Middletown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Middletown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Middletown Paperboard Site Redevelopment
A change order to the Burgess & Niple contract keeps the demolition of the old Middletown Paperboard site moving forward — a key step in clearing a long-blighted industrial property.
Woodlawn Avenue Reconstruction
A first-reading contract with R.E. Middleton Construction would rebuild part of the 1700 block of Woodlawn Avenue — expect construction activity in that neighborhood once it advances.
Water Reclamation Facility Aeration Improvements
A first-reading contract with Building Crafts, Inc. would fund construction of secondary aeration improvements at the Water Reclamation Facility — core wastewater infrastructure.
Infill – Neighborhood Revitalization Program
A program aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods by encouraging infill development on vacant lots and improving existing housing. It could mean new homes and better property values in older neighborhoods.
State Route 122 Urban Paving Project
Council will consider an ODOT agreement to improve State Route 122 from Jackson Lane to the Grand Avenue/Roosevelt Boulevard split — a corridor many commuters use daily. Final action is delayed until November 17.
2027 Municipal Budget Review
The city will present its proposed 2027 budget, giving residents an early look at next year's spending on services, streets, and safety. Budget choices made now shape taxes and city services for years.
Avalon Lift Station Rehabilitation
The city plans to hire HCI Herrick Company to rehabilitate the Avalon lift station, part of keeping the sewer system reliable. Action is held until November 17.
HazMat Team Equipment Grant
The fire department's HazMat 81 team would get a Universal Suit Tester through a $2,500 grant — equipment that helps keep first responders safe during hazardous materials calls.
Vision Zero Traffic Safety Goal
A new resolution would commit the city to working toward zero traffic deaths and serious injuries through its Transportation Safety Action Plan. It signals a stronger focus on safer streets citywide.
Downtown Restaurant Equipment Lease
The city would lease its restaurant equipment at 6 S. Broad Street to the Illyrianos business, supporting a downtown food business using city-owned assets.
Patrol Officer Eligibility List
The commission will act on the eligibility list for Patrol Officer candidates — the ranked pool the police department hires from. Anyone who took the police exam is waiting on this.
Detached garage at 4214 Gregory Drive
A homeowner is seeking board review for a detached garage, which the board evaluates for design consistency with the neighborhood. The outcome affects what gets built on this residential lot.
Renaissance Pointe Ice Hockey Facility Financing
Council initiated financing for nearly 30 acres along Union Road and State Route 122 to support future commercial and public infrastructure development.
Cemetery Grounds Maintenance and Operations
The board planned to review ongoing maintenance needs at the Middletown Cemetery, including groundhogs, military markers, planters, and fencing repairs. These upkeep items affect the appearance and preservation of the municipal burial grounds.
Demolition of Hotel Manchester and Sunshine Building
The Port Authority can now manage demolition and remediation at the Manchester site through a faster procurement process. The city's Middletown Tomorrow Fund pays the bills, so no new MPA debt.
Flock Automated License Plate Reader Cameras
Residents urged council to host a public town hall regarding the use of Flock automated license plate readers and to fulfill public records requests for surveillance contracts. Council discussed potential town hall formats and noted upcoming discussions at the Citizens Advisory Board.
Fire Department Whole Blood Pilot Program
Council introduced a resolution accepting a $10,000 donation from Atrium Medical Foundation to help the Fire Division launch a whole blood program for treating severe trauma in the field.
Park Playground Equipment Upgrades
Council approved new playground equipment installations for Lefferson and Gardner parks using park impact fee funds, while sparking discussion about prioritizing neighborhood parks like Michigan Park for future funding.
Jacot Park Honorary Renaming to Jacot-Pearce Park
Council reviewed a resolution to honor David Pearce by adding his name to Jacot Park for two years, recognizing his extensive community service and fundraising for the park's revitalization.
Butler Tech Aviation Center Expansion and Programs
The new Butler Tech Aviation Center is just weeks away from opening its doors to students on January 20. The facility expands student capacity and offers career pathways in aviation flight, maintenance, and engineering.
Middletown Maulers Professional Basketball Team Launch
Owners Kevin and Kevin Aldridge introduced the Middletown Maulers minor league basketball team, highlighting local economic impact, community engagement, and free admission for children.
BCFA cooperative agreement amendment
A 10-year deal keeps the Butler County Finance Authority running the MPA's financing work for $3,000 a month, with 95% of future project fees flowing back to MPA. MPA can exit if BCFA leadership changes.
Enforcement of Historic District Building Standards
Five property owners sought Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior work in Middletown's historic districts. These approvals determine what changes residents can make to historic homes and buildings.
Maintenance Worker recruitment
The commission was scheduled to get an update on the Maintenance Worker job announcement, part of the city's ongoing effort to fill service positions.
State Capital Budget and Local Infrastructure Funding
State Representative Thomas Hall updated council on state legislative priorities and capital budget allocations, highlighting $800,000 secured for the Middletown Community Foundation Park and $175,000 for Miami Park improvements.
Vacant Property Registration Ordinance
Councilman Mulligan proposed exploring a side-lot program to allow adjacent property owners to acquire city-owned vacant lots, potentially reducing the city's annual $500,000 mowing expenditure. City staff agreed to compile a lot inventory for future discussion.
