Trustees make way for new business

Demolition of the Rodeway Inn will free  up 7.7 acres of space.

Rodeway Inn at the end of Miller Lane in Butler Township is being torn down. Township hopes to attract other businesses there and elsewhere in the township

Marc Katz/Staff photo Rodeway Inn at the end of Miller Lane in Butler Township is being torn down. Township hopes to attract other businesses there and elsewhere in the township

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By Marc Katz, Staff Writer 10:35 PM Tuesday, November 1, 2011

BUTLER TWP. — Township trustees are ready to enhance their chances of attracting new business to the area, especially in the Miller Lane corridor running to the west and parallel to Interstate 75, just south of Interstate 70.

“Some companies want double interstate exposure,” Trustee Martin Russell said. “They want the ability to bring clients in to stay in a nice place (motel). We have that. They want places to eat. We have that. We have to be ready when prospects come to us.”

Part of that includes the demolition of the Rodeway Inn, which is currently taking place.

The motel closed in February 2008. When attempts to find a move-in buyer failed, the owners and township worked to raise the $162,050 to have the building razed. Of that cost, a federal grant contributed $139,000. The township paid 15 percent of the rest, while the owners kicked in 10 percent and also are continuing to pay real estate taxes.

“We need a redevelopment anchor for Miller Lane,” said Trustee Michael Lang.

Although there are a few other open spots in the area, the demolitoin, “opens up some land. It gives businesses a chance to see what’s there,” Russell said. When the demolition is complete, what had become an eyesore will be gone and 7.7 acres will be left.

Even in a slow market, the township wants to be ready. Several businesses on Miller Lane have agreed to create a new Joint Economic Development District that will generate additional money, but the township needs more.

“We want to get into the market with the Dayton Coalition,” Trustee Doug Orange said. “We want to find additional strains of revenue.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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