Middletown
Printed From: MiddletownUSA.com
Category: Middletown City Government
Forum Name: Community Revitalization
Forum Description: Middletown Community Revitalization News
URL: http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5364
Printed Date: May 04 2024 at 9:15am
Topic: Middletown
Posted By: Billiam
Subject: Middletown
Date Posted: Jul 18 2013 at 9:55am
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Hello. I just signed up for this forum and I wanted to get some feedback from the existing members about the current state of affairs in the city of Middletown. On a competing forum I've noted many people deride Middletown as being a lifeless, declining city filled with Section 8 housing, rising violent crime and fleeing businesses. But I've noted that a couple of people have also said that Middletown is starting to turn around and that new residents and small businesses are opening up in the downtown area. One of these people is in fact a newcomer from the northeast and he seems somewhat optimistic that Middletown is poised to see some growth. Currently I live out of the area but I have recently purchased a home in NKY in a spot that I thought would be just what I was looking for in an urban environment. But in the last few months a crime problem has cropped up there and I am now at least thinking that I should either look at buying another home in a quieter spot in NKY or look at another community entirely. If I make a move to Middletown I do plan to develop a small business (proprietorship with a few volunteers) that would benefit the city and its businesses by promoting it and its assets to the residents in the city and via the web to outsiders. I want to be sure that I would be moving to a viable city that has a chance to support it. I have not been in Middletown for more than a decade and I can only base any opinion that I may have on what I remember it being during my last visit. At this moment, I just received an email from a friend that lives in Princeton Township and he said that Middletown is in his eyes just as depressed now as when I last visited over a decade ago. But that is only his opinion. I'm a firm believer that to make a community or neighborhood better, you have to roll up your sleeves and make it happen. Any input from the local residents or business people will be appreciated. If there are any positive signs of progress please let me here the good as well as the bad. Thanks. ------------- Billiam |
Replies:
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Jul 18 2013 at 11:08am
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Good morning Billiam. I was born and raised in Middletown 64 years ago. I attended Middletown schools in the 60's when they were respected and decent. Miami-Middletown was the key educational opportunity after I left high school. Middletown's school system has deteriorated over the years as to quality of education IMO. I left in 1968 for the military and stayed away until 1985 when I returned with my family. It had changed dramatically by then, a shadow of itself as to any logic or common sense in operation, growth and opportunity for the people living here. The city has totally changed, going from a tremendous family oriented/business friendly/prosperous/respected town in the area to one of desperation, non-logical development, inept attempts at growth, control by a few for the benefit of a few with the majority left out of the picture, business UN-friendly, low income saturated Section 8 stagnation. It is not respected anymore. They, and the poor economy have driven out the better paying jobs (with the exception of AK Steel) and we are left with low wage retail/service oriented opportunities for the people living here. If your intention is to start a business in town, I would suggest you read some of the topics on this forum. It will indicate that there is a major roadblock in initiating a new business from one Marty Kohler, the Planning Director. He has his hands in most business affairs and there has been discussion pertaining to his desire to sponsor only business development of his choosing. The discussion suggests that if he doesn't think your business "fits" into the "plan", he will make it difficult to gain any traction here. There is a stubborn nature to this city government as they listen to only those they deem worthy of listening to. A tendency to place people on "non-level" playing fields when dealing out policy. Friends of the city get special favors that others do not is the feeling here. This assessment is not balanced. It wouldn't be from my experiences in following the city leadership for over three decades. Alot of bad things have happened to a once prosperous city......and alot of it the fault of the leadership and their inept decisions. I wouldn't locate a business here and I like this town for what it used to be and am sad at the current state of affairs. They have ruined it for everyone. All JMO. ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: Neil Barille
Date Posted: Jul 18 2013 at 12:18pm
| If you're as close as KNY, why don't you just drive up here and look around? One thing is certain, if you're spooked by a little crime in NKY, you may not like Middletown. |
