BATAVIA, OHIO (Feb. 12, 2025) – The Clermont County Department of Community and Economic Development is conducting an online survey to evaluate current and future housing needs. Residents and businesses are invited to take the survey, which is part of a comprehensive countywide housing study.
The deadline to complete the survey is Monday, March 31.
The study will help the Board of County Commissioners assess market conditions for both owner-occupied and rental housing, identify challenges, and develop a strategic plan. The study is funded by a federal Community Development Block Grant.
The county’s consultant, Philadelphia-based Urban Partners, will conduct in-person public engagement sessions this spring and is expected to share its final report by late summer. The dates and location for the public engagement sessions will be shared once details are finalized.
>>> Take the Survey
BATAVIA, OHIO (Nov. 19, 2024) – The Ohio Department of Development has awarded the Clermont County Land Bank nearly $2.5 million in grant funding to clean up an illegal dump site on seven adjacent acres along State Route 28 in Goshen Township.
Piles of waste totaling 6,000 tons include construction materials, tires and other debris that tower more than 20 feet high in spots. The Land Bank expects to commence its cleanup of the site in early 2025 and subsequently prepare it for redevelopment.
The grant, funded through the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, includes a local match by the Land Bank and Goshen Township.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency cleaned up a related, illegal dump site on nearby Parker Road this past June. That cleanup included the removal of 1,700 tons of material. The property was later sold at a foreclosure auction.
“These dump sites have a long history of environmental violations and legal battles,” said Jeannie M. Zurmehly, Board Chair of the Clermont County Land Bank and Clermont County Treasurer. “Once the asbestos contamination and other environmental damage is fully remediated on the State Route 28 property, we will be able to move forward and transform this area of Goshen Township to a more productive use.”
State, county and township efforts to clean up the illegal dump sites date back 16 years. The Clermont County Health Department first issued orders on the State Route 28 property in 2008.
The Parker Road property and two of the three parcels on State Route 28 were previously owned by Donald W. Combs. The other parcel is in foreclosure.
Read more about the history of the illegal dump sites.
News of Clermont County’s grant award was part of an announcement by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine outlining the state’s most recent round of funding for demolition and brownfield remediation projects. In this round, the state awarded more than $55 million. Funding comes from the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program and Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program.
Clermont County’s brownfield grant is the second major award for the Land Bank in the past month. The state awarded the Land Bank $4.4 million in October to fund the demolition of 46 abandoned and blighted buildings. It was the Land Bank’s single largest cash infusion since it began operation in 2022.
“This is another significant award for us,” said Desmond Maaytah, Executive Director of the Land Bank. “We’re excited to put this combined funding to work. It’s going to fuel a tremendous number of positive improvements countywide in 2025.”
About the Clermont County Land Bank
The Board of County Commissioners established the Land Bank to remediate distressed properties, enhance safety and improve the quality of life for local communities. The Land Bank has demolished nearly 30 blighted residential, commercial and industrial properties since it began operation in July 2022, transforming vacant, abandoned and tax-delinquent properties into productive community assets.
The Land Bank’s Board of Directors includes Clermont County Treasurer Jeannie Zurmehly (chair), Commissioner David Painter (vice chair), Commissioner Bonnie Batchler, and Jeff Baumgarth, Vice President, The Myers Y. Cooper Co.
BATAVIA, OHIO (Oct. 17, 2024) – The Ohio Department of Development has awarded the Clermont County Land Bank more than $4.4 million for demolition projects affecting 46 blighted and abandoned buildings in six villages and nine townships. The grant is the single largest cash infusion the county Land Bank has received since it began operation in 2022.
“This is a significant award for us,” said Desmond Maaytah, Director of the Clermont Land Bank. “It will allow us to quickly address multiple sites throughout the county. These demolition projects will pave the way for future private investment and redevelopment in critical locations, including the former International Paper complex in Loveland.”
The International Paper site on Tri Ridge Boulevard is the biggest project on the Land Bank’s list. The $2.7 million project will cover the cost of interior demolition needed to redevelop the site from vacant office space into market-rate residential units for fast-growing Miami Township.
