2015
2015
initiative update
Table of Contents Hamilton’s Strategic Plan 3 Completed Projects 4 Live
Work
Meldahl Hydroelectric Facility 6
Hamilton Utilities Capital Projects 7 East High Street Gateway 8 High-MLK Intersection 9 South Hamilton Crossing 10 Third Street Corridor Improvements 11 Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection 12 Millville-Wasserman-Smalley Intersection 13 Downtown Parking 14 The Hamilton Mill 15 Economic Development 16
Live Efficiency Smart 18 17 Strong 19 Hamilton CORE Fund 20 Land Bank 21 Artspace 22
Play Marcum Park 23 Main Street 24 Great Miami River Recreational Trail 25 Spraygrounds 26 Parks Conservancy 27 2
WORK LIVE PLAY
VISION: To become a purposeful destination for working, living, and playing
Objectives
Goals Realize $150 million of new private industrial/ commercial investment
Add 2,000 net new jobs
Exceed total county growth rate of average home sale prices
Decrease nuisance structures by 2,000
Generate $20M in investment for recreational amenities with $10 M around the Great Miami River Engage 250,000 participants in special events, arts, and recreation activities
Strategies Advance existing competitive advantage & sustainability efforts via utilities & technological infrastructure
Total price vs. competitors Reliability vs. competitors
Improve transportation assets, primary corridors and entryways
Improve impact corridors by 5%
Pursue attraction and expansion within targeted industries
300 new jobs created in targeted industries
Create three Green Energy - Red Carpet zones
>2 permits processed in pilot zone
Empower neighborhoods to be engaged in order to improve safety, cleanliness, & overall quality of life
Annual growth rate of engagement is greater than 5%
Revitalize urban core assets by incentivizing residential and commercial uses
3% increase in 3 year moving average of $-value of permits issued per year
Abate urban blight
400 units removed or improved
Incentivize reinvestment in traditional neighborhoods
100 units improved or reoccupied
Increase retail, restaurant & entertainment options
>5 new desired establishments
Create two mixed use RFP's for City owned land adjacent to the river
Successful completion of both RFPs with pending development agreements
Assist organizations in furthering the arts identity for the city
Work with Artspace to gain occupancy by May 2015
Assist other organizations in providing unique special events & recreational opportunities
Show positive ROI on city-sponsored special events
STRATEGIC PLAN SUMMARY: 2014-2018 *2015
Measures
CityBof Hamilton UT L E R C O UN T Y O H I O 3
Completed Projects The City of Hamilton’s third annual Initiative Update provides information on the City’s major projects. These projects showcase the City’s priorities and how we are achieving them. Before discussing ongoing projects, we would like to highlight key projects the City of Hamilton has completed in the past three years.
Work
Robinson Schwenn
The former opera hall has been redeveloped into office and retail space, home to Liferay’s national sales office, Lane Library’s Community Technology Center, Miami University Hamilton Downtown, and True West Downtown.
University Commerce Park Master Plan The City completed a Master Plan of University Commerce Park, which is envisioned to include a mix of industrial, office, commercial, and residential uses. The City of Hamilton intends to utilize the Master Plan as an economic development tool.
Smart Grid
The Smart Grid project leverages technology enhancements to improve electric reliability and increase operational efficiency. Upgraded electric, gas, and water meters allow remote readings.
CNG Fueling Station
The City of Hamilton’s CNG Station is the first public CNG station in Greater Cincinnati. CNG is less expensive than gasoline, increases the time between maintenance, lowers emissions, and is safe.
Court Street Improvements In an effort to improve electric reliability downtown, the City has buried electric lines on a four block section of Court St. This was done in conjunction with the Court Street Streetscape Project, improving reliability and aesthetics.
Targe t
4
Impro v
emen t Area
Community Reinvestment Area
Live
CRA provides property owners - both residential and commercial - a tax abatement for investing in property improvements. The program is available city-wide.
Mercantile Lofts
The Mercantile Lofts includes 29 market rate apartments and 4 retail spaces. The building has a 95% occupancy rate and 3 retail spaces are leased. The $11.1 million renovation has won numerous awards.
Form-Based Code The City implemented Form-Based Zoning in downtown, Rossville, East High, and University Commerce Park. Formbased zoning focuses on the design of buildings and allows for a wider range of mixed uses within the buildings.
Play Journal-News
After a $4.1 million renovation, the former newspaper space is now a downtown cultural hub, home to Butler Tech School of the Arts, Miami Valley Ballet Theatre, and the Hamilton City Schools ABLE program.
RiversEdge Amphitheater
RiversEdge Amphitheater and Overlook was completed in 2013. The popular Summer Concert Series draws thousands of people to downtown Hamilton.
Spraygrounds Three new spraygrounds for children opened in Hamilton in 2014. The spraygrounds are located at Jim Grimm Park (the former Wilson Pool site), at the North End Athletic Field, and at Benninghofen Park in Lindenwald.
Hamilton Bark Park
The Hamilton Bark Park opened in 2014 and is located at Veteran’s Park. It has small and large dog areas and was funded by private donors.