Posted By: itsamee
Date Posted: Jul 18 2013 at 12:33pm
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I have lived here for a handful of years and must say, it is not as bad as the outside perception. There are things that will drive you mad, but things that make it a better place to live than other places I have been. First, the bad (then we can go over the good so we finish on an upswing): 1. No leaf pickup (irritates me to no end, im a bit of a hippy when it comes to yard waste, I also do not understand the street cleaner who gets the roads wet....and nothing else) 2. A lot of things are on a miniature scale. The Kroger Marketplace is nice, but smaller and less selection. Same with Meijer, Target, and Lowes. 3. Speaking of Lowes, they are pretty bad at customer service. The other option in town is Denny's lumber, but they close early on Saturday, when you need them most. 4. Stray dogs. Either a) owners do not care about their pets, or b) there are a ton of dogs that are breeding somewhere making for a lot of strays. I chase about a dog a week out of my yard. 5. Property taxes. We shoulder, as homeowners, the entire burden of the school district, or so it seems. I pay more semi-annual in taxes than I would on a home in many of the suburbs of Dayton and Cincinnati. Now the good: 1. Small town prices (not on property taxes). Building permits are cheap, house inspections are free (or, they were when I was moving in). 2. Your neighbors (at least in my area) care and will look out for you. When we moved in, four different neighbors came over and dropped off a key the prior owner gave them to watch their dog when they were not in town. Most of the block came and introduced themselves and have been great to us. 3. Access to interesting things in different locals. Sadly, some of the fun things exist in communities outside middletown. Monroe outlets, Franklin for some fun dining, and more. 4. Excellent park systems (not just middletown). Like hiking, check the Germantown parks. Sunset park is a good place to play with pets and kids, you are close to a bike trail and more. 5. Lots of runners and fitness nuts. If being active is your thing. there are many run-friendly places to go. There are two YMCA branches, and like I said above, hiking and a pretty nice bike trail. 6. Nice local places. You have to discover some of them (thanks Yelp) but when you do, you will find some gems. For example, you like micro brews? check the smoke shop downtown. If you have any more questions let me know. I will say, I started a landscaping business here two years ago and it took off (I had to close it due to time constraints, but had I kept it going, it would have been huge by now). We made around $20,000 in one quarter in our first year. I will say, I never dealt with anyone else about it. I had people who helped with licenses and taxes. I never sought help from Middletown to make it run. I do not know how they help / hinder small businesses. Good luck. ------------- Itsa me, mario! |
Posted By: ktf1179
Date Posted: Jul 18 2013 at 1:17pm
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The best way to describe Middletown, it has a mixture of everybody in it. From the the extremely rich to the extremely poor all living in it. It also has some really neat old houses and architecture on Central Ave. and South Main Street. As well as some new housing developments north and east of the city. As long as you don't live on the south and west end of Middletown by AK-Steel you will be fine. Most of the neighborhoods are mixed neighborhoods with different cultures, income brackets, and ages all living in them. Which I like as a change from Springboro which I use to live in. I mainly moved here because of it's location between my job and my fiances job, as well as all the conveniences by I-75 and only being a few minutes away from the Dayton Mall and the Tri-County Mall. We are just about equal distance away from Dayton and Cincinnati, and only a little over an hour away from Columbus. Also the houses here in Middletown are very cheap, the average price of a home in Middletown is less than $100,000. I got my 1975 Split Level house with 4 bedroom house with 14,000 square feet of land as a foreclosure for $90,000. The Main down side of Middletown is the Taxes, Schools, and the conditions of the Roads, and Sidewalks. And the not knowing if you are living next to someone who takes care of their house or lets it go to waste. I would say Middletown is defiantly at a cross roads. They can either keep growing, reduce the number of section 8, and be smart about redeveloping and reviving the infrastructure of other areas of Middletown, Or go down the road of attracting anyone and anything to the area in the name of development, and continue to focus on Downtown that very few actually go to unless they need cheap GAS, or need to pay a water bill, or go to the post office. And continue to let the roads and sidewalks deteriorate to gravel. |
Posted By: Richard Saunders
Date Posted: Jul 18 2013 at 2:00pm
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Billiam: There are a lot of very nice houses for sale in Middletown very cheap, yet they have been on the market for a long time. Perhaps you should ask yourself why.
