Initiativeupdate hamilton final 2 5 2014

Initiative Update 2014

RiversEdge amphitheater in downtown Hamilton. Photo credit Brian Vogel.

Table of Contents Energizing Hamilton’s Urban Core 3 Live, Work, Play

Artspace Hamilton 4 3rd Street Corridor Master Plan 5 17Strong Neighborhood Project 6 RiversEdge Master Plan 7 Great Miami Recreational Trail 8 Spraygrounds 9 Hamilton Bark Park 10

Infrastructure East High Street Gateway 11 Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection 12 South Hamilton Crossing 13 Millville-Wasserman-Smalley Intersection 14

Green

Utility Capital Investments 15 Meldahl Hydroelectric Project 16 LED Streetlights & Street Signs 17 CNG Fueling Station 18

Economic Development

Economic Development 19

CORE Fund 21 Biztech 22 Butler County Land Reutilization Corp. 23

Brownfield Redevelopment

24

Customer Service

Customer First Initiative 25

Completed Projects 26

2

Energizing Hamilton’s Urban Core There is much to be excited about in Hamilton’s urban core. Buildings are being renovated, people are moving

It is not hard to see why the urban core is the focal point. Not only because it is the heart of the city, but also

in, and the business community is growing. The City of Hamilton is concentrating much of its revitalization efforts on the urban core to make it a place where people want to work, live, and play.

because the urban core contains many assets to build upon. Downtown Hamilton and its surrounding historical neighborhoods have incredible character that remains largely intact, providing the City a strong foundation for creating a sense of place and building a positive image.

current project

completed project

Artspace Hamilton

RiversEdge

Artspace is a $10.2 million project that will create 42 artist live/work units and 3,000 sq. ft. of ground floor commercial space for art groups and art-related businesses. Construction began in 2013 and will be completed in 2014.

RiversEdge is the new downtown riverfront amphitheater and overlook which opened in 2013.

RiversEdge reconnects Hamilton to the Great Miami River and will host events throughout the year, such as the popular Summer Concert Series.

completed project Mercantile Lofts

future project

former Elder Beerman

T.

future project

Market St.

iami R iver

The former department store is the CORE Fund’s first purchase of property for future development with an eye toward a complex of office, retail, and living space. The building is four-stories, 167,000 sq. ft. and was built in 1968.

IN S

former Hungry Bunny 129

Great M

MA

In 2012, the new Mercantile Lofts opened downtown. The $8.6 million renovation of buildings built circa 1875 resulted in 29 market rate apartments and 3 street level retail spaces, all which are 100% occupied.

S. Third St.

S. Second St.

Dayton St.

HIGH ST.

127

Court St.

completed project Robinson-Schwenn

completed project Journal-News

The CORE Fund recently acquired the former Hungry Bunny restaurant, a 3-story mixed-use 19th century building. The CORE Fund will be seeking bids to redevelop the property.

future project former Fifth Third

The renovation of the Robinson-Schwenn building, the 147 year old former orchestra hall, includes 3 floors of office space and 3 retail spaces. It is the new home of Liferay’s national sales office and the new Lane Library Community Technology Center.

The CORE Fund also recently acquired the former Fifth Third property, a 5-story office building.

The CORE Fund will be seeking bids to redevelop the property as an office/mixed-use building.

In early 2013, the $2.5 million renovation of the former Journal-News building was completed, transforming the building into a downtown cultural hub, home to Butler Tech School of the Arts and the Miami Valley Ballet Theatre.

3

Live, Work, Play

With the Mercantile Lofts breathing new life into downtown Hamilton, the City is looking forward to its next residential mixed-use project, Artspace Hamilton. In 2006, Artspace USA 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.

The radiator grill wasrecently removedwas andawarded the Artspace Hamilton façade was stabilized in Spring 2013 $2.3 million in Ohio Historic Preserved Status

Under construction

Projected Investment $10.2 Million

Artspace’s chosen site, the Mehrum-Lindley Block, the former home of Strauss and Co., was in need of rehabilitation. The Mehrum-Lindley Block’s façade was covered in 1966 by a metal screen as an attempt to “modernize” the building, although the original façade remained intact underneath. Construction has begun and the building is being restored to celebrate its original architecture.

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

Artspace Hamilton will be a community asset that will provide ground floor space for local non-profit organizations, commercial space for small businesses, and outdoor plaza areas for residents and for the greater community.

