This weeks #GOPCThread features another of our #OHCommunitySpotlights, this week featuring the city of Middletown in Butler County, on Ohio Legacy City that has worked to reinvent itself over the past two decades.
Not on Twitter, the thread is available online , as well as below.
Greater Ohio Policy Center Read on Twitter
Today, our #GOPCThread travels to Southwest Ohio for the next in our #OHCommunitySpotlight series as we visit Middletown, Ohio! (@CityMiddletown)
Located in Butler and Warren Counties, Middletown sits adjacent to the Great Miami River a little over 30 miles outside of Cincinnati #GOPCThread #OHCommunitySpotlight
Middletown, Ohio | Google Maps (click image for link)
With over 330 acres of park and recreation space, Middletown has activity for residents and visitors! From fishing to hiking, recreational sports, or biking to name a few, its prime location offers an array of activity! #GOPCThread #OHCommunitySpotlight
City of Middletown | Parks Master Plan (click image for link)
Today, the population of Middletown sits at a little over 48,000. Like its #legacycity peers in the state, Middletown experienced population decline & industry shift. In recent decades, Middletown’s population has nearly rebounded to peak population experienced in the early 2000s
Middletown is known for serving as the headquarters for AK Steel, formerly Armco Steel. Armco was headquartered in Middletown until 2007 – though Middletown is still home to a steel plant for AK Steel that is operational today #GOPCThread #OHCommunitySpotlight
Middletown became Ohio’s 1st city to establish a DORA, allowing visitors in a designated portion of downtown to purchase a beverage at a participating bar or restaurant, & enjoy the drink while strolling in the downtown! #GOPCThread
Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area | Downtown Middletown Inc. (click image for link)
In October 2020, Middletown, in partnership with Cincinnati Bell, launched free WiFi access within the DORA district of downtown. This investment also includes aspects to support local businesses and drive economic development in downtown #GOPCThread
Downtown Middletown Free Wi-Fi | Downtown Middletown Inc. (click image for link)
First Friday is an opportunity for patrons to shop local, have a beverage in the DORA district, and enjoy downtown Middletown #GOPCThread #OHCommunitySpotlight
First Friday | Downtown Middletown Inc. (click image for link)
Middletown also has amazing murals throughout its downtown and a growing arts and entertainment focus among merchants and vendors #GOPCThread #OHCommunitySpotlight
Today, Middletown is a prime example of #legacycity revitalization & regrowth. Strategic planning in the early 2000s led to the development of a Master Plan for community leaders. Today, this plan guides community leaders work to grow & expand quality of life in Middletown.
In 2017, the city adopted a Downtown Revitalization Plan to guide community leaders in the planning, development, and direction of downtown Middletown #GOPCThread #OHCommunitySpotlight
Downtown Master Plan | Downtown Middletown Inc. (click image for link)
Earlier this year, Middletown Council approved a feasibility study for predevelopment planning for a transformational downtown mixed-use project, which would include a hotel & convention center & is partly motivated by Hamilton’s Spooky Nook project
Hotel, Convention Center Proposed For “Generational Development” | Fox 19 Cincinnati (click image for link)
Collaboration & strategic planning are integral components to long-term revitalization efforts in a community! Keep up the good work, Middletown! #GOPCThread #OHCommunitySpotlight