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Work
The City is developing a new renewable energy hydroelectric generating facility - the Meldahl Hydroelectric Project. So named because of its location adjacent to the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers’ Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks and Dam, the Meldahl Hydroelectric Project represents a significant economic development investment and will provide a new source of clean, zero emission electric generation. Once completed, the plant will have a capacity of 105 MW, with an average gross annual output of approximately 453,000 MW of clean energy. Plant construction is well underway and, at its peak, the project will employ up to 400 construction workers. The associated transmission line will consist of approximately 2.2 miles of 138kV line and will connect with the existing Zimmer-Spurlock transmission line in Clermont County, Ohio. The new transmission line will provide southwest Ohio
with additional low-cost power from a renewable energy resource and enhance service reliability for the region’s municipal electric customers.
Upon completion, Hamilton will generate Upon completion, nearly 70% of the City’s approximately megawatt-hours of power will 453,000 be from renewable sources clean, renewable energy each year, enough to power approximately 45,000 homes annually Status
Over 90% complete
Projected Investment $504+ million Partners
City of Hamilton, American Municipal Power
Construction of the Meldahl facility
Projected Timeline Formal groundbreaking Excavation began
Commercial operation Powerhouse construction began Generating unit commissioning
May 2010 June 2010 6
August 2011
Early 2015
Mid 2015
Work
Hamilton Utilities will be investing $41 million in capital improvements in 2015 in addition to the Meldahl project. These projects focus on delivering safe and reliable utility service and fostering economic development. Electric In 2015, Hamilton’s Electric Department anticipates investing over $6.7 million in capital projects including Greenup Hydoelectric Facility rehabilitation and reliability improvements, small hydroelectric canal improvements, pole replacement, substation and transformer replacements, and continued efforts to underground electric lines. The City will also begin a ten year plan to convert all streetlights to LED lights. Additionally, electric improvements will be made in Hamilton Enterprise Park and along Bilstein Boulevard, two key employment areas. Electric lines will be undergrounded and new lighting will be put in place.
Recognition
$32.5 million
Hamilton municipal water was named Best has been upgrade Hamilton’s Tasting Tapinvested Water intothe World in 2015 electric utilities since 2007 Hamilton electric ranks in the top 5% of municipal utilities for reliability Hamilton natural gas has had the lowest price in Ohio for 18 years Hamilton Utilities won Greater Cincinnati’s 2013 Earth Day Environmental Award for using renewable energy
Natural Gas Over $1.4 million is projected to be spent on improvements to the natural gas system including main replacements and CNG vehicle conversions. Water Over $5 million is budgeted for water system improvements including main replacements, main relocations, water tank rehabilitation, and rebuilding lime softening/CO2 basins. Wastewater The wastewater system is projected to invest $27.9 million this year. Anticipated wastewater projects include sanitary sewer lining, sewer replacement, System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan (SECAP), and Southwest Ohio Industrial District (SOID) lift station, located near the Butler County Regional Airport. Fiber Optics In 2014, the City signed a deal with SWOCA to provide broadband service to local schools and CenterGrid, a local business, is currently utilizing the fiber network to provide internet service for the Hamilton Mill and TvHamilton. The City continues to explore new ventures to capitalize on the extensive utility.
Projected Timeline SOID lift station development begins; water tank rehabilitation complete
SECAP project begins
Lime softening/CO2 basin completed; Bilstein and Enterprise Park underground and lighting completed; SECAP project completed
Step 1 of ten year street & security lighting begins
2013
2015
SOID lift station complete
Spring 2015
4th Quarter 2015
2016 7
EAST
High Street
Work
GATEWAY
The East High Street Gateway is an important entrance into Hamilton that is undergoing an intense face-lift. The City is improving its first impression with the East High Street Gateway Improvement Project, which will improve traffic flow and enhance the streetscape by: • Adding streetscape features (landscaped medians and street trees) • Relocating all overhead electric, cable, and telephone facilities underground, replacing or upgrading water main, gas main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer • Adding right turn lane from eastbound High St. to southbound SR 4 • Adding a second left turn lane from westbound High St. to southbound SR 4 (complete) • Rehabilitating the first blocks of East Ave. and South Seventh St. • Adding new commercial access drive parallel and perpendicular to East High St.
Status
Under construction
Projected Investment $8.5 million project budget Partners
City of Hamilton
Improvements along East High as of November 2014 include new brick sidewalks and rain gardens.
Projected Timeline Paving and median Remove abandoned landscaping electric poles Traffic study Design Water main replacement
Summer 2012 8
Winter 2012-2013
2013
New access roads, underground electrical conduit and cables, and new sidewalks
Spring-Summer 2014
Spring 2015
Summer 2015
High & Martin Luther King Intersection Improvements
Work
sections to the High/MLK intersection average 55,000 vehicles per day. This is the highest volume of traffic in the Hamilton area.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has one of the largest safety programs in the country. In 2012, the City obtained funding through the State Highway Safety Program to upgrade the intersection of High St. and MLK Blvd. The intersection will be reconstructed by adding new turn lanes for better traffic flow. This intersection, which is the eastern boundary of Hamilton’s central business district, is a critical and busy component of Hamilton’s roadway system.