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Posted By: LMAO
Date Posted: Jul 18 2013 at 4:37pm
IMO you will do fine if you dont get anybody in the city building involved.They will nickle and dime you to death.
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Posted By: chmoore1
Date Posted: Jul 18 2013 at 10:24pm
| Billiam: I'm curious: you mention Princeton Township which is in New Jersey (there is no Princeton Township near Middletown Ohio---only Liberty Township that has a crossroads area named Princeton/Road/Pike, etc.). Could you or your friend actually be thinking of Middletown, New Jersey (which is 29 miles from Princeton Township/Princeton, New Jersey)? chmoore |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 18 2013 at 11:49pm
My mistake. He lives on the road you mentioned midway between Hamilton and Middletown. ------------- Billiam |
chmoore1 wrote:Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 18 2013 at 11:51pm
Not there yet. Just bought a home there and I am in the process of doing some work to get it ready for my next home. But a recent crime way in that neighborhood (violent crime) plus having someone throw a rock through my living room window has me starting to wonder whether or not I should move there. I just dealt with a tremendous amount of crime in a rural town in Missouri where I owned a home for three years. I do not need to go through that again. The crap going on around my house and even my own property was unbelievable. Next time I get down to NKY I will try to drive up to Middletown and take a look at it. ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 18 2013 at 11:54pm
The politics you describe are a problem if they are indeed true. This will lead to the downfall of a community. I lived in a small town in western NY a decade ago and the recent former Mayor of that town used his office to deliberately keep out another retailer that would have competed head to head with his own. That kind of attitude ultimately drives business out and also customers and only serves to destroy the tax base. This sounds like a similar situation. ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 18 2013 at 11:57pm
Thanks. The negatives you mention would not be an issue with me. The positives sound great and in fact the neighbors I have in Covington have also been largely an asset and I appreciate that fact. I do prefer to be in a place where your neighbors look out for you and don't try to destroy your life or ignore a problem that occurs thinking it might go away. See my post about the crime in the small town in Missouri where I used to live. Apathy was and is running rampant there. ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 19 2013 at 12:01am
Thanks. This is also very useful information. How is the downtown area in terms of crime and livability? I'd would want to buy a home near downtown if at all possible because I need a central location to live and then work. ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 19 2013 at 12:03am
Obviously there can be more than one answer to that question. Since I am not that familiar with Middletown these days perhaps someone can enlighten me. I guess I could look at it as the glass half empty and half full. Hamilton seems to be rebounding and is back on its feet and this may be a good time to get into MIddletown if there appears to be some positive developments there as well. Since I am on a fact finding mission right now, that is what I aim to find out.  ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 19 2013 at 12:05am
Just trying to justify their existence and paycheck no doubt. :-) ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Jul 19 2013 at 1:54am
| I just had my livingroom window shot out while I was watching TV |
Posted By: Middletown29
Date Posted: Jul 19 2013 at 2:54am
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Billiam Most of the naysayers on MUSA are just negative people that make statements which are not based on fact. If I were you I would check out the community yourself. |
Posted By: bumper
Date Posted: Jul 19 2013 at 4:57am
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midd town 29 writes Most of the naysayers on MUSA are just negative people that make statements which are not based on fact. ooo boy that's really funny... I also was born and raised in midd town,(50 years) my mother was born and raised in midd town, she's 82 now...moved out of Middletown almost 7 years ago because of the crime that was going on then all around me, its only worse now!!! Middletown was a decent city at one time!! not so now!!! the big wigs that have ran this city for all these years have made Middletown over taxed and useless!!! was making trips once in awhile to midd town but really have no reason to return anymore, nothing there IMO unless your looking for some of those fancy hoes downtown, or a fix to shoot up your arm... you can go east, west,north and south of midd town city limits and its all useless...NOPE I won't be returning.... and that's a fact...
