPARENT LIMITED POTENTIAL AS INDICATED BY THEIR STRUGGLE TO CREATE ANY REAL PLAN AND THE MONEY-WASTING VENTURES IN BUILDING PURCHASES FOLLOWED BY GIVE-AWAYS, THE APPARENT STAGNATION OF CINCY STATE AND THE HISTORY BEING BUILT ON BUSINESSES OPENING AND CLOSING IN SHORT ORDER.

AND THE AIRPORT, WITH A BUSINESS OR TWO THERE WITH HANGER RENTAL OPERATIONS AND SOME POTENTIAL TO BUILD ON THE CURRENT SITUATION.......

AND NOW, YOU HAVE MENTIONED THAT THE AREA OF MORE PROMISE WILL NOT SEE CITY SUPPORT BECAUSE THE CITY HAS SPENT (WASTED) THEIR MONEY ON THEIR DOWNTOWN.

YA KNOW, THEY JUST CAN'T SEEM TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS AT THE RIGHT TIME TO ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING OF IMPORTANCE CAN THEY?

WE HAVE A CITY MANAGER, CITY COUNCIL PEOPLE, A CITY ECON. DIRECTOR, A CITY ECON. MANAGER AND THE MMF GUIDANCE AND NONE OF THESE PEOPLE CAN SEEM TO GET THEIR HOUSE IN ORDER AS TO GETTING ANYTHING ACCOMPLISHED. WHY IS IT THAT OTHER CITIES CAN SHOW SOMETHING FOR THE MONEY SPENT AND THIS CITY SEEMS TO CONSTANTLY BE THEIR OWN WORSE ENEMY?

Great overview acclaro.

A shame there aren't enough older residents left that knew the city in it's better days, when competency was present, that still care, have the energy, time and money and want to participate in cleaning house and starting over before this town actually becomes a ghost town. Just hate to sit and watch the dismemberment of a once decent town and not have the means to salvage it. Just flat out not enough resources in decent citizen leadership and voter support to overcome the current powers that are dragging it through the mud.

I can understand people who have not lived here their entire lives and are not in their 50's thru their 80's, having experienced the climate of the city when it was healthy. They have no clue as to what this city once was and have no heart-felt connection to the city. People like Gilleland, Kohler, Adkins, Landen, Mort, Scott-Jones and others, with no attachment to this place, find it easy to tear it to pieces. No feelings, no ownership, no "hometown" feelings to do otherwise.

What I just can't believe, are people like Ken Cohen, Larry Mulligan...people who have spent their childhood here, knew what the town was like when it was run correctly.....they should know better. They should have some compassion for the city. Must not have cared for the town in the first place to have agreed to the damage that has been done. Some people have no sentiment nor attachments to anything. How sad to not have that human trait.

swoh75, yes, the same individual.

They were concerned he would be unavailable as the MCSD BOE was considering him strongly for treasurer.

We have a timeline started here from the time this little group departed to the return to the latest comments from the participants as to what they brought back with them and what they intend to implement.

Anyone taking bets that this will end up like Paducah..IE...a waste of time, producing little to no activity and what little activity will be introduced will die on the vine in short order?

This little city leader skit is getting rather old isn't it? Announce a road trip/ do a "get out of the city" boondoggle, get a little press on simulating positive activity to develop the city, then, phase three, the whole thing fades away as time goes on, with the city leaders thinking we had forgotten about their failed ideas.

Ya know, if one reads this forum, it doesn't take long to notice that we don't forget their little indiscretions. As a matter of fact, sometimes our ace researchers bring back articles from 3-5 years ago to allow comparison between what was promised and what actually took place.

Who's fooling who here city boys and girls?