The intersection is in need of an upgrade for four major reasons: it is unable to meet traffic demands; it suffers from congestion; it has deficient turning radii, lane storage, and pedestrian visibility; and it has elevated crash rates. The improvements will improve vehicle congestion and will enhance safety for both motorists and pedestrians.
The intersection is subject to significant through-traffic, including a high volume of truck traffic. High Street is a State Highway (SR 129) and Martin Luther King Boulevard is a Federal Highway (US 127), both of which are important state traffic corridors. Traffic volumes on the approach
Status
Engineering
Projected Investment
$2.7 million (City share $270,000)
Partners
Ohio Department of Transportation, City of Hamilton
Conceptual proposal for upgraded intersection
Projected Timeline Design and environmental phase initiated
Right-of-way acquisition begins
ODOT funding award received
2012
Construction begins Right-of-way acquisition complete
Construction complete
Construction plans complete
2013
Spring 2015
Fall 2015 Winter 2015
Summer 2016
Summer 2017 9
Work South Hamilton Crossing
In February 2015, ODOT committed $10 million for SHX. This funding will allow the project to move forward within the anticipated time frame
Railroad Grade Separation Project
The South Hamilton Crossing project, or SHX, will replace an existing at-grade railroad crossing with a railroad overpass created by extending Grand Boulevard westerly. 56 trains travel through the existing crossing daily, blocking the crossing 15.3% of the time. Currently, there is only one major existing grade separated crossing that permits east-west flow through the City of Hamilton (Jack Kirsch Underpass). This project is expected to greatly improve connectivity, reduce drive times, and increase safety. SHX is anticipated to have especially important benefits to Vora Technology Park, University Commerce Park, and Miami UniversityHamilton.
Status
Stage 3 Design and Right-of-Way Plan Preparation are complete. Right-of-way acquisition underway. Projected Investment $30 million Partners City of Hamilton, Ohio Dept. of Transportation, Butler County Transportation Improvement District, OKI Regional Council of Governments
Rendering of proposed SHX development
Projected Timeline Timeline Projected OKI awards $2.4 million for property acquisition Initial conversation about this project
1911 10
Preliminary feasibility
2006
Construction starts Right-of-way acquisition begins
Completion
Construction plans complete
ODOT awards $10 million grant
August 2012
July 2014 February 2015 July 2015
March 2016
March 2018
Third Street Corridor Improvements
Work
Significant improvements are underway on Third Street from Ludlow Street to Hensel Place, connecting the future headquarters of Community First Solutions to the heart of German Village. In July 2014, the City of Hamilton and Rapier Electric began the South Third Street Utility Improvement Project. New electric conduit was installed on South Third Street from Court Street to just south of Ludlow Street and on the south side of Maple Avenue to the corner of the Court Street alley. New decorative streetlights were installed and all distribution poles, old streetlight poles, and overhead wire will be removed in this area as well.
The South Third Street Utility Improvement Project
The project will include the reconstruction of Third Street with a new brick paver roadway. In addition to the three plazas, medians, street trees, and new street lights will be added. The German Village plaza will cost $2.1 million and is a collaboration between the Hamilton Community Foundation, the Lane Library, and the City of Hamilton.
The South Third Street Utility Improvement Project is an investment of $468,000 and will conclude in time for the opening of Community First Solutions’ new downtown headquarters. The City anticipates that with Community First Solutions as an anchor tenant, the infrastructure improvements in the area could help serve as a catalyst for continued investment.
Status
Construction underway
Projected Investment $2.6 million Partners City of Hamilton, Hamilton Community Foundation, The Lane Library
A new German Village plaza area is the second component of the Third Street Corridor Improvements. There will be three plaza areas on Third Street between Buckeye Street and Village Street to enhance the aesthetics of the area and provide a space usable for community activities.
