The school has earmarked the Manchester Inn, Sonshine building, CG&E and the former Middletown Senior Center Building — which the city already owns — for its campus launch.
Financial constraints set forth by Ohio Senate bill 6 mean Cincinnati State will likely lease the buildings from the city, school officials said.
Passage was greeted by a round of applause from the audience despite some reservations voiced by Council Members A.J. Smith, Bill Becker and Tom Allen.
Each said they were concerned about buying the former Bank One and First National Bank buildings after Cincinnati State President Dr. O’dell Owens confirmed the buildings likely would not be used initially.
“There is no reason we should be buying property that is going to be sitting,” Smith said.
Mayor Larry Mulligan and Vice Mayor Anita Scott Jones said by purchasing them now, the city is ensuring it gets the real estate at a good price and it’s available for long-term growth.
According to the Butler County auditor’s office, the five buildings and lot have an appraised value of more than $1.2 million.
“The issue with this city sometimes is we are afraid to take a chance on anything because of things that have failed in the past,” Jones said.
Jones also thanked Perry Thatcher — the late businessman credited for initiating talks with Cincinnati State — for his work. The executors of his estate are donating most of the buildings on Thatcher’s behalf.
City Economic Development Director Mike Robinette said the city has negotiated with Fifth Third Bank to pay off the mortgage on the properties.
Owens, who attended the meeting, acknowledged the work ahead to bring the project to fruition, and said the school could be a key part in changing the city’s image from a steel town to a technical town.
“We want to be part of your transformation,” he said.
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