Other notable demolition projects include:
Demolitions are expected to begin this December and wrap up late next year. Please see the full list of 42 sites below.
The Land Bank was the lead grant applicant for Clermont County. It included a local match of $110,000.
News of Clermont County’s grant award was part of an announcement by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine outlining the state’s most recent round of funding for demolition and brownfield remediation projects. In this round, the state awarded more than $52 million. Funding comes from the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program and Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program.
About the Clermont County Land Bank
The Board of County Commissioners established the Land Bank to remediate distressed properties, enhance safety and improve the quality of life for local communities. The Land Bank has demolished nearly 30 blighted residential, commercial and industrial properties since it began operation in July 2022, transforming vacant, abandoned and tax-delinquent properties into productive community assets.
The Land Bank’s Board of Directors includes Clermont County Treasurer Jeannie Zurmehly (chair), Commissioner David Painter (vice chair), Commissioner Bonnie Batchler, and Jeff Baumgarth, Vice President, The Myers Y. Cooper Co.
BATAVIA, OH (Dec. 4, 2023) — Experienced township administrator and economic development professional Kris McClintick joined Clermont County today as Director of Community and Economic Development.
McClintick served as administrator for Harrison Township in Montgomery County the last nine years. He had been with the township since 2000, starting as assistant director of community and economic development. After three years, he was appointed to director of community and economic development, a position he held for eight years. He was promoted to assistant township administrator in 2011 and township administrator in 2014.
“Clermont County is clearly positioned for dynamic growth,” McClintick said. “I look forward to working to facilitate that growth for the businesses and residents of Clermont County.”
Bonnie Batchler, President, Clermont County Board of County Commissioners, said: “Kris McClintick’s experience and unique set of qualifications made him the ideal candidate to serve as the next Development Director for Clermont County.”
“In addition to proven economic development success, Kris McClintick possesses strong communication, budget and management skills,” Commissioner David Painter said. “He has a track record of inspiring confidence in fellow employees and building public trust. He is a great addition to the Clermont County economic development team.”
“We look forward to Kris McClintick putting his years of experience to work guiding the solid team in Community and Economic Development,” Commissioner Claire Corcoran said. “These are exciting times in Clermont County—and we have a team in place to bring us to the next level.”
Prior to working for Harrison Township, McClintick held positions with the cities of Xenia and Sidney. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.
BATAVIA, OH (July 6, 2023) — Nearly $1.75 million in federal funds have been targeted for a variety of projects to benefit communities and non-profits throughout Clermont County, ranging from home repairs for seniors to a program that teaches about gardening and healthy food preparation.
The Clermont County Board of Commissioners on June 28 selected the 2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) projects to be included in the Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
CDBG projects were selected from 2023 CDBG applications as submitted from local jurisdictions and non-profits. Projects were awarded based on the overall benefit to low and moderate income areas and persons.
The Clermont County Department of Community and Economic Development (CED) works with communities to leverage multiple funding sources for their projects, such as CDBG, HOME, Capital Bill Funds, ODOD Demolition Funds, OPWC, FEMA, FAA, OEPA, as well as others.
The 2023 CDBG projects include:
Clermont Senior Services Inc. Home Safety Repair Program: $115,000
Home Repairs for Seniors including accessibility, furnace, plumbing, electrical repairs. Many wheel chair ramps and grab bars that keep seniors living in their homes and damaged floor repairs will be completed. It is estimated that 36 families and over 50 people will be assisted.
Clermont County Community Alternative Sentencing Center (CASC): $71,000
This is the very successful program the Board has funded for a number of years as an alternative to jail for those residents struggling with addictions. This provides much needed counseling and treatment and helps many of our residents turn their lives around.
Clermont County General Health District Homeowner Septic Rehab Program: $100,000
Fund 10-15 septic system repairs or replacements for Low income residents through forgivable loan. The Health Department will combine these funds with WPCLF and H2Ohio funding from Ohio EPA.
Clermont County General Health District Newtonsville Sewer Connection Program: $100,000
Fund 10-15 sewer connections for low income residents through forgivable loan.