Rendering of German Village Plaza
Projected Timeline South Third Street Utility Improvement Project begins
July 2014
German Village plaza construction begins on North Third South Third Street Utility Improvement Project completed
March 2015
German Village plaza complete
April 2015
November 2015 11
Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection
Work
The Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection is another project utilitizing Ohio Department of Transportation’s large safety program. During 2012, the City obtained funding through the State Highway Safety Program to upgrade the intersection of Eaton Avenue at Main Street/Millville Avenue. The project cost is estimated at $3.7 million and the State will contribute 90 percent with the City responsible for the remaining 10 percent. The proposed improvement includes realigning the Eaton Avenue/Millville Avenue approaches to the intersection so they align across from each other. This will significantly improve traffic operations and safety at the intersection. The first phase of the project includes environmental analyses, preliminary engineering work, and a feasibility study. Phase 2 of the project will consist of preparation of right-of-way plans and Phase 3 will consist of preparation of detailed design plans. Funding for construction of the improvement (Phase 4) is not scheduled until 2016. Status Projected Investment Partners
Planning $3.7 million (City share $370,000) Ohio Dept. of Transportation, City of Hamilton
Project Location
Conceptual proposal for the Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection
Projected Timeline
Construction begins Right-of-way acquisition begins
Grant notification from ODOT
Construction plans complete
Environmental studies and preliminary engineering
2012 12
2013
Right-of-way acquisition complete
Detailed design and right-of-way plans
2014
Spring 2015 Fall 2015
Construction complete
Fall 2016
Spring 2017
Spring 2018
Millville-WassermanSmalley Intersection
Work
The intersection of Millville Avenue (SR129) at Wasserman Road and Smalley Boulevard will be upgraded in 2015. Millville Avenue will have new left-turn lanes added to both east and west directions. Wasserman Road will be widened and a new left-turn lane will be installed. On Smalley Boulevard, the median will be removed and replaced with a left-turn lane. New traffic signals and pedestrian crosswalks along with new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps will be constructed. The entire intersection will be paved upon completion of these improvements. Status Projected Investment
Engineering $670,000
Project Location
Projected Timeline
Detailed design initiated
November 2013
Intersection Construction begins improvements complete after schools close for summer break
June 2015
August 2015 13
Downtown Parking In 2015, the City of Hamilton is going to provide mobile and credit card payment options at meters downtown. In some areas, old meters will be replaced with new credit card meters. The new meters will have an easy-to-read graphic display, will take multiple payment options, and will be easy to maintain, repair, and upgrade. There will be 6 credit card meters added on South Third Street.
Work Hamilton has eliminated 22% of its downtown meters since 2012
high-demand areas. On-street parking is always free after 5 p.m. and on the weekends. In another effort to make parking more attractive downtown, the City established free 2 hour parking in the McDulin Parking Garage in 2013. For durations above two hours, the garage now accepts credit cards. Additionally, a new security system was installed at the garage.
In other areas, the existing parking meters will remain with a mobile payment option added. The City of Hamilton will partner with the company Passport to provide this service. Customers can pay for their parking through the Passport app, web, voice, or text. For frequent customers, Passport’s Prepaid Wallet provides the ability to add and store prepaid funds. There will be 175 mobile pay spaces in total.
In early 2015, StarTek, a company that plans to bring nearly 700 new jobs to downtown Hamilton, signed a lease for 350 parking spots in the McDulin Garage, reducing available spaces to approximately 200. As a result, prices on the first and second floors of the garage will increase for monthly passes held by people who do not live in downtown Hamilton.
The credit card and mobile pay meters are part of a series of parking improvements downtown. Since 2012, 180 meters have been removed downtown and the surrounding urban area, 22% of the total number of meters. The meters were replaced with two hour free parking between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The remaining meters encourage turnover in
Downtown Parking Map
Marcum Park
Free Parking
129
2012 14
59 additional parking meters removed; 2 hour free parking in garage instituted
2013
N. Third St.
2 hour free all day
County Free Garage after
Credit card meters installation, Mobile pay option available
Summer 2015
S. Third St.
6pm
Court St.
Projected Timeline Initial parking meters removed
McDulin Garage
HIGH ST.
S. Second St.
Credit Card Parking/ Free After 5 pm & Weekends
T.
Free after 5pm Market St.
Front St.
Mobile Pay Option Parking/ Free After 5 pm & Weekends
IN S
Great
Garage & Lot Specials
MA
Miam i River
Two Hour Free Parking/ Free After 5 pm & Weekends
N. Second St.
Dayton St.
City Surface Lot
127
HAMILTONMILL
Work
developing the nextgen industrialist
In July 2014, Hamilton’s business incubator was rebranded, refocused, and reenergized. Now known as The Hamilton Mill, it is Southwestern Ohio’s only small business incubator dedicated to green, clean, water, digital and advanced manufacturing technologies. According to the Kauffman Foundation, one of the leading organizations promoting entrepreneurship and small business, younger firms are the job creators, and The Hamilton Mill will be an important part of developing entrepreneurs going forward. To achieve this, The Hamilton Mill is partnering with innovation leaders in Southwest Ohio, including Cintrifuse, Butler Tech, CincyTech, SCORE, Miami University, Queen City Angels, the Hamilton Community Foundation, and many more. The Hamilton Mill leverages the city’s assets, such as green energy, water, fiber optics and a rich manufacturing tradition, to attract high-growth, high-potential startup companies. Since the relaunch, the incubator’s portfolio of new startups has grown to include kW River Hydroelectric, Perceptive Devices, RespondBy, Hub Energy Group, Edge Prototype, and Enforc Hygiene. This list will grow over the next year as The Hamilton Mill expands its programs and grows its resources to meet the needs of entrepreneurs. kW River Hydroelectric, one of The Hamilton Mill’s new businesses, is the developer of the Williams CrossFlow Turbine, a power generation unit designed to operate when installed on “low-head” dams (15 feet or less in height). This innovative technology generates electricity from the flow of water over turbine blades contained within a strong and very low-profile housing. The state-of-the-art housing unit allows the water to propel the turbine while debris flows over it.
