Central Avenue in Middletown, Ohio has changed over the years. Middletown was incorporated in 1833.
This west-to-east drive down Central reveals mostly old, vacant buildings and newly vacant lots from demolished old buildings. However there is a small patch where the city has tried to revitalize, this area is shown at the beginning of the slide show.
The Middletown is divided amongst two zip codes, 45042 and 45044. The dividing line for these two zip codes is generally Central Avenue.
As Middletown struggles to create an identity downtown, the future of Middletown really lies at the other end of this slide show. Where Central Avenue intersects Cincinnati-Dayton road. Most of the most recent development for Middletown lies on the east end of town.
Still, Middletown has many beautiful old structures on Central and around the downtown area. Just how do you capitalize on a downtown that is miles away from the real growth are of Middletown?
Dignitaries from the county, township and cities of Trenton and Middletown were visitors at the latest Monroe Council regular session. They all had high praises for Monroe as they pleaded for Monroe Council to reconsider the ST Rt 63 extension for economic development reasons. Speaking in favor of the extension were Butler County Commissioner Don Dixon, Butler County Engineer Greg Wilkins, Trenton Mayor Rhonda Freeze and Liberty Township Trustee Christine Matacic. Also in attendance were Butler County Commissioner Greg Jolevette, Middletown Mayor Larry Mulligan, council members from Trenton and other prominent area officials.
The plea to consider an amendment to the city master plan to include a ST RT 63 extension failed by a 5 to 2 vote by Monroe council. Dissenting votes were from Todd Hickman and Mayor Robert Routson.
Monroe’s relationship with area communities is becoming strained due to the latest two big issues:
1. Monroe VS SunCoke Lawsuit – Monroe is suing a company who wants to relocate in Middletown and provide needed jobs in Butler County. Most residents of Monroe don’t care, however there is a stong and vocal group who demanded the City of Monroe do something about the econogical impact of the proposed facility. In this one it is Monroe vs The State of Ohio, The County of Butler, At least 1 US Senator, The City of Middletown, 2 Fortune 500 Companies and even President Obamas effort to stimulate the economy.
2. The St Rt 63 Extension to Trenton and ultimately to Oxford. Here Monroe ads the city of Trenton to the list above.
Monroe officials say they are representing the interests of constituents, I think they are only listening to a vocal few. Worse is the fact that Monroe is such a bad neighbor, they refuse to listen to anyone other than themselves.
Fact is that Monroe residents will benefit from being a good neigbor. Monroe will benefit from jobs that are created through the SunCoke plant and the Ohio 63 extension. They are only hurting the silent majority. That’s ok, 4 of the 7 are up for reelection next fall.
I’m stuck in the middle of Monroe and Middletown. That’s me with the US flag tie and disgusted look on my face, watching our town fight itself, neighboring Middletown and the areas largest employer, AK Steel. I’m stuck because I own a business in Middletown and live in Monroe. I’m damned if I take either side of this argument.
Either Middletown will win and many residents of my hometown will see their quality of life go down or Monroe will win and AK may close down, jobs will be lost.