Housing Opportunities Made Equal Fair Housing Program: $15,000
HUD required Fair Housing Program. This organization provides fair housing training to groups such as realtors and landlords and assists renters when they have complaints or concerns about their housing situation.
Ohio Township Mt. Pisgah Playground Phase 2: $12,000
Replace outdated playground equipment at Mt. Pisgah Park.
OSU Extension Clermont County Demonstration Gardens/Food Science Lab: $82,000
Construct demonstration vegetable gardens and replace outdated food science kitchen for demonstration of gardening and healthy food preparation to JFS Clients and other low to moderate income persons.
Felicity Franklin PTO Felicity Cool Tools for School: $10,000
Purchase of school supplies for children of needy families including backpacks, binders, pencils. This program was run successfully before but funding has been lost currently for the program. Approximately 300 back packs will be stocked with supplies and additional supplies on hand during the school year.
Streetlight Ministry Homeless Outreach Program: $25,000
Outreach to homeless in form of sleeping bags, meals, clothing, transportation, ID and Birth certificates, and connecting clients with services such as helping them with IDs and Birth Certificates.
Tate Township Parking Lot at Bethel Cemetery/Park: $90,000
Construction of parking lot with paving. Township has provided the gravel base which is installed. The Township has purchased additional land adjacent for a park and plans for trails.
Wayne Township Former Newtonsville School Roof: $70,000
Pay 70% of Roof for building up to maximum of $70,000. The building houses two non-profit food pantries that serve the LMI community.
Williamsburg Township Emergency Service Building Upgrades: $147,000
Upgrade outdated and dangerous electric system in building to operate while on backup generator already purchased. Switch electric from 3 phase to 1 phase.3 new HVAC Units that operate on 1 phase electric. Update Kitchen for EMS/ Fire employees.
Clermont County Community and Economic Development (CED) planning and administration of grants: $189,469
The 2023 HOME projects include:
Clermont Housing Corporation (CMHA) Veterans Village Housing Project: $640,000
Clermont County Community and Economic Development (CED) planning and administration of grants: $70,000
Clermont County Community and Economic Development (CED) activity delivery: $40,000
BATAVIA, OH (April 20, 2023) — The Board of County Commissioners executed a contract on April 19 to award $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for critical home repairs in Clermont County.
Income-eligible homeowners will be able to receive assistance with emergency repairs such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or roof leaks through this partnership with People Working Cooperatively (PWC). (Income limits are up to 50 percent of the area median income, so for a family of four this is $47,750 or less.)
PWC is a nonprofit that provides professional, critical home repair, weatherization and accessibility modification services for low-income homeowners throughout 20 counties in the Greater Cincinnati area.
To learn more about People Working Cooperatively (PWC), the home repair program, and who is eligible for services, visit pwchomerepairs.org or call (513) 351-7921.
This program continues the board’s commitment to assist low-income homeowners in Clermont County using CDBG funds.
Other CDBG-funded programs include Clermont Senior Services home repair programs to keep seniors safely in their homes as well as the Septic Rehabilitation Program administered by the Clermont County Health Department.
The Board of Commissioners receives CDBG funds each year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist local communities and non-profit agencies with programs and projects serving low and moderate-income areas.
Funds are administered through the Clermont County Department of Community and Economic Development.
BATAVIA, OH (March 15, 2023) – Clermont County is ready to receive $250,000 plus the assistance of state-procured planners to help apply for projects such as cabins or a lodge at East Fork State Park, hike/bike trail improvements and expansion, and a living history museum for Appalachia.
At the request of the Ohio Department of Development, the Ohio Controlling Board is scheduled to approve $981,975 to Clermont, Brown, Adams and Scioto counties. Clermont, Brown and Adams counties will receive $250,000 each and Scioto will get $231,975, with another $18,025 coming from a grant to mayors.
Clermont County Community + Economic Development, through the Clermont County Port Authority, helped the four-county partnership win the competitive grant available through the Appalachian Community Grant Program. The Technical Assistance Grant was the third-largest awarded out of 22.
