In this newsletter:
- Why the movement of a Wright-Patterson Air Force Base fence is a big deal.
- How voters decided to let the state spend more on infrastructure.
- How windy was that March wind storm?
Joby Aviation hails ‘momentum’ toward Dayton manufacturing
The situation: Leaders of electric air vehicle manufacturer Joby Aviation Inc. reported “momentum” toward Dayton production as they discussed the company’s net loss of $82.4 million in the first quarter of 2025.
What the CEO said: “The facility in Ohio is also coming along really, really well,” said JoeBen Bevirt. “This is a facility we purchased. And the team has done retrofits on it and we’re now installing the tooling and equipment, and we’re really excited to see parts starting to come out of that facility in the months to come.”
Wright-Patterson fence work signals start to Synergy’s ‘Convergence’
Fence work on Wright-Patterson’s Area B is a signal that physical work for Synergy and Mills’ “Convergence Research Park” is nearing.
The situation: Shifting of a fence line has started near the Air Force Institute of Technology, National Road, and Air Force Research Laboratory Facility 620 on Wright-Patterson, the 88th Air Base Wing recently said.
The significance: This work marks the start of an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) development, tied to Synergy and Mills Development’s plans for eight commercial buildings over the next 10 years on nearly 44 acres across two parcels, known as Hilltop and Gerlaugh farms.
Read about the first announcement.
Wind storm caused nearly $3M in damages
The damage: Stratacache Tower sustained more than $1 million in damage in the March wind storm that ripped an upper parapet from an adjacent downtown Dayton building, Chris Riegel, Stratacache founder and CEO, recently told us.
The upshot: “I think it is safe to say that Dayton needs a strategic plan to manage these buildings and to remove unused or decaying old office infrastructure in the city,” Riegel said. “Without a doubt, that’s a problem, and it’s a problem that has to be addressed.”
Earlier: City says it had no warning on building’s condition.
Voters approve Issue 2, boosting borrowing power
Credit: JIM NOELKER
Credit: JIM NOELKER
What happened: Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved a state constitutional amendment to let the state issue up to $2.5 billion in bonds for infrastructure improvements.
What it means: The bonds can be used only on roads, bridges, water treatment and supply systems and solid waste disposal facilities, according to a nonpartisan analysis.
The state first issued a lump sum of general obligation bonds to fund this kind of work in 1987. The approach has now been approved by voters four times. Issue 2 was the largest such ask in state history.
Where are Huber Heights projects headed?
Credit: JIM NOELKER
Credit: JIM NOELKER
The landscape: In the past three years, at least six major development projects have been proposed for the section of Executive Boulevard area of Huber Heights that spans from the intersection of Brandt Pike west toward the industrial-commercial district just northeast of Interstate 70.
Where development plans stand: Just two of these projects have come to fruition: A Sheetz gas station opened last summer on the corner of Brandt and Executive, and a new Warped Wing restaurant/brewery location a year prior, just west of the Rose.
Contact me: Thanks for being here. Tell me about your business at tom.gnau@coxinc.com or at X and Bluesky. I’m also on LinkedIn and on our Dayton Business page, with my colleagues. Find me as well on my own Facebook page here.
Quick hits
Is someone building an ark? Rainfall record falls.
Election results: You decide, we report.
Centerville restaurant closes: New one on the way.
Centerville restaurant opens: Courtesy of J. Thomas & Co.
DG Market: Approved for site near Austin Boulevard.
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