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Posted By: itsamee
Date Posted: Jul 19 2013 at 8:05am
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Once you pass the street Belmont (off Central headed toward downtown) you get a lot more petty crime (vandalism, items stolen from vehicles, etc.) From what I understand, you also see an increase in domestic disputes (not like its crazy or overwhelming, it is just more noticeable). The Alemada and Sunset park areas are great for central locality and nice, easy living. I know, well, because that is where I live. ------------- Itsa me, mario! |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 19 2013 at 8:34am
Thanks itsamee for all the info. I am certain I will have additional questions after I've had a chance to revisit the city. Will do so during my next trip that way in August. I'm not too worried about petty crime since that can happen anywhere. The violent crime is another matter. I know there are better and worse neighborhoods in Covington just like Middletown has its good and bad parts. ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 19 2013 at 8:35am
If you don't mind my asking, which neighborhood do you call home? Is this a random act of crime or do you think someone that has an issue with you did this? That appears to be the case with my house in Covington. A guy with an apparent issue with me likely is the culprit according to my neighbor across the street. ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 19 2013 at 8:38am
Thanks for your perspective. Unfortunately the negative aspects you mention are also common in almost any city this size nowadays including smaller ones. I'm going to visit it again and see for myself the present condition of the city. ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 19 2013 at 8:42am
Yes, I will do this. I am thinking it may not be as bad as some people say. Given the kind of terrible experiences I've had in my recent past and present in Missouri I don't hesitate to berate the place as being filled with nasty people among other things. But other people will swear that Missouri, or at least the Kansas City region where I live is a great place filled with great people. Since I spent a couple of months in Middletown about 13 years ago and didn't run into ANY problems with the local people, I think my personality and character are going to be more accepted in your area (and also Covington) than they ever have been in the KC area. ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Jul 19 2013 at 9:14am
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things have changed a lot in 13 years as a lifer here, I see a lot getting better--a lot not so good with no easy solution you can have a nice life here if you work outside of town especially shopping amenities are nil, though not far away entertainment is sparse but getting better incrediblly lowball pricing on very nice homes city govt. is weak on priorities and strong with insiders and cronyism look me up if you want a complete and honest tour jmo
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Posted By: Perplexed
Date Posted: Jul 19 2013 at 9:17am
| Vivian, so sorry to hear that criminals hit your home last night. You are one of the very few bright lights on this blog. It's almost criminal, too, that Mr. Atkins ignores using HUD funds wisely in neighborhoods such as yours. |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 19 2013 at 9:28am
The cronyism is the one thing that really has me concerned. Everything else is more or less not an issue. But I have dealt with this kind of attitude before as mentioned and this kind of corruption is absolutely terrible for creating a healthy city economy and stifles new and even existing business in a truly free market environment. I appreciate your offer for a tour. After I check it out myself next month, I will know whether or not a more in depth visit is needed. If so, I will take you up on your offer. ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: LMAO
Date Posted: Jul 19 2013 at 2:31pm
Negative? Maybe if you pull your head out of certain people's Asses you might see the light.  |
Posted By: bumper
Date Posted: Jul 20 2013 at 8:08pm
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MIDDLETOWN POLICE JULY 12 Members of the Special Operations Unit conducted a search warrant in the 700 block of Elwood Street in reference to drug activity in the area. They found .8 grams of heroin, a syringe, digital scales, crack pipe, snorting straws, two marijuana plants growing in the back yard and a marijuana pipe. Beverly Bailey, 57, of Elwood Street, was charged with drug paraphernalia; Jesse Dennis Jr., 34, of Elwood Street, was charged with drug abuse heroin; Kelly Dennis, 32, of Elwood Street, was charged with permitting drug abuse; and Brandon Stutler, 27, of Elwood Street, was charged with drug abuse heroin, drug abuse instruments, and drug paraphernalia. JULY 15 A Sears lawn mower was stolen off the back porch of a residence in the 1000 block of 15th Avenue. When a woman went to the city’s impound lot to retrieve her vehicle that was towed, she said several items, iPhone, two speakers, USB cable and cologne, were missing. The manager at Village East Apartments, 3530 Village Drive, told police that she saw a man and a woman having sex in the apartment complex pool. When the manager yelled for them to get out of the pool, they stayed in the water for a while. Joseph Cantrell, 27, of Wayne Avenue, was charged