chapter 8:transportation - butler...

ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Ohio Kentucky Indiana

Regional Council of Governments

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TRANSPORTATION 8-2

INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS OF TRANSPORTATION Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to determine the transportation improvements needed or desired for St. Clair Township. Automobile travel is the primary focus, although bus service and bicycle facilities are also addressed. Recommendations account for existing problems with at-grade railroad crossings and projections of future traffic loads. Functional Classification System A roadway network serves the dual need for travel mobility and for access to property. Different roadways serve different functions within the overall network. The part that any individual roadway should play within the network is indicated by its “functional classification” as an arterial, a collector, or a local road. In general, an arterial provides the highest level of mobility, a collector combines functions of mobility and access, and local roads serve primarily to provide access. The functional hierarchy among arterials, collectors, and local streets should be maintained in order to insure a proper balance between the movement of traffic and access to abutting land. An individual roadway may provide good mobility or good access, but these are conflicting functions, as indicated in Figure 8-1. For example, roadways that provide the highest levels of mobility, such as interstates, provide little direct access to property (and conversely, local streets used for accessing property are not used for traveling long distances). As development occurs along major roadways, the need for access may greatly reduce the road’s ability to provide mobility unless the local community has appropriate guidelines in place for design of new development. Figure 8-1: Mobility vs. Access The roadway functional classification system is used as

a basis for allocating funds for roadway maintenance and improvements as well as for assessing a facility’s existing and future needs, determining responsibility for maintenance and improvements, designing roadways, etc. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) assigns functional classifications that are used as a basis for determining state and local responsibilities for maintenance and the sources of funding for roadway improvements. The major categories of functional classification are summarized below. These categories are further subdivided, as summarized in Table 8-1, into sub-categories that are similar but different for urban and rural areas. For St. Clair Township, the distinction

between urban and rural functional classification is based on the OKI urban area boundary of 2000. Arterials: Arterials provide the highest level of mobility; direct access to property is limited. This category includes interstates, freeways, multilane highways, and other important roadways that connect urbanized areas, cities, and industrial centers. Arterials have the highest speeds over


TRANSPORTATION 8-3

the longest uninterrupted distances. This category can be further subdivided into Principal Arterials and Minor Arterials. Collectors: Collectors, which represent an intermediate functional category, serve to provide both mobility and access. Collectors include major and minor roads that connect local roads and streets with arterials. They provide less mobility than arterials at lower speeds and for shorter distances. This category can be further subdivided into Major Collectors and Minor Collectors. Local Roads: Local roads, as the lowest functional category, provide limited mobility and are the primary access to residential areas, business, and other properties.

Table 8-1: System of Roadway Functional Classification NOTE: For St. Clair Township, the urban classification system applies to areas within the OKI urban area boundary as defined in 2000; the rural classification system applies to areas outside of the OKI urban area boundary.

Functional Classification Focus

Urban Principal Arterial Mobility (through urban areas and long distance trips between traffic generators within an urban area)

Urban Minor Arterials Mobility (shorter trips between traffic generators within urban areas)

Urban Collectors Mobility & Access (intra-urban and local trips that take travelers to arterials)

Local Streets Access (all other public roads not in preceding categories)

Rural Principal Arterials Statewide and interstate mobility (Classification typically includes the Interstate System and other rural freeways that serve longer distance high-volume corridors)

Rural Minor Arterials Mobility (typically link smaller cities and towns and other statewide traffic generators not served by principal arterials)

Rural Major Collectors Link county seats and communities not served by arterials but have an intra-county rather than statewide focus

Rural Minor Collectors Collect traffic from local roads and smaller communities

Local Roads Access and relatively short trips (include all other public roads)

Functional Classification of St. Clair Township Roadways St. Clair Township’s major road, U.S. 127, is classified as a Principal Arterial, as indicated in Map 8-1. The majority of U.S. 127 in St. Clair Township is also referred to as Hamilton Eaton Road and is classified as Urban throughout the Township. Improvements to U.S. 127 are the


TRANSPORTATION 8-4

responsibility of the Ohio Department of Transportation; improvements to Urban and Rural segments are funded from different sources. U.S. 127 is important as a north-south connector in this area and as the transportation corridor with the greatest concentration of businesses in the Township. Other major roads in St. Clair Township that have been assigned functional classifications are:

● State Route 73 (minor arterial - rural) ● Wayne Madison Road (major collector – parts rural and parts urban) ● Augspurger Road (minor collector – rural) ● Eaton Road (major collector –rural) ● Hamilton Eaton Road (the portion from the township’s boundary with New Miami until it

intersects with U.S. 127 is classified as minor arterial - urban) ● South Street and Riverside Drive (classified as collector – urban until Riverside Drive

joins Trenton Road, and then as a minor arterial – urban until Riverside Drive crosses Wehr Road, whereupon it is classified as major collector –rural)

● Trenton Road from U.S. 127 to Jackson Road (minor arterial – urban) ● Jacksonburg Road (classified as major collector – rural from U.S. 127 to Morganthaler

Road, and as minor collector – rural from Morganthaler Road north) ● State Route 128 (classified as a major rural collector in the southern noncontiguous part

of the township south of Hamilton).

The other roads shown in Map 8-1 are classified as local roads.

Roadway System St. Clair Township’s major roads, as identified in the previous section, carry the most traffic. Average daily traffic (ADT) is defined as the average weekday, 24-hour, two-way traffic volume. Ranges of ADT are shown on Map 8-2 for those roads where recent traffic counts (from 2003-2006) were available from the Butler County Engineer’s Office. Most of U.S. 127 in the Township carries 5,000-10,000 vehicles per day, as does much of Trenton Road, most of Riverside Drive, and State Route 73. Wayne Madison Road carries between 10,000-15,000 vehicles a day in the Township, with the Liberty Fairfield Road Bridge which connects to it carrying 15,000-20,000 vehicles a day. Another gateway into the Township is the bridge over Four Mile Creek in the Village of New Miami: North B Street in Hamilton crosses Four Mile Creek and becomes Seven Mile Avenue in New Miami and then Hamilton Eaton Road in the Township, and North B Street between West Elkton Road and the bridge over Four Mile Creek carries 5,000-10,000 vehicles a day. U.S. 127 in the portion of the Township just south of the Great Miami River carries 15,000-20,000 vehicles a day, as does the U.S. 127 bridge crossing the Great Miami. State Route 128 in the part of St. Clair Township south of Hamilton carries 5,000-10,000 vehicles a day, and the section of Neilan Boulevard in the City of Hamilton which provides connectivity to this part of S.R. 128 carries 20,000 or more vehicles a day. Both Augspurger Road and Eaton Road in the Township carry 2,000-5,000 vehicles a day, and Beissinger Road and the portion of Riverside Drive between South Street and Trenton Road carry up to 2,000 vehicles a day.

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St. Clair TownshipCOMPREHENSIVE PLAN O1 inch = 1 miles

LegendSt. Clair Township

Functional ClassInterstate - Rural

Principal Arterial - Rural

Minor Arterial - Rural

Major Collector - Rural

Minor Collector - Rural

Local - Rural

Interstate - Urban

Freeway & Expressway - Urban

Principal Arterial - Urban

Minor Arterial - Urban

Collector - Urban

Local - Urban

Map 8-1: Functional Classifications of Roadways

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Average Daily TrafficNo Data0 - 20002001 - 5000

5001 - 1000010001 - 1500015001 - 2000020000+

Map 8-2: Average Daily Traffic


TRANSPORTATION 8-7

In addition to the arterials and collectors, St. Clair Township is served by 40 miles of local roads with 80 lane miles, which are maintained by the Township. The cost of local roadway maintenance is a significant component of the township’s budget. Accident Frequency Accident rates are expressed as a number per million vehicle miles travelled. Map 8-3 shows accident-prone intersections in or near St. Clair Township with accident rates higher than state averages, and information on injuries and fatalities at these intersections from 2003 to 2006. Table 8-2 shows roadway segments in St. Clair Township with accident rates higher than state averages and the length of the segments considered. Accident information for the period from 2003-2006 was provided by the Butler County Engineer’s office, and state accident rate information was obtained from the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Table 8-2: Road Segments with Highest Accident Rates

Key # Roadway

Segment Length

Accident Rate*

1 Busenbark Road - Entire Length 1.2 41.398 2 Hogue Road between Hanover Corp. line and Eaton Road 0.5 27.929 3 Brooks Road - Entire Length 1.75 20.445 4 Beissinger Road between Hamilton Corp. line and Eaton Road 0.4 12.793 5 Warwick Road - Entire Length 1.9 8.379 6 Gephart Road - Entire Length 2 6.29 7 Taylor School Road between Seven Mile Corp. Line and Jacksonburg Road 1.6 6.098 8 Beissinger Road between Eaton Road and West Elkton Road 1.6 5.777 9 West Elkton Road between Hamilton Corp. Line and Warwick Road 2.6 5.158 10 Jackson Road - Entire Length 1.6 4.508 11 Jacksonburg Road between U.S. 127 and Taylor School Road 2.5 4.22

12 Taylor School Road between Hanover Twp. Line and Seven Mile Corp. Line 1.7 4.158

13 Wayne Madison Road between center of Great Miami River and Augspurger Road 0.3 4.157

14 Morganthaler Road - Entire Length 2.6 4.126

15 Augspurger Road between New Miami Corp. Line and Wayne Madison Road 2.7 3.669

16 Eaton Road between Governors Hill Road and Taylor School Road 2.7 3.437 17 Trenton Road between Hamilton Eaton Road and Wayne Madison Road 3.6 3.247 18 West Elkton Road between North B Street and New Miami Corp. Line 0.6 3.232 19 Fear Not Mills Road - Entire Length 0.7 2.417 20 S.R. 73 between Wehr Road and Wayne Madison Road 1.1 1.596 21 Wayne Madison Road between Augspurger Road and Trenton Road 2.7 1.569 22 S.R. 128 between Welsh Road and Meadow Road 2.2 1.431 23 U.S. 127 between Hamilton Corp. Line and New Miami Corp. Line 1.1 1.185 24 Riverside Drive between South Street and Trenton Road 2.9 1.068 25 U.S. 127 between New Miami Corp. Line and Taylor School Road 3.159 2.39 *rate per million vehicle miles travelled. Note: the average accident rate in Ohio for rural two-lane roads that are not divided is .971 per million vehicle miles travelled. For rural four-lane roads that are not divided, the average accident rate in Ohio is 5.467 per million vehicle miles travelled.

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Map 8-3: Accident-Prone Intersections

Key # Intersection Accident Rate* Injury Fatality1 Jacksonburg Road and Morganthaler Road 2.568 3 12 Eaton Road and Bessinger Road 1.622 7 03 Eaton Road and Taylor School Road 0.922 1 04 Hamilton Eaton Road, U.S. 127 HWY & Trenton Road 0.706 7 05 Trenton Road and Riverside Drive 0.671 2 06 Jackson Road, Riverside Drive and Trenton Road 0.644 4 07 U.S. 127 Highway and Fear Not Mills Road 0.378 1 08 Wayne Madison Road and Augspurger Road 0.322 3 09 S.R. 128 Highway and Flamingo Drive 0.267 1 0

*rate per million vehicle miles travelledNote: The average accident rate in Ohio for intersections on rural two-lane roads without traffic signals is .214 per million vehicle miles travelled, and for such roads with traffic signals the average accident rate in Ohio is .575 per million vehicle miles travelled. For rural four-lane roads with traffic signals, the average accident rate in Ohio is .469 per million vehicle miles travelled.


TRANSPORTATION 8-9

Existing Levels of Service Level of service (LOS) is a measure of traffic and roadway conditions; it provides an indication of a roadway’s efficiency in moving traffic and the need for improvement. LOS can be used to view major changes in a single road over a period of time or to project the impacts of future traffic. The LOS compares roadway capacity with traffic levels. Roadway capacity is generally defined as the maximum number of vehicles that can travel through a roadway segment. LOS, which is the ratio of traffic volume to capacity, provides an indication of whether a roadway is operating at, below, or above its capacity. Roadways operating above capacity experience congestion and unsafe conditions. LOS is represented by a scale with six categories ranging from LOS A (the best) to LOS F (the worst). The ratings, which are presented in Table 8-3, account for such factors as traffic volume, travel speed, travel time, traffic interruptions, a driver’s freedom to maneuver, and safety. The significance of the ratings is summarized as follows: • LOS A - the best traffic conditions • LOS B - traffic conditions are beginning to deteriorate but remain acceptable • LOS C - the acceptable standard • LOS D - traffic conditions are at the limit of acceptability for planning purposes • LOS E - traffic is moving but conditions are poor; the roadway is operating at capacity • LOS F - stop-and-go traffic conditions; traffic volumes exceed roadway capacity LOS is affected by traffic conditions and by roadway design and traffic operations. The number of signalized intersections and the number of curb-cuts/driveways can greatly reduce a roadway segment's LOS. The impacts of traffic signals can be lessened by extending the amount of "green" time (the greater the amount of green time, the better the traffic flow on the arterial). The impacts of curb-cuts/driveways can be moderated through access management. Intersection improvements, lane additions, and other improvements provide options for improving LOS. Map 8-4 shows LOS on major roadways in St. Clair Township. LOS for the township’s major roads was calculated for existing conditions, with traffic volumes based on actual traffic counts. LOS has been determined for peak traffic conditions, which are the commute times when traffic levels tend to be the highest (calculated as a proportion of average daily traffic). According to calculations based on traffic counts from 2003-2006, most of the major roads in St. Clair Township operate at LOS A or B. The notable exceptions are U.S.127 and Wayne Madison Road. Most of U.S. 127 operates at LOS C in the Township and at LOS D in the Village of New Miami south of the Township. Wayne Madison Road generally operates at LOS C in the Township but at LOS D just north of the township coming from Trenton. As indicated in Table 8-3, the minimum acceptable LOS is typically “D” when a need for improvements is being considered. Roadway segments at LOS “E” or “F” have insufficient through-lane capacity to serve the traffic demand.

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Map 8-4: Roadway Level of Service


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Table 8-3: Definitions for Levels of Service

Level of Service A • Best operating conditions; free flow of traffic • Freedom to select desired speeds and maneuver within the traffic stream • Delays are minimal

Level of Service B • Stable traffic flow, but noticeable presence of others in the traffic stream • Freedom to select desired speeds but freedom to maneuver is somewhat limited • Delays are minimal

Level of Service C • Stable traffic flow, but interaction with other vehicles in the traffic stream begins to

affect driver operations • Freedom to select speeds and maneuver are affected by the presence of other vehicles • Delays are noticeable

Level of Service D • Stable but high-density traffic flow • Speed and freedom to maneuver are severely restricted but traffic flow is high • Delays are more substantial • Often considered to be the limit of acceptability for planning purposes

Level of Service E • Operating conditions are at or near capacity • All speeds are reduced to a low but relatively uniform value • Freedom to maneuver within the traffic stream is usually extremely difficult • Operations at this level are usually unstable, because small increases in flow or minor

perturbations within the traffic stream will cause breakdowns • Delays approach an unacceptable level

Level of Service F • Breakdowns of traffic flow; stop-and-go conditions • Traffic exceeds the capacity of the structure • Delays generally exceed limits of driver acceptability

Commuting Modes, Times, and Patterns According to Census 2000, about 85% of St. Clair Township workers traveled to work by driving alone in a car, truck or van. Another 11% used a motor vehicle but were part of a car pool or rideshare arrangement. Miniscule percentages of people in the Township traveled to work by public transportation (0.004%), walking (0.115%), or motorcycle (0.002%). More than half of St. Clair Township workers (52%) commuted 24 minutes or less for a one-way trip to work, compared to 62% of all Butler County commuters with this maximum commuting time. About 17% of St. Clair’s working population traveled 45 minutes or more to reach their place of work. This compares to 11% of Butler County’s working population traveling 45 minutes or more to work. The peak morning rush hour in St. Clair Township is between 6:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., when 57% of the township’s working population leaves home to go to work.


TRANSPORTATION 8-12

Automobile ownership in St. Clair Township is very high. Overall, 91% of the township’s households have at least one vehicle. In owner-occupied housing, 41 % of households own two vehicles and 19% own three. In renter households, 39% have two vehicles and 8% have three. Some idea of commuting patterns can be inferred by reference to the following table. The table shows the distribution of St. Clair Township residents who commute within the township, within Butler County, and outside the County. It also shows the distribution of workers for whom St. Clair Township is their place of employment and whether they live in the township, in Butler County, or outside the County.

Table 8-4: Inferred Commuting Patterns

All Workers Township as… Place of Residence 1,978 Work within township 188 Work w/in Butler County (inc. twp.) 1,421 Work Elsewhere 557 Township as… Place of Work 2,411 Live in township 188 Live in Butler County (inc. twp.) 1,890 Live elsewhere 521

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census Transportation Planning Package, Part 3, 2000 Transportation Needs Addressed in Existing OKI Plans St. Clair Township is part of the eight-county Cincinnati metropolitan area for which the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) coordinates planning and spending for most federally-funded transportation projects. (OKI’s planning area is comprised of Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana.) For a transportation project to be eligible for federal funds, it must be recommended in the long-range OKI Regional Transportation Plan. Projects that are committed for implementation (meaning that funding is allocated) are listed in OKI’s short-range Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). OKI’s 2030 Regional Transportation Plan, 2008 Update was adopted by the OKI Board of Directors on June 12, 2008. This plan provides a blueprint for improving transportation in the Cincinnati metropolitan area through 2030. The recommendations address existing transportation problems and also future transportation needs created by growth and development. The OKI FY 2008-2011 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) was adopted by the OKI Board of Directors on April 12, 2007. The TIP lists highway and transit projects scheduled to receive state and/or federal funding; it includes an overview of the transportation planning process through which the projects are generated. The TIP report is produced by OKI on a biennial basis and covers a period of four years. The TIP for 2008-2011 contains one recommendation that applies to St. Clair Township, and another recommendation affecting the Township from the previous TIP for 2006-2009 is already being implemented.


