Zoning change allows for redevelopment of former Middletown Journal building

The former Middletown Journal building could add to the city’s revitalization efforts downtown after the planning commission afforded the new owner more flexibility in its development.

Gary Montesi, of Montesi Smith LLC, which bought the former Journal building at 50 S. Broad St. in May, wants to put in artists studios, lofts, retail, restaurants and other services at the location. But in order to do that, the property needed to be rezoned from Urban Core Support to Urban Core Central.

Montesi said the zoning change gives him “options” with the property.

While plans are not set, Montesi said he has up to 19 spaces that can be used for artists studios or stores at the front of the building. He also said there will be some loft or residential spaces in the rear of the building.

Montesi Smith LLC, which is a partnership between Montesi and business partner Evan Smith, purchased the former newspaper building in May from Cox Media Group Ohio for an undisclosed amount. Montesi previously has said he and Smith intend to invest $1 million to $2 million into the building.

And while the rezoning request was not consistent with the city’s master plan and there is a concern among staff about creating too much commercial zoning without the population to support it, staff did recommend the change. Planning Director Marty Kohler said it will allow for development of a large vacant downtown building and “for the development of the property in a way that provides job opportunities and economic development potential.”

Another property, in the city’s South End, could also have a significant impact housing options.

John Porter, of Trenton, requested to establish either a homeless shelter or group home for veterans who have substance abuse problems at 1314 Fairmount Ave. The proposed Middletown shelter or family care facility, as presented by Walter Gilbert, would house three to five homeless veterans with drug or alcohol problems and would be within walking distance of two AA programs, one of which also has a substance abuse component. The veterans would be allowed to stay anywhere from three to 12 months.

Porter has owned the property since 2008, and GIlbert has done a similar project in Dayton called the Holt Street Miracle Center. That center is funded through the Veteran’s Administration and provides temporary housing for homeless veterans in need of substance abuse treatment.

The planning commission did not reach a decision on this request before press time.

Why would Marty ok a zoing change for the Journal Building without blue prints of the final use of the spaces?Did I miss something during this meeting?