with possession of drug abuse instruments and for his active warrant for failure to comply. Police found a needle in his pocket. Cody Combs, 22, of Sheridan Avenue, and two juveniles were charged with drug offenses after they were found in a residence in the 3000 block of Illinois Avenue. Combs was charged with drug abuse marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia as were the juveniles. They were found in a home alone, and the home was rented by one of their relatives. About $500 worth of tools were stolen from a residence in the 0 block of Ardmore Drive. Christopher Abrams, 36, of Hamilton, was charged with theft and criminal trespass after he allegedly stole $307.40 worth of merchandise from Walmart, 2900 Towne Blvd. Amanda Miller, 30, of Hamilton, was charged with complicity to theft. A 32-inch flat screen TV, Dell lap top computer, several bottles of Febreeze, towels and bedsheets were stolen from a residence in the 2100 block of South Breiel Boulevard. A mini sports bike, valued at $279, was stolen from Grandview Weekend Outlet, 2535 S. Breiel Blvd. An employee said a suspect distracted him and put the bike into a Ford Explorer. A Murray lawn mower, valued at $200, was stolen from an apartment complex in the 1500 block of Manchester Avenue. Two TVs were stolen from a residence in the 2000 block of Greenfield Street. The burglary was reported by a neighbor who was watching the residence. A pool pump was stolen from a residence in the 400 block of Baltimore Street. A lawn mower, air conditioner and fishing poles were stolen out of a garage in the 3100 block of Seneca Street. yep its rockin and rolling in Middletown every day and night !!! but you might not wanna go swimming at Village East Apartments!! |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 21 2013 at 9:51am
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Is this a weekly crime report or did all of these events occur over a single 24 hour period? If they happened over three days or more then I would say it seems about average for a city of about 50,000 people anywhere. Believe it or not this list would constitute about a week's worth of crime in that rural town of 6,000 people where I lived in Missouri. So, Middletown being about 8 times larger would likely have no worse a crime rate if all these crimes occurred over a period of two or more days. ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 21 2013 at 3:35pm
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Just read the following and this seems very encouraging. There most definitely is an upswing in interest in Middletown even from the business sector. People are investing in Middletown! http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/news/job-numbers-show-people-are-investing-in-middletow/nYwg3/ ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: acclaro
Date Posted: Jul 21 2013 at 3:49pm
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Billiam, listen pal. You are wasting our time trying to play along like a northern KY investor. Here's the deal, Middletown has 1.75% tax rate, heading for 2.0% soon. Its corrupt in my opinion, terribly run, and filled with cronyism. The job article as a cheerleader you truly are, is from SunCoke associated with a jv with AK Steel, an existing business for over 100 years, and the Atrium Med Ctr, an existing hospital that moved out of Dodge to gain benefit from Warren Cty where it sits. Take a drive downtown and Breihel Blvd if you want to see what's moving in vs what is moving out. The phantom cheerleader garbage is amateur hour. Only a spin doc would not see through the dumb article you reference. Go take a peek at the tax revenue declining. That is your answer, or it would be mine, if I was pushing cap investment in the city. Of course, I wouldn't. Due diligence shows you'd lose your shirt. ------------- 'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 21 2013 at 5:01pm
You sound a bit delusional. Projecting a bit eh? I am simply trying to obtain information from local people that live and work in Middletown with the hope that I can get a reasonably accurate picture of the state of the local economy and also what life, in general is like in Middletown. Just how much is the tax revenue declining? And what is the cause? Foreclosed properties? ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 21 2013 at 5:05pm
I should add that the facts speak for themselves. The article cites specific job numbers that seem to be legitimate. Do you believe these numbers are inflated? I'm a believer in the power of positive thinking. But I am also a realist. Precisely why I am moving out of MO. Negative environments lead to a negative life and only serve to tear down the positive aspects of a region. If Middletown is as bad as you say then why are you not moving? ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: Pacman
Date Posted: Jul 21 2013 at 5:56pm
Billiam, I have no axe to grind with the City of Middletown other than disagreeing with the decisions made to renovate the Downtown Area at Citizen expense. I owned a small business In Middletown which I had to close due to Medical reasons. Personally, There is no business that I would invest in opening in Middletown for any reason at this time. The reason people are not leaving Middletown is due to the fact that most Mid-Upper income residents are unable to sell their homes without losing their shirts. Pacman  |
Posted By: acclaro
Date Posted: Jul 21 2013 at 6:57pm