TRANSPORTATION 8-13

The OKI recommendation from the 2008-2011 TIP is to construct an extension of State Route 63 from U.S. 127 in St. Clair Township eastward to existing State Route 63 at State Route 4. This recommendation is still pending because of funding limitations. The State Route 63 extension proposed by OKI would involve construction of a nine-mile segment, the cost of which is estimated to be about $40 million. The SR 63 extension is supported by the Butler County Engineer’s Office and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement was prepared for review by the Federal Highway Administration in 2003. The prospect for constructing the SR-63 extension, however, was dimmed by the project’s omission from the ODOT project list in 2003. In December 2003, the project was omitted from the 2005-2010 Major New Construction Program released by the Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC), which is ODOT’s official project review board. TRAC had earlier allocated $27.7 million for implementation, but the project was withdrawn because of insufficient local match funds. An OKI recommendation from the 2006-2009 TIP affecting the Township is already being implemented, to replace the Woodsdale Bridge over the Great Miami River between St. Clair Township, Fairfield Township, and Liberty Township and to add two lanes to it. A groundbreaking for the new bridge, referred to as the Liberty-Fairfield Road bridge by the Butler County Engineer, was held on February 29, 2008. According to the County Engineer, “…The new structure will be built on an entirely new alignment that will straighten the roadway approaches to the bridge, thus eliminating the dangerous curves now encountered by motorists approaching from both sides, but particularly on the north end where several S-curves have contributed to numerous accidents.” ( http://bceo.org/news/nr080225.html ) Both the State Route 63 extension and the Liberty-Fairfield Road Bridge are shown on Map 8-5. Butler County Thoroughfare Plan The Butler County Engineer’s Office (BCEO) is responsible for preparation of the Butler County Thoroughfare Plan, which serves as an ongoing comprehensive 20-year countywide transportation planning guide. The most recent plan was adopted in 2007 and is based on the impacts of recent growth and projected development trends on traffic demand. The 2007 thoroughfare plan identifies two projects that would affect St. Clair Township and are proposed for implementation within 5 years: an intersection upgrade at Wayne Madison Road and Trenton Road estimated to cost $500,000, and the previously described bridge realignment where Liberty Fairfield Road crosses the Great Miami River, estimated to cost $10.3 million. The BCEO continues to support the State Route 63 Extension, while expressing concern about prospects for funding and the potential disappearance of the proposed corridor due to development. According to the BCEO, the project is divided into two phases. Phase One would involve a new four-lane road extending SR-63 east of Wayne Madison Road to State Route 4 and a new crossing of the Great Miami River, which is proposed for implementation in the thoroughfare plan within 5 to 10 years at an estimated cost of $72 million. The 2007 thoroughfare plan also identifies three other projects that would affect St. Clair Township and that are proposed for implementation within 5 to 10 years. The first is the addition of a lane to S.R. 73 between Busenbark Road in St. Clair Township and North Miami Street in


TRANSPORTATION 8-14

the City of Trenton, at an estimated cost of $3 million. The second is the addition of three lanes to Washington Boulevard from Eaton Road to Cleveland Avenue in the City of Hamilton, as this boulevard provides an approach to St. Clair Township from the southwest. The proposed Washington Boulevard lane additions are estimated to cost $6 million. The third is the addition of two lanes with safety upgrades to Liberty Fairfield Road from State Route 4 to the Great Miami River, which is estimated to cost $2.2 million, and which would improve roadway capacity leading to the new bridge which will cross into St. Clair Township. The 2007 thoroughfare plan identifies four projects that would affect St. Clair Township and that are proposed for implementation within 10 to 20 years. The first is Phase Two of the SR-63 extension, a new 2-lane road (with right-of-way acquisition for potential lane additions) going west from Wayne Madison Road to U.S. 127, at an estimated cost of $47 million. The second is the addition of a lane with safety upgrades to River Road between Williams Avenue and St. Clair Avenue in the City of Hamilton, at an estimated cost of $2.5 million. Although this proposed project is within the city of Hamilton, it would improve traffic flow leading to the State Route 128 bridge which provides access to the southernmost part of St. Clair Township. The third proposed project that would affect St. Clair Township within 10 to 20 years involves safety upgrades to Eaton Road between Main Street and Taft Place in the City of Hamilton, at an estimated cost of $4 million. Though this proposed project is within the City of Hamilton, it would improve safety on a roadway that provides access to western St. Clair Township from the south. In addition, a fourth relevant project proposed within 10 to 20 years is the addition of two lanes with safety upgrades on Eaton Road between Taft Place in the City of Hamilton and Beissinger Road in St. Clair Township. Transit Service St. Clair Township has limited demand-responsive bus service through the Butler County Regional Transit Authority as little public funding is available. With an annual budget of about $400,000, Butler County RTA has only seven buses and seven part-time operators. The county is divided into three zones for service purposes and most of Butler County RTA’s services are concentrated in the Zone 1, the southeast part of the county and the most populous. St. Clair Township, Hanover Township and Millville, and Ross Township are in Zone 2. A one way door-to-door trip within Zone 2 is $20, and reduced fares are offered for each additional passenger. There are no park-and-ride lots located in St. Clair Township. Rail Freight Service Rail freight service is provided by both Norfolk Southern and the CSX Corporation. The CSX main line extends through most of St. Clair Township from the south to the northeast. It provides connections to Cincinnati, Dayton, and the national CSX rail system. In addition, spur lines serve the Miller Brewing Company in the northeast part of the Township, and CSX switchyards extend southeast of the railroad between the tracks and the Great Miami River, and north from Augspurger Road to Jackson Road at Overpeck. Norfolk Southern Railroad joins the CSX Railroad in the Village of New Miami between Park and Union Streets. This shared track just south of the Township means that back-ups of Norfolk Southern trains into the Township are frequent because CSX owns the track and has precedence of use. All 18 railroad crossings in St. Clair Township are at-grade, and are shown on Map 8-6.

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TRANSPORTATION 8-17

These at-grade crossings are safety hazards and can create significant delays for motorists who must wait for passing trains. The Northern Southern back-ups usually affect crossings at Augspurger Road, South Street, Hamilton Trenton Road, and Route 127. The Norfolk Southern crossings at South Street and Hamilton Trenton Road are often blocked at the same time, cutting off the eastern part of the Township from the life squad, and the western part of the Township from the fire department and life squad. Though both the CSX crossing and the Norfolk Southern crossing of Augspurger Road are in the Village of New Miami, they are frequently used by township residents on their way to the city of Hamilton or other points south and west in the Township. Because these two crossings are less than a quarter mile apart, back-ups tend to affect both of them, effectively precluding the use of Augspurger Road. Train back-ups on the Norfolk Southern line extend all the way up to crossings on the three roads providing access to the Cedar Grove subdivision (West Elkton Road, Spring Road, and Fear Not Mills Road). These train back-ups block all access to the Cedar Grove subdivision several times a week, causing not only travel delays but isolating the subdivision from fire and life squad service. In addition to existing train back-ups, township residents at a public meeting expressed concerns about additional train traffic and truck traffic that might occur if an intermodal freight terminal is located in St. Clair Township. In 2007 the Butler County Port Authority completed an evaluation of the potential for such a facility in the county, and 6 of the potential 13 sites identified in the county for an intermodal freight terminal are located in St. Clair Township. The Port Authority continues to be in discussion with the railroads about an intermodal freight terminal, but has not provided the Township with much information about those discussions. Biking and Walking Biking and walking as a means of transportation may involve facilities different than those used for recreation. St. Clair Township does not have any dedicated bicycle paths. A few sidewalks are available only for short distances in areas along the township’s borders. There is a sidewalk on the south side of State Route 73 in the Township from the Edgewood school complex east to the City of Trenton where it connects with that city’s sidewalks. There is a sidewalk from the New Miami School complex on the west side of U.S. 127 going south for a short distance in the Township that connects with other sidewalks inside the Village of New Miami. There is also a sidewalk within the Sharon Park subdivision in the southern noncontiguous portion of the Township. For the future, Butler County Planning Commission regulations require sidewalks in new subdivisions. According to the planning advisory committee, some people use local roads for walking in the Township even without sidewalks. Roadways where pedestrians have been observed frequently include local streets off Trenton Road in the Williamsdale area, and West Elkton Road from the Cedar Grove subdivision going north to and south from the Village of Seven Mile, as well as U.S. 127 between Cedar Grove and Seven Mile. The Miami Conservancy District plans to construct a trail along the Great Miami River from SR 73 to Rentschler Forest, just across the Great Miami River from St. Clair Township, but this trail is primarily for recreational use. In addition, while preliminary design and environmental engineering studies have been done for this trail segment, no funding for engineering or construction has been determined.


TRANSPORTATION 8-18

Airports St. Clair Township is served by the following national airports: • Dayton International Airport in Vandalia, Ohio • Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport in Florence, Kentucky • Port Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio • Indianapolis International Airport in Indianapolis, Indiana In addition, St. Clair Township is served at the following locations (all in Ohio) by airport facilities that serve passenger and business needs through public and private operations: • Middletown Hook Field Municipal Airport • Hamilton Butler County Regional Airport • Lebanon Warren County Airport • Oxford Township Miami University Airport • Blue Ash Blue Ash Airport GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES – TRANSPORTATION Transportation Goal: Ensure that travel within and through the Township can occur safely and efficiently to meet existing and future transportation needs. Objective T1: Identify measures and time frames to address deficiencies in the transportation system in the Township, with review and updates every 5 years. Policy T1.1: By 2012, work with the Butler County Engineer’s Office and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to identify roadway improvements needed in the Township based on safety, roadway capacity, and efficient traffic flow. Policy T1.2: By 2012, rank proposed roadway improvements considering impacts on public safety, financing, cost, levels of service and efficiency. Policy T1.3: By 2012, work with the Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA) to identify existing public transit use and transit demand in the Township, and to recommend transit service improvements as appropriate. Policy T1.4: By 2012, work with the CSX and Norfolk Southern Railroads, ODOT, the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) and the Butler County Engineer’s Office to clarify problems with at-grade railroad crossings in the Township, to identify methods to address these problems, to secure funding and to establish a timeframe for addressing them. Policy T1.5: By 2012, work with the County Engineer’s Office to identify needs and opportunities for sidewalks and bicycle facilities in conjunction with transportation projects in the Township, contingent on available funding.


TRANSPORTATION 8-19

Policy T1.6: Maintain representation on the county thoroughfare planning committee for updates on a regular basis. Objective T2: Encourage planning for transportation facilities and services consistent with the township’s comprehensive plan and coordinate with the plans and programs of the County Engineer’s Office, the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana (OKI) Regional Council of Governments, and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Policy T2.1: Encourage the inclusion of projects consistent with the township’s comprehensive plan in the county thoroughfare plan, in OKI’s Long Range Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Program, and in ODOT’s Six-Year Work Plan. Policy T2.2: Promptly report to the County Engineer’s Office and ODOT any observed deficiencies and improvements needed in county and state roads so that they may be reflected in county and state work programs. Policy T2.3: Make township design standards for proposed roadways consistent with state criteria. Policy T2.4: Work with the County Engineer’s Office and the Ohio Department of Transportation to maintain the following peak hour level of service standards for collector, arterial, local and limited access facilities in the township: Limited Access Facilities “C” Principal Arterials “C’ Minor Arterials “D” Collectors “D” Local Roads “D” Objective T3: Coordinate with state, regional, and local jurisdictions and with the private sector to provide funding for transportation improvements. Policy T3.1: Annually identify funding available through OKI, ODOT, the County Engineer’s Office, and private sector transportation providers such as Norfolk Southern and CSX Railroads. Policy T3.2: Pursue funding available for transportation improvements. Policy T3.3: Annually prioritize and allocate township funding to road maintenance according to 1) impacts on public safety; 2) impacts on system efficiency and costs; and 3) impacts on maintaining acceptable levels of service.


TRANSPORTATION 8-20

Objective T4: Coordinate new development that is consistent with the township’s comprehensive plan with the provision of adequate transportation facilities, including connections to collector and arterial streets and commercial or mixed use areas. Policy T4.1: Monitor land development and traffic levels of service to identify transportation facilities and/or improvements that will be needed. Policy T4.2: Require that approval for developments needing new transportation facilities and/or improvements be contingent on the availability of adequate funding and appropriate timing to provide such facilities and/or improvements. Policy T4.3: Adopt land development regulations which meet or exceed ODOT standards to control access to arterial and collector roads by limiting new curb cuts and driveway permits. Policy T4.4: Adopt land development regulations which provide for safe and convenient on-site traffic flow, and for motorized and non-motorized parking. Policy T4.5: Adopt land development regulations that require adequate connectors and local streets to be in place or be constructed to relieve or prevent congestion on arterial roadways. Policy T4.6: Adopt land development regulations which provide for local street connections toward existing or planned streets and new commercial or mixed use projects within one-half mile of existing development. Policy T4.7: Adopt land development regulations which provide for extension of local streets to adjoining undeveloped properties and eventual connection with the existing street system. Policy T4.8: Adopt land development regulations which provide for street alignments that are sensitive to natural features, topography, and the layout of adjacent development. Policy T4.9: Adopt land development regulations which provide for public transit facilities and services, and work with county, regional and state officials to provide or improve transit services. Policy T4.10: Consider the feasibility of sidewalks and bicycle facilities construction during review of a subdivision plat.


TRANSPORTATION 8-21

Policy T4.11: Encourage the construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities that enable connectivity with existing pedestrian and bicycling facilities and with public transit service. Policy T4.12: Provide transportation facilities consistent with OKI’s “Complete Streets” policy, which enables safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and bus riders. Objective T5: Protect existing and future rights-of-way from building encroachment. Policy T5.1: Address the need to preserve or acquire existing and future rights-of-way by establishing roadway requirements in land development regulations, such as appropriate land use setbacks and required right-of-way dedications. Policy T5.2: Require dedications of necessary rights-of-way as a condition of subdivision plat approval. Policy T5.3: Work with the County Engineer’s Office to identify right-of-way needed for improvement of existing roadways and construction of new roads, and establish measures for acquisition or preservation by 2012.




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SOURCE WATER 9-2

SOURCE WATER Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to describe the wealth of water resources existing in St. Clair Township, the need for protection of drinking water sources, and efforts and approaches to manage the quality of water resources for current and future use. Source water is an important component of this comprehensive plan because of the interrelationships among land use and water quality and quantity, and because St. Clair Township’s water resources are essential to residents, farmers and businesses in the township. Source Water Protection Source water protection means protecting public drinking water sources such as streams and underground aquifers from contamination. The federal Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986 first required wellhead protection, meaning protection of ground water-based public systems, and in 1996 the Safe Drinking Water Act was amended to include surface water-based public systems and the program was renamed source water protection. This federal law addresses all public water systems, including 5600 such systems in the state of Ohio, but not private residential systems. Water Resources - Surface Water As described in the Natural Systems Chapter, St. Clair Township is rich in water resources, with the primary waterways being the Great Miami River, Four Mile Creek, and Seven Mile Creek, as shown on Map 9-1. These waterways are used for many purposes in St. Clair Township, including drainage, recreation and wastewater treatment, but they are not used in the Township for public water supply. Water Resources – Ground Water The major source of public drinking water for St. Clair Township, and for most of southwest Ohio, is a sand and gravel aquifer system that is one of the most productive aquifers in North America. The aquifer system in St. Clair Township is particularly extensive, underlying about half of the township’s land area as shown on Map 9-2, and as a sand and gravel system it is an abundant source of ground water. Ground water is water that exists below the land’s surface and fills the spaces between soils, rocks, or grains of sand. The composition of a sand and gravel aquifer allows water to infiltrate readily and to be exposed or extracted readily. Rain and melted snow infiltrating through the soil column are the main sources of ground water, and while plants in the soil absorb much of the precipitation, and the soil itself holds a small amount, the rest moves downward to the aquifer. An aquifer has to be saturated to allow water to flow to a well or stream. The top of the saturated zone is the water table. Ground Water/Surface Water Interaction and Pollution Potential In dry periods, ground water discharges to streams and rivers to keep them flowing. Streams and lakes occur where the water table is at or above the ground surface. In wet periods, when streams and lakes have higher water volumes, surface water from them helps to replenish the aquifer. Aquifers close to the land surface, like the sand and gravel aquifer in St. Clair Township, have much more interaction with surface water because of the relatively short distance from the


SOURCE WATER 9-3

surface to the aquifer, as shown in Figure 9-1. This same characteristic makes them especially vulnerable to contamination. If water moving through the soil, sand and gravel encounters any source of contamination, the water may dissolve some of it and carry it to the aquifer, and in a sand and gravel aquifer it doesn’t have far to travel. The contaminant then disperses in the ground water, and may affect it for years to come. Contaminated drinking water can cause effects that range from an unpleasant but harmless taste to serious health problems. Once contaminated, an aquifer is both difficult and expensive to clean up. (http://www.epa.state.oh.us/ddagw/pdu/swap_gwohio.html)

Flooding Floodways and floodplains in St. Clair Township, as shown in Map 9-3, generally overlay the aquifer system, with the result that floods and the pollution they carry are also an issue for drinking water sources.

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SOURCE WATER 9-7

Source Water Protection Planning The Ohio EPA is the designated state ground water quality management agency for preventing and addressing ground water quality problems. The Ohio EPA’s Division of Drinking and Ground Waters administers the Source Water Protection program, and works with local water suppliers on the first phase of source water protection, called source water assessment. Source water assessment has three components:

1) delineating the source water protection area; 2) identifying potential contaminant sources in that area; and 3) determining the susceptibility of the aquifer to contamination.

