hamilton township administration
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7780 S. State Route 48 Maineville, OH 45039 Phone: (513) 683.8520 Fax: (513) 683.4325 Darryl Cordrey - Board Chair Joe Rozzi - Trustee Mark Sousa - Trustee Leah Elliott - Fiscal Officer Township Administrator Jeff Wright (513) 239.2372 Police Department Scott Hughes - Police Chief (513) 683.0538 (Non Emergency) Fire & Emergency Services Jason Jewett - Fire Chief (513) 683.1622 (Non Emergency) Public Works Director Don Pelfrey (513) 683.5360 Economic Development and Zoning Director - Cathy Walton (513) 239.2371 Assistant Fiscal Officer Ellen Horman (513) 239.2377 Human Resources Manager Cheryl Allgeyer (513) 239.2384 Zoning Inspector Cory Sanders (513) 683.8520 Parks & Recreation Nicole Earley (513) 239.2391 Cemetery Sexton/PW Admin. Asst. Chrisie Hainey (513) 683.5320 Administrative Assistant Heather Murdock (513) 683-8520
Spring 2024
Spring is known as "the season of hope" because it symbolizes the resurgence of life after the challenges that winter can bring. Generally speaking it can bring feelings of revitalization and drive us to make the most out of our days. Hamilton Township is full of great spaces to enjoy the warmer spring weather and sunshine. Whether you're spending time in our parks, on the Little Miami bike trail, at one of our garden and landscape stores, on the field watching youth sports, or in your own backyard, we hope you're spending time in the great outdoors! One new outdoor space you can experience growth (literally) is our Community Garden at Marr Park. Read more about this project in the pages ahead and check out how you can join in on this activity that can instantly boost your mood! Let's face it, we could all use a mood booster with the continued improvements to the State Route 48 corridor.We continue to practice patience with the lane shifts as the road widening phase of the project begins. This project is anticipated to be complete in December of this year. Speaking of State Route 48 improvements, ODOT and the Warren County Transportation District are currently conducting a feasibility study to evaluate options for reducing congestion and improving safety along the 1.5-mile stretch between Ridgeview and Saddlecreek Lanes and Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Road. The public is invited to review current study results and submit feedback regarding the alternatives under consideration, but you'll have to hurry. You only have until April 14th, 2024. You can access this information by clicking here. This is the first step of many in the planning for this project that we most likely would not see under the construction phase until 2029 - 2031 pending funding; however, it is important to weigh in now if you want your voice to be heard.
springing forward
Newsletter
At the Trustee Meeting on March 20th, our Board of Trustees adopted 2 new resolutions and revised the parking code in the interest of our residents. The Board had previously heard concerns from residents; staff then conducted research and presented findings for the Board to discuss during a work session at the March 6th meeting. Both adopted resolutions will be complaint driven and take effect on April 20th.
A resolution prohibiting the keeping or harboring of any animal which generates an unreasonable amount of noise on residential real property in the unincorporated territory of Hamilton Township, Warren County, Ohio
This applies to the unincorporated territory in the Township zoned for residential use and which is located in the urban service area boundary. In determining whether a violation exists, considerations such as proximity of neigboring residential properties, time of day, etc. will be given.
Resolution 24-0320A
A resolution adopted under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 504 and prohibiting unreasonable noise on real property in the unincorporated territory of Hamilton Township, Warren County, Ohio and dispensing with the second reading.
Resolution 24-0320B
Click here to access our meeting page and Click on the march 20, 2024 meeting for more details.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion to approve revisions to the Hamilton Township parking code to prohibit semi-truck, semi trailer and vehicles with a gross rating of 26,000 or more pounds from parking on residential rights-of-way.
No person shall generate or maintain a loud or raucous noise in such a manner as to disturb the peace and quiet of surrounding properties, or to otherwise be detrimental to any indiviual's life and health. Different decibal readings beyond any property line of subject property from which noise emanates apply depending on day and time; over 50dB after 10pm Sunday-Thursday, 11pm Friday-Saturday. Officers will make good-faith efforts to ascertain subject property lines. Exemptions apply.
