Why Middletown is poised to add three acres (and two new businesses)

Middletown is poised to grow about three acres on the east side of the city.

City Council on Tuesday heard a first reading of an ordinance outlining city services that will be provided as part of the annexation of three parcels in Franklin Twp.

Two Franklin Twp. property owners, Crown East, Ltd. and DKD, LLC, are petitioning to move their three parcels that are located at 4501 S. Dixie Highway, 6962 Coles Road and on Talton Drive into the city of Middletown. A gas station/convenience store and the Crown Palaza Banquet Center are located on the properties.

On March 1, the property owners submitted the annexation petition with the Warren County Commissioners and notified the city on March 5 of their intentions to become a part of the city.

Council had been expected to approve the ordinance as an emergency measure at Tuesday’s meeting but was unable as only three council members were present at the meeting. Four council members are needed to approve emergency measures which take immediate effect upon passage. The ordinance is expected to be approved at council’s April 3 meeting.

City Manager Doug Adkins said the city’s inability to approve the ordinance as an emergency measure will not delay the process as the county commissioners are expected to approve the annexation request by the end of the month.

Franklin Twp. Administrator Traci Stivers said she found out about the decision by the property owners from Middletown officials. Stivers said she and Warren County economic development and zoning officials reached out to the property owners but were unable to persuade them to reconsider.

Stivers told township trustees that “it would not be a substantial loss” in property taxes for the township.

When the annexation receives final approval, Middletown will be required all city services including police, fire and EMS. In addition, the properties will be subject to the city’s zoning code.

A buffer will be required if the requested zoning classification is clearly incompatible with uses permitted under current county or township zoning regulations in the adjacent land remaining within the township from which the territory is annexed.

About the Author