Rendering of an Artspace apartment

Projected Timeline Acquisition of property & removal of metal screen Planning Received $2.3 million in Historic Tax Credits

2006 4

June 2012

Groundbreaking

Received $5.7 million in LowIncome Housing Tax Credits

Spring 2013 Summer 2013

Completion

Leasing

May 2014

December 2014 January 2015

3rd Street Corridor Master Plan

Hamilton Scrap Processors Hensel Pl

A Third Street Master Plan is a new initiative for 2014.

This master plan will encompass the stretch of Third Street from Ludlow Street to Hensel Place, connecting the former Ringel’s Furniture building from the south to the heart of German Village on the north. The intended goal of the Master Plan is to define a vision for this important downtown-German Village corridor.

One component of the plan will be the exploration of a plaza on Third Street between Buckeye Street and Village Street that will enhance the aesthetics of the area and provide a space that can be used for community activities.

City of Hamilton Departments such as Utilities, Public Works, and Community Development will collaborate to assist in the development of this Master Plan.

Former Ringel’s

High St

Third Street between Buckeye Street and Village Street

Ludlow St Projected Timeline Master Plan developed

Proposal developed and budget approved Planning

Fall 2013

Early 2014

Implementation

End of 2014

2015 5

Live, Work, Play

17Strong Neighborhood Project The City of Hamilton believes a sense of place is important in its communities. Strong neighborhood ties increase pride and involvement in the community, both which can have strong positive impact on quality of life in Hamilton’s communities.

17Stong is named for the 17 neighborhoods initially proposed by the Sense of Place Committee. Public input will be gathered to finalize neighborhood identities, including neighborhood boundaries and names. By establishing these defined neighborhoods, the Committee hopes to rally individuals, groups, and other organizations to take pride in their particular corner of our city.

To help foster this sense of community, the City established a Sense of Place Committee in 2011. The committee, which is comprised of neighborhood leaders, city councilmembers, and a wide variety of community stakeholders, has been collaborating with communities, such as Lindenwald, the North End, East End, and Second Ward to develop leadership and assist in executing community projects.

Once the neighborhoods are defined, 17Strong will embark on creating neighborhood-specific programs that assist in developing a sense of community in all 17 neighborhoods. There is a wide array of neighborhood programming that can be developed. The neighborhoods could set up neighborhood crime programs, act as a liaison to City officials on behalf of their neighborhood, pool their resources for community activities, and much more. The City will work with these 17 community groups to direct programming to the needs of each community.

As part of the committee’s next phase, the Sense of Place Committee is embarking on the 17Strong Neighborhoods Project, which will be an effort to assist neighborhoods in developing a sense of place.

Washington

Urban Core Neighborhoods Traditional Neighborhoods

Two Mile

Prospect Hill & Grandview

German Village

North End & Fordson Heights

Rossville

Downtown CBD HIGH ST.

E. High Gateway & Dayton Lane

New London

East End South East (2nd Ward)

Lindenwald

Jefferson (4th Ward)

STATE ROUTE 4

Millikin

MILLVILLE AVE.

Armondale & Edgewood

Great Miami River

MAIN ST.

Enterprise Park

Railroad

EATON AVE.

Highland Park

Suburban Neighborhoods

This map is not intended to be an accurate depiction of the size, placement, or boundaries of a particular neighborhood

Projected Timeline 17Strong plan developed Public input process initiated

Sense of Place Committee established

17Strong Neighborhood Project developed

2011 6

Fall 2013

Early 2014

Implementation

Summer 2014

Winter 2014

re

RiversEDGE

Park

Amphitheater

Overlook

Bike Path

Master Plan In September 2013, RiversEdge Amphitheater and Overlook was completed. Thousands of people have already enjoyed concerts at this venue and the City is planning for many activities at the amphitheater for 2014.

be involved in the master planning process. It is expected that the final plan will be presented to the public at-large prior to the first planned concert at RiversEdge at the end of May.

The City is excited to build on the success of RiversEdge Amphitheater and Overlook to develop the next phase of the park. In 2014, the City, in conjunction with MKSK Design firm, will be developing a Master Plan for the remaining portion of the development site, located at the former Mercy Hospital site downtown.

RiversEdge Amphitheater & Overlook

RiversEladngeArea Master P

The City will continue to master plan the remaining undeveloped green space east of the amphitheater in early 2014. An assortment of amenities will be considered in order to activate the park at various times with diverse offerings. Key stakeholders, including community groups representing surrounding neighborhoods and interests, will

RiversEdge amphitheater during the Signs of Life concert in 2013. Photo credit John Cordes.

