Straight From The Heart – October 25, 2019

By: Mayor Kathy Bailey

We are at the start of a new year, so it seems like a good time to highlight some of the things we are looking forward to in 2020.  The big news, of course, is that we will begin construction of a parking facility on the property to the north of The Works train car this summer.  In the next few weeks a timeline will be added on the City website to help us all know where we are in that process.  Our budget this year has more money devoted to street rehabilitation than in the last several years, so be on the lookout for much-needed street work.  Nisbet Park will be getting some nice new improvements, including to the restrooms, in what we intend to be just the beginning of improvements to our premier park.  The City, the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, and our businesses have a lot of wonderful events planned this year, including Bands and Brews, Independence Day Celebration, Sunday concerts in the park, and an Octoberfest, just to name a few.  Spring is just around the corner, and I look forward to seeing you all around town, maybe on our new (and permanent) Mr. Red bench!

By: Tom Smith, Assistant City Manger

The City has partnered with land use and planning consultants, McBride, Dale, and Clarion for preparing updates to the City’s Comprehensive Plan.  The Comprehensive Plan is a document designed to guide the future actions of the City by providing a vision for the future with long-range goals and objectives for land use including housing, transportation, recreation, education, industry, and commercial uses. The plan is developed through a thorough public input process that will be getting underway in the coming months.  Click here for more information on the comprehensive process.

By: David Kennedy, City Manager

With the removal of the structure at 124 Railroad Avenue, adjacent to the City Hall parking lot, the City has taken the first step towards the construction of a new downtown parking facility.

The City purchased the 0.1148-acre parcel on October 28, 2019, from the McCoy family. The property, which aligns with Harrison Avenue, was an important purchase as it will provide improved access into the parking facility being constructed on the 11 parcels acquired by the City directly to the east.  The parking facility will also include vehicular and pedestrian access from State Route 48.

The 1,700 square foot building, formerly located on the property, was being utilized as a two-unit residential rental structure.  Both units were vacant at the time of the City’s purchase.

Hearings will be scheduled to garner public input on the design of the parking facility.  During the design and construction phase of the project, the McCoy lot will be graveled to provide additional public parking.

For any questions about the new parking facility project or any other questions, contact David Kennedy at 513-707-1454 or by email at [email protected].

By: Tom Smith, Assistant City Manager

ROIP Program: The City is pleased to announce that the Residential Occupancy Inspection Program (ROIP) went into effect last month.  The central focus of the program is to ensure safe and habitable living conditions for rental units.  The fire department reports that thus far the program has been well received with active participation.  Participation in the program is free. Additional information can be obtained at: https://www.lovelandoh.gov/378/Rental-Occupancy-Registration.

Property Maintenance: As a reminder, please remember to remove any sporting equipment such as basketball goals from streets and sidewalks. For purposes of safety for residents and visitors, sporting equipment including basketball goals are not permitted in the right-of-way. Protecting the aesthetics, integrity, vitality, and property values of residential neighborhoods and commercial zones is integral to health, safety, and wellness; and provides a sense of propriety that assists in the growth of personal and community investment.  As springtime approaches in the coming months, here are a couple of tips that will enhance the appearance and value of your home.

1. Remove and replace loose peeling paint;
2. Trim back trees or foliage to provide for additional sunlight to exterior mold areas;
3. Cleaning and removing leaves, branches, and debris regularly from gutters can prevent damage to fascia, soffit, roofing, and in some cases leakage into your home;
4. Proper storage of vehicles that are inoperable and/or unlicensed;  
5. Proper storage of lawn equipment, trash, garbage, and refuse.   

To report an issue or problem please visit: https://www.lovelandoh.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.

By: Chief Otto Huber, Loveland Symmes Fire Department

Why do I see levy signs? The Loveland Symmes Fire Department is funded by Fire and EMS levies that are placed on the ballot for the voter’s approval.  The signs you currently see are for a Public Safety Levy in Symmes Township.  THIS LEVY IS NOT FOR THE RESIDENTS OF LOVELAND. The City of Loveland and Symmes Township share one Fire Department but have independent levies to support those efforts.

What does ISO 2 mean? The Insurance Services Office rates the ability of Fire Departments to protect the community.  Assessors from this organization evaluate the fire services in a community and set the rating that is then used by insurance providers to determine your insurance premiums.  The scale used goes from 1-10, with 10 being the worst – basically no protection. The City of Loveland has a rating of 2. This rating can drastically impact our commercial and retail business’ insurance premiums, which is why it is so important to maintain not only a quality fire service but also our water and 911 systems.

If you have questions about the Symmes Township Levy or ISO ratings, contact Chief Otto Huber at [email protected].

By: Tom Smith, Assistant City Manager

507 Loveland-Madeira Road, formerly known as Donisi Mirror Company will be undergoing renovations for new occupancy. Premier Studio for Dance and Premier Tumbling is on track to becoming the newest addition to the area.  Their success has led them to outgrow their current space in the Shoppers Haven Plaza. Premier Studio for Dance and Premier Tumbling has called Loveland home for many, many years and we are fortunate that they have chosen to remain in Loveland.

The City is also excited to announce a new addition to Downtown Historic Loveland.  Mile 42 Coffee is locally owned with a motto of “Creating Community Through Coffee.”  They are located at 133 Broadway Street east of the Loveland Hardware General Store.

By: Misty Brents, Assistant to the City Manager/Clerk of Council

Bring a blanket, chairs, a picnic, and grab a drink from a participating DORA business, then make your way to the the Nisbet Park amphitheater to enjoy an evening of live music.  Concerts begin at 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 31 – Robin Lacy & DeZydeco – Louisiana-styled Rock n’ Roll featuring Zydecco, Creole Funk, Gumbo Music, and New Orleans R&B

Sunday, June 28 – Rooster Ridge – Folk/Bluegrass Band, founded in Loveland, Ohio by the Alten Brothers, Jake and Andrew, and the father-son team of Greg and Vince Stevens.  Lead vocalists: Bryce Clawson, Joey Oberholzer, and David Blumberg.

Sunday, July 26 – The Sweet Beats – Beatles Tribute Band. Dressed in original Beatles costumes and equipped with all the original Beatles instruments to recreate Beatlemania!

Sunday, August 30 – P&G Big Band – Jazz/Swing Band featuring a 20 member ensemble made up entirely of Procter & Gamble employees and retirees.

For more information contact Misty Brents at 513-707-1437 or by email at [email protected]. 

For a list of upcoming meetings, click here.