Another new business at The Hamilton Mill is Perceptive Devices. This company is the developer of the ground breaking PERCEPT-D™ technology that allows users to gain access and control a wide range of computer devices hands-free, without the use of voice communication or a mouse. A sophisticated array of advanced sensors provides control via head or eye gestures. This is disruptive technology with possible applications in the Department of Defense, NASA, medicine, and home use. With a more focused mission on high-growth, innovative business models, The Hamilton Mill will play a strategic role in business development both locally and regionally.
Recognition in 2014 $32.5 million
has been invested to upgrade Hamilton’s Recognized as a Public/Private Partnership electric utilities since 2007 Model from the American Society for Public Administration Winner of the Excellence in Economic Development Innovation Award from the Ohio Economic Development Association Bronze winner in the Sustainable and Green Development category from the International Economic Development Council
Perceptive Devices’ PERCEPT-D technology, featured here, won the Innovation Award at CE Week 2014 in New York City and won the RocketCode Web Development Award at Cincinnati Innovates 2014. 15
Economic Development
Work
Health Care Growth Health care is a cornerstone industry in Hamilton and the three largest healthcare organizations expanded or announced expansions in 2014. Community First Solutions, Hamilton’s second largest private employer, announced two projects in 2014. The 50 employees that comprise Community First Solutions’ corporate headquarters will be moving into the former Ringel’s Furniture store downtown. The renovation of the 6 story 35,000 sq. ft. historic building began in early August 2014 and is expected to be complete in the summer of 2015. It is a $5.8 million rehabilitation. Community First Solutions is also building a 42,000 sq. ft. $12 million rehabilitation center at Main Street and Stahlheber Road. Overnight and same-day services will be offered for post-surgery patients. The facility will be Community First Solution’s largest single capital project in over twenty years. Community First Solutions is the parent company responsible for the strategic oversight of Colonial, Community Behavioral Health, Community First Pharmacy, and Partners in Prime, which serve over 46,000 individuals annually.
Rendering of the Bethesda Butler Hospital expansion
Fort Hamilton’s completed ER expansion
Bethesda Butler Hospital, part of the TriHealth network, broke ground in 2014 on a 45,000 sq. ft. $26 million inpatient building on their campus in Hamilton Enterprise Park. The facility currently has 10 beds and, once the expansion is completed, Bethesda Butler Hospital will have 48 total beds. The project is expected to be completed in December 2015 and will create up to 50 new jobs, mostly in the nursing profession. Fort Hamilton Hospital, Hamilton’s largest private employer, completed a $5 million renovation on its emergency room in 2014. The hospital is currently renovating its maternity unit and opening a new diabetes center in downtown Hamilton.
Rendering of Community First Solutions’ new downtown headquarters.
16
Work Manufacturing & Logistics Expansion In early 2014, ODW Logistics & Transportation Services (LTS), a leading provider of transportation management services, announced that the company was expanding in Hamilton. ODW LTS was named one of Inc. Magazine’s Fast 500 in 2013 as one of the fastest growing companies in the United States. The company anticipates doubling the size of its operations and staff over the next three years. All of the company’s jobs are professional advanced logistics positions. Interstate Warehousing, a cold storage warehousing company with eight locations around the country, added 25 new jobs and completed a $3.1 million expansion in 2014. During an expansion in 2011, the company pledged to create 25 new positions and actually created 90. In total, Interstate Warehousing employs 210 people at its Hamilton facility. The 2014 improvements will position the company for future expansions at the site. In the summer of 2014, ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America broke ground on a $26 million expansion project at its Hamilton facility. The project, which calls for a 60,000 sq. ft. building expansion, will create 214 new jobs and help ThyssenKrupp Bilstein to meet the growing demand for its highend shock absorbers for Original Equipment Automobile Manufacturers, after market outlets and motorsports. This is the company’s third expansion in Hamilton since 2011. In total, these projects represent a $44.5 million capital investment.
Interstate Warehousing’s Hamilton campus
2014
2014
GOLD
BRONZE
City of Hamilton’s recent economic development awards from the International Economic Development Council
In 2011, ThyssenKrupp Bilstein employed 185 at their Hamilton facility. When this expansion is completed they will employ 581 people, making them Hamilton’s third largest private employer.
President and CEO Fabian Schmahl of ThyssenKrupp Bilstein speaking at the groundbreaking for their 2014 expansion.
17
Live Hamilton Utilities is partnering with Efficiency Smart to offer a comprehensive energy efficiency program to Hamilton utility customers. Efficiency Smart will provide technical assistance and financial incentives, allowing for the implementation of energy-saving improvements, to Hamilton’s homeowners, renters, small to mediumsized businesses, institutions, and large commercial and industrial customers. Efficiency Smart services became available for Hamilton utility customers in February 2015. Hamilton residents and businesses will have the opportunity to benefit from a variety of energy efficiency services through Efficiency Smart. These include: • Rebates for energy-efficient products, discounts on energy-efficient lighting and financial rewards for recycling secondary refrigerators and freezers for residential customers. • Rebates for more than 90 improvements for businesses with annual electric usage of 20,000 to 500,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh), including lighting and lighting controls, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, electric heating, food service equipment and compressed air and motors. • Tailored services with dedicated account management, customized financial incentives and technical assistance for organizations that use more than 500,000 kWh of electricity annually.