Projected Timeline Proposal developed and plan budget approved

Present to council and public

Preliminary concept design input session

Fundraising and implementation

Working design session Master plan complete

Fall 2013

February 2014

March 2014

April 2014

May 2014

Ongoing 7

Live, Work, Play

Great Miami River Recreational Trail In an effort to continue to move its complete streets initiative forward, the City continues to add bike paths and bike routes to the existing network. New in 2013 were 1,000 feet of bike path surrounding RiversEdge and South Front Street’s new “sharrows,” which are pavement markings which remind motorists to share the street with cyclists.

2. An asphalt maintenance road will be built adjacent to

the new sanitary interceptor sewer which can be used by cyclists. 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.

Biking options will again be enhanced in 2014. There are three significant projects slated for this year:

1. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources awarded

the City a $500,000 Clean Ohio Trails Fund Grant to assist with the construction of 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.

Existi

ng tra

il

Rentschler Forest

Hydrau

Gre

at M

iam

iR

ive

r

lic Can

2

al

1

3

3. A new ramp will be installed from the bike path

RiversEdge

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.

Downtown

Together, these projects fill an important gap in the 90 mile long Great Miami River Recreational Trail.

Projected Timeline Asphalt maintenance road and bike trail complete

Bid for trail and ramp Ramp complete

Spring 2014 8

Summer 2014

Fall 2014

Spraygrounds Soon there will be two new amenities for children to enjoy in Hamilton during the warm months. In 2014, the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Community Foundation plan to open two new neighborhood spraygrounds, one at the former Wilson Pool site and at Benninghofen Park in Lindenwald. These two locations were selected based on an evaluation of the population of young families with children.

A sprayground is a single level concrete slab on grade with interactive water spray features. Each sprayground will contain a minimum of thirteen water features that will serve children of all ages.

Spraygrounds have become widely popular as a great summertime amenity that is 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.

The sprayground committee selected the architectural firm of Brandstetter Carroll (BC) to provide design and construction management services for the Project. The BC firm has extensive experience with the design and construction management of over 120 pools and 20 splash pad parks in multiple states including Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

Status

Bidding Process

Projected Investment $600,000 Partners

City of Hamilton, Hamilton Community Foundation, Private Donations

F. Spray Loop

B. Water Jelly

A. Aqua Dome

D. Water Tunnel

Projected Timeline Start construction phase

Project planning

Project completion

Design review and plan approval Consultant chosen

Summer 2013

November 2013

December 2014

March 2014

June 2014 9

Live, Work, Play

Hamilton Bark Park Veteran’s Park will have a new amenity in Spring 2014: Hamilton’s new dog park. Hamilton Bark Park will include a large dog area and a small dog area, a water station (both for dogs and their human friends), benches, a Big Dog sculpture, open space, agility courses for both areas, and trees for shade. The area is enclosed by five foot fencing.

Project Location

Hamilton Bark Park has been developed by a committee of Hamilton stakeholders and is funded by private donations.

60 contributors raised the $60,000 needed for the dog park. It is the first public dog park in the city. The grand opening is slated for May 17, 2014.

Hamilton Bark Park and the Big Dog sculpture during the winter.

Projected Timeline Grand opening

Dog park committee formed

Groundbreaking Fundraising

March 2012 10

2012-2013

July 2013

May 17, 2014

Infrastructure EAST

High Street GATEWAY

The East High Street Gateway is an important entrance into Hamilton that is in need of a 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 East Ave. and Seventh St. • Adding new commercial access drive parallel to East High St. In addition, Dayton St. and Maple Ave. are being investigated to absorb some traffic flow. Although not included in the project, the intersection of High St. and MLK Jr. Blvd. will be reconstructed by adding new turn lanes for better traffic flow, further enhancing the gateway.

Status

Design complete

Projected Investment

$11.2 million total infrastructure investment: $8.5 million project budget, $2.7 million additional investment at High and MLK

Partners

City of Hamilton, ODOT (High and MLK)

Aerial of proposed improvements.

Projected Timeline Remove abandoned electric poles

Paving and median landscaping

Traffic study Design Water main replacement

Summer 2012

Winter 2012-2013

2013

New access roads, underground electrical conduit and cables, and new sidewalks

Spring 2014 Spring-Summer 2014

Spring 2015

High and MLK improvements

2016 11

Infrastructure

Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has one of the largest safety programs in the country. 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. It is anticipated that the consultant will be given notice to proceed during July and this phase of the project will be completed in 2014.

