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Rezoning OK'd for coke plant
COMMENT: What do you think about the proposed coke plant?
RELATED: More articles and coverage of the deal
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The first step toward the possible construction of a $340 million state-of-the-art coke-making and electric co-generation plant off Ohio 4 in Middletown's far South End was taken Wednesday night.
In a special meeting Wednesday, March 26, more than 100 people packed the chamber to witness the Middletown Planning Commission unanimously voting to approve a city request to rezone 157 acres from low-density residential to industrial use.
Extras
The chamber was filled by leaders of the Middletown business community, Monroe residents and others opposing the request.
The commission tabled a decision following a public hearing on the matter from its regular meeting on March 12 to obtain additional information from proponents and to questions raised by opponents. In addition, several members of the commission on Monday, March 24, toured SunCoke Energy's Scioto County coke plant, which is similar to the plant being proposed for Middletown.
Following a short review of the past meeting and an updated report from Planning Director Martin Kohler, the commission voted to recommend the rezoning.
Commission member Perry Thatcher said that land was always envisioned for industrial use and that he had concerns for the nearby residents. After visiting the Scioto County plant, Thatcher said he wore white gloves during the tour and when it ended, his gloves were still white.
Kohler said that the earliest the city council could consider the matter would be at its May 6 meeting and that it would require a majority to approve the request. However, if council chooses to reject the recommendation, it would need six votes to do so. Also, one councilman, David Schiavone, would have to abstain from the discussion and vote due to a conflict of interest. His older brother Frank is one of the property owners affected by the rezoning.
After the decision was rendered, a number of the Monroe residents left the meeting. One resident said "thanks for ruining our quality of life."
Following council approval of the rezoning as well as additional local, state and federal regulatory approvals, SunCoke plans to construct, own and operate a $340 million coke making and electric co-generation plant on the site that would result in up to 500 construction jobs and about 75 permanent maintenance and operating jobs.
Comments
By ëàìèíàò
August 13, 2008 3:37 AM | Link to this
lcu Een plaatje zegt alles, toch ? lmx Het volledige rapport is hier te vinden. Lees natuurlijk k de blogposting. r v Thanks for interesting post! eid ïàðêåò è ëàìèíàò 7d
By ëàìèíàò
August 11, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
q Een plaatje zegt alles, toch ? v Het volledige rapport is hier te vinden. Lees natuurlijk d de blogposting. n f ïàðêåò è ëàìèíàò 5m
By Alan McC
June 25, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
After all the ranting and raving Schiavone did about all the businesses that will close because of the location of the new plant… then he suggest moving it a mile away from his house closer to where all the businesses are. That really looked poorly on you, Frank. The people that live there deserve less than you? You would rather 40 families lose 10,000 in equity than you to lose your $400,000 in equity? That makes sense. Hey everyone, screw everyone! Let’s help Frank!
By Karen
June 19, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
I’m all for the new coke plant, as long as they buy my house on Niederlander Lane.
By AJ
April 24, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Middletown is an industrial town…has been for years. The livelyhood of that town runs on AK Steel…whether we like it or not. I grew up in a steel town in Pennsylvania…I’ve watched plants close and towns die. Hopefully this is a sign that AK is changing to a more environmental approach in their coke production.It’s a town of industry…if you can’t stand the heat, don’t stand next to the furnace…literally…
By trainer
March 28, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
“Wainscott said the reason the new coke plant would not be built on AK property is that AK and SunCoke “are two separate and distinct businesses. SunCoke reserves the right to determine the optimum location for its $300 million-plus capital investment,” he wrote in his March 20 letter”… What about the OXEGEN plant that is located INSIDE AK property across from the Blast Furnace and all of the contracters???
By swohio751
March 28, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
One must not forget that the rezoning is consistent with the city’s master plan for the area. In fact, a couple of years ago, there was legislation to rezone the land for industrial use. However, Middletown City Schools had an option (I believe) on the land and was considering it as a site for a new high school. They asked the city to hold off on the rezoning until a final site had been selection. MCS selected another site on the east end. Why the city has waited to rezone, I have no clue.
By Nikki
March 28, 2008 7:15 AM | Link to this
Two coke plants in one town. Middletown is in trouble. That is one thing that those high class money hungry low lifes should not do and that is put a coke plant right by a Elem. School. That is low. The noise will cause the kids to be more side tracked. It isn’t just about money people it is about the future and those kids won’t have one if they shut the doors to the school. Bad idea choose somewhere else we are already suffering from health issues over that dumb a*s Coke plant we already have.
By oooo
March 27, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
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By oooo
March 27, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
http://www.ohioonlineauctions.com
By oooo
March 27, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
http://www.ohioonlineauctions.com
By Blow Me
March 27, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
BG is an intelligent inbreed half breed phucker. “i wurkd thar 32 years and that $hit not hert me cuz i git kicked outa thurd graid 4 times so i quit and went to armco. thay take good car of me.”