The purpose of delineating the source water protection area is to define the surface and subsurface areas that will contribute to a well or wellfield over a specified time period. Source water protection areas are often identified as Time of Travel (TOT) zones because they indicate the time it will take a water particle to move in the saturated zone to a well. A line can be drawn around the area from which ground water is expected to reach the well within a chosen time period, usually identified as a 1-year, 5-year, or 10-year TOT. It is worth noting that TOT zones refer to the movement of water particles, rather than contaminants, which can move at different rates. Several aquifer characteristics are considered in identifying TOT boundaries, including the influence of recharge from surface water and precipitation, the ability of ground water to move through the aquifer (hydraulic conductivity), and the influence of ground water production wells. (http://www.gwconsortium.org/sourcewaterprotectionprogram/SWPA.htm (http://www.orcbs.msu.edu/environ/programs_guidelines/wellhead/wh_17glossary.htm) The purpose of an inventory of potential contaminant sources is to identify them in source water protection areas so that plans for managing such sources and minimizing their impacts may be developed and implemented. Water that infiltrates to the underlying aquifer can be polluted by chemicals, nutrients, or wastes leaching from the land surface or just below the surface, such as septic systems or underground storage tanks. Improper use, handling or storage of chemicals or hazardous materials also increases the likelihood that these materials will be transported to aquifers via infiltration. ( http://www.epa.state.oh.us/ddagw/pdu/swap_guidance.html ) Determining the susceptibility of the aquifer to contamination involves examining many hydrogeological factors in the source water protection area that control ground water movement and occurrence, such as depth to the water table, net recharge, the composition of aquifer media and soil media, topography, the impact of unsaturated zone media, and the hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer. It also involves considering existing water quality and the number and type of potential pollution sources. The second phase of source water protection is developing and implementing a local drinking water source water protection plan. This phase is led by the public water system owner/operator, with assistance from groups such as local emergency responders, business owners, educators, and residents from the area. In St. Clair Township, source water protection is being undertaken by water suppliers associated with both the Hamilton to New Baltimore Ground Water Consortium and the Village of New Miami. The Hamilton to New Baltimore Consortium is comprised of seven public and industrial


SOURCE WATER 9-8

ground water producers or users in southwest Ohio. The public supplier Consortium members include the Butler County Water and Sewer Department, the Greater Cincinnati Water Works, the City of Fairfield, the City of Hamilton, and the Southwest Regional Water District (SWRWD). The industrial and private producers are the Southwestern Ohio Water Company and the Miller Coors Brewing Company. In 1991, the Consortium began working on source water protection (then called wellhead protection) and its multi-jurisdictional, multi-supplier approach was one of Ohio’s first. By 1997, all the elements of the Consortium’s source water protection program had received the full endorsement of the Ohio EPA. The Consortium’s source water protection program contains a delineation of source water protection areas, an inventory of potential pollution sources, a plan to manage potential pollution sources, contingency planning for emergencies related to water quality or quantity issues, and components for ground water monitoring and public education. From 2006 to 2008 the Village of New Miami worked with the Ohio EPA, the Hamilton to New Baltimore Ground Water Consortium, and the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) to produce a drinking water protection plan with a federal funding grant obtained by OKI. New Miami’s drinking water protection plan contains all the requisite elements and was endorsed by Ohio EPA in the spring of 2008. It delineates a source water protection area, identifies potential contaminant sources in that area, contingency planning, components for ground water monitoring and public education, and recommends a source water protection ordinance. Delineation of Time of Travel Areas Because several of the Consortium members have wells near each other, the movement of ground water in and around their wellfields is affected as water is pumped from multiple sites, and their Time of Travel zones often overlap as result. Map 9-4 shows the 1-year and 5-year Time of Travel Zones for major water users in St. Clair Township and its vicinity, including those of Consortium members SWRWD, Miller Coors Brewing, the Cities of Hamilton and Fairfield and the Village of New Miami. Most of New Miami’s 5-year TOT is in St. Clair Township. The map also shows the 10-year TOTs when available. The Consortium previously identified 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year TOTs for its source water protection areas (with the exception of a 10-year TOT for Miller Coors Brewing which was not a member of the Consortium at the time of the group’s delineations). Ohio EPA prepared 1-year and 5-year TOT delineations for New Miami and did not provide a 10-year TOT for the Village. In the years since the Consortium’s first delineation of source water protection areas, several developments have occurred which are prompting a major update of the Consortium’s delineation in 2008 and 2009, including the addition of two new Consortium members (Miller Coors Brewing Company and Butler County Water and Sewer District), additional data availability, and improved ground water modeling. New Miami’s delineation of source water protection areas was performed by Ohio EPA and is relatively recent, so no updates to it are anticipated in the near future.



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SWR Water District Time of Travel Zones

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SOURCE WATER 9-10

Inventory of Potential Pollution Sources Activities that occur on the land surface can have a negative effect on ground water unless they are well managed, and accidents and spills can still happen. That is why source water protection involves looking at sources that have the potential to pollute in addition to sources that already create some level of pollution. Because land uses change over time, sometimes previous land uses from the past can contribute to source water problems in the present, such as a site with forgotten underground storage tanks that might deteriorate and cause ground water contamination, or a former dump site. The Hamilton to New Baltimore Ground Water Consortium’s current inventory* includes over 700 potential pollution sources, of which the following 18 are in St. Clair Township: 10-Year Time of Travel Zone Potential Pollution Sources in St. Clair Township

• New Miami Gravel Pit, 151 Seven Mile Ave. (abandoned gravel pit) • Bonham Farm (herbicide, pesticide, fertilizer application) • Weber Werner graveyard • Miller Coors Brewing Company, 2525 Wayne Madison Rd. (herbicide, pesticide,

fertilizer application on farms around brewery) • Farthing Dump, 2000 Hamilton Cleves Road (open dump site)

5 – Year Time of Travel Zone Potential Pollution Sources in St. Clair Township

• Wright Way Auto Repair, 239 S. Riverside Dr. (drums of oil/new/used) • Livestock Operation, 3045 Busenbark Road (animal units) • St. Clair Township Cemetery, 2449 Jackson Road • Thermogas, 4788 Trenton Road (aboveground diesel fuel tanks) • Livestock Operation, 3161 Busenbark Road (animal units) • Livestock Operation, 3553 Wehr Road (animal units) • Private Residence, 4888 Trenton Road (aboveground diesel fuel tanks) • Private Residence, 5030 Trenton Road (aboveground diesel fuel tanks) • Private Residence, 4964 Trenton Road (aboveground diesel fuel tanks) • Private Residence, 4862 Trenton Road (aboveground diesel fuel tanks) • Edgewood Schools, 3500 Busenbark Road (aboveground diesel fuel tanks)


• Southwest Regional Water District (Herbicide and Pesticide Fertilizer Application on farms around SWRWD Wellfield)

• Miller Coors Brewing Company (Drums of hydraulic oils, lube oils, etc) *Source: Hamilton to New Baltimore Ground Water Consortium

New Miami’s inventory of potential pollution sources** completed in 2007 contains 35 sites, 21 of which are in St. Clair Township, as follows: 5 – Year Time of Travel Zone Potential Pollution Sources in St. Clair Township

• WG Stang Construction, 2403 Jacksonburg (gas pipeline and petroleum pipeline) • Wilson Garden Center and Landscaping, 2385 Jacksonburg Road (garden and landscape

supplies and center) • Texas Eastern Pipeline Company, Hamilton Eaton Road (petroleum pipeline)


SOURCE WATER 9-11

• Larry Streit Auto Repair Service, 2396 Hamilton Eaton Road (auto repair) • Airway Mobile Home Park, 2318 Hamilton Eaton Road (propane tanks) • Marathon Gas Station, 667 North Riverside Drive (leaking underground storage tank) • Airway Motors and Auto Parts, 2314 Hamilton Eaton Road (auto parts and body shop) • Giant Industries, Inc., 2226 Hamilton Eaton Road (propane tank) • Rockwell Tractor and Parts Service, 2141 Treber Road (yard with junk) • Linda Mobile Home Park, 3636 Trenton Road (propane tanks) • Al Couch’s Market, 2115 Hamilton Eaton Road (greenhouse with fertilizer stored and

sold on premises) • ETG Co., Wholesale Building Products, 2099 Hamilton Eaton Road (site contains

various building supplies) • Couch’s Campers, 2122 Hamilton Eaton Road (camper sales and storage) • Powell Topsoil and Mulch at Martin Marietta Aggregates, 4000 Trenton Road (topsoil) • Gray’s Affordable Home Center, 2041 Hamilton Eaton Road (former dump site) • Paul & Sons Trucking, 3585 Trenton Road (truck repair on site) • Thornton’s Gas Station, 664 North Riverside Drive (leaking underground storage tank) • J.R.’s Tire Service, 650 North Riverside Drive (tire storage, sales, and repair) • New Miami School, 600 Seven Mile Avenue (septic systems and motorized equipment) • Allen’s Muffler Shop, 602 North Riverside Drive (auto repair services)


• Mike’s Auto Repair, 1907 Williams Street (auto repair and parts) **Source: Village of New Miami Drinking Water Protection Plan

Developing and Implementing a Drinking Water Source Protection Plan When the Consortium has finished the re-delineation of source water protection areas for its members, its potential pollution source inventory and management plan for potential pollution sources will also need to be re-visited for any associated changes. These potential changes include possible modifications to the wellhead protection overlay ordinances that the Consortium has encouraged relevant jurisdictions such as St. Clair Township to adopt. St. Clair Township’s Wellhead Protection Program was adopted by resolution of the township trustees in 2001, and has not been revised since. The purpose of the resolution is to guard the public health, safety, and welfare of people and property in St. Clair Township through the protection of designated ground water supplies and prevention of their degradation from improper storage, use, or discharge of regulated substances in and around wellfields through their Time of Travel (TOT) zones. The program also seeks to support the economic viability of the township by balancing ground water protection with the promotion of the St. Clair Township economy. The program refers to the 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year time-of-travel (TOT) zones identified by the Consortium in the 1990s and requires the registration of facilities in these zones where regulated materials and operations could affect ground water quality. Certain economic activities are prohibited within the TOT zones, such as commercial landfills, manufacture of regulated substances, and agricultural pesticide services. Other economic activities are exempted from restrictions in these TOT areas, such as laboratory activities, truck and rail transport of regulated substances through the TOT areas, and storage of heating and diesel fuels in storage tanks.


SOURCE WATER 9-12

Other developments in addition to the Consortium’s redelineation of protection areas and updated inventory also indicate a need to revisit the St. Clair Township wellhead protection ordinance. These include the recent delineation of New Miami’s source water protection area by Ohio EPA, which indicates that most of New Miami’s 5-year TOT zone to protect its wellfield is located within St. Clair Township. The Township has a vested interest in protecting the quality of New Miami’s water source, as about 700 township residents already receive public water service from New Miami and more will be served after the Village completes planned improvements in the next two years (see the Infrastructure Chapter for more detail). The Township also has a vested interest in protecting the quality of the source water for the Miller Coors Brewing Company, which supplies a significant amount of the township’s tax base and has now joined the Hamilton to New Baltimore Ground Water Consortium. Another recent development is the completion of the Jackson Ditch Watershed Study by the Butler County Storm Water District in 2006, which demonstrates a need for the affected jurisdictions, including St. Clair Township, to adopt consistent standards for storm water management and to promote best management practices and public education. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES – SOURCE WATER Source Water Goal: Ensure that supplies of surface water and ground water in the Township remain plentiful and sufficiently clean for current and projected land uses, including drinking water, drainage, agriculture, business and industry, and recreation. Objective SW1: Consult with appropriate federal, state and local agencies to identify water quality and quantity issues in the Township and actions that can be taken to maintain and improve water quality and quantity. Policy SW1.1: Consult the U.S. EPA, the Ohio EPA, the Miami Conservancy District, the Butler Soil and Water Conservation District, the Butler County Water and Sewer Department, the Butler County Storm Water District, the Hamilton to New Baltimore Ground Water Consortium and the Village of New Miami on an annual basis to identify water quality issues and actions that can be taken to maintain and improve water quality. Policy SW1.2: Consult the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Miami Conservancy District, and area water purveyors on an annual basis to identify water quantity issues and actions that can be taken to maintain plentiful water availability. Policy SW1.3: Practice conservation of water sources in shortage emergencies in consultation with water purveyors in the township. Objective SW2: Consult with those entities whose water sources are affected by land uses and human activities in the Township about how best to protect source water supplies from


SOURCE WATER 9-13

contamination, with such consultation on an annual basis at minimum, or more frequently if warranted. Policy SW2.1 Consult with relevant major water users to identify sensitive source water areas in the Township. Policy SW2.2 Consult with relevant major water users, citizens, land owners and businesses to identify potential sources of contamination over sensitive source water areas. Policy SW2.3: Consult with relevant major water users, citizens, land owners and businesses to identify possible tools and techniques for effectively managing potential sources of contamination over sensitive source water areas. Policy SW2.4 Develop and enact effective tools and techniques for source water protection in consultation with major water users, citizens, land owners and business owners in the Township, and revisit these tools and techniques as changing circumstances warrant, such as re-delineation of source water protection areas, additional major water withdrawals, updated inventories of potential pollution sources, changing land uses, or major new developments. Policy SW2.5: Regulate land use activities that may adversely impact water resources such as floodplains, prime aquifer recharge areas and public supply wells, including industries or transportation facilities that may use or transfer hazardous materials, in consultation with major water users, citizens, land owners and business owners in the Township. Objective SW3: Consult with those government entities whose management plans for solid waste, storm water, and wastewater effluent may affect surface and ground water resources in the Township to ensure that both township and downstream impacts are minimized. PolicySW3.1 Consult with the Butler County Solid Waste District to discourage the siting of solid waste transfer stations over sensitive source water areas. Policy SW3.2 Consult with the Butler County Storm Water District, the Butler County Engineer’s Office, the Butler County Water and Sewer Department, the Butler County Department of Development and local jurisdictions upstream of the Township to encourage a consistent approach to managing storm water that will minimize impacts on the Township and areas downstream. Policy SW3.3 Consult with the Butler County Water and Sewer Department to encourage ongoing communication about plans for centralized sewage treatment, sewer extensions, and effluent limitations that will affect the Township.


SOURCE WATER 9-14

Policy SW3.4: Identify and publicize public collection points in or near St. Clair Township for recycling, disposal of household hazardous waste, and opportunities for participating in community clean ups. Policy SW3.5: Continue to promote the Butler County mobile recycling trailer schedule and locations. Policy SW3.6: Identify and pursue relevant governmental, nonprofit and private sector funding sources for pollution prevention and remediation.




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INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION 10-2

INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION Entities for Intergovernmental Coordination The purpose of this chapter is to identify other government units and agencies whose operations affect or are affected by St. Clair Township. Because no unit of government exists in a vacuum, any comprehensive planning effort or decision-making needs to identify and respond to a community’s needs for coordination with adjacent local governments, with special districts, and with county, regional and state agencies. Map 10-1 shows St. Clair Township and its vicinity as one indication of needs for intergovernmental coordination. The following list indicates entities whose operations and decisions affect St. Clair Township, so that their goals and plans may be considered as part of the township’s planning process: Adjacent Municipalities: Hamilton, New Miami, Seven Mile and Trenton Adjacent Townships: Fairfield, Hanover, Madison, Ross and Wayne Butler County Auditor Butler County Board of Commissioners Butler County Cooperative Extension Service Butler County Department of Development Butler County Economic Development Butler County Emergency Management Butler County Engineer’s Office Butler County Health Department Butler County Port Authority Butler County Sheriff Butler County Solid Waste District Butler County Storm Water District Butler County Water and Sewer Department Butler Soil and Water Conservation District Hamilton to New Baltimore Ground Water Consortium Miami Conservancy District Mutual Aid Agreements for Emergency and Fire Services Ohio Department of Transportation Ohio EPA Ohio Highway Patrol Ohio Historic Preservation Office OKI Railroads: CSX and Norfolk Southern Rockies Express Pipeline Company School Districts: Edgewood, Hamilton, New Miami and Ross Utilities: Butler County Water and Sewer Department, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., Cincinnati Bell, Duke Energy, City of Hamilton, Village of New Miami and Southwest Regional Water District The following brief descriptions summarize the focus of these other entities and their relationship with or impact on St. Clair Township, as well as any existing coordination mechanisms.


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Map 10-1: St. Clair Township and Vicinity



Adjacent Municipalities: Hamilton, New Miami, Seven Mile and Trenton The relationship of these municipalities to St. Clair Township includes mutual aid agreements, utility service and planning for and determining land uses that abut the township. These aspects will be discussed in subsequent sections grouped by relevant topic. Adjacent Townships: Fairfield, Hanover, Madison, Ross and Wayne In addition to mutual participation in the Butler County Township Trustees and Clerks Association, the relationship of these townships to St. Clair Township includes mutual aid agreements and planning for and determining land uses that abut the Township. These aspects will be discussed in subsequent sections grouped by relevant topic. Butler County Auditor The Butler County Auditor’s Office provides consumer, property transfer, and tax administration and distribution services to all jurisdictions within the Butler County area. Consumer services include licensing (such as for business, dogs, cigarette sales and real estate), personal property and real estate searches, and administration of weights and measures. This department is responsible for the administration and distribution of tax revenues; accounting for all county funds; administration of county payroll; and producing the official financial reports for county, state and federal governments.

