“We’re in agreement verbally but the attorneys are working out the language in the agreement,” Sander said. “We anticipate this being on our meeting agenda on Oct. 14.”
Middletown officials could not be reached for comment on this development or how it would impact the project.
Middletown is working to get the TIF agreement in place to build 16 to 17 additional new homes on 25 acres on the east side of the Sawyer’s Mill development. The area is in the city of Middletown and inside the borders of the Franklin school district in Warren County.
MORE: Middletown closer to building new subdivision homes at Sawyer’s Mill
The proposed TIF incentive district would require each property owner to pay a service payment in lieu of taxes that would go into a fund for approved infrastructure improvements.
The Warren County Commission has objected to Middletown using a special tax district to support the completion of a subdivision, with officials saying it would take money away from other accounts that need it.
Ohio law allows county commissions to object to the creation of TIF districts if the exemption is more than 10 years, if the exemption percentage is more than 75 percent or both. If there is an objection, the county commission and the municipality can negotiate an agreement. If the two sides cannot reach an agreement, the municipality will provide the county commission compensation beginning in the 11th year of the exemption period.
Commissioner David Young said the proposed exemptions would cost the county, township and voted levies such as developmental disabilities, mental health and senior services about $350,000 over the proposed 30-year exemption period.
In 2016, the city was approached by Republic Development, the developer of the Sawyer’s Mill subdivision at the time, to reengage in a conversation about development.
City officials said the property had been through a lengthy and acrimonious court battle, ending in a consent decree, which stalled any new development. Republic had been talking to Ryan Homes, which had an interest in Middletown. After 2 1/2 years of meetings, negotiations with three different developers, and a new consent decree, city officials said there is now a path to move forward on the build out of this subdivision.
Construction of model homes could begin later this fall with new home building beginning in 2020. The price range for the new homes will be between $150,000 and $220,000.
Last month, Middletown’s council approved in a 4-1 vote to waive 50 percent of the water and sewer tap-in fees in an effort to spur the development. The city will now waive $2,500 for each tap-in to make the new homes more viable financially for Ryan Homes and the homeowners. In exchange, the houses to be built will have brick and/or stone materials on the front elevation.
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