Efficiency Smart provides a number of services to businesses and residents, including lighting programs and rewards for recycling secondary refrigerators and freezers. 18
For more information, visit www.efficiencysmart.org.
Projected 3 year program $32.5 million has been invested to upgrade Hamilton’s benefits electric utilities since 2007 2.33 to 1 benefit-to-cost ratio over the lifetime of energy efficiency upgrades and installed efficient equipment Total lifetime economic benefit for the Electric Utility (calculated from avoided power supply costs) - $5,554,536 Total lifetime customer savings from energy cost reductions – $8,842,566 Total lifetime mega-watt hour (MWh) savings – 95,378
17 Strong
Live
The City of Hamilton believes its citizens should feel a sense of place within their communities. Strong neighborhood ties increase pride and involvement in the community, both of which can have strong positive impacts on quality of life in Hamilton’s communities. To help foster this sense of community, the City established a Sense of Place Committee in 2011. Sense of Place, which is comprised of neighborhood leaders, city council members, and a wide variety of community stakeholders, has been collaborating with communities, such as Lindenwald, North End, East End, and Second Ward to develop leadership and assist in executing community projects. In 2013, the Sense of Place Committee embarked on the 17 Strong Neighborhoods Project which is an effort to assist neighborhoods in developing a sense of place, to encourage residents to think about their neighborhood’s future and how they can participate, and to help city officials better understand residents’ needs and aspirations.
17 Strong is named for the 17 neighborhoods initially proposed by the Sense of Place Committee. Public input is being gathered to finalize neighborhood identities, including neighborhood boundaries and names. By establishing these defined neighborhoods, Sense of Place hopes to rally individuals, groups, and other organizations to take pride in their particular corner of our city. Within these neighborhoods, the Sense of Place Committee hopes to encourage community leadership and organizations to develop programming each community is interested in. For example, the neighborhoods could set up neighborhood crime prevention programs, pool their resources for community activities, and much more. As a sense of identity and community pride grows in the neighborhoods, Sense of Place hopes that community groups will develop. The over arching Sense of Place Committee will continue to serve as a place for leaders from each neighborhood to come together to learn from one another and support each other.
Sense of Place organized groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings for Hamilton’s new spraygrounds (left). The North End Sense of Place group has organized a Trunk or Treat in downtown Hamilton for the last two years (right).
Projected Timeline Sense of Place Committee established
Public input process initiated
17 Strong plan developed
17 Strong Neighborhood Project developed
2011
Fall 2013
Early 2014
Implementation
Summer 2014
Winter 2014 19
Live
To help accelerate downtown revitalization and reduce the financial barriers to investing in the urban core, a publicprivate partnership consisting of the City, the Hamilton Community Foundation, and local lending institutions established the Hamilton CORE Fund. The CORE Fund, or Consortium for Ongoing Reinvestment Efforts, was launched in December 2012. In addition to the initial intent to provide gap financing to reduce financial risk for qualified residential and commercial real estate projects, the Hamilton CORE Fund expanded in 2013 to include two new arms – the CORE Strategic Acquisition arm for property purchase and building improvements and the Residential Redevelopment Fund arm for acquisition of historic residential property and property improvements. Status
In operation
Goal
$6.2 million capitalized in 2015 with ultimate goal of maintaining a $10 million revolving fund City of Hamilton, Hamilton Community Foundation, First Financial Bank, US Bank
Partners
In 2015 the former Elder Beerman building will be under construction for five new tenants, bringing approximately 700 new jobs to downtown Hamilton.
20
Through CORE Strategic Acquisition, the Hamilton CORE Fund has purchased key downtown Hamilton properties, including the 167,000 sq. ft. former Elder Beerman store that has been vacant since 2009, the 5 story former Fifth Third building that has been vacant since 2012, the former Joffe’s Furniture buildings across from Community First Solutions’ new headquarters, and a highly visible, 19th century building that has been underutilized for many years. Local, proactive ownership is important as it often allows for quicker, more flexible responses to potential projects. The CORE Fund has made significant strides since acquring its first buildings and was instrumental in Hamilton’s largest job creation in downtown Hamilton in decades. In February 2015, StarTek, an international call center company, announced it would be locating 682 employees in the top floor of the former Elder Beerman building. Other tenants announced for the building include a Jackson’s Market and Deli, InsideOut Studio, Kettering Health Network doctors’ offices, and Joslin Diabetes Center. The CORE Fund continues to work with interested developers and businesses to get buildings redeveloped and occupied.
Land Bank
Live continuing funds and received a $2 million grant award through the Neighborhood Initiative Program to be used for the acquisition and demolition of property.
In 2012, the Moving Ohio Forward program was implemented in the state utilizing money from a settlement with five of the nation’s largest mortgage servicers. The City of Hamilton received $1.1 million to facilitate the reclamation, rehabilitation, and reutilization of vacant, abandoned, tax-foreclosed, or other real property. The City matched the funds and developed the City’s first Land Bank program.