The Conveyance and CAUV (Current Agricultural Use Value) Department is in charge of transferring all real estate that changes ownership in the county and collecting fees and taxes on this activity. They maintain all ownership records, acreage changes, real estate splits and provide information for maintaining tax plat maps. The Auditor is also in charge of administering the Current Agricultural Use Value program which allows farm land to be taxed at its value for that use. Agricultural districts and forest certification are other duties. (http://www.butlercountyauditor.org)

Butler County Board of Commissioners Butler County Commissioners hold title to all county property, serve as the sole taxing authority for the county and control county purchasing. Perhaps most importantly, they are the budget and appropriating authority for the entire county government. All agencies, courts and elected office holders depend on the commissioners for their budgets. The County Commissioners also approve funding for special projects for townships. The County Commissioners must also sign off on potential annexations of township land. Butler County Cooperative Extension Service (CES) Ohio State University Extension is the outreach arm of The Ohio State University with local offices in each of Ohio's 88 counties. The Butler County Cooperative Extension Service works at “helping people grow crops, children, and communities.” It offers diverse programming in the areas of 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, community development, and agriculture and natural resources. Extension agents provide educational and technical assistance to area farmers, families, and communities and can access the experts and information resources of OSU’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. ( http://butler.osu/edu )



Butler County Department of Development The Butler County Department of Development has three divisions: Building and Zoning; Community Development; and Planning. Building and Zoning Division The Building and Zoning division is responsible for enforcing the building code, electrical code, and zoning regulations for unincorporated areas of Butler County that do not have their own zoning administrators. Community Development Division The Community Development Division is responsible for oversight and implementation of the Entitlement Program of Butler County, with funds made available directly through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The HUD programs include the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG); Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program; and 1$ Home Program. The Community Development Division also administers a Revolving Loan Fund Program which consists of affordable financing for small businesses in Butler County. Planning Division The Planning Division is responsible for providing sound land use planning strategies for Butler County. The day-to-day tasks of this division involve a variety of activities including land use planning, subdivision regulations, zoning, floodplain regulations and airport zoning regulations. The Planning Division also serves as staff to the Butler County Planning Commission, whose responsibilities include the review and approval of subdivision plats, the preparation and adoption of long-range land use plans and recommendations on zoning maps and text changes and other development proposals. Although St. Clair Township administers its own zoning and has its own board of zoning appeals, the staff of the Butler County Planning Division generally prepares land use plans for the Township and provides technical assistance as resources permit. The Butler County Planning Commission is one of OKI’s three local project partners for preparation of this comprehensive plan, including a source water protection component; the others are the Township itself and the Hamilton to New Baltimore Ground Water Consortium. Butler County Economic Development The Butler County Department of Economic Development represents the whole county in dealings with the business community. The department’s goal is to create opportunities to grow existing businesses and to assist companies and entrepreneurs in starting or re-locating new businesses in Butler County. Services offered by the department include financial incentives such as tax credits, enterprise zones, grants and loans; information on demographics, transportation, energy and utilities, and tax rates, etc.; and small business assistance. In 2004 this department was responsible for Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) receiving a $320,000 grant for a $5.4 million expansion of their facility in St. Clair Township. The project created 22 new jobs and retained 187 existing jobs with a total of $6.3 million in payroll. The Ohio Department of Development also committed $80,000 in Section 412 Grant funding for a



total of $400,000 incentives for ADS to remain and expand in St. Clair Township. One of the pages on the website of the Butler County Economic Development Department provides a wealth of information about the County’s abundant water resources, and notes that these resources have served as a draw for businesses such as the Miller Coors Brewing Company in St. Clair Township. (www.butlercounty.biz/Abundant_Water_Resources_Butler_County_Ohio.htm) Butler County Emergency Management The Butler County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) provides services to all local jurisdictions by signed agreements. These services are within four categories: mitigation of hazards; preparedness for emergencies; disaster response; and recovery from disasters and emergencies. Butler County EMA’s mitigation services are provided for homeowners and businesses and involve countywide hazard mitigation planning and dealing with the national flood insurance program. Their preparedness work includes preparing communities and families for emergencies and dealing with homeland security. Their response work includes disaster hotlines, dealing with utilities, and seasonal severe weather awareness. Their recovery work includes helping to coordinate various state and federal assistance programs following such events as flooding, pandemics, and evacuations. The Butler County EMA provides administrative support for the county-wide Hazardous Materials Response Cooperative’s Board of Directors, which come from the entities that make up the cooperative. The Butler County Hazardous Materials Response Cooperative (BCHMRC) was established in 1991 when it was determined that it would be too expensive for each city, township, or village to equip and train their own HazMat teams. The BCHMRC is a joint effort among the county government, all city, village, and township governments within Butler County, all fire departments within Butler County, and the Butler County Emergency Management Agency. The County Commissioners provide funding for specialized training in hazardous materials, administrative costs, and biannual physicals of team members. The fire departments of Hamilton, Middletown, and West Chester provide technician level responders, response equipment, and basic operating costs for their team. Each fire department in the county provides personnel trained to an operations level to assist the HazMat Teams. ( http://www.butlercountyohio.org/ema/ ) The Butler County EMA also receives help from the Ohio Emergency Management Association, such as technical assistance, training, administration of federal grants, and back-up. When an emergency exceeds the capacity of local government, they request the assistance of the state through the Ohio EMA. If an emergency response exceeds the capacity of the Ohio EMA, aid is requested from the president through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Butler County Engineer’s Office (BCEO) The mission of the Butler County Engineer's Office is to design, build and maintain an efficient roadway network for the citizens of the county. The county system maintained by the BCEO currently includes 267 miles of roadway, 393 bridges, and 1,028 culverts. The BCEO covers all facets of road and highway transportation, tax mapping, and commercial and subdivision development services. The BCEO works to ensure motorist safety and provide a transportation system that will serve citizens and businesses in the county. ( www.bceo.org )



As noted in the Transportation element of this plan, the County Engineer prepares a thoroughfare plan that identifies priority projects. The most recent Butler County Thoroughfare Plan adopted in 2007 includes several projects that would affect St. Clair Township, the most immediate of which is a replacement for the Woodsdale Bridge over the Great Miami River. Ground was broken for the Liberty Fairfield Bridge on February 29, 2008. Other projects relevant to St. Clair Township are slated for periods of 0-5 years, 5-10 years, and 10-20 years. If a township identifies a need for road improvements, township government needs to work with the BCEO to be considered for funding, whether local, state, or federal. Butler County Health Department The Butler County Health Department works to protect public health and the environment throughout the county by providing inspections of sanitary and nuisance conditions, education, data collection and administering programs such as testing of privately-owned wells when contamination is suspected. In addition, the approval of the county health department is needed when a residence or business wants to install an onsite wastewater treatment system in areas where centralized sewage treatment is not available. Butler County Port Authority The mission of the Port Authority is to enhance and support economic development opportunities for large-scale projects in the county. The Port Authority works as a finance entity for big projects such as the Middletown Regional Hospital. If a local government wants to finance a project for economic development, the Port Authority can put together the financial structure to oversee a project. At this time, the Butler County Port Authority does not have a written agreement with St. Clair Township for any projects. The Port Authority, however, has evaluated the potential for a new intermodal rail facility in Butler County, and six of the 13 potential sites identified are in St. Clair Township. The Port Authority continues to be in discussion with the railroads about such a facility, but has not provided the township with much information about those discussions. Butler County Sheriff’s Department. The Sheriff’s department provides public safety services to all unincorporated areas as stipulated in the Ohio Revised Code. Additional officers are provided to areas such as Liberty Township who contract with the Sheriff’s department on an annual basis. Currently the Sheriff’s Department does not provide additional officers to St. Clair Township and there are no formal agreements for services. There is periodic patrolling and all police emergency calls are handled by the county sheriff’s department. Butler County Solid Waste District BCDES's Solid Waste Management District is responsible for making recycling and waste reduction options available to all Butler County residents. Butler County Storm Water District St. Clair Township is part of the Butler County Storm Water District, whose primary mission is to safeguard public health and protect the environment through management of storm water run-off under the federal “Phase II” program. The County’s Storm Water District was formed after



the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) adopted “Phase II” regulations in 1999 requiring many cities, villages and townships within U.S. Census Bureau “Urban Areas” to reduce the impacts of storm water run-off on water quality. Beginning in January 2004, each residence has been charged a twice-yearly flat fee of $6.50 for the development of the Butler County Storm Water District. Businesses are charged based on square footage of impervious surfaces. The revenue generated from the storm water fee is used to monitor the water quality of local waterways; to identify types of pollutants; to identify and eliminate improper connections that illegally dump waste directly into rivers and streams; to identify and eliminate illicit discharges into rivers and streams; to help with projects to reduce pollution; and to meet federal and state water quality regulations. From 2005 to 2006, the Butler County Storm Water District studied drainage and flooding issues associated with the Jackson Ditch, a largely man-made channel constructed for drainage of farmlands in Butler County’s Wayne, Madison, and St. Clair Townships. The Jackson Ditch watershed study arrived at a set of recommendations that advocate best management practices as the most cost-effective and practical way of dealing with water quality in the area. These practices include developing grassy swales, infiltration trenches, and bio-retention basins, with the ultimate goals of reducing impervious surfaces, maximizing green spaces, encouraging onsite filtration, and continuing effective planning. Based on study findings, the County Storm Water District plans to encourage consistent storm water management in all the jurisdictions within the Jackson Ditch Watershed, including St. Clair Township. Butler County Water and Sewer Department The Butler County Water and Sewer Department offers water and wastewater service to over 100,000 people in West Chester, Lemon, Liberty, Fairfield, Hanover and Ross Townships, the City of Monroe and the Village of New Miami. As described in the Infrastructure element, the County plans to extend sewer lines northeast from the New Miami sewage treatment plant along Trenton Road in St. Clair Township to serve the Williamsdale/Overpeck area, and along Route 127 in St. Clair Township, ultimately as far north as the Village of Seven Mile. About 18 miles of sewer line would be added, primarily gravity sewers with one pumping station anticipated. The timing of constructing the proposed sewer extension into St. Clair Township is related to financing. To date some federal funds have been made available to the Butler County Water and Sewer Department for the project but additional funds are needed. Butler Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) The Butler SWCD is a subdivision of the state of Ohio, and is assisted by the Butler County Commissioners, the Ohio Soil & Water Conservation Commission, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources through the Division of Soil and Water Conservation. Technical assistance for conservation practices is provided without charge by the Butler SWCD through the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Conservation Service (NRCS) personnel. The SWCD works to reduce soil erosion loss, improve water quality, increase public awareness about conserving natural resources, promote woodland and wildlife management, and conduct strong informational and educational programs. It serves as a resource for both landowners and schools throughout the county, including St. Clair Township. (www.butlerswcd.org/ )



The Butler SWCD completed changes to Soil and Water Management Standards that went into effect on April 12th, 2007 and apply county-wide, including in St. Clair Township. This document brings Butler County’s erosion and sedimentation control standards up-to-date with federal and state requirements and works to protect natural resources during all phases of development. These regulations are intended to keep downstream flooding, erosion, and sedimentation at existing levels, and to avoid damage to receiving streams and drainage systems. Additional aspects of the regulations pertain to performance standards, storm water pollution prevention requirements, and compliance responsibility, as well as wetlands, slope, soils, channel protections, and stabilization of waterways. Any development in the county, including in St. Clair Township, is subject to these standards. Hamilton to New Baltimore Ground Water Consortium The Hamilton to New Baltimore Consortium works to protect valuable ground water resources that are the primary source of drinking water in southwest Ohio. The Consortium is comprised of seven public and industrial ground water producers or users in southwest Ohio. The public supplier Consortium members include the Butler County Water and Sewer Department, the Greater Cincinnati Water Works, the City of Fairfield, the City of Hamilton, and the Southwest Regional Water District. The industrial and private producers are the Southwestern Ohio Water Company and the Miller Coors Brewing Company. In 1991, the Consortium began working on source water protection (then called wellhead protection) and its multi-jurisdictional, multi-supplier approach was one of Ohio’s first. By 1997, all the elements of the Consortium’s source water protection program had received the full endorsement of the Ohio EPA. The Consortium’s source water protection program contains a delineation of source water protection areas, an inventory of potential pollution sources, a plan to manage potential pollution sources, contingency planning for emergencies related to water quality or quantity issues, and components for ground water monitoring and public education. The Consortium’s program to protect source water is implemented through local zoning ordinances in the jurisdictions that lie over the aquifer, including St. Clair Township, and the township zoning administrator relies on the staff of the Consortium for technical assistance in administering the ordinance. In the years since the Consortium’s first delineation of source water protection areas, several developments have occurred which are prompting a major update of the Consortium’s delineation in 2008 and 2009, including the addition of two new Consortium members (Miller Coors Brewing Company and Butler County Water and Sewer Department), additional data availability, and improved ground water modeling. When the Consortium has finished its re-delineation of source water protection areas for its members, its potential pollution source inventory and management plan for potential pollution sources will also need to be re-visited for any associated changes. These potential changes include possible modifications to the wellhead protection overlay ordinances that the Consortium has encouraged relevant jurisdictions such as St. Clair Township to adopt. St. Clair Township’s Wellhead Protection Program was adopted by resolution of the township trustees in 2001, and has not been revised since.



The purpose of the resolution is to guard the public health, safety, and welfare of people and property in St. Clair Township through the protection of designated ground water supplies and prevention of their degradation from improper storage, use, or discharge of regulated substances in and around wellfields through their Time of Travel (TOT) zones. The program also seeks to support the economic viability of the Township by balancing ground water protection with the promotion of the St. Clair Township economy. Revisiting the St. Clair Township wellhead protection ordinance will also be needed for reasons other than the Consortium’s re-delineation of source water protection areas. Ohio EPA has recently delineated New Miami’s source water protection area, and the most significant portion of this area is located within St. Clair Township. The Township has a vested interest in protecting the quality of New Miami’s water source, as about 700 township residents already receive public water service from New Miami and more will be served after the Village completes planned improvements in the next two years (see the Infrastructure Chapter for more detail). The Township also has a vested interest in protecting the quality of the source water for the Miller Coors Brewing Company, which supplies a significant amount of the township’s tax base and has recently joined the Hamilton to New Baltimore Ground Water Consortium. The Consortium is one of OKI’s three local project partners for preparation of this comprehensive plan for St. Clair Township that includes a source water protection component; the others are the Township itself and the Butler County Planning Commission. Miami Conservancy District The Miami Conservancy District (MCD) protects communities in the Great Miami River Basin from flooding, preserves the quality and quantity of water, and promotes the enjoyment of waterways. The core mission of MCD is flood control, but MCD also works to preserve water quality through monitoring, testing, and education. MCD promotes recreation along rivers and streams in the Great Miami Basin, and owns or maintains 30 miles of recreation trails for biking, skating, and walking. Since the mid-1990’s MCD has worked through an Aquifer Preservation Program to protect both the quantity and quality of water in the Great Miami Aquifer System, which supplies drinking water to most of southwest Ohio. MCD assists local communities with monitoring data and source water protection, conducts ground water investigations for various technical issues, and has provided funding to support preparation of St. Clair Township’s Comprehensive Plan with the inclusion of a source water protection element. Mutual Aid Agreements for Emergency and Fire Services St. Clair Township Fire Department and Emergency Management Services both maintain a county-wide mutual aid agreement. The Township Trustees have a contractual agreement with the Village of New Miami to provide life squad services. Both the Fire Department and the EMS will respond to any jurisdiction in the state if called upon and they maintain a statewide mutual agreement as a part of the Ohio Emergency Management Administrations strategic plan.



Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) ODOT’s mission is to seamlessly link Ohio’s highways, railways, transit, aviation and port facilities, and to promote a world-class, integrated multi-modal transportation system that is efficient, cost-effective and reliable. ODOT is also a major source of state and federal pass-through funding for local governments to make transportation system improvements. ODOT works with OKI to plan major transportation improvements in southwest Ohio and serves as a resource for local governments on planning and funding issues. The ODOT Program Resource Guide is a "one-stop shopping" document with information on accessing departmental funding programs and resources, which can be found on ODOT’s website. (www.dot.state.oh.us/programresource) Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) Ohio EPA’s mission is to protect the environment and public health by ensuring compliance with environmental laws and demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship. Ohio EPA’s responsibilities include air pollution control, oversight of streams, lakes, ground water, and drinking water; emergency and remedial response; environmental financial assistance; hazardous waste management; solid and infectious waste management; federal facilities oversight; environmental education; and pollution prevention. Because of its broad mandates, the Ohio EPA has many reasons to be involved with environmental compliance and technical assistance at the local level, which is carried out primarily through five district offices. The district office closest to St. Clair Township is in Dayton and serves 16 counties in Southwest Ohio, including Butler County. Conversely, township officials are expected to contact Ohio EPA when they believe that the health of the environment and the public are being compromised by activities in the Township. ( http://www.epa.state.oh.us/ ) Ohio Highway Patrol The Ohio Highway Patrol provides statewide police traffic services; statewide emergency response services and support services to the public and the criminal justice community (such as administering exams for state drivers licenses and commercial drivers licenses); investigation of criminal activities on state-owned and leased property throughout Ohio; and traffic accident investigation on state highways. In addition, mutual agreements are in place with all Ohio jurisdictions for Amber Alerts and the Law Enforcement Automated Database System. (http://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/) Ohio Historic Preservation Office The Ohio Historic Preservation Office’s mission is “to interpret, preserve, collect, and make available evidence of the past, and to provide leadership on furthering knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the prehistory and history of Ohio and of the broader cultural and natural environments of which Ohio is a part.” The Office provides archives and education services to the citizens of Ohio, and maintains the Ohio Historical Center in Columbus. Its role with local governments such as a township is primarily as an information resource to aid in the preservation of historical sites and structures. ( http://www.ohiohistory.org/resource/histpres/ )



Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) St. Clair Township is part of the eight-county Cincinnati metropolitan area for which OKI coordinates planning and spending for most federally-funded transportation projects. (OKI’s planning area is comprised of Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana.) For a transportation project anywhere in this planning area to be eligible for federal funds, it must be recommended in the OKI long-range Regional Transportation Plan. Projects that are committed for implementation (meaning that funding is allocated) are listed in OKI’s short-range Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). As described in the Transportation Element of this plan, OKI’s most recent TIPs contain two recommendations that apply to St. Clair Township. The first is to replace the Woodsdale Bridge over the Great Miami River between St. Clair Township, Fairfield Township, and Liberty Township and to add two lanes to it. This project is underway following a groundbreaking on February 29, 2008. The second OKI recommendation is to construct an extension of State Route 63 from U.S. 127 in St. Clair Township eastward to existing State Route 63 at State Route 4. This recommendation is still pending because of funding limitations. If a township identifies a significant need for road improvements, the township government needs to work with the Butler County Engineer’s Office and with OKI to be considered for federal transportation funding. In addition, OKI provides land use guidance and water quality planning and technical assistance to member jurisdictions as funding is available. For example, preparation of this comprehensive plan is being led by OKI with funding from the Miami Conservancy District and in-kind services from local project partners, including St. Clair Township, the Butler County Planning Commission, and the Hamilton to New Baltimore Ground Water Consortium. Representation of township issues to OKI occurs through OKI’s Board of Directors, which provides a seat for the Butler County Engineer and for a representative of the Butler County Association of Township Trustees and Clerks, for example. Railroads: CSX and Norfolk Southern Rail freight service is provided in St. Clair Township by both Norfolk Southern and the CSX Corporation. The CSX main line extends through most of St. Clair Township from the south to the northeast. It provides connections to Cincinnati, Dayton, and the national CSX rail system. In addition, spur lines serve the Miller Coors Brewing Company in the northeast part of the township, and CSX switchyards extend southeast of the railroad between the tracks and the Great Miami River, and north from Augspurger Road to Jackson Road at Overpeck. Norfolk Southern Railroad joins the CSX Railroad in the Village of New Miami between Park and Union Streets. This shared track just south of the township means that back-ups of Norfolk Southern trains into the township are frequent because CSX owns the track and has precedence of use. These train back-ups completely block all access to the Cedar Grove subdivision several times a week, causing travel delays and isolating the subdivision from fire and life squad service. All 17 railroad crossings in St. Clair Township are at-grade, which presents safety hazards and can create significant delays for motorists who must wait for passing trains.



