Liberty Township looking ahead to 2012 goals

Cincinnati Enquirer’s Sue Kiesewetter reports:

From the opening of 24 new businesses to crafting regulations for Internet Cafes that have become the model for Ohio, Liberty Township had a lot to be proud of in 2011, officials say.

And even bigger and better things are planned for 2012.

Township administrator Dina Minneci outlined 30 accomplishments to trustees this week before presenting a list of 58 priorities, organized into six different categories.

At the top of both lists was economic development. Despite a weak national economy, Liberty Township has continued to grow.

“Liberty Township is still attractive (for) economic development,” Minneci said.

As evidence, she pointed to the new businesses, an extension to Steiner & Associates’ approval for a $500 million development plan at Liberty Way, and the grand opening of the 400-acre Carriage Hill development that eventually will include residences, shopping, community center and related amenities.

Those projects will continue to be priorities this year along with marketing business corridors along Ohio 4 and Ohio 747. Plans also call for the township to collaborate with community partners and county development officials to highlight development projects throughout the county.

The planning and zoning department will also spend 2012 preparing the Township Vision Plan 2030 – an update to the 2006 Liberty Township Comprehensive Plan.

On the quirky side, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources certified in 2011 that the township was a co-champion for having the tallest hackberry tree in Ohio. It is located just outside of Dudley Woods.

Other highlights of 2011 included:

• Park improvements: adding handicap accessible restrooms to Dudley Park which also had its parking lot and driveway paved; constructed a gazebo at Reserves Park; replaced shelter roof at Liberty Park; acquired final Cherokee Park parcel from developer
• Hired six part-time firefighters and promoted three firefighter paramedics to lieutenants
• Paved or improved nearly three miles of roadwaces and replaced 150 feet of curb

Priorities for this year include:

• Implement a communications plan which includes an update to the website, electronically distribute the newsletter
• Gage community interest in contract recycling through a formal survey
• Work with other public safety departments to create a collaborative purchasing group
• Seek grants for park projects including restrooms at Wetlands Park, upgrading playground equipment at Reserves Park, improving the Wilhelmina trail and build a new shelter at Dudley Park.

The full list of 2011 accomplishments is posted on the Liberty Township website.