Of the 15 counties that received grant monies in the second round of the application process, Butler County’s award was the largest. These funds do not require a match and will be split between Hamilton and Middletown. With the help of the Neighborhood Initiative program funds, the Land Bank can continue stabilizing property values by removing and greening vacant and blighted properties in targeted areas. The Neighborhood Initiative Program begins October 1st, 2014 and is set to conclude September 30th, 2015.
The Moving Ohio Forward program concluded September 30, 2014. The City was able to demolish 161 blighted properties, roughly ten times as many as the City would have been able to in this time frame without the funds. 22 properties have been dispensed to neighbors through the side lot program and to non-profits like Habitat for Humanity. The City continues to seek new owners for the lots that the City does not need for public projects.
The Land Bank provides the City an opportunity to demolish nuisance properties and to promote economic and housing development. It is an important tool to make Hamilton a more livable, more economically vibrant community.
Due to the success of the Land Bank, the City, in a partnership with Middletown and Butler County, sought
A blighted, vacant property on Cleveland Avenue has become a neighbor’s well kept side yard.
Projected Timeline Moving Ohio Forward begins
March 2012
Seeking additional funding
Neighborhood Initiative Program begins Moving Ohio Forward concludes, 161 properties demolished
September 2014 October 2014
Neighborhood Initiative Program concludes
September 2015
Ongoing 21
Live Artspace Hamilton is slated to open in downtown Hamilton during spring of 2015. Construction began in May 2014 on the 42 unit artist loft apartment complex. In 2006, Artspace USA, a Minneapolis-based developer that has completed over 40 artist loft projects around the country, was invited to Hamilton to perform a Preliminary Feasibility Visit. While few cities with a population less than 100,000 could support an Artspace project, it was quickly determined that Hamilton was an exception. Artspace is currently rehabilitating the buildings, known as the Mehrum-Lindley Block, restoring it to celebrate its original architecture. Much of the historic character of the building had been covered over during years of remodeling, including the building’s historic facade.
3Artspace new retailers wererecently announced Artspace Hamilton wasfor awarded Hamilton in December 2014 Preserved $2.3 million in Ohio Historic Status Under construction Projected Investment $11.8 Million Project Details 42 affordable live/work spaces for artists and 3,000 square feet of commercial and gallery space Partners Artspace USA, State of Ohio, Hamilton Community Foundation, City of Hamilton
In December 2014, three commercial tenants were announced for Artspace Hamilton - Renaissance Fine Art Supplies, The Almond Sisters Bakery, and Unsung Salvage Design. There are a total of four retail spaces in the Artspace building. The commercial tenants plan to open in early 2015.
Construction as Artspace facade is revealed
Projected Timeline Acquisition of property & removal of metal screen Planning Received $2.3 million in Historic Tax Credits
2006 22
June 2012
Groundbreaking
Completion
Received $5.7 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits
Spring 2013 Summer 2013
Leasing
May 2014
Spring 2015
Ongoing
Marcum Park
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In September 2013, RiversEdge Amphitheater and Overlook was completed. Thousands of people have already enjoyed concerts at this venue and the City is planning many activities at the amphitheater in 2015. In February 2015, it was announced that Joe and Sarah Marcum committed to funding an expansion of the park, which provides an opportunity to build on the success of the amphitheater and add an assortment of amenities to further activate the park. Their $3.5 million donation is the largest-ever private donation for a park in Hamilton. The creation of Marcum Park will expand the current RiversEdge Amphitheater to the east on the greenspace bound by N. Second, Dayton, and Buckeye Streets and will include a wide sidewalk designed to be accessible to food trucks and similar users for community events, a children’s playscape on the northwest corner, landscaping, and the great lawn.
In 2014, the City, in conjunction with MKSK design firm, developed a master plan for the remaining portion of the development site, located at the former Mercy Hospital site downtown. Marcum Park is intended to be a central gathering place for the community and a complement to the development going on in the urban core.
Marcum Park master plan rendering looking northeast from the existing amphitheater
Projected Timeline RiversEdge plan Mercy Hospital developed demolished
2006
2007
RiversEdge complete Funding for Marcum Park announced
RiversEdge groundbreaking
2012
Marcum Park master plan complete
2013
May 2014
February 2015
Marcum Park construction begins
Marcum Park complete
Summer 2015 Summer 2016 23
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The City of Hamilton is partnering with the Hamilton CORE Fund, the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, the Main Street Area Association, and the Vision Commission to revitalize Main Street, an important community corridor and business district. Objectives of the Main Street strategy include: • Provide collaborative leadership on important issues • Support Main Street businesses and encourage new business development within the district • Improve the aesthetic appeal and sense of safety • Seek funding for priority projects as identified by Main Street stakeholders • Maintain a strong organizational presence along the corridor There are a number of projects and activities that are already underway for the Main Street business district. Through a partnership with the Hamilton Community
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Foundation and local businesses, the City of Hamilton Police Department has increased their presence on Main Street, downtown, East High Street, and German Village. The Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is fundraising for the installation of video surveillance security videos for Main Street and is working on the feasibility of a Main Street Banner Program. The Hamilton CORE Fund has begun identifying available properties that are ready to be rehabilitated to become future retail and residential uses. The Vision Commission and the Main Street Area Association have been collaborating to enhance and increase special events on Main Street. The partners will continue to seek opportunities to assist the Main Street Business District become a great place for businesses to thrive and residents to enjoy.
