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Campus plan alive, Cincinnati State says

President’s letter to mayor follows concerns expressed by a college trustee.

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By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer 2:43 AM Friday, December 3, 2010

MIDDLETOWN — Some less-than-enthusiastic comments from a Cincinnati State trustee have not significantly damaged the city’s hope of opening a branch campus.

O’dell Owens, president of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, sent a letter Monday to Middletown Mayor Larry Mulligan reassuring him of the college’s commitment to bring a branch campus to downtown Middletown.

The letter followed comments made by Trustee Robert McKenna Jr. at the board’s Nov. 23 meeting. McKenna said he wanted the school “to go to Butler County,” but expressed concerns about how the financing would work. He likened Middletown to “a museum,” and the Manchester Inn — which has been proposed as the site for the culinary arts program — as “one big deferred maintenance.”

Owens reassured the mayor and City Council of his commitment to the project and that trustees were confirming Cincinnati State is doing its due diligence financially.

“There are no guarantees and there is nothing either of us can do to eliminate all risks. It is up to each of us to measure the risk against the opportunity in making each decision along the way,” Owens wrote. “All I can promise you is that we will continue to have an honest exchange of information and a committed collaborative effort.”

Mulligan said he was not surprised by McKenna’s comments because similar concerns were expressed prior to the public project’s announcement.

“I had the impression after reading the letter and confirming with Dr. Owens ... they are interested in still moving forward but they are also protecting their interests,” he said.

Councilman A.J. Smith said the points raised by trustees are not dissimilar from his own concerns voiced about the city being protected financially because it is buying the buildings for Cincinnati State to lease.

“We are talking about millions and millions of dollars, so there are going to be some concerns, but I am committed to working with Cincy State and our administration is committed to working with Cincy State 100 percent,” he said.

Middletown officials are in the process of procuring the former CG&E, First National Bank and Bank One buildings, Manchester Inn and Sonshine building and a lot at 105 Main St. for use by the college. Council approved spending up to $500,000 to buy the buildings.

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