St. Clair Township officials have attempted several times to communicate with the railroads about problems associated with train back-ups and at-grade crossings without much response. Township officials are also concerned about a potential intermodal freight facility being sited in St. Clair Township to transfer freight from rail to truck and truck to rail, as six of the thirteen potential sites identified to date in Butler County are in St. Clair Township. Rockies Express Pipeline Company The Rockies Express Pipeline LLC (REX) plans to construct a 42-inch natural gas pipeline under land passing through Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, including St. Clair Township. The Butler County SWCD and the Ohio State University Extension Office have worked to create an Agricultural Impact Mitigation Plan, which contains standards and policies to help preserve the integrity of agricultural land affected by the pipeline construction. These standards and policies cover information such as pipeline depth, soil removal and replacement, removal of construction debris, prevention of soil erosion, damages to private property, temporary roads, and others. A packet of information about the pipeline and its effects in the Butler County area has also been created for local landowners. School Districts: Edgewood, Hamilton, New Miami , and Ross Three public school districts serve St. Clair Township. These include Edgewood City School District, New Miami Local School District and Ross Local School District. The Edgewood School District serves the northern half of the Township. The New Miami School District serves the majority of the southern portion of St. Clair Township. Ross Local School District serves the southernmost isolated portion of the Township. Only two school sites are located inside the township, including Edgewood Middle School and New Miami Schools. Communication between the school districts and township officials occurs on an informal basis, and often deals with the school sites located inside the Township. Utilities Butler County Water and Sewer Department See previous description on page 10-7. Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. The Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. provides electricity and related services to more than 10,500 members in parts of Butler, Preble, Hamilton, and Montgomery counties. The service area of the Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is divided into nine districts, each represented by a democratically elected trustee. St Clair Township is in District Seven with Hanover Township.

The Cooperative supports various projects and needs of the communities it serves in addition to providing electricity. The St. Clair Township Fire Department received funds from the Cooperative in 2007 to purchase three new pagers.

Cincinnati Bell In Butler County, most telephone service is provided by Cincinnati Bell, except for Middletown, served primarily by Ameritech, and Oxford, served primarily by Verizon. Cincinnati Bell provides full service and integrated communications (including advanced voice, data, Internet,



wireless and directory services) to St. Clair Township businesses and customers. St. Clair Township is served only by Cincinnati Bell and does not have agreements from other providers with the exception of wireless services. Duke Energy Duke Energy maintains a working relationship with the St. Clair Township Fire Department for emergency response where gas or electricity is a factor. Duke Energy owns and operates regulated (franchised) and unregulated (wholesale) power plants in North America and Latin America. In Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, Duke Energy’s regulated facilities serve approximately 1.6 million customers with a generating capability of approximately 8,100 megawatts of electricity. The company has a diverse mix of generation resources, including nuclear, coal-fired, oil-fired, natural gas-fired and hydroelectric power plants.

In North America, Duke Energy generates and sells wholesale electricity to utilities, cooperatives, municipalities and other large energy users to support electric reliability—especially during times of high demand. The system has a generating capability of approximately 9,000 megawatts and features some of the most technologically advanced natural gas-fired facilities. Duke Energy serves about 500,000 gas customers in a 25,000-square-mile service territory. (http://www.butlercounty.biz/Utilities.htm#ELECTRIC:)

City of Hamilton Only the Sharon Park area in the southernmost part of St. Clair Township currently has sanitary sewers, which are operated by the City of Hamilton and serve about 225 households or about 630 people. Sewage from Sharon Park is treated at Hamilton’s wastewater treatment plant on River Road, which has an average daily flow of 17.5 million gallons per day (MGD) and is designed to handle 32 MGD. City of Hamilton staff indicates that there are no plans to expand the City’s sewer service further into the township. The City of Hamilton also provides water service to these 225 households in the Sharon Park subdivision. The Sharon Park area of the township is served primarily through Hamilton’s South Water Treatment Plant, which pumps an average of 20.9 MGD and has a production capacity of 40 MGD, with some back-up from Hamilton’s North Water Treatment Plant (during peak demand), which pumps an average of 1.5 MGD and has a production capacity of 6 MGD. According to City of Hamilton staff, the City has no plans to extend its water service in St. Clair Township. The City of Hamilton also has hydroelectric, gas and coal generating facilities that supply all of the City's internal requirements for electric power. In fact, the City owns the largest municipal electric plant in the state of Ohio. Historically, Hamilton has had 30% reserves to meet the summer peak electrical demand. Fifty percent of the energy supplied by the system is generated by the largest environmentally friendly hydroelectric plant on the Ohio River. Hamilton’s customer-owned services include natural gas, electricity, water and wastewater. Currently the Hamilton Electric Department does not provide electricity to St. Clair Township. Hamilton will provide services to a consumer or consumers if a letter of request is written expressing interest to the Director of the department.



Village of New Miami The Village of New Miami provides drinking water to about 220 households in the unincorporated Williamsdale Community of St. Clair Township. The New Miami Water Treatment Plant pumps an average of 220,000 GPD and has a production capacity of 700,000 GPD, sufficient to serve an additional 6,000 customers. Two projects are planned for 2009 which will increase the availability of New Miami water service in St. Clair Township. First, the Village plans to extend a water main along U.S. 127 about 5,000 feet north, from Hamilton-Trenton Road to a point just south of Morganthaler Road. Second, the Village plans to extend a water main along Augspurger Road to serve six houses, two businesses, and a proposed industrial park on New Miami’s east side. Farther into the future, the Village would like to place a water main along Jackson Road to serve township residents in the Overpeck community. While no specific timetable has been established for the Jackson Road water main, by the end of 2009 the New Miami Water Department plans to complete an emergency connection with the Southwest Regional Water District on Jackson Road, just north of Augspurger Road. Southwest Regional Water District The Southwest Regional Water District (SWRWD) serves a large area in St. Clair Township through its north and south water plants. SWRWD’s North Water Plant on Morganthaler Road in the northeast portion of the township serves 290 St. Clair Township households or about 928 people. SWRWD’s South plant on Nugent Road serves 45 St. Clair Township households or about 144 people. Both SWRWD plants have significant excess capacity: the north plant pumps an average of 2.3 MGD and has a production capacity of 6 MGD, and the south plant pumps an average of 2.2 MGD and has a production capacity of 3.5 MGD. SWRWD staff indicated that the district does not have specific expansion plans at this time for St. Clair Township, other than responding to requests for tap-ins to existing water lines. Land Use Planning for Adjacent Jurisdictions Land use planning has been conducted for a number of the jurisdictions surrounding St. Clair Township by the Planning Division of the Butler County Department of Development. The County has created a plan identifying goals, objectives, and strategies for future land use development in its townships. The plan includes descriptions of each township, an existing land use map, a future land use map, and a series of implementation guidelines. Existing land use conditions and proposed land use conditions are outlined in the following summaries when available. Fairfield Township Proposed Conditions: Proposed future land uses for Fairfield Township are mainly suburban residential uses, with industrial and planned business uses located in the southernmost part of the Township and along State Routes 4 and 129. At the northern border shared with St. Clair Township, proposed land uses in Fairfield Township are agricultural and public/private recreation uses, with low-density residential and planned business uses in the far northeast part of the Township.



Hanover Township Proposed Conditions: Hanover Township is proposed largely for agricultural and agricultural estate land uses in the central, northern, and western areas of the Township. In the southeast, and along Millville Oxford Road toward McGonigle, proposed land uses are mainly suburban and low-density residential. Outlying the denser proposed residential areas are rural estate residential uses. General business uses are concentrated only in McGonigle and toward Millville. Future uses along the border that Hanover Township shares with St. Clair Township are proposed as agricultural and public/private recreation uses, with small amounts of agricultural estate and low-density residential uses at the southern end of the border. Ross Township Proposed Conditions: Proposed future land uses for Ross Township are largely agricultural and low-density residential, with general business, public, and gravel extraction uses concentrated in the southeast corner of the Township. A north-south greenbelt for public/private recreational uses would divide the Township nearly in half. Along the small border with St. Clair Township, proposed land uses are predominantly agricultural with low-density residential uses lining Smith Road and Route 128. Madison Township Existing Conditions: Madison Township’s land area is equally divided between residential and agricultural uses. The Township has more land area devoted to “Public and Private Parks and Recreation” uses than most other townships in Butler County because two Butler County Metro Parks and two golf courses are located there. Most housing in the Township was built in the 1960s and 1970s. Madison Township averaged 38 new home building permits per year during the last ten years. Housing units are generally located along the township roads on five-to-ten-acre tracts or as residential subdivisions. Proposed Conditions: The committee that produced the township’s future land use plan stated that while the Township is a bedroom community, some new business development should take place to provide employment opportunities. The committee was also concerned about annexation issues. There was a desire to begin to look toward providing sanitary sewer service to the Township if it could be done economically. The Township has large land areas zoned for industrial development which are currently vacant. The planning committee did not wish to support new areas for industrial development, but wanted already-zoned industrial property to be better used for that purpose. The Township has two older business and residential mixed-use areas, one known as Poasttown (at the intersection of Route 4 and Trenton-Franklin Road), and the other known as West Middletown (at the intersection S. R. 122 and Trenton-Franklin Road). The planning committee expressed a desire for a more detailed neighborhood planning effort in these areas because of their unique character. Both areas would seem to benefit from redevelopment efforts, including improved infrastructure and housing and business retention and expansion.



Wayne Township Existing Conditions: More than 75% of Wayne Township’s land area is used for agricultural purposes. Most residential uses are single-family homes on large estate-type lots generally five acres in size or larger. Most lots are split off from farms along township roads. A small amount of business development and a few areas of more dense residential development are found in and around the Village of Jacksonburg and the Village of Seven Mile. According to the U.S. Census, the township’s housing stock had a growth spurt in the 1970s. More than 30% of the township’s housing stock was built in the 1940s or earlier. The Township has averaged approximately 30 new home building permits per year during the last ten years. Proposed Conditions: Several land development concerns were raised by the township planning committee. The committee was concerned about the loss of farmland in the Township and the fact that new home construction was taking place along the road frontage of the Township and landlocking parcels to the rear of these lots. Usually, the landlocked parcels are too small to farm successfully from a financial standpoint. The committee was interested in promoting ways to use the land more efficiently so that farming and residential development could coexist. The committee also discussed the proposed extension of State Route 63. The extension project would take State Route 63 from its terminus at Route 4 in the City of Monroe across central Butler County and intersect with U. S. 127 in St. Clair Township. Due to the preliminary nature of the road project the committee stated it might want to re-visit its proposed land use plan as it relates to the highway at a later date. The committee also discussed business development in the Township. The committee addressed the long-range prospect for retail and commercial development in the southeastern corner of the township, along the border with St. Clair Township. Suburban residential development is also recommended in this vicinity of the township border if it is provided with public sanitary sewer service. An area of planned residential development is proposed east of Wayne’s Trace Road in northern Wayne Township. This area is characterized by heavily wooded rolling terrain. Village of New Miami Because no record of existing or proposed land uses for the Village of New Miami has been identified, zoning maps are the next logical source of information to gather how the Village currently uses land, and how it may develop its land in the future. Existing Conditions: The Building and Zoning Division of the Butler County Department of Development enforces zoning within the Village of New Miami. A majority of the Village’s land is zoned for single-family residential use. Parcels bordering the Great Miami River are zoned industrial, while parcels in the far northeast and northwest bordering St. Clair Township are zoned as natural resources districts. Parcels along State Route 127 are primarily zoned for office, business, and industrial uses. Village of Seven Mile Existing Conditions: To the south, the Village of Seven Mile is strongly suburban residential in character, with several small general business and public uses gathered around the intersection of



Taylor School Road and State Route 127 near the border with St. Clair Township. To the north, large tracts of land are used for agricultural purposes. Agricultural uses make up nearly half of the Village’s existing land uses. Proposed Conditions: Proposed land uses for the Village include a significant growth in suburban residential and rural estate residential uses to the north and east. Home occupation and general business uses are expected to be amplified in the traditional center of the Village, particularly along State Route 127. City of Trenton In 2005, the City of Trenton prepared a Comprehensive Plan covering changes through the year 2025. Existing and proposed land use conditions have been drawn from this plan. Existing Conditions: The City of Trenton lies at the northeast border of St. Clair Township. Trenton is a 3.3 square mile incorporated area that has seen significant growth for more than a decade. Annual population growth since 2000 has been 4% and above. Land annexations of 565.2 acres between 1995 and 2005 are partially responsible for this growth, and annexed land represents nearly one quarter of the city’s current area. Around half of Trenton is developed for residential uses, mainly as single-family housing. Residential building permits tend to be issued along the edges of the community, although some residential development also took place toward the city center from 1999-2001. From 1997 to 2003, 97% of residential building permits were for single-family housing, while only 3% were for apartment units. Around 10% of the City’s land is developed for public use, including parks, utilities, schools, and similar uses. Another ten percent is developed for commercial uses, and two percent for industrial uses. Roughly one third of the City consists of undeveloped agricultural and vacant uses. Several large and significant vacant parcels are located on the border of Trenton and St. Clair Township, or are within close proximity to the border. Proposed Conditions: Projected growth for Trenton through 2025 is moderate. Given the City’s small size and other restraints, the greatest flexibility for future land uses is expected to come from non-traditional mixed uses. The committee that guided the City’s future land use plan expressed an interest in a town square, or public spaces such as community greens. It was the committee’s wish that new residential and commercial development in the City creates walkable neighborhood environments with public focal points. The land area needed to accommodate Trenton’s projected population in 2025 (3,344 acres) represents a 124% increase over the developed acreage when the City’s comprehensive plan was created in 2004-2005 (1,489 acres). The largest amount of this additional necessary acreage will come from the demand for single-family housing. Additionally, as a result of its growth rate, Trenton has a current need to expand its branch of the Middletown Library, and to build a community center/senior center with an indoor public swimming pool and/or fitness-related facility. Such public facilities should be easily accessible to city residents. The City’s comprehensive plan states that an adequate supply of suitable undeveloped land is available in



and adjacent to Trenton for accommodating the needs of the projected population. Future land uses for Trenton’s parcels bordering St. Clair Township are primarily low-density residential and industrial. City of Hamilton Between 2000 and 2001, the City of Hamilton prepared a comprehensive plan titled “Vision 2020: Smart Growth Sustainable Hamilton!” Existing and proposed land use conditions have been drawn from this plan. Existing Conditions: Existing land use within the City of Hamilton reflects a mixture of uses typical in an urban community. Single-family residential development is the dominant use in the city and is supplemented with some multi-family development, commercial and industrial uses, and a variety of public uses. There are two distinct areas of residential development in the City: the older central core, and newer subdivisions in the outlying areas of the City. Almost all new single-family residential development has occurred west of the Great Miami River in the northern and western portions of the City. New multi-family residential units, including 2-4 family units, apartments, and condominiums, have typically followed single-family development in the northern and western portions of the City. Commercial and retail development outside downtown Hamilton has generally followed the development of new subdivisions. Newer community shopping centers and suburban office locations have turned the western part of Hamilton into the new major retail center of the City, especially along Washington Boulevard and Brookwood Avenue at State Route 177. Large vacant parcels remain in the northern and western portions of the City near the St. Clair Township border, with additional smaller in-fill parcels scattered throughout. Agricultural production and farmsteads dominate the City’s perimeter and surrounding areas. A series of annexations has expanded the corporate limits of the City of Hamilton over the past several decades. The majority of expansion has been to the north and west of the Great Miami River, although more recent annexations have extended the city’s boundaries to the southeast. Proposed Conditions: The City’s highest population growth rates are expected to continue to be west of the Great Miami River, but future land uses are designed to control growth and limit sprawl throughout the City. The future land use plan advocates walkable mixed use districts, medium- and high-density residential areas, and more orderly growth. Several proposed “Village Clusters” featuring medium-to-high-density housing integrated with retail, service, and office uses are recommended for locations within the City of Hamilton and also in annexable areas outside the City borders. Two of these proposed Village Clusters are located within the current borders of St. Clair Township. The first proposed Village Cluster location is along Route 128 south of Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. Annexation would open approximately 200 acres available for high-density, mixed use development and parks/recreation uses extending south to the new corporation boundary. The second proposed Village Cluster location is north of the current corporation boundary and near



and slightly north of Beissinger Road. This area is recommended for annexation and planned for medium-to- high-density mixed uses near the intersection of Eaton and Beissinger Roads in St. Clair Township. Total development for the site would be approximately 200 acres. Additional sites in St. Clair Township being proposed for annexation by the City of Hamilton include the area north of existing corporation boundaries and south of Beissinger Road. This area is recommended for 300-500 acres of low-and-medium-density mixed uses with a residential focus. Approximately 131 acres north of Beissinger Road and bisected by Eaton Road are also planned for mixed uses with a residential focus. A final proposed annexation is located between the Great Miami River and the canal, and south of New Miami. The site is recommended as a potential light industrial/business park setting to strengthen the city’s tax base. Proposed land uses along the main border between the City of Hamilton and St. Clair Township are predominantly low- to medium-density residential, with some mixed uses also allocated. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES - INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION Intergovernmental Goal: Coordinate with adjacent local governments, with special districts, and with county, regional and state agencies on issues that cross local boundaries to avoid conflicts and enable mutual benefits whenever possible. Objective IG1: Identify intergovernmental issues associated with natural systems and work with the appropriate local, regional and state agencies to address them. Policy IG1.1: Support multi-jurisdictional efforts to protect and improve water quality, including water quality monitoring conducted by the Hamilton to New Baltimore Ground Water Consortium, the Miami Conservancy District and the Ohio EPA; agricultural conservation planning through the Soil and Water Conservation District; the acquisition of natural and conservation easements in the Seven Mile Creek and Four Mile Creek watersheds by the Three Valley Conservation Trust; and the development of “Total Maximum Daily Loads” (TMDLs) of pollutants for impaired streams such as Four Mile Creek and the Great Miami River by the Ohio EPA. Policy IG1.2: Support efforts to assess the quality and quantity of ground water in the Great Miami aquifer system by such organizations as the Miami Conservancy District, Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Geological Survey, and consider the implications of such assessments for intergovernmental coordination. Policy IG1.3: Support multi-jurisdictional efforts to prevent or mitigate negative impacts on the Great Miami aquifer system from land uses such as mineral extraction or waste disposal and from industrial or commercial activities involving hazardous materials.