By Secret Real Estate Agent
March 27, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
I will offer $20K per property to be taken by eminent domain. Most property on that side of town is not worth that much anyway. Ask your council if you doubt me. Better get your lawyer ready. It’s coming.
By B goodlett
March 27, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
I worked at armco 32 years and they paid me every week and still paying me. Middletown need the jobs and thepeople liveing arond there can move. I now live in ky. Beauful small town of 8500. Try it u might like it or just keep crying frank as always and i known u many year ,once a cry baby always a cry baby. BG
By Voice
March 27, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
I think Dr. Raymond Boothe should go back to school ! There are many compounds released into everyone in the Butler County evironment. What filthy air we have here already. Don’t think that numerous Middletown residents won’t get their share of the additional polution that this plant will generate along with mercury, benezene, carbon monoxide and particulate. A hope when the proponents get the type of respect when they get older as they are showing for Garden Manor. Shame on Middletown.
By Voice
March 27, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
I think Dr. Raymond Boothe should go back ro school ! There are many compounds released into everyone in the Butler County evironment. What filthy air we have here already. Don’t think that numerous Middletown residents won’t get their share of the additional polution that this plant will generate along with mercury, benezene, carbon monoxide and particulate. A hope when the proponents get the type of respect when they get older as they are showing for Garden Manor. Shame on Middletown.
By John Doe
March 27, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
brownturd: We all hope you stay in NV.
By John Doe
March 27, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
MJ: Your use of english shows illiteracy
By brown turd
March 27, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
AK steel. Armco kawaski. We bombed the japs and kicked their butts. Now japs are slowly kicking our butts thru the mighty $$$$$$$$. Big business cares not for ANY employee. To help solve the AK suncoke potential problems go get chapstick and lube up your lips and start kissing AK suncoke butt. I got fed up with middletown a few yrs. ago, especially madison twps school taxes. I moved to what I feel is a better place for me to live. Nevada, no state tax, lower property taxes, ohio get nothing.
By Dr. Raymond Boothe
March 27, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
In all cases the SunEngery Coke Processing System has proved successful in every community that it has been used. It is the cleanest and most effective method created to make coke for blast furnace use.
Coke is necessary to make iron for the processing of steel. AK has the best record in the steel industry for coke plant safety and operation. In this case it is better for the citizens of Middletown to have this process rather than AK”s older plant. The only by-product of this plant is steem.
By Voice of reason
March 27, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
I know why the Planning Commission members glove remained white - it is because it was in my pocket ! It does not matter whether you live in Middletown or Monroe this is just not right. There might be justice before this is over.
By Voice of reason
March 27, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
I know why the Planning Commission members glove remained white - it is because it was in my pocket ! It does not matter whether you live in Middletown or Monroe this is just not right. There might be justic before this is over.
By Name shall be nothing
March 27, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
ATTN: ALL MONROE RESIDENTS!!!!!!!!
OHIO IS A BIG STATE IF YOU DONT LIKE WHAT HAPPENED LEAVE THE CITY THEN MIDDLETOWN CAN ANNEX THE ENTIRE AREA!! AS FAR AS MONROE’S CITY COUNCIL PROPOSING A RESOLUTION AGAINST THE COKE PLANT GIVE ME A BREAK, IT DIDNT WORK WHEN THE KING OF ENGLAND WANTED A TEA TAX ON THE COLONISTS AND YOUR THREAT ISNT GOING TO WORK AGAINST MIDDLETOWN!
By sick
March 27, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
no there talking about rt. 4 by gaden manor (the old folks home ) and behind amanda school, so that when it blows up (and lets face it ak has had some explosians before) so when it blows up it will take out the old and the young !!!!
By T.S.
March 27, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
I’m wondering how much of a tax write off they are going to get. and if they will clean up once they shut down in the future. They say off of route 4 and Oxford state Rd. isn’t that athe area that the trailer park and Krogers is?
By skake
March 27, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
I work at the mill and know that several sights in the plant were considered but none would work. This coke plant needs lots of land and no place inside the gates is big enough
By sick
March 27, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
i have never been so sick until i moved by ak now i have asthma, sinus problems and more, now i’m gonna have to deal with this new coke plant wellllll ive already got my mind made up i will pack up all my stuff and leave the home i bought here and let it go back to the bank, i would rather live in a little apartment then live next to another ak, and i have a feeling that is gonna be happening alot, your gonna have alot of empty houses setting around because of this!!!
By preacher,franklin,ohio
March 27, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
you,reap,whatyou,sew,geter,done,for,jesus,god,bless,you,all.