Motion
In addition to the road widening of SR 48 and the extensions of Grandin Road and Towne Center Boulevard, residents are noticing several new commercial developments in various stages of completion. On the east side of SR 48 immediately south of Shooters, the Township Center retail shopping center has broken ground. The Myers Y. Cooper Company is constructing a 21,000 square feet retail building that will contain multiple tenants. The building is being designed with both end caps to have the capability for outdoor dining to attract sit-down restaurants. The property will be connected with Shooters and the extension of Towne Center Boulevard.
economic development
Click here to learn more about our Economic Development & Zoning Department
The 123,000 square foot Kroger Marketplace on SR 48 is on pace to open in the fourth quarter of this year. Their real estate team is marking several restaurant and retail outlots in front of the new store and is working contracts with a to-be-named sit-down restaurant, a fast-food restaurant, and some automobile related businesses. There is also very strong interest in the lease or purchase of the existing Kroger store when the company is ready to move out of the current space. At the northwest corner of SR 48 and US 22/3 a new Chase Bank will break ground soon and that commercial developer is also marking two additional outlots at that location. Zoning permits are being issued for a new Christian Brothers Automotive store on the west side of SR 48 just north of the South Lebanon Elementary School. Neyer Properties will have two additional lots there that they are currently marking to future users. Additionally, the vacant property at the northeast corner of SR 48 and US 22/3 is zoned commercially and is under option to be purchased by a developer for additional retail, medical office and other uses. When developed, the property will also be connected. In addition to that future development, Township staff has had discussions with some other property owners and developers for potential additional commercial development along the SR 48 corridor. We look forward to announcing those new projects when they come online and continuing to work on diversifying our tax base and providing more opportunities for residents to stay within the community for their shopping, dining and other retail needs.
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ZONING news
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Click here to learn more about our Zoning Department
Visit our website: hamilton-township.org/departments/zoning/submit-zoning-application/
Read requirements, then Submit an Application
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Make note of your permit creation confirmation number Check your email for Zoning Fee invoice and submit your payment Once payment is made, you can expect your application result in your email in 5-7 business days Once approved, you can file your application with the Warren County Building Department
We're excited to announce you can now file your Zoning Application online using the portal by
Complete your information, upload required files & submit
Congratulations and Thank You to Liam!
Eagle Scout candidate Liam English completed his Service Project at Marr Park by plotting the garden area, and leading a team to build and install 28 raised garden beds along with a bench for Township gardeners to enjoy at Marr Park.
Each year tens of thousands of Scouts strive to achieve the coveted Eagle Scout rank by applying character, citizenship, and Scouting values in their daily lives. One of the rank requirements is to plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, school, or community.
Click here TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PARKS DEPARTMENT
pARK PROGRESS
Want to grow with us? Garden plots are still available. Click here to learn more!
COMMUNITY GARDEN
Brittany Huelsman, Sergeant
Robert Webster, Lieutenant
Tim Rector, Captain
pROMOTIONS
Daniel Perry, Sergeant
(left to right)
Brian Webb, Captain
Congratulations!
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July 4 22
Small Space Gardening 4.30 | 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm | HT Admin
Join us for this day full of fun for all ages at Mounts Park! We're teaming up with HTPD and ODNR for our annual trout release. Bring your fishing rod to perfect your fishing skills or borrow one of ours for your 1st cast. Take a kayak for a paddle, try out your archery skills, and check out wildlife & educational booths. FREE raffle prizes, lunch, and Kona Ice for the kids.
June 10 22
June 15 22
Hamilton Township & Maineville Joint Freedom Parade 7.4 - | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm | Testerman Park
Touch-A-Truck is a family fun event! This event gives you an opportunity to have an up-close look, learn, and interact with dozens of vehicles. Fun for all ages with loads of exhibits, helicopter landing, demonstrations every hour, and food trucks.
Hamilton Township & The Village of Maineville have created a wonderful partnership and will be hosting some community events jointly to benefit all of our residents together!
Touch-A-Truck 6.15 | 10:00 am -1:00 pm | Fellowship Baptist
HTPD Junior Police Academy 6.10 - 6.14 | 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, Daily | HTPD
Activities include an up-close look at police equipment and specialized units, taser demo, bike patrol, cyber/social media programs, K9 demo, crash investigations, radar, criminal investigations and much, much more! This week-long program is best suited for children between 5th and 7th grade of the upcoming school year. Click here to register!
April 30 22
May 18 22
EVENT CORNER
Grab your family and bag chair and line the parade route to take in this patriotic event full of fun. You don't want to miss a special ceremony with Maineville becoming a Purple Heart Village! The parade will be followed by a spectacular skydiver show (11:30am) with LIVE MUSIC, inflatables, a cool down zone with water slides, games, and food trucks all happening at Testerman Park. Want to be IN THE PARADE OR VOLUNTEER? CLICK HERE!
