Plans for UC East Clear Another Hurdle
Immediate Release
March 3, 2010
Batavia, Ohio. Another hurdle has been cleared for the redevelopment of the former Ford plant in Batavia Township. Today the Board of Clermont County Commissioners (BCC) took action to transfer $2 million to the Clermont County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC); the CIC will deposit the funds in a trust account while the state of Ohio proceeds with a bond issue to finance the acquisition of the 230-acre plant by Industrial Realty Group (IRG). “It is important to note that the BCC is not spending $2 million dollars, we are simply providing credit opportunities to allow funding for this project to move forward,” said Clermont Commissioner Scott Croswell. “The more quickly this project begins, the more quickly we will have new job opportunities in our community and the more quickly our money will be repaid with interest.”
Commissioner Croswell added, “I’m excited not only by the clear benefit to our citizens but by the confirmation that when government and private industry work together economic opportunities and jobs can be created which benefit the citizens of Clermont County. In economic times such as these, job creation is of paramount importance.”
The University of Cincinnati (UC) will be the first tenant in the multimillion dollar deal to renew life at the former transmission plant which closed in 2008. “The UC presence locally will be a true catalyst for redevelopment of the facility,” said Commissioner Croswell. UC has announced plans to convert part of the office building on the site into classrooms and offices. “With UC offering a four-year nursing program at this location along with medical technology programs, this will provide the key to developing a workforce that is needed by industries experiencing growth in our community,” said Commissioner Ed Humphrey.
In January, the UC Board of Trustees authorized a five-year lease with the option to buy up to 45 acres at the site, located on James Sauls Senior Drive in Batavia Township. The new facility is expected to welcome students fall 2010.
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For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathryn Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@co.clermont.oh.us.