Phase 2 of the project will consist of preparation of rightof-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

Planning

Projected Investment

$3.7 million (City pays $370,000)

Partners

Ohio Dept. of Transportation, City of Hamilton

Project Location

Conceptual proposal for the Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection

Projected Timeline Construction begins Detailed design and right-of-way plans begin

Grant notification from ODOT Environmental studies and preliminary engineering begin

2012 12

2013

2014

2016

Millville-Wasserman-Smalley Intersection The intersection of Millville Avenue (SR129) at Wasserman Road and Smalley Boulevard will be upgraded in 2014.

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. The current estimated construction cost is $670,000.

Status

Design

Projected Investment

$670,000

Project Location

Projected Timeline Intersection improvements complete Detailed design begins

November 2013

Construction begins

March 2014

November 2014 13

Infrastructure

South Hamilton Crossing 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 to the west. Of the three grade separations on the east side of the City, currently, only one permits East-West traffic flow. This project is expected to greatly improve connectivity, reduce drive times, and increase safety.

Status

SHX SHXestimated estimatedimpact impact Improve Improveaccess accessto: to: • 60 acres • 60 acresofofCity-owned city-ownedvacant vacantland landat atUniversity University Commerce Park Commerce Park • • 365,000 270,000square squarefeet feetofofClass-A Class-Aoffice officespace spaceatat Vora Technology Park Vora Technology Park • • 5,000 5,000Miami MiamiUniversity UniversityHamilton Hamiltonstudents students

Traffic Study and Stage 1 and 2 Design are complete. Stage 3 Design and Rightof-Way Plan Preparation are underway

Projected Investment $23 Million Partners

SHX is anticipated to have especially important benefits to Vora Technology Park, University Commerce Park, and Miami University-Hamilton, as it greatly improves transit access to these areas.

City of Hamilton, OKI Regional Council of Governments, Ohio Dept. of Transportation, Butler County Transportation Improvement District

Expected Expectedtotocreate createan anestimated estimated3,525 3,525jobs jobs Eliminate the wait time at the current Eliminate the wait time at the currentCentral CentralAvenue Avenue Crossing Crossingthat thatcurrently currentlyaffects affects15% 15%ofofdaily dailycrossing crossing traffic traffic

Rendering of proposed SHX development

Projected Timeline OKI awards $2.4 million for property acquisition Initial conversation about this project

1911 14

Preliminary feasibility

2006

Construction start Completion

Right-of-way acquisition begins Construction plans complete

August 2012

July 2014

September 2015

March 2016

October 2017

Green

Utility Capital Investments Hamilton Utilities will be investing $34.9 million in capital improvements in 2014 in addition to the Meldahl project.

These projects focus on delivering safe and reliable utility service and fostering economic development.

Electric In 2014, Hamilton’s Electric Department anticipates investing over $8.8 million in capital projects including LED streetlights and street signs, enhancements on the East High Corridor, and continued efforts to underground electric lines.

$34.9 $32.5million million

will invested to upgrade Hamilton’s hasbe been invested to upgrade Hamilton’s electric 20142007 electricutilities utilitiesinsince

Natural Gas Over $4.7 million is projected to be spent on improvements to the natural gas system including main replacements, a Medium Pressure Gas (MPG) loop to Enterprise Park, and Southwest Ohio’s first public compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station, which will be located on Route 4.

Water Over $3.5 million is budgeted for Water System improvements including main replacements and water tank rehabilitation.

Wastewater The Wastewater System is projected to see the most capital investments with $17.8 million budgeted for next 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.

Projected Timeline SOID lift station, water tank rehab, and MPG loop development begins

SECAP project begins Underground electric lines begins

2013

Spring 2014

Summer 2014

Underground electric lines complete Water tank rehab complete

Fall 2014 November 2014

SECAP project complete

2015 15

Green

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 558,000 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, 70% of the City’s power Upon completion, nearly 70% of the City’s will be fromwill renewable sources sources power be from renewable Status

80% complete; turbines are being assembled and installed; over 93,000 cubic yards of concrete have been poured; 12 million pounds of steel have been placed

Projected Investment

$504+ million

Partners

City of Hamilton, American Municipal Power

Construction of the Meldahl facility

Projected Timeline Formal groundbreaking Excavation begins

Commercial operation Powerhouse construction begins Generating unit commissioning

May 2010 June 2010 16

August 2011

Fall 2014

Spring 2015

LED Streetlights & Street Signs In an effort to promote the City’s green efforts and to reduce operating costs, the Electric Department is replacing traditional high pressure sodium streetlights with high-efficiency LED lights.