Fishing with the 5-0 5.18 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm | Mounts Park
Small spaces are no problem! During this presentation, Greg Meyer, OSU Extension Educator, will teach you how to successfully grow vegetables in small spaces and containers.This talk will provide in-depth discussion on plant management & tell you which vegetables work best for limited space.
ghost towns & Hamlets
of Southern Hamilton Township
Tales of the Township
Historic
When settlers first arrived in Hamilton Township, the extreme northern and southern parts were settled first. In the southern part, the hamlets of Dallasburg and Comargo appeared first, followed by Murdoch and Cozaddale. Dallasburg Little is known about Dallasburg including where the name came from. It must have been an important place at one time because in 1848, it had the second post office in the Township with William Were as its first postmaster. Comargo A mile up Dallasburg Road at the intersection of Morrow Cozaddale was the hamlet of Comargo (an Indian name). It was not much more than a crossroads as it had no post office or stores; however, it did have a blacksmith shop and something Dallasburg didn't have...a school. Comargo School was known as School No. 6 in the Township, and it served the entire Dallasburg and Comargo areas. Murdoch A new hamlet, Murdoch PO appeared on the 1867 Warren County map a mile south of Maineville after a new post office was established there in 1866. There was little there except a school, a store, a church and its manse, and a few residents. So, why did it need a post office? It was because one of those few residents was an internationally known Shakesperean actor, elocutionist, and professional reader, James E. Murdoch. He purchased a farm there at the age of 40 after 20 years of success. Murdoch originally named this hamlet, Hastead Grove, but it was renamed Murdock with the establishment of a post office. In 1898 the post office changed the spelling from Murdock to Murdoch as a courtesy to the widowed actor. He located here so his two sons, James and Thomas could grow up on a farm. He knew nothing about farming and since he was physically weak (from an accidental poisoning), his acting career supported the farm. He performed in Hamlet in California, wrote a book on elocution (the art of effective public speaking and reading), offered elocution lessons, and often gave readings locally. In 1852 he presented an evening of readings that delighted teachers attending a teachers institute at the Maineville Academy. In 1856 he appeared at the Haymarket Theater in London for over 100 consecutive nights.
Murdoch, cont. When the Civil War began and his two sons enlisted, Murdoch halted his acting to devote time to the Union cause. He gave readings at camps and hospitals to raise soldier morale, was a volunteer aide to the staff of General William Rosencrans and held benefits in all the large cities to raise money for the wounded. By the end of the war, he was estimated to have raised more than $250,000. In 1863 his oldest son, Capt. James Murdoch received a disability discharge and returned home to his wife (Susan Butterworth, son of William) and two children. Sadly, his beloved youngest son, Capt. Thomas Murdoch was killed in the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863 at the age of 22. These profound words can be found on his marker, "One of many who rich in hope and promise have died that the Nation might live." After the war, James Murdoch became a Professor of Elocution at the Cincinnati School of Music and wrote three more books. His daughters Ida and Fannie cared for the house and his younger brother and two farm laborers cared for the farm. Around this same time is when residents of the area surrounding his farm petitioned to have the region renamed Murdoch, Ohio in his honor. The Murdoch, Ohio post office was etablished in 1866 and remained there for more than 30 years. Murdoch was an important location to families settling in the area because a log school, known as Pleasant View School, was built here there 1804. This was the Township's very first school. A graveyard followed in 1806 and Annie Spence was the first to be buried there. Soon after, a group of individuals who wanted to start a Presbyterian church began meeting at the log school and the nearby maple grove outside. In 1812 they officially became known as the Bethel congregation. In 1823 a log church was built on land owned by Samuel Walker followed by a more permanent brick church in 1839. In 1849 the congregation recognized the need for a manse or parsonage and Mr. Francis Hopkinson donated four acres of land adjacent to build it. In 1867 it became obvious the church needed to be replaced and Professor Murdoch offered to pay for half of the cost. This was truly a grand gesture because he wasn't Presbyterian. He also gifted them a bell for the bell tower. After the church was completed (for a grand total of $5,178) it was renamed Bethel Murdoch Presbyterian Church in his honor. The post office is now gone along with the school, store, and the residents (that numbered 31 in 1880); however, the brick Presbyterian Church made possible by Professor James Edward Murdoch still stands strong as a reminder of the hamlet that once was. Spence's Station On the 1867 map a place called Spence's Station appeared; it was a stop on the Cincinnati & Marietta railroad which entered Cincinnati from the east. This railroad was built in 1857 and ran through Hamilton Township to Loveland for 10.5 miles where it used the LMRR tracks to reach Cincinnati. The name originated from John W. Spence, the railroad agent and storekeeper who owned land nearby. There weren't many residents but it did have a train depot, two stores, and a blacksmith shop behind the depot. The location was important as it eventually became part of Cozaddale. In 1968 the railroad became part of the Baltimore & Ohio RR and though it is no longer active, its depots at Loveland and Madeira are still standing.