Great Miami River Recreational Trails In an effort to continue to move its complete streets initiative forward, the City and the Hamilton Community Foundation continue to add bike paths and bike routes to the existing network. Projects that started in 2014 include an asphalt maintenance road along the river and Phase 2 of the Great Miami River Recreational Trail (GMRRT). Biking options will again be enhanced in 2015. There are three significant projects slated for completion:
1. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources awarded
the City a $500,000 Clean Ohio Trails Fund Grant for GMRRT Phase 2, a 1.6 mile multi-use trail along the Hamilton Hydraulic Canal from the intersection of Canal Road and Allison Avenue to the Hydraulic Canal’s outlet at the Great Miami River near Two Mile Dam.
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2. An asphalt maintenance road adjacent to the
new sanitary interceptor sewer which will double as a recreational trail along with the GMRRT. These first two projects will connect the existing bike path downstream of the High-Main Bridge and the Central Business District to Rentschler Forest MetroPark.
3. A new ramp will be installed from the bike path
surrounding RiversEdge Park along the levee down to the maintenance road along the sanitary interceptor sewer to provide an easier access to RiversEdge Park and the Central Business District. Together, these projects fill an important gap in the 90 mile long Great Miami River Recreational Trail.
A photo of construction of the trail extension
Projected Timeline
Begin construction of asphalt maintenance road/bike trail
Summer 2014
Begin construction of Phase 2 GMRRT
Fall 2014
Asphalt maintenance road/ bike trail complete
Spring 2015
Complete construction of GMRRT Phase 2 & RiversEdge ramp
Summer 2015 25
Spraygrounds
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Through the support of the City of Hamilton and a private donor, three new spraygrounds opened during the summer of 2014 for children to enjoy during the warm months. A sprayground is a single level concrete slab on grade with interactive water spray features. The spraygrounds are located at Jim Grimm Park (the former Wilson Pool site), at the North End Athletic Field, and at Benninghofen Park in Lindenwald. These three locations were selected based on an evaluation of the population of young families with children.
Another sprayground is planned for 2015 at Crawford Woods. Each of Hamilton’s spraygrounds contain thirteen water features that serve children of all ages. The three spraygrounds already open have become very popular community assets. Spraygrounds have become widely popular as a great summertime amenity that are less expensive to operate and maintain than a pool. Spraygrounds do not hold any standing water thus eliminating the need for lifeguard supervision. The slope of the pad allows the water from the features to drain into an underground reservoir where it is filtered and disinfected for reuse. Status Complete Projected Investment $850,000 Partners
City of Hamilton, Private Donation
Kids playing at one of Hamilton’s spraygrounds
Projected Timeline
North End and Wilson spraygrounds open
July 2014 26
Lindenwald sprayground open
August 2014
Crawford Woods sprayground open Construction begins Project planning for Crawford Woods sprayground
January 2015
March 2015
July 2015
parks H A M I LT O N
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C O N S E R VA N C Y
In October 2014, the City of Hamilton announced the Division of Parks and Recreation will become a Parks Conservancy beginning in 2015. The Hamilton Parks Conservancy, modeled after the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, will be a non-profit focused solely on managing parks located within the City. The Hamilton Parks Conservancy model is being adopted primarily for its ability to provide services at a lower delivery cost and their ability to conduct fundraising through the solicitation of donations. The Hamilton Parks Conservancy will be responsible for all parks-related activities, including park maintenance and program scheduling as well as the system’s capital investment and planning programs. The Hamilton Parks Conservancy will handle all park, RiversEdge, and Michael J. Colligan Lodge rentals.
The City will retain ownership of all parkland as well as all capital improvements and will continue to fund much of their costs by dedicating $1.1 million to the parks system in 2015. Additionally, the City is providing $1.25 million for a significant capital improvement in 2015 as well as a new sprayground. All park-related revenues, including RiversEdge sales, will be put back into the parks operating fund. The Hamilton Parks Conservancy will operate with an Executive Director, staff, and a five-member board of directors.
Artspace Hamilton recently was awarded Hamilton Parks Conservancy $2.3N.million inSt. Ohio Historic Preserved 106 Second Hamilton, OH 45011 513-785-7055
Projected Timeline Hamilton stakeholders visited Pittsburgh to view model Hamilton stakeholders visited Louisville to view model
July 2014 September 2014
Hamilton Parks Conservancy operational Implementation
Hamilton Parks Conservancy announced
October 2014
January 2015
Ongoing 27
Mayor
Pat Moeller
Vice Mayor Rob Wile
Council
Robert Brown Carla Fiehrer Archie Johnson Kathleen Klink Timothy Naab
City Manager Joshua Smith
Projected Timeline
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