Objective IG2: Identify intergovernmental issues associated with source water protection and management and work with the appropriate local, regional, and state organizations to address them. Policy IG2.1: Participate in the development and updating of source water management plans for water purveyors and major water users affected by human activities and land uses in the township, such as the Village of New Miami and the Hamilton to New Baltimore Ground Water Consortium, which includes the Southwest Regional Water District, the City of Hamilton, and the Miller Coors Brewing Company as members. Objective IG3: Identify intergovernmental issues associated with infrastructure and work with the appropriate local governments, service providers and regional, state and federal agencies to address them. Policy IG3.1: Coordinate the establishment and use of level of service standards for infrastructure with the entities having operational or maintenance responsibility, such as the County Engineer’s Office, the County Storm Water District, the County Sewer Department, and water purveyors in the township such as the Village of New Miami, the Southwest Regional Water District, and the City of Hamilton. Policy IG3.2: Work with the Butler County Solid Waste District and other townships in the county to identify disposal needs and potential disposal sites in the county. Policy IG3.3: Consult with the County Storm Water District and with adjacent jurisdictions about drainage problems requiring multi-jurisdictional solutions. Objective IG4: Identify intergovernmental issues associated with public facilities and work with the appropriate schools, park districts, nonprofit organizations and public safety departments to address them. Policy IG4.1: Establish a procedure ensuring that implementation of the township’s comprehensive plan will be coordinated with the plans of school districts serving the township, i.e. New Miami, Edgewood, and Ross School Districts. Policy IG4.2: Establish a procedure ensuring that implementation of any township plans for recreation and open space will be coordinated with relevant planning and implementation efforts by Butler



County Metro Parks, neighboring local governments, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and such nonprofit organizations as the Three Valley Conservation Trust. Policy IG4.3: Consult with the Butler County Emergency Management Agency and other jurisdictions in the county to plan and maintain adequate hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness, disaster response and disaster recovery. Policy IG4.4: Consult with the County Hazardous Materials Response Cooperative to plan and maintain adequate hazardous materials response capability. Objective IG5: Identify intergovernmental issues associated with land use and work with the appropriate local governments and planning authorities to address them. Policy IG5.1: Request (by letter) a copy of the comprehensive plan and plan amendments for each adjacent local government to enable consistency between plans. Policy IG5.2: Consider the potential impacts of the development proposed in the township’s comprehensive plan upon adjacent governments. Policy IG5.3: Review developments proposed in the Township for their potential to have extra-jurisdictional impacts because of their size, character, or location. Policy IG5.4: Provide notice to adjacent local governments and public service providers when the township comprehensive plan is adopted, amended or updated. Policy IG 5.5: Provide the opportunity to adjacent local governments to review and make comments on development proposals along township boundaries. Policy IG5.6: Establish a process to provide opportunity to schools, utility providers, and other public service agencies to review and comment on proposed development in the Township. Objective IG6: Identify intergovernmental issues associated with economic development and work with the appropriate local and state agencies to address them. Policy IG6.1: Continue to make data and information available to township residents, businesses, and relevant local and state agencies on issues related to development and growth management.



Policy IG6.2: Consult with the Village of New Miami, the Butler County Department of Development, the Ohio EPA and the U.S. EPA about plans and progress related to clean-up at the AK Steel site and its potential for redevelopment, and consult with the Ohio Department of Development about funding available for brownfields redevelopment.




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LAND USE 11-2

INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS OF LAND USE Introduction This chapter includes an analysis of existing land use and the other elements of the plan including infrastructure, public facilities, ground water, natural systems and transportation. The purpose of this chapter is to designate St. Clair Township’s future land use patterns based on analyses of all of these elements in addition to population projections. Future land use patterns are reflected not only in the Future Land Use Map but in the goals, objectives and policies of the comprehensive plan elements. The Future Land Use Map should not be used separately from the context of this chapter relating to timing and location of development. Existing Land Use and Zoning This chapter analyzes the land within the Township based on its existing land use and zoning. The total area of the Township, as identified for this plan, is approximately 15,000 acres. Existing land uses in the Township include residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, public and semi-public, and parks and open space. The existing land uses were derived by Geographic Information System (GIS) information on properties provided by The Butler County Planning Division. Residential land use categories are broken down based on the size of the lot as represented by the GIS data. Residential land uses at zero to two dwelling units per acre (du/acre) represent dwelling units on lots that are one half acre in size or greater. Residential land uses at two to four dwelling units per acre (du/acre) represent dwelling units on lots that are one quarter acre to one half acre in size. Residential land uses at greater than four dwelling units per acre (du/acre) represent dwelling units on lots that are smaller than one quarter acre in size. Mobile home uses include both mobile home parks and scattered site units. Agricultural land includes both residential uses and land being actively used for agriculture. Public and semi-public lands may include schools, cemeteries, township, county or state owned property, churches and other public uses. Parks and open space land include both privately and publicly owned recreation and open space. Commercial uses include retail and office activities. Industrial uses include manufacturing, warehousing and storage. As seen on Table 11-1, Figure 11-1 and Map 11-1, the majority of the land in the Township is agricultural, approximately 63%. This is followed by residential use at 13%. This thirteen percent is made up of all residential categories, the largest of which is the Residential 0-2 du/acre, at 12%. This indicates that the majority of the residential property in the Township has been developed at lot sizes greater that a half acre. This is not surprising considering the lack of central sewer in the Township and the need for larger lots to accommodate onsite sewer systems. Zoning in the Township includes Agriculture (A-1), Residential (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-PUD), Business (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-PUD), Industrial (M-1, M-2) and Floodplain (F-1). The breakdown of area under each existing zoning district can be seen in Table 11-2, Figure 11-2 and Map 11-2. Table 11-3 compares the existing land use to the existing zoning designation. Table 11-4 breaks these numbers down into percentages. The majority of the area in the Township is zoned for Agricultural uses (66%). This zone also permits residential development. Industrial zones take up approximately 15% of the land in the Township, followed by residential zones at 11%. The R-1 zone encompasses the most residential area in the Township. This zone currently permits


LAND USE 11-3

17,500 square foot lots (a little over 0.4 acres); however, as seen in Table 11-3, most of the dwelling units in the R-1 zone are one half acre in size or greater. “Non-conforming” uses in the Township are at a minimum. Non-conforming uses are identified in Table 11-3 and Table 11-4 by the acreages under the existing land uses that do not conform to the zoning districts identified under the “Zone” column. Dwelling units are conditional uses in the business zones. There are a number of agricultural and residential properties in the industrial zones. This reflects some potential for future development.

Table 11-1: Existing Land Use

Existing Land Use Total Acres % of Total Agricultural 9,535.1 62.9% Commercial 450.6 3.0% Gravel Mining 702.0 4.6% Industrial 643.0 4.2% Mobile Home 38.7 0.3% Parks and Open Space 736.5 4.9% Public/Semi-Public 446.6 2.9% Residential 0-2 du/acre 1,825.0 12.0% Residential 2-4 du/acre 143.6 0.9% Residential >4 du/acre 65.9 0.4% Two-Family Residential 8.0 0.1% Vacant 404.3 2.7% Railroad 163.3 1.1% Total 15,162.6

Figure 11-1

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St. Clair TownshipPonds



Map 11-1: Existing Land Use


LAND USE 11-5

Table 11-2: Existing Zoning

Zone Total Acres % of Total Land Area A-1 9,969.8 66% B-1 2.8 0% B-2 1.2 0% B-3 115.4 1%

B-PUD 20.9 0% F-1 1,016.4 7% M-1 203.7 1% M-2 2,083.1 14% R-1 1,290.4 9% R-2 70.0 0% R-3 185.4 1%

R-PUD 39.9 0%

Figure 11-2

Percent of Total Land by Zoning Type

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Map 11-2: Existing Zoning


LAND USE 11-7

Table 11-3: Existing Land Use by Zone -Acres

Zone Agricultural

Residential 0-2

du/acre

Residential 2-4

du/acre Residential >4 du/acre

Mobile Home

Two Family Commercial Industrial

Parks and Open Space

Public/Semi-Public Railroad Vacant Total

A-1 7,254 1,353 24 3 10 3 151 2 658 177 216 119 9,970 B-1 3 3 B-2 - 1 1 B-3 20 2 0 17 - 61 - - 13 1 115 B-PUD 21 21 F-1 417 19 11 4 209 166 103 1,016 M-1 23 - 10 54 50 5 61 204 M-2 1,026 58 0 1 1 80 588 219 0 110 2,083 R-1 748 291 34 17 41 130 26 4 1,290 R-2 8 25 1 34 0 1 70 R-3 22 34 70 7 0 5 5 2 20 1 185 R-PUD 39 1 40 Total 9,535 1,825 144 66 39 8 392 640 737 446 404 14,999

Table 11-4: Existing Land Use by Zone - Percentages

Zone Agricultural

Residential 0-2

du/acre

Residential 2-4

du/acre Residential >4 du/acre

Mobile Home

Two Family Commercial Industrial

Parks and Open Space

Public/Semi-Public Railroad Vacant

% of Total Land Area

A-1 73% 14% 0% 2% 0% 2% 2% 1% 66% B-1 100% 0% B-2 0% 55% 0% B-3 18% 2% 0% 15% 0% 53% 0% 0% 11% 1% 1% B-PUD 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% F-1 41% 2% 1% 21% 16% 10% 7% M-1 12% 5% 27% 24% 3% 30% 1% M-2 49% 3% 4% 28% 11% 5% 14% R-1 58% 23% 3% 1% 3% 10% 2% 0% 9% R-2 12% 36% 2% 49% 1% 0% R-3 12% 18% 38% 4% 2% 3% 1% 11% 0% 1% R-PUD 98% 2% 0%


LAND USE 11-8

Existing Land Use and Ground Water Land use can have a great impact on water quality and water consumption. As mentioned in the Source Water Chapter of this plan, the sand and gravel aquifer system which is a major source of public drinking water for St. Clair Township is particularly extensive within the Township. Since rain and melted snow infiltrating through the soil column are the main sources of ground water, potential contaminants can come from many sources and can vary greatly. One of the variables to consider is the use of land on and surrounding the aquifer and the surface water that interacts with it. For example, agricultural land uses may produce contaminants from pesticides, fertilizers, and manure storage. Residential uses may produce contaminants from failing septic systems, lawn fertilizers and improperly disposed household products. Industrial uses may have onsite storage of drums that may accidentally leak or processes that generate byproducts and waste that if improperly stored or disposed of, could be potential contaminants. Commercial uses such as junk yards, dry cleaning services, paint mixing, automotive repair and gas stations may also produce potential contaminants. Since ground water recharge comes from infiltration of the land’s surface, increased impervious surfaces from land development are also a concern. Increased impervious surfaces inhibit infiltration and recharge. Additionally, increased runoff from impervious surfaces can pose a problem because contaminants such as gas, oil from automobiles and deicing salt from parking lots and roadways can get swept into streams. More runoff can also increase flooding events, washing various contaminants into streams. Table 11-5 and Figure 11-3 show the extent of each existing land use category within the sand and gravel aquifer system that exists in St. Clair Township. It is important to note that the issues raised above can still apply to land uses outside of the aquifer because of the aquifer’s close relationship with surface water. Map 11-3 shows the sand and gravel aquifer system superimposed on the Township’s existing land use. Approximately 47% of the land in the Township overlaps the aquifer boundary. The majority of the land use directly over the aquifer is agricultural land (49%). Residential uses take up the second largest amount of land over the aquifer (15%). Gravel mining makes up seven percent (7%) of land above the aquifer and railroads make up approximately two percent (2%).


LAND USE 11-9

Table 11-5: Existing Land Use in the Sand and Gravel Aquifer System

Land Use Acres % of Land in Aquifer % of Total Land Area Agricultural 3,486.1 49% 23% Commercial 294.5 4% 2% Gravel Mining 497.4 7% 3% Industrial 624.9 9% 4% Mobile Home 22.0 0% 0% Parks and Open Space 330.1 5% 2% Public/Semi-Public 389.0 5% 3% Residential 0-2 du/acre 877.5 12% 6% Residential 2-4 du/acre 131.4 2% 1% Residential >4 du/acre 48.9 1% 0% Two-Family Residential 7.9 0% 0% Vacant 236.1 3% 2% Railroad 139.3 2% 1% Total 7,085.1 47%

Figure 11-3

Land Uses in the Sand and Gravel Aquifer System

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LegendExisting Land Uses

AgriculturalCommercialGravel MiningIndustrialMobile HomeParks and Open SpacePublic/Semi-PublicResidential 0-2 du/acreResidential 2-4 du/acreResidential >4 du/acreTwo-Family ResidentialVacantRailroad

St. Clair TownshipSand and Gravel Aquifer SystemPonds



Map 11-3: Existing Land Use and the Sand and Gravel Aquifer System


LAND USE 11-11

Existing Zoning and Ground Water Table 11-6 and Figure 11-4 show the extent of each zoning district within the sand and gravel aquifer system. Map 11-4 shows the sand and gravel aquifer system superimposed on the Township’s existing zoning. Like existing land use, agricultural zoning is present at the highest percentage. Industrial zoning is second, with a total of 7% of the area above the aquifer. This indicates potential for increased impervious surfaces and potential runoff depending on the actual use that may be developed in the future under the existing zoning. St. Clair Township has adopted a resolution enacting a Wellhead Protection Overlay District. This resolution applies to the one (1), five (5), and ten (10) year time-of-travel zones (Map 11-5) within the Township. Certain land uses are not permitted within these areas in order to restrict the improper storage, use, or discharge of Regulated Substances in and around existing wellfields and their recharge areas. Other regulations pertaining to storage, facility inspection, spill control and other topics are also included.

Table 11-6: Zoning in the Sand and Gravel Aquifer System Zoning Acres % of Land in Aquifer % of Total Land Area

A-1 4491.0 64% 30% B-1 2.8 0% 0% B-2 1.2 0% 0% B-3 98.2 1% 1% F-1 898.6 13% 6% M-1 155.2 2% 1% M-2 866.6 12% 6% R-1 206.2 3% 1% R-2 83.5 1% 1% R-3 163.0 2% 1%

R-PUD 0.4 0% 0% Total 10,153.9 46%


LAND USE 11-12

Figure 11-4

Zoning in the Sand and Gravel Aquifer System

1% 3%

6%

7%

31%

Business Residential Floodplain Industrial Agricultural

Land Use and Natural Systems Table 11-7 identifies land within the Township by several categories. The amount of land within floodway, floodplain and steep slope areas was identified and broken down by existing land use type. Areas located in the floodway are those areas within the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge a base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot (1’). Areas located within the 100 year floodplain are areas subject to a 1% and/or greater chance of flooding in any given year. The floodway and floodplain represented in this chapter reflect those illustrated on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) NFIP maps for St. Clair Township. Also reflected in Table 11-7 are land uses that have steep slopes. Steep slopes are identified as those with 15% grade or greater. These three natural features were selected because land use and development within these areas may be constrained, as shown on Map 11-6. Constrained does not mean that land in these areas is not or may not be developed, only that certain characteristics are present that may make development challenging. These characteristics may include the need for special construction techniques to be used, permits to be granted or additional studies to be conducted. Table 11-7 also shows the sum of constrained land. This sum includes the area of all three natural features, totaled without duplication from overlaps. The non-constrained land reflected in the table is the area in the Township that does not contain any of the three natural features.

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LegendSt_Clair ZoningZoning

A-1B-1B-2B-3B-PUDF-1M-1M-2R-1R-2R-3R-PUD

St. Clair TownshipSand and Gravel Aquifer SystemPonds



Map 11-4: Existing Zoning and the Sand and Gravel Aquifer System



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Map 11-5: Time-of-Travel Zones

Legend

SWR Water District Time of Travel Zones

5 Year10 Year

1 Year

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Hamilton South & Fairfield Time of Travel Zones1 Year5 Year

Miller Brewing Time of Travel Zones1 Year5 Year

New Miami Time of Travel Zones1 Year5 Year

Hamilton North Time of Travel Zones1 Year5 Year10 Year


LAND USE 11-15

The total land area in St. Clair Township that is affected by floodways, floodplains and steep slopes is 17.3%, approximately 2,600 acres. The existing land use with the highest amount of land located within each of the three constraining natural features is agricultural (8.3%). Only small percentages of land in other categories are affected. Parks and open space and low density residential uses each have around six percent of the land in these areas overall. Just less than one half percent (0.4%) of vacant land in the Township is constrained. Since agricultural and vacant land uses are those that would expect to be developed in the future, techniques for protection or mitigation may be a consideration in these areas. Table 11-7 breaks down each land use by the percentage of that land use that is located within each natural feature. The type of existing land use most affected by constraining features is parks and open space. Fifty three percent (53%) of that land use is located in floodway, floodplain or steep slope areas. Most of this land is located in the floodplain. This is not surprising since open space and recreational uses are often used to protect these types of natural features, and are often placed in areas where other more intensive land uses may be damaged or threatened by floods. Taking into consideration all of the residential land use categories in total, 3.3% of these land uses are located in a constrained area. Again, most of this land is located in the floodplain. While this number may seem low, recall the number of properties affected in the Township from Chapter 6. Currently 657 parcels intersect the floodplain or floodway, over 400 of which are residential uses. Over forty-five percent (45.1%) of the existing commercial land use is located in a constrained area, mostly floodway or floodplain. This affects over 70 parcels of land. Given the limited amount of commercial land use, this is a significant number.