The City began replacing streetlights with LED lights in 2010. At that time, LEDs were 30% more efficient than traditional lights and cost $700 per fixture. Today, LEDs are 78% more efficient and cost $300 per fixture.

By the end of 2013, the City had put in 100 LED streetlights throughout Hamilton, including on Central Avenue between Long Avenue and Pleasant Avenue, Brookwood Avenue between NW Washington Boulevard and Main Street, and Neilan Boulevard between Long Avenue and Court Street.

The Utility Department is budgeting for 30 new lights in 2014 on Northwest Washington Boulevard from Brookwood Avenue to Main Street, South Third Street from Front Street to Maple Avenue, and all public street lighting in Hamilton Enterprise Park. The City is also replacing all broken streetlights with LED streetlights throughout the City.

Another initiative the City is undertaking in 2014 are LED street signs. The City will be replacing street signs in high traffic areas with LED-lit street signs, which will help enhance visibility utilizing the high efficiency lights.

Status

Planning

Projected Investment

$242,000 for the streetlights, $30,000 for street signs

Partners

City of Hamilton Utilities

Projected Timeline First LED streetlights installed

LED streetlight replacement program LED streetsigns installation begins 30 new lights installed on NW Washington

2010

April 2014

Summer 2014

Ongoing 17

Green

Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Station As part of the City’s alternative fueled vehicle initiative, plans are underway to construct the first public Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station in southwest Ohio. The station will be located adjacent to the City Garage on SR 4. The project will be funded by the City and by a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant that the City was awarded from OKI. Hamilton has been recognized as a leader in Ohio in utilizing alternative fueled vehicles. The advantages of using CNG for fuel include: • Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel available today. In the event of an accidental spill or release, natural gas poses no threat to land or water • Lower emissions of pollutants & greenhouse gases • Time between tune-ups and oil changes are extended • On average, CNG is 1/3 the price of gasoline • CNG is safe - it is the same natural gas used for heating your home

• U.S. has over a 100-year supply of natural gas • Reduction of the dependence on foreign oil The station is being built in two phases. Phase one will include two dispensers and hoses, allowing vehicles to be filled from either side of an island. The fill time for a CNG tank should be equal to that of filling a gasoline tank. The station will not be manned, but a kiosk will be available that will take credit cards and fleet cards.

The City has received letters of support from the Hamilton City School District and the Butler County Regional Transit Authority. The City looks forward to partnering with these and other stakeholders as this project moves forward.

Status

Bid process for construction contract

Investment $2.4 million total infrastructure investment, $1,700,000 City of Hamilton, $700,000 CMAQ Grant Partners

City of Hamilton, OKI Regional Council of Governments, Ohio Dept. of Transportation, Air & Gas Technologies, Hamilton City Schools, Butler Co. Regional Transit Authority, RVP Engineering

One of the City’s CNG-powered vehicles

Projected Timeline CFO grant awarded for 4 CNG vehicles

4 CNG vehicles delivered to City

December 2010 February 2011 July 2011 18

Grand opening

CNG fueling station at City garage complete RFQ issued for public CNG station design

$700,000 OKI grant received

Construction begins

Design complete

Design consultant selected

January 2012 April 2012

August 2012 November 2013 February 2014 Summer 2014

Economic Development

Biztech has set forth on a new vision for 2014 and beyond.

With a more focused mission on high-growth, innovative business models, Biztech will play a strategic role in the economic development of Hamilton and the surrounding region. Emboldened by several new partnerships and alliances, Biztech is now an integral part of the Greater Cincinnati entrepreneurial ecosystem. Originally launched in 2003, Biztech has served companies well in its goal of nurturing businesses through the start-up phase and beyond and it will continue to do so. However, plans have been established to be more impactful in building the local, regional and state economy from the ground up. The transformation is well underway.

Biztech will be focusing on the city’s assets, such as green energy, water, fiber-optics and a rich manufacturing tradition, to attract high-growth, high-potential startup companies, with a special focus on clean technologies.

To achieve these goals, Biztech’s board has been bolstered to include more representation from the entire Southwest Ohio region, especially from organizations and individuals that understand innovative, disruption, and entrepreneurship. This fresh, aggressive vision is being driven by Executive Director, Chris Lawson.