I direct your attention to the last time that we had a "new plan" (which was just like the old plan):

CC: it's not about who's from where or not, what it is about is the person regardless of where you're from. These good old boys from Middletown lack the integrity or honesty we like to think is the values taught here in Middletown.If these members of council or city employes can't even uphold their oath of office then I'm sorry they don't deserve our respect. IMO

crazycatcher wrote: VET You should sometimes wonder why no one takes this FORUM seriously. Making statements about people you know nothing about is its number one issue. I can say for a FACT that Ann Mort has lived in Middletown for 50 plus years. As for Landen he was born in Middletown, graduated from Middletown High, taught at Middletown High school and has always worked in the Middletown area. So what exactly constitutes you more as a "citizen of Middletown" than him? I support your right to get on here and bitch about this city all you want. But learn about the people you bitch and slander on this FORUM before you cast stones.

For God's sake open your eyes bud. See what is going on in this town. See what has gone on since the City Centre Mall was built and then torn down. See the grand idea of Lake Middletown turn into an overgrown mudhole. See the AK Pavillion at Bicentennial Commons used two or three times and then forgotten about. See the cluster at CS that has never come to fruition as yet. See the infrastructure and roads we all drive on each day. See the low income/section 8 overabundance dragging our city down the toilet and taxing our police and fire folks. See the empty storefronts downtown and the feeble attempt to re-vitalize the area. See the cronyism at the city building. See the stagnant growth by the Atrium Medical Center. See the low performance of our school system. See the decline in enrollment. See the decline in city population. See the low image our city holds with our neighbors. See the town's general condition as we head toward a movie set depicting an apocalytic event. Hell, the city looks like a Snake Pleskin "Escape from New York" movie set in various areas.

Now, as to Landen and Mort. You are an obvious supporter of their style. Hate to remind you bud,, but Mort's "good news" crap is so far from the truth, it is actually comical at times. Too much rah rah for a town driven into the ground. She may be a "cheerleader for the city" but it's a title only with no substance. We're still in last place in the standings and have been for decades. And you can't see that? What the hell are you looking at?

Landen? If he is a home-grown product, even more reason to ask why he would cooperate with the destruction of his hometown. People like Kohler, Landen, the Mulligans et al, who grew up here, should be ashamed of themselves, but are caught up in the little city web of lies, deceit, back-room deals and probably illegal activity. Landen doesn't even enforce the city laws because his interpretation changes as the situation changes. Is that how competency works?

Yes, Landen is a "citizen". What constitues me being "more of a citizen"? Nothing, other than I care enough about the city not to have been a part of it's destruction. If I were in his position, I would never have agreed to what has happened in the last four decades nor what is happening now. It appears personal agendas and greed have countered the "I give a dam about my hometown" feelings.

I may not know these people on a personal basis, not my kind of people, but I know enough about them to form an opinion and it isn't positive. They have helped ruin a once fine city..and that is tragic.

You must be a relative, a city employee or Mort or Landen. They have done nothing to warrant praise nor sponsorship. Mort, while on council, accomplished what, an occasional "rah rah" comment during the meetings. That ain't gonna get new jobs in here, roads repaired or solve any problems in any capacity. Too much PR and not enough action. Just a "talking suit" sitting behind that council desk. The city would have been better off having a pro-active player occupying the chair. Same goes for the rest of council.

You need to develop a skill. Let's call it "recognizing the truth". Otherwise, one stays in denial or in a fantasyland.

Question for you.....if no one takes this forum seriously, why are you here checking it out and why do we have our little "city sponsored detractors" stir the pot here? Must be some concern from your buddies at city hall. It must be hard hearing the truth when you're on the side of the ones doing the city wrong.

Talk around the water cooler is Dougie may be lead in the city manger's job. This a disaster in the making. This city can not afford "business as usual" and that's what we will have if he is the one picked.This man does not have the ability to be truthful with the council or the people. Back door deals will be come the norm in Middletown as he has already shown.We can only hope council wakes up in time to stop this disaster from happening.

Oh this forum IS relevant . Yes we bitch but it's because we do care about our town. We bitch hoping someone will take heed to what we are saying. Take the time to check it out and you may find what we are saying is true. A lot of times where there's smoke there's fire. IMO