By toobad
March 27, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
monroe will now be known for its smelly coke plant,hustler magazine,high property taxes and oh yea better then every one else attitudes ,welcome to middletown SunCoke Energy we welcome the new jobs and the ones that will come with the construction of it =) and sorry mr. Schiavone but I am sure you can make up the $400,000 easy enough =)
By Sailor
March 27, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
I wonder how many people on the planning commision live next to the planned area for the coke plant? When these people had thier Homes Appraised the plant was not located there which caused the Apprasal to increase but Now the Apprasal will be Low. I wonder why the Morgage Holder did not weigh in on this problem?
By MJ
March 27, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Yeah lets ban everyone John Doe who hits the enter key twice, who can’t spell and type like you.
Please someone tell us about the Tax Windfall that is coming from the jobs at this plant.
By JJ
March 27, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Middletown has proven once again they do not care about their own people or neighbors. How do you justify putting a coke plant next to a nursing home, school, and residential homes. The few jobs this coke plant will provide isn’t worth what your doing to us that live here. I’m sure AK and SunCoke had a back up plan if this wasn’t approved.
By noname
March 27, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
AK is out to screw everybody always. My dad worked there for 40 years and they screwed him with the retirement benefits and now these families who have put so much into their homes are getting screwed too by who else but AK. I wonder how these people sleep at night knowing they screw so many people. What goes around comes around.
By Mark
March 27, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
I like Coke, it mixes great with Crown or Jack ;-)
By formercraneoperator
March 27, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this
Don’t hold your breath for road improvements around the MADE industrial park. There are several companies in there and have been there a long time now. The roads haven’t been improved. The railroad cars moving in and out of the coke plant will only make it worse.
By Future Suncoke Neighbor Paying Middletown Taxes
March 27, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this
Questions: 1) Has anyone found clear definition of the amount of noise this plant will be allowed the generate? 2) Has anyone found clear definition of the amounts of air pollutants this plant will be allowed the generate? Particulate and mercury are my two main concerns. 3) In the meeting they indicated that this process is an improvememnt over the current coke ovens used by AK. Is there any reason to believe that the AK ovens will be replaced by Suncoke? Not from what I read.
By VietVet
March 27, 2008 6:56 AM | Link to this
How many sites did they investigate before deciding on this one? Did they give the idea of locating this on AK property a chance? I thought the part of the article about Thatcher taking a white glove was humorous and childish.I would have been embarrassed to even say an ignorant thing like that in public. Here’s an idea,Perry- Ask for and bring back environmental records from your visit and present it in the meeting, but don’t insult people’s intelligence with the white glove crap. Grow up, bud.
By John Doe
March 26, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Why can’t you “smart” people learn to click Post 1 time instaed of multiple times? MJ should block you.
By MJ
March 26, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Yeah big tax money once the plant is built 75 jobs at $45K+/- each on average. Whooopppeee a whole $5k a month, hell we can pave the whole city with that.
By MJ
March 26, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Yeah big tax money once the plant is built 75 jobs at $45K+/- each on average. Whooopppeee a whole $5k a month, hell we can pave the whole city with that.
By MJ
March 26, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Yeah big tax moneyonce the plant is built 75 jos at $45K+/- each on average. Whooopppeee a whole $5k a month, hell we can pave the whole city with that.
By formercraneoperator
March 26, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Ok, Phil Man, Armco had a coke plant down in New Miami. It’s now a brownfield, still owned by AK Steel. I don’t think they will be building condos on it, so why not SELL the land to Sunoco for a $1? It would be to their benefit and would solve your insurance problems, etc. It is a partnership.
By BMC
March 26, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Hey Bob, you are right Armco was the “King”. But this is AK Steel, the company that locks the town out for a year and cripples the local economy. We’ll just classify AK as the “joker.” They are not trustworthy.
By Bob
March 26, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Armco has always been King in Middletown and continues to provide jobs to a multitude of people. It looks like a sweetheart deal to me.
By Phil Man
March 26, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
formercraneooperator, do people get to build things on your property b/c it’s more convenient for them? Why don’t you lease out part of your property for a $1? Because it isn’t probable. It’s two different companies. Many companies build close to each other to enhance each others business. Doesn’t mean they have to sit on top of each other. There would be many legal ramifications, insurance, but not as many if they’re on their own property.
By Hugh Jorgan
March 26, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
I hope I can get a job here. I have a terrible sharting problem, and a plant smell would cover up the smell quite nicely.
By Camp
March 26, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Why not put this new plant in New Miami at the site of the former coke plant. Lord knows this village could use the income and AK already owns the properly.
By formercraneoperator
March 26, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
If this new coke plant is going to benefit AK..and only AK..and AK is totally committed to having it built..why the need to have it offsite? As far as logistics is concerned, anything inside the fence is better than outside the fence. Shorter rail lines to build..shorter power grid to build and maintain, etc. AK can lease all the land Sunoco needs for $1 with its own private entrance. Completely hands off.Everyone gets what they want and AK and Sunoco are the good neighbors that they should be.