In 1875 the town of Cozaddale, situated on the Cincinnati and Marietta Railroad appeared on the map in an area that was once Spence's Station. It was laid out by John Jackson Cozad in 1871 when he purchased the land from Daniel Snell. He platted a town with 200 lots and eight streets. A post office was established that same year and John Jackson Cozad was its first postmaster. The Dallasburg post office then closed. John Jackson Cozad was born in Vinton County, Ohio in 1830 where his father, Henry Cozad laid out a town he named Allensville. His mother died when he was a child and he didn't get along with his stepmother, so he left home at the age of 12. He began working on Ohio and Mississippi River steamboats where the other workers taught him to play faro, a popular gambling game similar to blackjack. He became so good at faro and poker that he was soon banned from gambling houses across the country. He traveled numerous places before eventually marrying Teresa Gatewood and settling in Cincinnati where sons, John A. and Robert Henry were respectively born in 1862 and 1865. Cozad spent considerable money putting up buildings and improving the place hoping to make it a permanent manufacturing town. He formed a building association that residents initially supported. After several cottages and a 3-story building were built, trouble began and the association folded; ending the progress of the small town. Cozad was an intelligent, driven man who yearned to make his mark on the world. In 1873 The Odd Fellows Lodge was organized, but he was disappointed in the lack of support so he headed west to Nebraska. It has been said that when he got to Omaha, he spent a night on a riverboat and won $50,000 playing faro. He liked what he saw in the central part of the state and bought 40,000 acres from the Union Pacific Railroad near the Platte River on the 100th meridian. There he started the town of Cozad, Nebraska and became a hay tycoon. His wife and sons remained in Cincinnati where the boys attended the prestigious Chickering Institute, an outstanding college preparatory academy. They spent their summers in Nebraska helping their father ship massive amounts of hay. One night in 1882, a rancher by the name of Pearson, being sued by Cozad because his herd ruined one of Cozad's hay fields, showed up at Cozad's home and attacked him with a knife. Cozad drew a pistol and shot Pearson in self defense. Pearson died a few weeks later and Cozad fearing retribution by the town quickly left. Teresa sold all his holdings and after a few months the family was reunited in Denver where they changed their names and were not heard from again until 75 years later in Atlantic City. Cozad lived under the name of Richard Henry Lee and ran Lee's Pier (an amusement center on the boardwalk). After a business disagreement he moved to New York where he died in 1906. His son John, changed his name to Frank Southern and became a distinguished Philadelphia physician. His son Robert, changed his name to Robert Henri and became one of America's finest artists. He was named one of the three most important living artists in the US in 1929. Meanwhile, back in Cozaddale, Ohio, the population in 1880 was 143. The French Brothers Creamery was established at great expense in 1890; however, without leadership the town began to dwindle in size. The post office eventually closed in 1968. John Jackson Cozad may not have achieved great success with Cozaddale, Ohio but he does have the distinction of having a town in both Ohio and Nebraska named after him and raising one of American's more influential teachers of art.
John Jackson Cozad Painted by son, Robert Henri
Cozaddale
Hickory Corner lies between Dallasburg and Comargo where Cozaddale Murdoch intersects Dallasburg Road. No one seems to know why it's called that; however, it was already known by that name in 1878 when some road work was being done there. For some strange reason, it doesn't show up on early Warren County maps, but does on recent ones. If anyone knows anything about Hickory Corner, please share with us as a lot of people would like to know.
When the War of 1812 started, many of these first settlers left their families to serve; including Samuel B. Walker, Colon Spence, William Spence, and Theophilus Simonton (served as Captain of the regiment). In 1814 Isaac, Colon, and William Spence and their wives were part of the 12 charter members of the Bethel Murdoch Presbyterian Church. (The Methodist Church was strong in the northern part of the Township while Presbyterians were strong in the southern part).
The next to settle here was Samuel Hill in 1799. That same year, Daniel Ertel settled on 110 acres for 120 pounds close to the Little Miami River. Ertel Run was named after his family. In 1800 more members of the Hill family arrived.