“We’re grateful for this support as we proceed to develop transformational projects that will enhance Clermont County, the four-county region and, ultimately, Appalachia as a whole,” said Michael McNamara, Director, Clermont County Community + Economic Development. “The collaboration among Clermont, Brown, Adams and Scioto counties led to this big win for the area. We’re appreciative for the teamwork of so many city, village and township officials and non-profit leaders during this process. More than 150 projects were proposed in the four-county area.”
Community stakeholders will meet at 11 a.m. March 17 in the Clermont County Engineer’s Office to learn more about the process for getting an Ohio Department of Development procured planner.
In 2022, House Bill 377 created the program within the Ohio Department of Development’s Governor’s Office of Appalachia to administer up to $500 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to drive transformational change in the 32-county region. The program is designed to strategically invest in projects that will result in sustainable and transformational outcomes and include health care, infrastructure and workforce components.
Only local government and related entities are eligible to apply as lead applicants, but the program encourages a high level of collaboration to maximize the return on investment. Clermont County Port Authority served as the lead applicant for the four-county region.
Due to the scale and complexity of selected projects and the timeline for completion, the law permits the Director of Development to use $15 million, and up to $30 million, depending on the need for planning. Projects must be completed no later than Oct. 31, 2026.
Development’s Governor’s Office of Appalachia completed an initial review of 50 applications for Appalachian Technical Assistance Grants. Two of the 50 applications were deemed ineligible as part of the initial screening process and all applications that scored lower than the 60 point-review threshold established in the program guidelines were disqualified. A five-person review team of Development staff conducted the scoring. Each application was independently scored by two members of the review team using an established scoring rubric as a guide. Independent final scores were averaged to come up with a final score for each application and the group of scored applications was then sorted on the basis of county impact.
BATAVIA, OH (March 8, 2023) — The Board of County Commissioners today accepted the resignation of Clermont County Community + Economic Development Director Michael McNamara, effective March 17.
On March 2, the Butler County Republican Central Committee selected McNamara as Butler County Treasurer for the remainder of the current term.
McNamara worked in Butler County government before coming to Clermont County in 2020. He was chief deputy in the Butler County Treasurer’s Office for five years (2010-2015) and also served in the State Treasurer’s Office,
“Clermont County is an incredible county,” McNamara said. “There is so much opportunity here – and I will miss it here. I appreciate the support our whole team has received from the County Commissioners, from (Assistant County Administrator) Greg (Bickford), from (County Administrator) Tom (Eigel).”
Commissioners Bonnie Batchler, David Painter and Claire Corcoran thanked McNamara for his service.
“You were obviously a very valued employee here – and we know that Butler County will be well served in the Treasurer’s Office,” Commissioner Painter said.
Those interested in the Clermont County Community Development + Economic Development Director’s opening may apply here: https://clermontauditor.munisselfservice.com//EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=60&sreq=48&form=BCC2&desc=COMMUNITY%20AND%20ECONOMIC%20DEVELOPMENT%20DIRECTOR
A group of students from White Oak High School in Brown County got a first-hand look at possible careers during a tour of Milacron’s Mt. Orab and South Afton facilities on Feb. 1.
Clermont County Community + Economic Development (CED) connected Milacron with The GRIT Project, leading to the tour. The GRIT Project partners with local school districts to assess students’ strengths and weaknesses in an effort to connect them with potential employment opportunities that align with their skillsets,
“Community + Economic Development has met with Milacron a number of times of the last couple of years,” said Scott Gafvert, CED Development Specialist. “Milacron has struggled to find the workforce they need, like all companies nationwide, but have been extremely proactive in utilizing community stakeholders and their connections in an attempt to diversify their workforce attraction efforts.”
Gafvert came into contact with representatives from The GRIT Project and connected program leaders to Milacron. After a couple of meetings between Milacron, GRIT and CED, GRIT decided to arrange a visit to Milacron for a group of students from a yet-to-be-identified local school. That group ended up being from White Oak High School.
“I know they were very appreciative of the Mt. Orab and Afton facility tours, getting to meet and speak with a variety of staff, managers, and leadership at each location as well,” said Julie Marks Dick, GRIT program manager. “We will be following up with the students to get a better gauge of who might be ready to move forward with Milacron.”