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Billiam, I will play along with you as an investor, even though you are in Middletown and trying to spin what a great city it is, and only crabs bring people and regions down, not bad decisions and reality. The numbers are not promising nor accurate. Indeed, when the CEO was shaking Middletown down to keep the Atrium hospital within the annexed area of Franklin, he said the Atrium would see 10,000 new jobs or its campus. That hasn't been within 99% accurate of forecast. Investment capital means nothing; and the two largest outputs were existing businesses or jv's of existing businesses as defined. As for projection, perhaps you are a clinical psychologist looking for space? Anyone whom bought within the past 20-25 years owning a house, would sell it below what they paid two decades ago. A friend is a President of one of Trenton's most illustrious businesses besides Coors; they sold their home at a $225,000. capital loss to build in West Chester. ------------- 'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill |
Posted By: bumper
Date Posted: Jul 21 2013 at 7:37pm
| heck billiam you asked and have been given advice, but ya never know till you jump in with both feet, let us know when it gets here and what ya got..the downtown crowd would love to have ya set up shop im sure... I really don't care mainly for the reason I have no reason to waste my gas to make a trip to middletucky for anything... |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 21 2013 at 8:53pm
Well, I came to this board trying to get information and an honest assessment of what is going on there. And yes, I have a little money to purchase a property and will do so elsewhere if I decide not to pursue my venture in NKY. For starters I am not in Middletown and I am hardly spinning anything. A couple of people told me it was starting to show signs of life and then some people, such as yourself have denigrated it to the point that I would not see why anyone would want to live there. Perhaps all 48,000 residents should leave? Yes, if the Ol' Boy Network is alive and well in the local politics as you have said it is and also someone earlier in this thread then yes, that is a major problem. But people such as yourself need to band together and do something about it and find good people to run for office and then elect them. Lastly, your first comment above is pretty damn condescending and the last part of the sentence makes little sense. Crabs bring people and regions down? Do you always insult people that want to try to do something positive in your city? ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 21 2013 at 8:56pm
Most of the input I've received has been good and honest. Both the negative and the positive has been welcomed. I do plan to visit the city next month or over Labor Day to see for myself what kind of shape it is in. As I've said I have not been there for at least a decade and I had a couple of people tell me they though that things were looking up. Based upon what the guy that posted to you previously has said, maybe I will just stick with investing my money in another home in NKY. It is that attitude which leads to the destruction of a community. ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Jul 21 2013 at 9:37pm
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depends on exactly what you want to do here, bill--- It can work, and you may end up welcomed by the system, especially if they can rope you into something in the area formerly known as downtown. Not all bad, since they will toss you free $$ to pretty much spend however you like. As I mentioned, very nice homes available for a fraction of--say--Fort Thomas-Fort Mitchell-Covington-Newport. Can't get much for your $$ there, and most everything is old. Better schools, shopping and close to Cincy though. You can make it work if you are doing the right type of business and play your hand as conveniently as possible. jmo
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Posted By: acclaro
Date Posted: Jul 21 2013 at 11:15pm
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Billion- get real. You are trying to tee up the story about Middletown. Its dead, gone, toast, the fat lady sang. Detroit version 2. Don't insult me or others by shilling for the city but stating its negativity that ruins a city. Middletown's inept leadership, taking money for roads to pay salaries, and crime has led prominent residents to move out, and few but fire sale hunters, move in. Why don't you share what your investment to me in capital funds, and what it is the nature of your business. A capital investor would be doing market research and crunching numbers for due diligence, not blogging on a board about the Middletown Journal article. Last week, the paper had one page on Middletown, and that was associated with parking. Run some financial ratios, not spinning for the city in a death spiral. ------------- 'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Jul 22 2013 at 3:44am
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unfortunately a lot of truth in what axclaro is saying... just look at how the city may be blocking musa admin from the city's(citizens') web site hopefully u aren't here stroking us(as has been done often by city or school hitmen shills trying to discredit the often ugly truth(mtown--middletown29--smartman etc.)). if so, don't waste our(or your) time if u r legit--hang around and contribute u will learn plenty so--how did u find this place?
