Monzel Report The

April

2011

Commissioners Looking to Create Land Bank Commissioners are continuing work on creating a Hamilton County Land Bank which could be used to restore abandoned commercial and residential properties that are in foreclosure throughout the county. Ohio lawmakers passed legislation creating the land bank concept along with guidelines for their operation. Those guidelines designate that county treasurers are to file articles of incorporation as well as oversee the land bank’s operations. Hamilton County Commission President Greg Hartmann has completed an initial survey of the taxing authorities and has received overwhelming approval for the land bank’s establishment. He is continuing to work with Hamilton County Treasurer Robert Goering to determine the scope of the bank’s operations. “Land banks can be important tools for revitalizing blighted properties and encour-aging economic development,” said Commissioner Chris Monzel. “We just need to control its operating costs as we move forward.” Commissioner Chris Monzel attended the opening

of the Holy Grail Tavern & Grille, the first retail establishment to open, at the Banks riverfront devel-opment on Thursday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. The restaurant is located at the northwest corner of Joe Nuxhall Way and Freedom Way. The Banks development calls for 1,800 apartments and condos, two hotels, a 250,000 square foot office tower and at least 200,000 square feet of shops, res-taurants, bars and entertainment venues. Other retail establishments committed to the development include: The Moerlein Lager House, Huey’s Diner, The Wine Loft, Johnny Rockets and Toby Keith’s I love this Bar and Grill. Almost 50 % of residential space has been leased to date with the first residents scheduled to move into apartment areas beginning April 15.

Holy Grail Opens on St. Patrick’s Day

Commissioner Monzel with Tom Heitker, Co-owner of

Holy Grail

Contact Chris Monzel ph: 513-946-4409

email: chris.monzel@hamilton-co.org

AT&T recently announced that it would make $70 million in network upgrades in the Cincinnati area including the installation of a number of antennas for its wireless service at the Great American Ballpark and Paul Brown Stadium. AT&T will pay Hamilton County $6,000 per month ($3,000 per stadium) for the antenna locations. “AT&T’s investment in Hamilton County and Greater Cincinnati will help strengthen our reputation as a desirable county to live, work and raise a family,” said Commissioner Chris Monzel. “A robust telecom infrastructure is impor-tant to our residents’ quality of life, the local economy and our local businesses.”

The Eastern Corridor Project is a multi-faceted transportation improvement project involving a number of state, federal and local government agencies, including Hamil-ton County. This project addresses transportation issues that will affect nearly 200 square miles of eastern Hamilton County from the downtown Cincinnati central business district to Clermont County east of the I-275/SR 32 interchange area.

Eastern Corridor Project Public Hearings Set For April 5-7

AT&T Network Upgrade

Generates County Revenue

Stay Safe & Stay Informed Should an emergency occur in

Hamilton County, you can receive an Emergency Alert Notification message by phone, text message,

email or even a fax.

To sign up or learn more, visit:

https://hamco-oh.smartmsg.com/

An Eastern Corridor Commuter Rail System is one of the solutions being studied as part of an overall plan to address traffic congestion to and from eastern Hamilton County. A series of public hearings are scheduled to address this potential rail system.

Public Hearings are set for: Tuesday, April 5, 2011 LeBlond Recreation Center, 2335 Riverside Dr, Cinti., 45202

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 R.G. Cribbets (Fairfax Rec Ctr.) 5903 Hawthorne, Cinti., 45227

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Milford High School Cafeteria, 1 Eagles Way, Milford, 45150.

Each public hearing goes from 5-8

p.m., with a question and answer

session beginning at 7

Commissioner Monzel & Ohio Senator Tom Niehaus

address Hamilton County business leaders

Free Firsts at Hamilton County Parks On the first day in May, June, July & August, all Hamilton County residents can visit any Hamilton County park for free and without the need for a Motor Vehicle Permit. County visitors will also enjoy a number of other free & discounted activities during “Free Firsts” that include:

• Free fishing ticket at

Lake Isabella Family

Fishing Center.

• Free fishing at Campbell

Lakes.

• Free tour boat rides at

Winton Woods Lake from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00

p.m.

• Free wagon rides at Parky's Farm.

• A discount of 10% off Nature's Niche Gifts

Find more exciting “FREE” offers at:

http://www.greatparks.org/freefirsts/index.shtm