By small business owner
March 26, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
I live in Monroe, near the proposed site…and I don’t pay Middletown City Taxes. So how do I have a right to complain? I do however, travel on Yankee and Oxford State Rds, and will welcome the improvements that this proposed plant will bring to those roads. Our entire area will benefit from this plant. Schiavone’s house may border residential property, but is also backs up to MADE industrial park…what did he expect? Change happens, and this is a positive move for us! Get over it!
By rfly
March 26, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Why does everyone think AK is leaving town. Is there another city in the country that would give them all that Middletown does? I think not.
By rfly
March 26, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Why does everyone think AK is leaving town. Is there another city in the country that would give them all that Middletown does? I think not.
By Carl
March 26, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
MONEY TALKS AND BULL SH** WALKS
I think we have heard that before….
So, AK WILL get that coke plant…..
Bed Room Monroe will be stinky Monroe
By John Doe
March 26, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Everyone think about this!!!! What happens if AK shuts the plant down? This area will go to Hell big time. What will you b***h about then?
By st
March 26, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Yes, there are many cons to WHERE they want to put the plant. But at the same time, it will bring in jobs and money to this community that is so badly needed. I know in Findlay Ohio where the Cooper Tires plant is, Cooper pays for a clean up for all the houses nearby where they powerwash them and such. Maybe AK and SunCoke could do the same.
By JANE DOE
March 26, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Why is everyone so focused on the fact that this plant will not be built on AK property? SunCoke Energy is NOT owned by AK steel.
By ltk007
March 26, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Why is Tom Brickey allowed to preside over matters that directly effect his employer, AK Steel? Tom is a member of AK management. Even if this is legal it still smells and just as badly as coke ovens smell. Why didn’t the press pick up on this? The smell is getting worse.
By Mr T
March 26, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
I can see this bringing in more tax dollars, much needed in the city. I could see AK selling Sun land around 73 or Yankee Rd beside them. This will not be a plant owned by AK so they will buy land where possible, my thoughts are if they could get it beside them and later want to purchase it, that would be an advantage. Now they could sell land inside the mill if they wanted they must have a reason and are not saying at this time. It could hinder a sale of the mill later on.
By ltk007
March 26, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
One of the problems that city council faces is how to clean up old industrial sites that companies have left in the downtown area. Is suncoke going to ad add to this problem in the future? What are their plans for cleaning up the site after the coke ovens have been idled? How long is the life of the proposed coke ovens? The ak still battery ovens were throw away ovens after 10 years, ak was lucky enough to get about 20 years production out of them.
By ltk007
March 26, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
One of the problems that city council faces is how to clean up old industrial sites that companies have left in the downtown area. Is suncoke going to ad add to this problem in the future? What are their plans for cleaning up the site after the coke ovens have been idled? How long is the life of the proposed coke ovens? The ak still battery ovens were throw away ovens after 10 years, ak was lucky enough to get about 20 years production out of them.
By Mr T
March 26, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
This has it’s pros and cons but it will bring more tax money into Middletown, I do not live in the area but do work there. I can see that this coke plant is not AK’s plant it is another companies so this is why it’s not being built on AK property. Personaly I could see AK selling Sun property beside them on 73 that AK does not use or on Yankee rd. This all depends on where Sunoco wants land and it has to be in thier price range. Hopefully down the road AK will want to purchase this new facility.
By Randy C
March 26, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
I say build the new plant in Wainscabs back yard.
By ds
March 26, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
AK Steel will lie and cheap you out things they owe their workers, retirees and community. When AK Steel want to talk about the future and what a good deal this new coke plant would be, you should know that it’s a good deal for them and they don’t care about you. If they have all this money to do this deal, than maybe thye should take care of their retirees and other deals they are trying to get out of before they stick it to the Monroe people.
By John Doe
March 26, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
*their
By John Doe
March 26, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
It looks like Suncoke is building this plant. They will try to build where they want, although AK has plenty of space inside there fences.
By John Doe
March 26, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
jp: you need to go to school and learn how to write sentences instead of …..
By Paul Koloszar
March 26, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
It amazes me that with all the property AK has at hand, they choose to bump this project right against a residential area.
Bad neighbor, AK! BAD!
By jp
March 26, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
ak steel lies they said they will take care of the wife when your husband dies they lie on that what makes them say this don’t beleave them. they need to take a lie dector test on every thing they say.
By John Doe
March 26, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
Frank Schiavone is a typical lawyer. Lies, lies, lies. When I go to Heaven I hope I do not need a lawyer. There are none in Heaven.On the county auditor site the value of his property is less than $300,000. How could it devalue by $400,000. I am not saying the Suncoke plant should be built where they want it, but it is always don’t biuld in my backyard, build it in someone elses backyard. I think that there are better sites.