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Posted By: Mike_Presta
Date Posted: Jul 22 2013 at 6:01am
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Billiam, Here's a couple of suggestions for how to tell who is telling the ugly truth and who may be trying to pump sunshine up people's butts: The City Council's budget discussions are coming up these next couple of months. On the one hand, a story just broke that over a thousand new jobs have been created over the last four years. Pay attention to the budget talks and I think that you will hear that revenue from the city's income tax has Fallen over the last four years. Check with the local school officials about how much you might have to pay for your kid's school lunches. You will find that, even if you make a bazillion dollars a year, your kid will get FREE lunches (and breakfasts)!!! You see, there is so much poverty in town, and so many of the children are on the free meal program, that our school system comes out AHEAD to put the few remaining kids on free meals too, rather than to collect the few bucks that they would take in. ------------- “Mulligan said he ... doesn’t believe they necessarily make the return on investment necessary to keep funding them.” …The Middletown Journal, January 30, 2012 |
Posted By: Mike_Presta
Date Posted: Jul 22 2013 at 6:30am
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Oh, Billiam, just a couple more things: 1. Some would call statements like the two I just made above "negativism". I, and many others call it "realism", or "facing the FACTS"!!! 2. If you do decide to move here, and you are interested in a nice, large home in a good neighborhood--give me a call!!! Even though we have completely remodeled the kitchen and master bath, and have rebuilt the deck and replaced the HV&AC, if you offer anything even close to what we originally paid (in 1998), you will see my wife and I heading for the city limits at a velocity that will be certain to get us a speeding ticket. (We will mail in our fine to traffic court.) ------------- “Mulligan said he ... doesn’t believe they necessarily make the return on investment necessary to keep funding them.” …The Middletown Journal, January 30, 2012 |
Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 22 2013 at 7:41am
If you even bothered to read my original posts you would find that I am going to develop a Proprietorship, not a large or even medium sized business. Unfortunately for the kind of business I am developing there are no real marketing studies that can be used to determine where it might work best. I can't hire a consultant or buy data from a marketing firm that will tell me whether or not it will work. If I was going to open up a retail shop or some other similar service oriented business then it would be easy to learn if it would work there. You are a real a-hole for putting words into my keyboard. You've just convinced me not to waste any more time with your city. Thank God I did not get this attitude in NKY. Been hitting the bottle much? ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: bumper
Date Posted: Jul 22 2013 at 7:43am
Mike I really hate putting "negativism"on ya but the realism", or "facing the FACTS"!!! is, your stuck.... .we took a loss 7 years ago selling our home, not real bad but didn't care, and when it sold we left mid town at break-neck speed and didn't get a speeding ticket
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Posted By: Billiam
Date Posted: Jul 22 2013 at 7:46am
I lived in Middletown for a couple of months back in 2000 while working for my friend in nearby Liberty Township. On another message board I had a couple of people tell me that Middletown is starting to see some improvement. Right now I am convinced that I should not waste any more of time on this board or even consider moving to Middletown. I can find someplace better where I won't get pissed on for simply inquiring into the health of the local economy and the quality of life. I think I will stick with NKY where I did not and have not gotten the attitude by people like axclaro. ------------- Billiam |
Posted By: acclaro
Date Posted: Jul 22 2013 at 8:10am
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Billiam, spoken like an individual who knows nothing about evaluating nor opening a sole proprietorship. Even a single owner entity should be evaluated by market and financial analysis. Why....you may even quality for incubator status and acceleration consulting from Cincinnati State and some seed money as sj indicated, from the deep federal pockets in Donham. Here's a another consideration for you pal. AK Steel has trended for a year between 4.00 and 3.00/ share. Read the analysts ratings. If t were to be sold, what would that do to your investment? Go down and seek some help from the C State staff. Glad you are staying in NKY, you might want to check out Lexington, as that area is growing rapidly. Of course, you may be a contractor looking for an opportunity to restore a building downtown. They usually sell for about $1.00, or given away. You have two markets to cater: those selling gold teeth, gold watches, etc., or the other segment which is buying crab cakes and monte cristo sandwiches @ Stained. Chose your market segment wisely. Cheer for the Wildcats down at UK, from your NKY perch, not much to cheer in Detroit No. @, ergo, Middletown. I am certain Larry Mulligan would be happy to take you on a 4 hour tour when you make your soourn for further evaluation. As the roads are pretty rough, you may want to look over the city in a helicopter. ------------- 'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill |
