Timelines of key developments in Middletown
RENAISSANCE POINTE PROJECT TIMELINE
City Council unanimously approves City Manager Paul Lolli canceling the city’s purchase agreement with George Ragheb, the Californiabased owner of the Towne Mall Galleria. Before that, council unanimously approved the city spending $1 million of the total $16 million price tag to purchase the Towne Mall, located just off I-75 near the Ohio 122 exit.
City Council votes to purchase 29 acres of land for $6.2 million at the southeast corner of Union Road and Ohio 122 and adjacent to property the city already owns.
City Council hears first reading of legislation that will change the zoning classification for three parcels of land from business center to planned development district. The Planning Commission has recommended the request be approved.
City Council hears second reading of legislation that will change the zoning classification for three parcels of land from business center to planned development district.
Todd Duplain from Woodard Development and Martin Russell, executive director of the Warren County Port Authority, update City Council on the project. They say the 3,000seat Event Center and other businesses could be open by the summer of 2025.
City Council approves resolution to create the Renaissance Arena District New Community Authority to aid in the financing of the planned multi-use development on 50.86 acres at Ohio 122 and Union Road in the city’s East End.
City Council approves legislation that authorizes the finance director to issue bond anticipation notes (BANs) in an amount no to exceed $14.8 million to finance the cost of constructing public improvements related to the Renaissance Pointe development project.
City Council unanimously approves legislation to allow City Manager Paul Lolli to enter into a final development agreement with Woodard Development, LLC and the Warren County Port Authority.
FIRE STATIONS TIMELINE, COSTS
A 3.6-acre site at
Yankee Road and Cherry Street owned by the city as acquired from the Middletown City Schools and former site of Garfield school. Size: 24,300 square feet. Total cost: $10.5 million. Expected completion: November 2024.
A 2.85-acre site at Henry Avenue and Charles Street owned by the city as acquired from the Middletown City Schools and former site of the Jefferson school. Size: 10,200 square feet. Cost: $5 million. Construction begins in August 2024, expected completion by June 2025.
A 2-acre parcel at Sophie Avenue and Stolz Drive encompassing the undeveloped, southern portion of Dowling Park owned by the city. Size: 10,200 square feet. Cost: $5 million. Construction begins in August 2024, expected completion by June 2025.
A 2.7-acre site at Ohio 122 and Atrium Boulevard acquired from Premier Health/Atrium Medical Center. Size: 11,800 square feet. Cost: $5.9 million. Expected completion by November 2024.
CENTRAL CONNECTIONS TIMELINE
Middletown taxpayers pass a five-year, 1-mill levy to provide or maintain senior services at the Middletown Area Senior Center.
The name of the Middletown Area Senior Center is changed to Central Connections.
Middletown taxpayers renew a five-year, 1-mill levy to provide or maintain senior services at the center.
Diane Rodgers is hired as executive director.
She says she moved from Reno, Nevada, where she oversaw a senior center and worked with the homeless population, to be closer to her daughter, who lives in New York.
Rodgers signs for a mortgage loan through First Financial Bank for $450,000, then does a loan modification that increases the amount to $650,000, according to the Butler County Recorder’s Office. Her signature and job title are listed on the loan that matures on July 29, 2024.
Ribbon-cutting is held to celebrate the $1.5 million in renovations of Central Connections, 3907 Central Ave.
Senior citizens center levy expires after generating $7 million over 10 years.
D.E.R. Development Co. files a lien against Central Connections, saying the company is owed $266,594.52, plus allowable interest.
Rodgers files vandalism report at Central Connections. Middletown police say that leads to the investigation of center’s finances.
The Council on Aging terminates its threeyear contract with Central Connections. Fifty employees are laid off.
Nearly 75 senior citizens and former and current employees of Central Connections attend a meeting in the café with Rick Fishbaugh, board president, and Rodgers.
Rodgers is terminated as executive director of Central Connections and escorted out of the building by Middletown police.
During a special City Council meeting and after an executive session, City Manager Paul Lolli announces council has agreed to move forward with the possible purchase of the Central Connections building and land and for an unknown amount that will come out of the city’s American Rescue Plan Act fund.
In an email to the Journal-News, attorney Tyrone Borger, who is representing Rodgers, writes that he and his client have been “informed that there is an ongoing investigation. As such, while my client would like to comment and clear up several misconceptions, she is taking my advice and refusing to comment on any allegations at this time.”
Middletown
Police Chief David Birk says his department is working with the Ohio attorney general’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation into the criminal investigation into the finances of Central Connections.
Central Connections announces more layoffs and the closing of the cafe and bar. The hours are reduced to 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
City Council votes unanimously to allow City Manager Paul Lolli to enter into a lease agreement with Central Connections. The lease is $50 per month. By the end of 2023, the city has the right to purchase the building and property for $1.8 million.
Vincent “Scott” Smith, husband of the former executive director, is arrested and charged with seven counts of passing bad checks, all felonies.
Smith appears in Middletown Municipal Court for his arraignment. Judge James Sherron sets Smith’s bond at $5,000.
A Middletown detective testifies Smith’s signature on the seven bounced checks doesn’t match his signature on a court document. The charges against Smith are bound over to a Butler County grand jury by Middletown Municipal Court Judge James Sherron.
Middletown City Council authorizes city manager to enter into an agreement to purchase Central Connections property for $1.8 million, using ARPA funds.
A Butler County grand jury declines to indict Smith on passing bad check charges.
City of Middletown closes on the purchase of Central Connections.
City hosts discussions with business leaders regarding the future of Central Connections.