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Map 11-6: Constrained Development Areas


LAND USE 11-17

Table 11-7: Land Use and Natural Systems

Total Land

Non-Constrained Land Floodway Floodplain Steep Slopes

Sum of Constrained Land*

Existing Land Use Acres

% of Total Land Area Acres

% of Use


% of Use


% of Use

% of TotalLand Area Acres

% of Use

% of TotalLand Area Acres

% of Use

% of Total Land Area

Agricultural 9,535.1 63.6% 8,292.8 87.0% 55.3% 341.1 3.6% 2.3% 367.1 3.9% 2.4% 547.8 5.7% 3.7% 1,242.3 13.0% 8.3% Commercial 450.6 3.0% 247.5 54.9% 1.6% 52.6 11.7% 0.4% 143.0 31.7% 1.0% 7.5 1.7% 0.1% 203.1 45.1% 1.4% Gravel Mining 702 4.7% 673.1 95.9% 4.5% 21.9 3.1% 0.1% 6.6 0.9% 0.0% 3.7 0.5% 0.0% 28.9 4.1% 0.2% Industrial 643 4.3% 636.1 98.9% 4.2% 0.7 0.1% 0.0% 5.8 0.9% 0.0% 0.4 0.1% 0.0% 6.9 1.1% 0.0% Mobile Home 38.7 0.3% 23.0 59.4% 0.2% 0.1 0.3% 0.0% 14.4 37.3% 0.1% 1.2 3.0% 0.0% 15.7 40.6% 0.1% Parks and Open Space 736.5 4.9% 346.1 47.0% 2.3% 142.5 19.3% 0.9% 158.4 21.5% 1.1% 90.9 12.3% 0.6% 390.4 53.0% 2.6% Public/Semi-Public 446.6 3.0% 294.7 66.0% 2.0% 49.6 11.1% 0.3% 95.6 21.4% 0.6% 16.7 3.8% 0.1% 151.9 34.0% 1.0% Residential 0-2 du/acre 1825 12.2% 1378.3 75.5% 9.2% 114.4 6.3% 0.8% 175.9 9.6% 1.2% 162.2 8.9% 1.1% 446.7 24.5% 3.0% Residential 2-4 du/acre 143.6 1.0% 109.5 76.2% 0.7% 2.9 2.0% 0.0% 29.5 20.5% 0.2% 2.4 1.7% 0.0% 34.1 23.8% 0.2% Residential >4 du/acre 65.9 0.4% 57.2 86.7% 0.4% 0.2 0.4% 0.0% 2.0 3.0% 0.0% 6.6 10.1% 0.0% 8.7 13.3% 0.1% Two-Family Residential 8 0.1% 5.4 67.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.6 32.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.6 32.4% 0.0% Vacant 404.3 2.7% 341.2 84.4% 2.3% 25.6 6.3% 0.2% 21.9 5.4% 0.1% 15.5 3.8% 0.1% 63.1 15.6% 0.4% Totals 14,999.3 12,405.0 82.7% 751.6 5.0% 1,022.8 6.8% 855.0 5.7% 2,594.3 17.3%

*Total represents area included within all three categories (Floodway, Floodplain and Steep Slopes) without duplication from overlap.


LAND USE 11-18

Future Land Use Needs If current land use trends continue, the area needed to accommodate the projected 2025 population in St. Clair Township is projected to be 5,865 acres. This projection is broken down by traditional land use category in Table 11-8. These numbers are based on the moderate population projections presented in the Population Chapter of this plan. St. Clair Township’s 2015 population is estimated to be 5,733, a 24% increase from 2000; its population in 2025 is projected to be approximately 6,652. This plan is intended to ensure that adequate land and public facilities and services will be available during the planning period to serve these new residents. The land area needed to accommodate St. Clair Township’s population in 2025 (5,865 acres) represents a 36% increase in developed acres over the developed acreage in 2005 (4,313 acres). Approximately 13% of the Township is currently in residential development (2,034 acres). The greatest amount of additional acreage needed to support the projected population is for residential land uses (an additional 752 acres) assuming overall average residential lot size remains at 1.05 acres. The projected additional commercial acreage totals 159 acres over the 20-year planning period, or an average annual increment of approximately eight (7.95) acres. At these acreages approximately 19% of the Township area would be residential development. This number could change based on development techniques applied, such as conservation design, transit-friendly development, low impact development or large lot subdivisions. An adequate supply of suitable vacant and agricultural land is available in St. Clair Township to accommodate the needs of the projected population; however, the unavailability of a centralized sewer system may limit growth. Methodology: Gross Acreage Needed to Accommodate Projected Population The methodology used to determine the gross acreage required in each conventional land use category to accommodate projected township population was very conservative and relatively unsophisticated. The first step was to assume that natural and historical resources would not change significantly with increases in population. It was also assumed that the development of land would result in a decrease in the existing vacant and agricultural land use categories. The acreage needed to accommodate future commercial, industrial and public, semi-public and park uses was calculated for each category based on the acreage per person per category in 2005. Based on St. Clair Township’s estimated 2005 population of 4,924, per capita acreage by category was calculated as 0.09 acres for commercial uses, and 0.13 acres for industrial uses, and 0.24 acres for public, semi-public and park uses. These ratios were then used as a standard and applied to the populations projected for 2015 and 2025. The acreage needed to accommodate future Residential land use was calculated on a household basis. That is, housing projections from Chapter 3 were multiplied by 1.05 acres per unit (the overall average size for existing residential land uses in 2005). These ratios were then used as a standard and applied to the populations projected for 2015 and 2025. The acreage required to accommodate the Township’s projected population will vary if growth occurs at a slower or faster actual rate, and as the trend in residential parcel sizes changes. Population projections are based on best available information, and are planning tools which can be amended as trends and conditions change.


LAND USE 11-19

Table 11-8: Projected Land Use Needs, 2005 - 2025

Total Acres 2005

Acres Per Person 2005

Acres Needed

2015

Acres Needed

2025 % Increase 2005-2025

Residential 2,034 0.41 2,427 2,786 37% Commercial 450 0.09 525 609 35% Industrial 643 0.13 749 869 35% Public/Semi Public & Parks & Recreation 1,185 0.24 1,380 1,601 35% Total 4,313 5,080 5,865 36%

Existing Land Use and Public Facilities Existing public facilities currently serving the Township are limited. As previously noted, in terms of residential service, only the Sharon Park area in the southernmost part of the Township currently has sanitary sewers. There are no plans to expand this service. Although there seems to be some excess capacity in sewer systems surrounding St. Clair Township, as noted in Chapter 7 only one expansion is planned. The Butler County Water and Sewer Department plans to extend sewer lines north from the New Miami sewage treatment plant along Route 127 in St. Clair Township, ultimately as far north as the Village of Seven Mile, and northeast along Trenton Road in St. Clair Township to serve the Williamsdale/Overpeck area. This project would only serve existing residents in these areas and does not necessarily include plans to provide for additional service for new development. Funding is an issue for the planned expansion. As mentioned in Chapter 7, several water providers serve existing residents and businesses in St. Clair Township. All of these providers have indicated that capacity is available. Although only two projects are planned for expansion of service, it seems that water may be available for additional growth on an as needed basis for new development. The limitations in funding and plans for infrastructure expansion may affect growth within St. Clair Township. As noted in Chapter 7, soils in the area can limit the use of onsite sewer systems. Plans for compact and efficient development would be hindered by the lack of centralized sewer. Development and Redevelopment Potential Although some residential land in the more densely developed areas of the Township are identified as vacant, infill in these areas would be difficult due to the limited sewer availability and the use of onsite systems. There are currently approximately 170 acres of industrial zoned land that is identified as vacant. Just less than 5 acres of vacant land is zoned for business. Additionally, approximately 574 acres of agricultural land is zoned for industrial uses. Some of the agriculturally identified land zoned for industrial is owned by Miller Coors Brewing. Map 11-7 shows potential infill and development areas in the Township.


LAND USE 11-20

The AK Steel site (formerly Armco) makes up approximately 120 acres of vacant industrial land in the Township. The total AK Steel property straddles the boundary between St. Clair Township and the Village of New Miami. Over the last several years the AK Steel site has been under investigation for the content and extent of contamination. The site was previously used for production of coke and iron, and portions of the site were used for a landfill that was unlined and does not have a leachate control system. Some of the major threats and contaminants include heavy metals, benzene, PAHs (polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons) and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyl compounds). Some areas of concern are the potential contamination of the drinking water supply and the potential for contaminated leachate and surface water runoff to enter the stream system and flow into the Great Miami River. The contaminants could potentially pose a human health threat and could affect aquatic life. Superfund is an environmental program administered by the U.S. EPA, established to address abandoned hazardous waste sites and stemming from the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA). The Superfund process is lengthy and has many phases. These phases include identification of the site, preliminary inspection for hazardous chemicals, proposal or placement on the National Priorities List, remedial investigation to identify the type of contamination and evaluate clean up methods, a clean-up plan, and the design and implementation of that clean-up plan. In 2004 a Community Involvement Plan was finalized for the AK Steel site. The purpose of this plan was to provide information about community concerns and enhance communication between local residents and U.S. EPA during the remedial investigation. In 2005 the remedial investigation was begun at the site. The AK Steel site is currently considered for inclusion on the National Priorities list based on the remedial investigations. Superfund sites are eligible for U.S. EPA programs such as the technical assistance grant program, which provides up to $50,000 to community groups to hire technical advisors to help citizens better understand Superfund-site related technical information. U.S. EPA also launched a Superfund Redevelopment Initiative in 1999 to facilitate reuse of contaminated sites. Under this program, strategies are developed for specific sites to make sure that cleanup protects human health and the environment for the specific land uses that can reasonably be expected. Under the Superfund program a reuse assessment is completed to develop assumptions about reasonably anticipated land uses and to select cleanup strategies tailored to that individual site. Some sites are cleaned up for unrestricted access and uses; others are cleaned up to be protective for specific types of uses. For example, sites that will be industrial uses may not have the same clean-up standards as sites that will be residential uses. According to the U.S. EPA, items for consideration when determining the reuse of a property should include the size of the site, populations close to the site, the community’s needs and desires, transportation corridors, land uses and conditions surrounding the site, site contamination and cleanup status, local regulatory frameworks (zoning and comprehensive planning), and potential partnerships and resources.

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Map 11-7: Potential Infill and Development Areas


LAND USE 11-22

Other brownfield redevelopment programs available through the Ohio Office of Urban Development (OUD) include the Clean Ohio Revitalization and Clean Ohio Assistance Funds and the Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund. Brownfield redevelopment allows a community to reclaim and improve its lands, making property viable for new development. The Clean Ohio Revitalization and Clean Ohio Assistance Funds are a portion of the $400 million Clean Ohio Fund approved by Ohio voters in November 2000. Voters gave the state the ability to issue $200 million for brownfield redevelopment activities and $200 million for preservation of green space. The Ohio Department of Development, through its Office of Urban Development, is implementing the brownfield portion of the bond in consultation with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The Clean Ohio Council was created to select projects that will receive grants and low-interest loans from the Clean Ohio Fund. The Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund is a key financial component to help a community build economic capacity by providing funding for brownfield redevelopment. The Clean Ohio Assistance Fund is an annual appropriation dedicated to brownfield redevelopment in Eligible Areas. The Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) capitalized by a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) offers below-market rate loans to assist with the remediation of a brownfield property to return it to a productive economic use in the community. Repayment is required for this loan program and monies can only be used to pay for remediation/cleanup activities. Although all real property is eligible for this fund, certain eligibility requirements apply. Land Use and Transportation In order to maintain the levels of service currently provided as growth occurs in the Township, several options are available. The relationship between land use and transportation is reciprocal. Development patterns shape travel patterns in that the design of suburban residential and commercial areas can make transit and walking a challenge and the separation between land uses in low-density developments typically make driving a necessity. Local land use and transportation techniques, implemented concurrently, and focusing on moving people, moving fewer people fewer miles, and improving travel quality can benefit the transportation system. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) focuses on changing travel behavior to mitigate traffic congestion in lieu of building infrastructure to accommodate travel needs. More specifically, TDM strategies encourage using alternatives to single-occupant vehicle (SOV) travel and shifting trips out of peak travel periods, or even eliminating some trips all together. Three objectives for managing travel demand are to reduce the number of single occupant vehicle trips, to reduce trip lengths and to increase modal choice. There are many land use planning and development strategies that can be applied locally to achieve these objectives. Diversity and Destinations Automobile-oriented development patterns are associated with the separation of land uses and increased distances between homes and workplaces. Focusing economic development in areas where residential growth is occurring can also help create land use diversity and provide more options for people to work close to where they live. Mixed use developments at the corridor level


LAND USE 11-23

can reduce commute times by shortening the distance that people have to drive to get to the store, or to work. Providing non-motorized connections with a mix of land uses and higher density development can reduce single-occupant vehicle trips. More people may choose to walk or ride a bike these shorter distances; however, facilities that accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists must also be in place. Compact nodes of mixed use can also generate centers of development that can be linked by convenient transit service. Mixed use centers of integrated office, retail, residential, and civic uses – of a scale appropriate to their surroundings – can concentrate uses in a manner that supports walking, biking, public transit and automobiles. Density Newer residential development in the Township is generally characterized by large lot subdivisions, largely due to the necessity of using onsite sewer systems. Higher densities in growing and infill areas can make transit more feasible by creating destinations and concentrated populations that may choose to use transit as an alternative to single-occupant automobile trips. “Transit development plans” can facilitate the design of a system that incorporates multiple modes of transit service, links stations/stops and adjacent land uses, and integrates station/stops into neighborhoods. The recommendations of transit development plans typically focus on the desired outcomes of transit-friendly development, including accessibility, walkability, and interconnectivity, and high levels of ridership. Design New businesses throughout the region are typically automobile-oriented, and have large parking areas in front of the building. They are designed for the automobile, not the pedestrian. Communities that are attractive to pedestrians and bicyclists and functional for transit use can influence travel behavior. Design elements that facilitate walking and biking can reduce SOV trips and increase modal choice. The placement of buildings, parking, landscaping, lighting, architecture details, and bicycle, pedestrian and transit facilities can reduce the visual scale of larger buildings, provide interest at the pedestrian level, and create an atmosphere that encourages multi-modal transportation. Complete Streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and bus riders of all ages and abilities are able to safely move along and across a complete street. Distance People make travel route decisions based on three factors: distance, time and personal preference. Generally speaking, people will choose the shortest route in terms of distance; however, if the shortest route has a low speed limit, multiple traffic signals and curb cuts, people will take a longer route because it will save them time. The curvilinear cul-de-sac street pattern typical of recent subdivision design usually has very long blocks and many dead end streets. This pattern offers few route options since all traffic is typically funneled out onto a small number of arterial roads which can cause congestion. Connectivity involves a system of streets providing multiple routes and connections to the same origins and destinations. Improving street connectivity by providing parallel routes and cross connections, and a small number of closed end streets can reduce traffic on arterial streets and reduce travel time.


LAND USE 11-24

Neighborhoods should be linked by a network of interconnected streets and walkways as part of a larger system that provides safe motorized and non-motorized access to homes, businesses, schools, recreation facilities and services, and other destinations. These networks, designed to keep local traffic off major arterials and high-speed, through-traffic off local streets, can reduce congestion and travel time. Interconnected streets incorporating traffic calming techniques, streetscape elements and other pedestrian oriented design can also create safe and more direct routes for travel by walking and biking and reduce SOV trips. Access Management Traffic circulation is always important when planning for development or redevelopment. The traffic demands that are created by development along major roadways can be dramatically affected by multiple curb cuts and uncoordinated access points. Access management involves planning and coordinating the location, design and operation of driveways together with internal roadway design features. Access management techniques such as driveway spacing requirements, shared access drives, cross access easements, right in/right out only access, frontage roads, and medians can provide automobile access to businesses along the corridor in a safe and efficient way. These techniques can also help maintain capacity of the roadways and drastically improve safety. Development along a major transportation corridor can have a considerable impact on traffic patterns and congestion. Multiple curb cuts and uncoordinated access can affect traffic flow and safety along the corridor. Appropriate access management can minimize this impact. The objective of access management is to enhance mobility, maintain roadway capacity and provide adequate access to development within the corridor while at the same time improving safety. Roadway Improvements and Expansion As mentioned in the Transportation Chapter, a major concern about future roadway widening and construction is the preservation of right-of-way. Critical future street connections and areas where improvements need to be made to serve existing and future residents should be identified. In order to provide adequate transportation facilities as development occurs in the Township, sufficient rights-of-way for these facilities should be set aside. LAND USE PLAN MAP DESCRIPTION The following text describes Map 11-8, the Future Land Use Map, including a general description of each land use category and the general locations recommended for each type of land use. It is important to emphasize that the land use categories used in this Plan are purposefully broad. The plan's intent is to communicate that development, within the category descriptions, will be consistent with the Plan's adopted Goals, Objectives and Policies. Future land uses identified in this chapter are either reflective of existing land uses that are not expected to change or are recommendations for changes in the use of land when development or redevelopment opportunities occur over time. The timing and location of development will be dependent on the willingness of the property owner to sell and the availability of public facilities. One major premise of this Plan is that areas recommended for development should be provided with the full range of public services within the planning period. In order for such services to be provided efficiently and economically, it is essential that development be concentrated in reasonably compact areas. Compact development makes maximum use of costly infrastructure (i.e., sewer facilities, water system, streets, etc.), much of which is already in place. Such


LAND USE 11-25

compact development also keeps to a minimum those costs that are directly related to the distance that must be traveled by service personnel (i.e., police and fire personnel, waste collection crews, street maintenance and street cleaning crews, school buses, etc.). Inherent in this premise is the expectation that timing of improvements be carefully coordinated with development so that all necessary services are available when new development occurs. Table 11-9 identifies the approximate proportion (using GIS) of land designated to each future land use category. Agricultural uses make up 31% of the land, residential uses make up 39%, non-residential make up 21% and public and semi-public uses (including recreation) make up 9%.

Table 11-9: Future Land Use

Future Land Use Acres Percent of Total Agricultural 3,963 31% Agricultural Estate 1,586 12% Rural Estate Residential 279 2% Low Density Residential 1,647 13% Planned Low Density Residential 786 6% Suburban Residential 647 5% General Business 115 1% Mixed Use 291 2% Industrial 1,282 10% Gravel Excavation 697 5% Office/Technology 303 2% Public/Private Recreation 906 7% Public/Semi Public 306 2%

Agricultural Uses Effort should be made to plan for the stabilization of those areas which might be best retained in their rural-like character promoting their value as agricultural resources and/or adequate land reserves for the future. This category is not intended to restrict agricultural development or rural-character residential development.