Posted By: bumper
Date Posted: Jul 22 2013 at 8:10am
| wow bill im not seeing acclaro being an A hole as you say!! the couple of people that told you things were looking up in mid town are the ones that are hitting the bottle, your given up over one person tells me you really don't have the drive to run a business of any kind..now im thinking your all BS... |
Posted By: Neil Barille
Date Posted: Jul 22 2013 at 9:19am
| Billiam = greygoose? |
Posted By: Perplexed
Date Posted: Jul 22 2013 at 10:32am
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Acclaro offers significant insight into the city's problems and provides real world commentary as to solving them. He is a valued asset to MUSA. His posts are insightful and appreciated. What I like about Acclaro is that he is a successful business professional who does not flaunt his accomplishments or friends/acquaintances like one other MUSA participant. Thank you, Acclaro.
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Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Jul 22 2013 at 10:45am
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Come on bill--don't get wimpy on us when u r questioned We r often baited and played with by detractors trying to downplay this site. So-- the skepticism and suspicion is often warranted. Come on down Wed. Evening for a top band @ the broad st.bash I will meet you, show you around and introduce to my acquaintances from both sides of the fence and tracks(excuse me for having friends in this town mr.S-- can h stick to one screen name? And could u put all of yer pathetically pithy roundabout shots @ me in one particular heading? Lol) Stefanos-At the Square-Liberty-Stained U won't b disappointed |
Posted By: processor
Date Posted: Jul 22 2013 at 12:37pm
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Billiam, Please don't let all of the negative comments scare you away from taking a good look at Middletown. Middletown does have a lot of issues it has to contend with but city council is, in their own way, doing some good things for Middletown. The Section 8 reductions should start to help. Council is moving from the ward system to an at large system and is reducing their numbers from 7 to 5 members. This should help them get better focused and, hopefully, start to make further progress. Yes they are currently focused on some of the wrong issues, and seem to move money from fund to fund without solid reasons, but I still have hope. Middletown city schools have a lot of issues that they are dealing with, but are moving in the right direction and are working hard to change their culture toward one of high expectations. Real Estate values have decreased over the last 5 years, but they've decreased all over the country and it's hard to sort out which is Middletown specific issues and which is a result of the general decrease in real estate values. From what I've seen Middletown's real estate value reduction has been at about the US average...15% - 20%... maybe a bit more for the higher end homes. Middletown does have a high poverty rate and few amenities, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, but there are two good local restaurants in town, 3 good grocery stores, and some entertainment venues. Plus Middletown is very close to Dayton and Cincinnati...so if you don't mind a 30 minute drive you are close to a lot of shopping, etc. With the low property values, you should have money to spend at these places Middletown does have a great sense of community and is full of some wonderful caring people...Yes there are some bums, but no more than in other cities. Whether the city continues to turn around or stagnates or goes further down hill is anyone's guess but at least there are many people who are trying to make the right decisions and are working hard to push it the right direction. Take Spider up on his offer. I know that he'll give you a good tour, warts and all, and help you make your own decision. Some who post on this board are disappointed about things and tend to take it out on the city. They don't reflect the attitudes of many in the city.
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Posted By: ktf1179
Date Posted: Jul 22 2013 at 10:56pm
| They Ayrshire Neighborhood on the east end of Middltetown at the corner of 122 & Dixie Hwy. where I live is pretty nice. I always see people and kids outside doing thing. The only major down side is the roads, sidewalks, and there are a few forecloses. But other than that it is a pretty quiet neighborhood. |