Ohio Christian Academy Conditional Use Permit
Ohio Christian Academy requested a conditional use permit to formally operate its K-12 Christian school at the Stratford Heights Church of God on Nelson Road. The school has been operating at this location since 2015 and received planning commission approval with conditions regarding safety plans and play area screening.
Nonconforming Automotive Use Determination at 2226 S. Main St.
The board is deciding whether an automotive sales and leasing business at 2226 S. Main Street was closed for more than 12 months, which would strip its nonconforming status. Newly arrived BMV records are being reviewed to determine if business activity continued.
CG&E Building first-floor activation
The Port Authority is putting up to $300,000 into the first floor of the old CG&E Building downtown — elevators, HVAC, and core systems — to make it leasable. The idea is to attract organizations at market rents and help anchor downtown revitalization.
Weidmann expansion
Weidmann is expected to start remodeling in October, bringing roughly 56 jobs and $5 million in payroll to Middletown. A capital lease request is likely coming to the Port Authority.
MPA/BCFA future agreement
The Port Authority and the Butler County Finance Authority are deciding how to work together going forward — whether MPA stays separate with BCFA support, and how fees would be structured. A draft standalone agreement will come back for a vote later.
Goetz Tower redevelopment
The Goetz Tower project has a roughly $2 million historic tax credit award but faces ongoing challenges; the board discussed whether the credit will be retained and whether lenders could help reposition the property.
Dispatcher and Corrections Officer Hiring
The city is working to fill dispatcher and corrections officer positions, which affect 911 response times and jail staffing. The commission reviews eligibility lists that determine who can be hired.
2023 Housing Study Projections vs. Current Development
City staff presented an update showing that single-family home and attached housing construction has significantly outpaced the projections from the 2023 Danter Housing Study, while downtown upper-floor apartments are meeting goals.
Former Hospital Site and Neighborhood Conditions
Residents expressed frustration over the unsafe and overgrown conditions of the former hospital property, citing wildlife issues and trespassing. Council members acknowledged the concerns and emphasized that neighborhood safety remains a top priority alongside major downtown projects.
Warren County Event Center at Renaissance Pointe
A massive new 160,000-square-foot multi-use event center with three ice sheets and thousands of seats is coming to the Renaissance Pointe development, aiming to draw visitors and boost the region's economy.
Havenwood Planned Development Modifications
The city evaluated a request to eliminate commercial outparcels in the Havenwood development on Towne Boulevard and replace them with 13 new attached homes, walking paths, and a dog park.
Central Avenue Non-Profit Office Proposal
A faith-based women's support non-profit sought to open a daytime office on Central Avenue, but the commission denied it because officials want to focus downtown on retail and commercial economic development.
Cincinnati-Dayton Road Heavy Equipment and Trailer Rental
A professional trailer rental business won approval to open on Cincinnati-Dayton Road, providing short-term rentals to local contractors and homeowners.
Administrative Appointment
Middletown just hired a seasoned Warren County admin as their new assistant city manager. This key leadership addition is set to help steer local city operations and major policy decisions moving forward.
Front Yard Shed Variance at 1900 Antrim Court
Homeowners requested a variance to keep a 200-square-foot shed in their front yard because their corner lot and backyard topography make rear placement difficult. Despite neighbor objections and staff opposition, the board approved the variance.
Police Misconduct
A Middletown police officer just quit after being convicted for telling someone to whip a handcuffed teenager. This terrible abuse of power is a huge black eye for the local force and is guaranteed to spark massive calls for police reform.
Front Yard Fence Height Variance at 4408 Poppy Drive
Homeowners requested a variance to replace an existing 6-foot privacy fence in their front yard with a new vinyl fence, where city code limits front fences to 4 feet. Neighbors spoke in strong support, noting privacy needs due to nearby park traffic, and the board approved the request.
Electric Aggregation and Generation Contracts
Energy Alliances presented an update on Middletown's electric aggregation program, noting that while it has saved residents nearly $4 million since 2023, rising capacity and energy generation costs may require a temporary pause later this year.
City Building Paver Replacement and Drive-Through Access
Council approved $150,000 for engineering plans to replace failing brick pavers around the City Building with concrete to fix water leaks. Members debated whether closing the north drive-through creates access hurdles for seniors and armored cars.
Middletown Road Improvements PY39
Council approved a $4.8 million contract with John R. Jurgensen Co. to repair concrete and resurface various city streets by July 2027.
Municipal Partnership Funding Request from Middletown Arts Center
The Sorg Opera House requested $50,000 in city operational funds to help maintain its historic building and support downtown revitalization efforts. While council members agreed on the theater's cultural value, they debated the need for formal agreements and guardrails for taxpayer-funded grants to nonprofits.
Airport Security and FBO Access
Commissioners discussed facility security, with a specific focus on controlling access to the new FBO and pilot lounge areas to maintain safety while accommodating visitors.
Airport Infrastructure and Grant Projects
Council voted 3-2 to accept a federal and state grant for airport hangar design at Middletown Regional Airport, despite debate over whether the city should finalize a long-term strategic plan before pursuing expansion.
Public Safety and Licensing
Middletown locals are fed up with a troubled bar following recent shootings, and the city is threatening to step in with safety reviews if things don't improve. While new management promises a turnaround, neighbors aren't convinced yet.