Biztech’s new strategy has already attracted its first clean technology company, KW River, a startup company that is in the process of testing and researching a hydroelectric power turbine. This turbine will produce power by harnessing the energy created by the Great Miami River.

Biztech is looking for high growth businesses and executive mentors to be part of this new vision going forward.

New NewBoard BoardMembers Members Rahul - -CincyTech - -Director RahulBawa Bawa CincyTech Directorofof Digital and Software Investments Digital and Software Investments Tim Cameron University Cameron-and -Miami Miami University –Tim Mechanical Manufacturing – Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering EngineeringChair Chair Tom TomO’Neill O’Neill- -Butler ButlerTech Tech––ITITInstructor Instructor Josh JoshAsbury Asbury- -Liferay Liferay- -Director DirectorofofSales Sales Tim TimDerickson Derickson- -Ohio OhioHouse HouseDistrict District53 53- Representative Representative

A 3-D model of the hydroelectric power turbine developed by one of Biztech’s newest startup companies, KW River. It is designed for dams such as the low level dams in Hamilton (pictured).

19

Economic Development

Economic Development Creating job opportunities is central to the City’s goals.

Hamilton is home to a wide variety of businesses, but there are a number of industries that Hamilton is ideally situated for. Our utilities, access to workforce, and proximity to major markets make Hamilton an attractive place to do business, and what truly sets Hamilton apart is our green and low-cost energy, making us ideal for the advanced manufacturing and information technology industries.

Hamilton’s Manufacturing Hub Hamilton has long been a center of industry. Manufacturing continues to remain very important to the economic base and advanced manufacturing is a growing component of this industry.

A number of large manufacturers expanded in Hamilton during 2013. ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America, a manufacturer of automobile parts which is headquartered in Hamilton, began expanding its workforce by 100 more employees, raising their number of employees to 350 in Hamilton and adding an additional payroll of $2.9 million.

The new project will include $11.2 million in capital investment as well. ThyssenKrupp Bilstein is Hamilton’s largest manufacturing employer.

2013 was also a good year for business attraction. iMFLUX, a plastics processing subsidiary of P&G, announced it would be locating in Hamilton with plans to create 221 jobs within three years. The project will create $17.5 million in new payroll. They will be locating at 3550 Symmes Road, the former Hamilton Fixture building. They plan to invest $50 million in capital improvements as part of this project.

Coolants Plus, a supplier of lubricants and industrial chemicals, also chose Hamilton as its location to expand, creating 19 jobs and $1.6 million in new payroll.

Valeo, a global automotive parts supplier, also expanded in 2013. Valeo announced the addition of 105 new jobs to its Hamilton facility. Once the hiring is complete, they will employ 240. The project will result in $4.3 million in new payroll and $16.2 million in capital investment.

ThyssenKripp Bilstein expanded in Hamilton again in 2013. It is the City’s largest manufacturer.

11/11/13

P&G subsidiary Imflux to spend millions on machinery: EXCLUSIVE - Cincinnati Business Courier

From the Cincinnati Business Courier :http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/11/11/pg-subsidiary-imfluxto-spend.html Nov 11, 2013, 9:58am EST iMFLUX will be located at 3550 Symmes in Hamilton (featured here).

20

P&G subsidiary Imflux to spend millions on machinery: EXCLUSIVE

Economic Development Hamilton’s Emerging Information Technology Market Hamilton’s assets, which have for centuries made it a manufacturing hub, also make it attractive for the growing information technology industry. Recognizing Hamilton’s unique assets, a number of information technology companies have located in Hamilton.

Liferay, a fast-growing California-based technology company, opened its national sales office in the RobinsonSchwenn building in downtown Hamilton in 2013. They will employ up to 15 people.

AIMS, a new subsidiary of Ascendum Solutions IT, which offers high-availability hosting and cloud services to small, medium and enterprise clients, located at Vora Technology Park in 2013. They plan to hire for 50 cutting-edge information technology positions in 2014.

In early 2014, ODW Logistics & Transportation Services (LTS), a leading provider of transportation management services, chose to stay and grow in Hamilton, with plans to move into One Renaissance Center in the spring. ODW LTS was named one of Inc. Magazine’s Fast 500 in 2013 as one of the fastest growing companies in the United States.

They currently employ 27 people. 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.

“This city is one of the few we’ve found that does its own power generation. So we had a nice availability of inexpensive, clean energy with the hydroelectric plant on the river … but the city of Hamilton, the way the grids work, is they’re interconnected with the rest of the nation’s electrical providers.”