There wasn't much manufacturing in the southern part of the Township; however, there was a tannery that was important to the farmers. It was started in 1835 one mile north of Murdoch on the farm of Jonathan Hopkinson. Farmers were able to get shoes for their families at a reasonable price here for many years.
The first settler in the southern part of the Township was Theophilus Simonton who arrived with his family from North Carolina in 1796. He built the first sawmill in the Township in 1812 on a nearby creek called Conococheague Creek. Simonton was the first to manufacture whiskey in the Township. He built a copper still that had a capacity of about 18 gallons/day and it has been said his still house was the scene of many wild gatherings over the years.
NEXT ISSUE: Ghost Towns & Hamlets of Northern Hamilton Township
The Conococheague Creek was named after a creek in Pennsylvania by Samuel B. Walker who settled here in 1802. Walker had come from Pennsylvania with Isaac Spence (who was married to Walker's sister, Esther) and settled on 1,100 acres purchased by his father in 1798. In 1803 Colon Spence (who was married to another sister of Walker's, Margaret) came and settled on a farm near Bethel Graveyard. Next to settle from the Spence family were William and his mother who settled near Cozaddale.
about Southern Hamilton Township
do you know?
Thank you to Dr. Karen Dinsmore for her contributions. Special thanks to Rev. Dr. Deborah Uchtman of Bethel Murdoch Presbyterian Church and Dan Kindel for their assistance with this article.
F U N F A C T S
did you miss our issue about the bridges of foster? click here to get caught up!
SAFEST CITIES RATING
The 2024 results are in and Hamilton Township is ranked the 3rd safest community in Ohio!
2 Pound Chuck Roast 1 Packet Ranch Dressing Mix 1 Packet Brown Gravy Mix 1 Packet Au Just Mix 6 Pepperoncinis (juice optional) 1 Stick Butter
stay up to date
1. Add chuck roast to bottom of crock pot. 2. Sprinkle ranch, brown gravy, and au jus packets over the roast. 3. Place pepperoncinis and stick of butter on top. (Add half jar juice from pepperoncinis if you like an extra kick!) 4. Cook on low for 8 hours. 5. Trim fat and shred with two forks before serving. 6. We recommend serving with broccoli and mashed pototoes or swap in mashed cauliflower for a lower carb option.
This easy breezy recipe is sure to please your family any night you're short on time from your spring activities.
Mississippi Pot Roast
Cory Sanders is our Township Fire and Zoning Inspector. He splits his time between the Fire Department and Administration office. He handles annual fire inspections for Hamilton Township businesses, fire investigations for Warren County, zoning inspections for businesses and residents, and teaches fire safety at our local shools. He has worked for Hamilton Township for 15 years! When Cory, his wife, and three kids aren't on a the baseball diamond, volleyball court, or football field you'll find them hunting or fishing!
Directions
Ingredients
Cooking with Cory
The Warren County Foundation (WCF) helps impact Hamilton Township by delivering its mission to enhance the quality of life in Warren County through charitable giving.
The HMB Men's Club supports community programs such as helping fund a Hamilton Township K-9 training program with "Kahn" (dog in photo) and a Thanksgiving Meal program with support of the Warren County Foundation.
Warren County Foundation - Our Community Resource for Charitable Giving
Be part of charitable giving in Hamilton Township with WCF through: Legacy planning, Scholarship funds, Donor advised funds www.WarrenCountyFoundation.org 513-934-1001 - Tom Seddon, CEO
WCF Impact in Hamilton Township "The Heritage Miami Bluffs Men's Club is thankful that we have become aware of the Warren County Foundation. We share your values and mission and are proud to partner with you to serve Warren County residents. We are grateful for your recent generous grant that allowed us to expand our vital Thanksgiving meal program." - Steve Lowe, HMB Men's Club
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4.23 - Coffee & Connections 5.9 - Chamber Luncheon 5.28 - After Hours Happy Hour 6.13 - Chamber Luncheon 6.25 - Coffee & Connections 7.11 - Chamber Luncheon
www.swcchamber.com
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The Southern Warren County Chamber of Commerce focuses on recognizing the importance of your business and its contributions by providing you with personalized quality of service and intimate networking opportunities.
We are an organization that represents and promotes the interests of local businesses in Hamilton Township, Maineville, and Morrow. We are committed to your business growth by giving you access to rebate programs for savings on worker's compensation, healthcare, dental services, advocacy programs, job creation in the region, and more!
(formerly Little Miami Area Chamber)