- Tim Campbell, president and general manager of AIMS

2014 Economic Development Goals 1. Continue to market our utilities, especially in

our target industries of advanced manufacturing and information technology. The City has highly reliable, lowcost, and 70% renewable hydroelectric power. Our natural gas rate is #1 in Ohio and we have abundant, clean water from the Great Miami Aquifer that won Best Tasting Water in the World in 2010.

2. Continue to reinvest in and revitalize our urban core. Bringing jobs, residents, and visitors to our downtown is key to the success of Hamilton. It is a top priority for 2014.

Josh Asbury, Director of Corporate Sales for Liferay, in the new offices at the Robinson-Schwenn building. Photo courtesy of the Journal-News.

21

Economic Development

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 CORE Fund, which provides financial resources for qualified residential and commercial real estate projects within the urban core.

The CORE Fund, or Consortium for Ongoing Reinvestment Efforts, was launched in December 2012 and provides the necessary capital to reduce financial risk and offer a strategic framework from which projects can be initiated.

Status

In operation

Goal

$6.2 million capitalized in 2014 with ultimate goal of maintaining a $10 million revolving fund

Partners

City of Hamilton, Hamilton Community Foundation, First Financial Bank, US Bank

Former Elder Beerman The former department store is the CORE Fund’s first purchase of property for future development with an eye toward a complex of office, retail, and living space. The building is four-stories, 167,000 sq. ft. and was built in 1968.

Architectural plans for the exterior of Elder Beerman will be drafted in 2014.

Rendering of the Elder Beerman building.

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Core Projects Former Fifth Third The CORE Fund recently acquired the former Fifth Third property, a 5-story office building. The CORE Fund will be seeking bids to redevelop the property as an office/mixeduse building. The roof of the Fifth Third Building will be replaced and the Fifth Third sign will be removed in 2014.

Former Hungry Bunny The CORE Fund also recently acquired the former Hungry Bunny restaurant, a 3-story mixed-use 19th century building. The CORE Fund will be seeking bids to redevelop the property. The roof will be replaced at the Hungry Bunny and interior demolition will begin to allow for a retail tenant to locate on the first floor.

Brownfield Development The City of Hamilton has been working collaboratively with the State of Ohio to clean up and reuse underutilized properties in the City through the Clean Ohio brownfield program. The goal of the brownfield program is to demolish nuisance properties, remediate identified areas of concern, and to redevelop the site into an economically beneficial use. Types of remediation include asbestos abatement, elimination of groundwater contamination, and removal of impacted soils. Sites are targeted that will provide an economic stimulus to Hamilton.

Address & Size Former Use

Clean Ohio Year Fund

601 N B Street, 44 Former SMART Acres Paper property

$160,000

845 East Avenue, 7 Acres

Former Estate $774,095 Stove Company

New uses for old sites: 2 new industrial sites, 2 new Impact since 2004

neighborhood-scale retail sites, 1 alternative energy

generation site, 1 public riverfront amphitheater 48+ Acres of land remediated and redeveloped

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New uses for old sites: 3 new industrial sites, 2 new neighborhood-scale retail sites, 1 alternative energy generation site, 1 public riverfront amphitheater

New Use

In The City, in conjunction with Green Reclamation, has received progress funding for a Phase II environmental assessment at the site.

In The City has reached an agreement with a developer to construct a Progress 38,500 sq. ft. light manufacturing/warehouse facility.

1550 Grand Former location $1,932,527 In It is anticipated that upon completion of the demolition and Boulevard, 7 Acres of Marcell’s Progress remediation project, the property will be redeveloped into a Used Auto Parts commercial or retail/mixed-use site.

550 North Third Street, 5 Acres

Former Niles Tool Works property

$2,032,905 In The proposed redevelopment project includes the development of progress an alternative energy power generation facility to support expansion of the City of Hamilton’s electric utility system.

100 Riverfront Plaza, 7 Acres

Former Mercy Hospital property

$3,000,000 2007

The RiversEdge development plan targets commercial and residential development opportunities along the Great Miami River, including the RiversEdge Park and Amphitheater.

999 East Avenue, 9 Acres

Former Hamilton Die Cast property

$750,000

Matandy Steel and Metal Products invested about $2.2 million to build a 52,000 sq. ft. steel manufacturing facility for the company’s new business venture under the name J.N. Linrose Mfg.

1400 South Erie Highway, 13 Acres

Former Mosler Safe property

$2,383,500 2004

2007

Redevelopment into Kroger-anchored retail center

The brownfield program cleans up and reuses underutilitized properties, such as the former Mercy Hospital site, which is now home to RiversEdge Amphitheater and Park.

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Economic Development

Butler County Land Reutilization Corporation In March 2012, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine settled with five of the nation’s largest mortgage servicers over foreclosure abuses, fraud, and unfair and deceptive mortgage practices. Through the “Moving Ohio Forward” grant program, the Attorney General allocated a total of $75 million to all 88 counties in Ohio to facilitate the reclamation, rehabilitation, and reutilization of vacant, abandoned, tax-foreclosed, or other real property.

Butler County was awarded over $2.6 million in Moving Ohio Forward funding. Roughly $1.1 million was designated for the City of Hamilton through the Butler County Land Reutilization Corporation (better known as the “Land Bank”), which the City matched, resulting in a total of $2.2 million. The use of the funds has been extended until May 31, 2014.

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.

The City demolished 75 properties in 2013 and was reimbursed $443,747.92 from the State. The goal is to have a total of 150 demolitions completed by the May 31 deadline.

Land LandBank BankSuccessful SuccessfulOutcomes Outcomes 1. Demolition of blight 1. Demolition of Blight 2. Redevelopment of existing (salvageable) 2. Redevelopment of existing (salvageable)

housing housing 3. The side-lot program (parcel extensions, 3. The side-lot program (parcel extensions, community communitygardens, gardens,etc.) etc.)

Status

In operation (can be used with the Community Reinvestment Tax abatement program)

Impact

$2.2 million direct investment, potential for large indirect investment

Partners Butler County, State of Ohio, City of Hamilton, City of Middletown

The Land Bank demolishes blighted buildings beyond repair to make way for a more productive use of the land. This building at 1275 Dayton has been demolished.

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Customer Service

Customer First Initiative The City is undertaking a number of projects within the Customer First Initiative, which is an effort to prioritize customer service to Hamilton residents. The Customer First Initiative intends to make government operations more effective, accessible, and friendlier.

First Floor Service Desk The Service Desk will consolidate the primary customer services into a single, accessible first floor desk that will take care of the majority of customer needs.

Status

Implementation plan

Next Steps

Finish implementation plan and foot traffic analysis

311 “One Number to Call for City Hall” When within the City’s boundaries, the 311 service will allow residents to call a single number for any nonemergency need or question.

Status

Call management program development

Next Steps

Training

Customer Information System (CIS) CIS has replaced the City’s legacy utility billing system, which is costly to operate, cannot be upgraded, and no longer meets the City’s needs or those of our customers.

Status

Live January 2014

Next Steps

Operational

Example of a new customer utility bill, which is part of the CIS project.

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Completed Projects RiversEdge Amphitheater

Journal-News

Mercantile Lofts

Robinson Schwenn

The Mercantile Lofts includes 29 market rate apartments and 4 retail spaces. 100% of the apartments are leased and the 3 High Street commercial spaces are leased. The $8.6 million renovation has won numerous awards.

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

Downtown Pocket Park

The City has completed a Master Plan of University Commerce Park, which will include industrial, office, commercial, and residential uses. The City of Hamilton intends to utilize the Master Plan as an economic development tool.

First Financial Bank and the City of Hamilton completed a pocket park at the High Street-Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard gateway into downtown. A vacant building on the lot was demolished and replaced with the pocket park that includes a fountain as its centerpiece.

RiversEdge is Hamilton’s new downtown amphitheater and river overlook, which fully opened September 2013. It hosts a wide variety of community events, particularly the Summer Concert Series.

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After a $2 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.

Smart Grid

Community Reinvestment Area

The Smart Grid project leverages technology enhancements to improve electric reliability and increase operational efficiency. Upgraded electric, gas, and water meters allow remote readings.

CRA provides property owners - both residential and commercial - a tax abatements for investing in property improvements. The program can be used throughout the whole city.

Court St. Improvements

Form-Based Code

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

Impro v

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.

emen t Area

Downtown Parking Parking meters have been removed and two hour free parking and new parking rates in the garage have been instituted to make parking downtown more convenient. The City continues to adapt to best provide parking options for residents and visitors.

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Mayor

Pat Moeller

Vice Mayor Rob Wile

Council

Carla Fiehrer Robert Brown Timothy Naab Archie Johnson Kathleen Klink

City Manager Joshua Smith

Projected Timeline

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