AGRICULTURAL - Land that is most suitable for cultivation of crops, the raising of livestock, or other types of related bona fide farm uses. This classification includes those areas which are, and will continue to be, used primarily for agricultural pursuits and held in reserve for future development. Within the Agriculture area, residential development should limited to a density of one unit per 20 gross acres. Within the Agriculture area, land management activities associated with agricultural uses may be incompatible with residential development; however, such management activities are considered to be of primary importance in the Agricultural classification. The northern portion of the Township, generally, is identified for Agricultural use. Much of this area is currently farmed and is characterized by flat land and good soils. The transportation system in these areas is largely local streets, which meet the needs of the low


LAND USE 11-26

density population. The extension of SR 63 in the northeastern portion of the Township may provide access for additional development opportunities, should that project come to fruition. As discussed in the Transportation Chapter of this plan, this project is still pending because of funding limitations, and there is continual concern about the potential disappearance of the proposed corridor due to development. Should additional development take place in this area, right-of-way preservation should be a top priority in order to maintain the proposed roadway alignment for the future. Some additional areas of Agricultural use exist along the east side of West Elkton Road, along Morganthaler Road and the west side of Gephart Road and in the southernmost portion of the Township along Smith and Goos Road. There is a large area of Agricultural land east of 3rd Street (US 127) that is almost completely within the floodplain area.

Residential Development Types Several differing residential densities are presented on the Future Land Use Map. It is not the intention of this Plan to automatically allow development to occur at the upper end of the density ranges. Rather, the density of development should be controlled by the recommended density range and the availability of public services, water, sewer and transportation. The density of development permitted within a given residential zoning district of a city's zoning ordinance should be within the broad density ranges identified in this Plan. Density is intended to be the major control of residential development; therefore, concepts such as "Cluster Type Development", “Conservation Subdivision Design” are strongly encouraged. Such concepts promote flexible and innovative design, making the best use of existing landforms, and preserving and integrating natural areas into such designs.

It is important to note that the amount of undeveloped land recommended for residential use is anticipated to be more than is needed during the planning period. Thus, it is evident that development can, and should, be phased to make the most efficient use of the existing infrastructure (e.g., streets, utilities, community facilities) and to provide for orderly growth. Proper phasing of development will also contribute to efforts to conserve energy and enhance air quality -- enabling sustainable development and shortening trips to work, shopping, etc. while striving for the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

AGRICULTURAL ESTATE - Areas so designated include land that is primarily residential in character, which may contain some agricultural uses in a limited fashion on lots greater than ten (10) gross acres in size.

The largest area recommended for this future land use in is located in the western portion of the Township, generally north of Beissinger Road, and south of Warwick Road, west of West Elkton Road. This area is characterized by slopes of greater than 15%. There are also areas of floodplain wetlands and wetland soils in this location along Four Mile Creek. Several smaller tributaries also exist in this area. Considerations for developing sites in this location should include these factors and minimize the impact on slopes and watercourses as appropriate. The majority of streets serving this area are identified as local streets. Eaton Road is identified as a major collector – rural. Roadways in this area have a level of service (LOS) A or B. Roadway capacity exists in this area, but as additional development occurs they may need capacity improvements to keep current levels of service.


LAND USE 11-27

A small area in the central part of the Township south of Morganthaler Road and north of Riverside Drive is also recommended for Agricultural Estate use. This area is largely served by local streets. In this area Riverside Drive is identified as a minor arterial – rural. Roadways in this area have a level of service A or B.

Another small area recommended for Agricultural Estate use is in the central part of the Township between Trenton Road to the north and Riverside Drive to the south. Local streets are to the west. Trenton Road is identified as a minor arterial – urban and has a level of service B. Riverside Drive is identified as a collector – urban and has a level of service A. There are some water bodies located in this area that should be considered if the area is redeveloped.

In the southernmost part of the Township south of Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park another area is identified for Agricultural Estate, reflecting existing uses. The majority of this area is characterized with slopes greater than 15%. Some small water bodies are also located in this area, which is adjacent to the floodplain of the Great Miami River. These characteristics should be considered if the area is ever redeveloped. Hamilton Cleves Road serves this area and is identified as a major collector – rural. This segment of roadway has a level of service B; however, the segment to the north has a level of service D. Additional development in this area may necessitate offsite roadway improvements.

RURAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL - Areas so designated consist of single-family residential development, with lot sizes ranging from five (5) acres to ten (10) gross acres in size.

Some areas of Rural Estate Residential development exist in the southernmost part of the Township both north and south of Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. These areas are characterized by some steep slopes and are served by local roadways.

Rural Estate Residential development also exists along both sides of Warwick Road and the north side of Morganthaler Road east of Jacksonburg Road. Morganthaler Road is a local street and Jacksonburg Road is identified as a major collector. Both are level of service A.

LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL - Areas so designated include single-family residential uses, with lot sizes ranging from one (1) acre to five (5) gross acres in size.

A large area in the southeast corner of the Township is identified as Low Density Residential. This includes some existing development and some additional areas for potential development. The southern portion of this area is in the floodplain along the Great Miami River. The area is accessed by Augspurger Road, which is identified as a minor collector - rural, and Gephart Road, a local street, both with levels of service A. Wayne Madison Road also serves this area. It is identified as a major collector - rural with level of service C.

Areas of Low Density Residential development currently exist in the southwest part of the Township along the north side of Beissinger Road and along the frontage of a portion of West Elkton Road. There are steep slopes of 15% or greater in this area. Biessinger Road and West Elkton Road are both local streets with level of service A. Other small pockets of Low Density Residential areas exist along Trenton Road and Riverside Drive, along Jackson Road and Morganthaler Road Northern, along Jacksonburg Road, along Taylor School Road


LAND USE 11-28

in the central area of the Township east of Seven Mile, portions along Smith Road in the southernmost tip of the Township, and along West Elkton Road and Grandview Drive. Streets serving these areas have levels of service A and B.

Additional areas recommended for Low Density Residential uses are located along Eaton Road in the southwest corner of the Township. Some Low Density Residential uses currently exist in the area. Eaton Road is a two lane major collector – rural. Connectivity within developments along this road should be required, both to the north and internally, limiting the use of cul-de-sacs when possible. Access management techniques along Eaton Road will help to maintain good levels of service and ensure safety. Existing higher density development exists to the west outside of the Township.

PLANNED RESIDENTIAL - Areas so designated include residential development that preserves natural features and takes advantage of shared amenities including: vehicle and pedestrian access, landscaping, open spaces and neighborhood facilities.

Areas along the south side of Beissinger Road are recommended for Planned Residential Uses. These areas should be an extension of the development to the south in the City of Hamilton and should be respectful of the natural features in the area. The use of conservation development in this area is recommended, and should be permitted in the zoning ordinance as a by-right development type. This area is characterized by steep slopes, and contains some small tributaries leading to Four Mile Creek and the Great Miami River. Transportation access is along Beissinger Road, which is currently a two lane local roadway with a level of service A. As this area develops additional capacity may be needed. Connectivity within developments along this road should be required, both to the south and internally, limiting the use of cul-de-sacs when possible. Access management techniques along Beissinger Road will help to maintain good levels of service and ensure safety.

Areas along the eastern side of West Elkton Road extending to the Great Miami River are also recommended for Planned Residential uses due to the topography and existing floodplain in the area. Using conservation development in this area would help to preserve these natural features. Parcels in this area are largely land locked, located behind existing development along the frontage of West Elkton Road. Therefore, some redevelopment and coordination of uses will have to occur to provide proper access to the area. West Elkton Road is a two lane local street in this area with a level of service A. As this area develops additional capacity may be needed. Connectivity within developments along this road should be required, limiting the use of cul-de-sacs when possible. Access management techniques along West Elkton Road will help to maintain good levels of service and ensure safety.

Conservation developments preserve open spaces and natural lands by clustering housing units on small lots around larger communal grounds. The goal of conservation development is to set aside a substantial portion of available usable land as open space. Conservation subdivision development is advantageous because it promotes healthy water quality, protects animal habitats, and lowers infrastructure costs and maintenance. Conservation design practices incorporate the conservation of land, natural features, and open space into the project design, resulting in substantial natural systems protection that would not be possible under traditional zoning and subdivision standards. Conservation design


LAND USE 11-29

practices include shared driveways, stormwater runoff reduction, relaxed setback standards, smaller lots, and cluster housing. The minimum size of the development tract should be large enough to accommodate the creative design and to protect the open space. The size and number of dwelling lots must be tailored to the unique aspects of the site.

SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL - Areas so designated include single-family residential uses at a density of one (1) to four (4) homes per gross acre that are generally provided with higher levels of urban services.

Areas identified for Suburban Residential uses in this plan are for the most part existing development areas in Williamsdale, Cedar Grove and Sharon Park subdivisions. The single area identified for new Suburban Residential growth is just south of Sharon Park along Hamilton Cleves Road. Much of this area is located in the floodplain of the Great Miami River. Conservation development techniques should be used in this area. Connectivity within developments in this area should be required, both to the north and internally, limiting the use of cul-de-sacs when possible. Access management techniques along Hamilton Cleves Road will help to maintain good levels of service and ensure safety. Hamilton Cleves Road has a level of service D in this area and additional development may increase congestion without remediation.

Additional areas in the northeastern portion of the Township have been identified for Suburban Residential uses. This area is adjacent to existing higher density residential uses in the Township and in Trenton. This area is also adjacent to Edgewood Schools, whose administration is currently evaluating expansion.

Non-Residential Uses Non-residential land uses, including business and industry, are integral to the tax base of a community. This plan identifies these uses on the land use map and intends to balance growth in population with growth in employment opportunities. This balance will ultimately give residents a chance to live, work, shop and recreate in the same community, thereby reducing travel time. Land uses in these categories include retail, office, industrial and providing a mix of uses (which may also include residential in some cases).

One of the most important aspects of identifying areas for industrial development is to ensure that such areas are adequately regulated to prevent intrusion of incompatible land uses. Such incompatible land uses, primarily residential land uses, tend to develop much faster. Once in place, development of adjoining or nearby industrial land becomes undesirable to the new residents. Scarcity of industrial land, and the importance of industrial development and employment to the economic base, point to the need to better manage industrial development. Businesses and industries that employ more persons per acre of operations should be sought, versus those types that use large amounts of land resources, yet employ relatively few workers.

Based on advisory committee comments, it was determined that the need for industrial type development was limited. Office/Technology uses provide an alternative to manufacturing that would still enable the Township to increase employment opportunities. Office/Technology development should be constructed in an aesthetic manner on a campus-like setting.


LAND USE 11-30

Mixed-use development refers to a tract of land or structure with more than one type of use (such as a mix of office, retail, residential, entertainment, cultural, recreation, etc.), all of which are physically and functionally integrated and are mutually supporting. Compact, higher intensity, pedestrian-oriented, mixed uses consume less land, and can cost less for supporting roads, utilities, housing, and for other fiscal impacts, such as infrastructure maintenance. For example, compact development requires less infrastructure investment for pavement and pipe for water and sewer, which can also affect housing costs. Similarly, residents of mixed-use developments may have shorter trips to grocery and hardware stores, healthcare, restaurants, and jobs. Mixed-use centers – of a scale appropriate to their surroundings – will concentrate uses, and will support walking, biking, public transit, and automobiles.

GENERAL BUSINESS - Areas so designated include moderate to highly commercialized retail, office and service business development serving the needs of the neighborhood and beyond. This classification accommodates neighborhood-scale, community business, general business and office uses.

General Business uses currently exist along US 127 north of Williamsdale; however, these uses are within the floodplain, which makes redevelopment or improvement difficult. Additional General Business uses are shown in areas of existing commercial use throughout the Township.

INDUSTRIAL - Areas so designated include businesses involved in manufacturing, warehousing, assembling, or handling of goods or commodities.

The existing Miller Coors Brewing properties and the AK Steel site and surrounding areas are recommended for continued Industrial uses. The Miller Coors Brewing area is served by Trenton Road (LOS B) – Gephart Road (LOS A), Wayne Madison Road (LOS C), and Riverside Drive (LOS A/B). The existing AK Steel properties and surrounding area have rail access and transportation access via Augspurger Road (LOS A), Trenton Road (LOS B) and Jackson Road (LOS A). This site is adjacent to the Great Miami River and is an existing brownfield area with potential contamination that may complicate redevelopment. Redevelopment of this area should not be undertaken in piecemeal fashion. The area currently contains several different types of land uses, including some residential units. Coordinated redevelopment of the area is beneficial in order to reduce the impact on potential incompatible land uses.

OFFICE/TECHNOLOGY - Areas so designated include office uses and technology based businesses that employ highly skilled workers on campus-like settings.

The area along Trenton Road southeast of Riverside Drive (LOS A) around the terminus of Wehr Road is recommended for Office/Technology uses. This area was previously identified as Industrial. This area also has access to rail, which is beneficial for shipping, but the existing at grade crossings may pose a problem.

MIXED USE - Areas containing a mixture of residential, public and small-scale business uses in close proximity to each other.


LAND USE 11-31

The Overpeck area has been identified to be an existing area of mixed use. Uses in this area vary, and opportunities exist for compact redevelopment. Additional areas to the north of the existing General Business area along US 127 at Jacksonburg Road, just outside the floodplain and further along the east side of US 127, along Morganthaler Road to Cotton Run Road and on the west side of Cotton Run Road are recommended for Mixed Use. This area was selected for mixed use development opportunities because of the central location along a principal arterial roadway. This area is also a logical extension (and possible replacement) for the existing businesses located to the south within the floodplain. Development should include a mix of uses – retail, office and residential – in a compact, walkable area that can also be easily accessed by those in the Cedar Grove subdivision. A small part of this area is located in the floodplain. Proposed development should take this into consideration. Connectivity between development and redevelopment areas should be required, and the use of access management techniques along US 127 (LOS C) will help improve levels of service and ensure safety. One challenge for congestion is the location of at grade railroad crossings in the area. To facilitate new development delay should be minimized and crossings removed where possible.

Areas north of existing low density residential development along West Elkton Road north of Grandview Drive are identified for Mixed Use Development. This land currently contains exiting commercial development and in the future could be an areas of mixed uses including commercial and residential. This area is adjacent to the floodplain of the Great Miami River. West Elkton Road is a local street with level of service A. The street system may need additional improvements to serve new development and maintain good levels of service. Connectivity within developments along this road should be required, both to the north and internally, limiting the use of cul-de-sacs when possible. Access management techniques along West Elkton Road will help to maintain good levels of service and ensure safety.

GRAVEL EXTRACTION – Areas that can be used for the purpose of extracting sand, gravel or other materials, including accessory sorting areas.

Existing areas of gravel extraction are identified on the land use map. Additionally, properties owned by excavation companies but not yet actively mined are also identified. These are concentrated in the areas along Jacksonburg Road in the central part of the Township. It is recommended that standards for the removal of rock, sand and other minerals from the ground and the transportation of these materials within the Township be created. Activities should be monitored so that they do not adversely affect adjacent land uses or ground water quality or quantity.

Public and Semi-Public Uses Additional areas for public and semi-public uses have not been identified on the land use map. This is a purposeful omission since opportunities, needs and resources for these additional facilities are variable. In general, public facilities should be located to serve the greatest number of citizens in close proximity.

PUBLIC/PRIVATE RECREATION - Areas so designated should consist of public and semi-public recreational land use including active and passive recreation, open space, parks, nature preserves, golf courses, playgrounds and other similar facilities.


LAND USE 11-32

Public and private parkland is located throughout the Township, including Antennen Nature Preserve, Overpeck Park, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, and Camp Campbell Gard. Although not specifically shown on the future land use map, there is also a proposed location for a new pocket park in the area identified for suburban residential uses in the southern portion of the Township. The exact location for this facility is not identified; however the need has been recognized.

Additional areas of parkland are particularly suited to be placed in areas that have sensitive natural systems because of the generally passive nature of some activities. For example, existing park areas are in such locations. Portions of Antennen Nature Preserve and Camp Campbell Gard are in the floodplain. The Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park is located in areas with slopes of 15% or greater. PUBLIC/SEMI-PUBLIC - Areas for public purposes such as schools, cemeteries, churches, libraries, government offices, utility facilities, and conservation uses. Areas throughout the Township owned by governmental agencies, churches, and schools are identified on the future land use map as public/semi-public uses. Future locations for these types of uses should be convenient to concentrated nodes of population, and, when possible, have access to all modes of transportation.

Time of Travel Zones and Future Land Use One of the variables to consider is the use of land on and surrounding the aquifer and the surface water that interacts with it. For example, agricultural land uses may produce contaminants from pesticides, fertilizers, and manure storage. Residential uses may produce contaminants from failing septic systems, lawn fertilizers and improperly disposed household products. Industrial uses may have onsite storage of drums that may accidentally leak or processes that generate byproducts and waste that if improperly stored or disposed of, could be potential contaminants. Commercial uses such as junk yards, dry cleaning services, paint mixing, automotive repair and gas stations may also produce potential contaminants. Since ground water recharge comes from infiltration of the land’s surface, increased impervious surfaces from land development are also a concern. Increased impervious surfaces inhibit infiltration and recharge. Additionally, increased runoff from impervious surfaces can pose a problem because contaminants such as gas, oil from automobiles and deicing salt from parking lots and roadways can get swept into streams. More runoff can also increase flooding events, washing various contaminants into streams. As previously mentioned, source water protection areas are often identified as Time of Travel (TOT) zones because they indicate the time it will take a water particle to move in the saturated zone to a well. A line can be drawn around the area from which ground water is expected to reach the well within a chosen time period, usually identified as a 1-year, 5-year, or 10-year TOT. Future land uses identified in this plan to be within the 1-, 5-, and 10-year time of travel zones existing within the Township include those seen in Table 11-10. The majority of the area identified as industrial is the existing Miller Coors Brewing facility, which is in existence at the time of this plan.


LAND USE 11-33

Table 11-10: Future Land Use in TOT Zones

Future Land Use Acres in TOT Zones

% of Use in TOT Zones

% of Total Township Acres

Agricultural 1,277 45% 10% Agricultural Estate 194 7% 2% General Business 56 2% 0% Gravel Excavation 69 2% 1% Industrial 597 21% 5% Low Density Residential 191 7% 1% Office/Technology 9 0% 0% Public/Private Recreation 72 3% 1% Public/Semi Public 146 5% 1% Rural Estate Residential 180 6% 1% Suburban Residential 24 1% 0% Total 2,814 100% 26%

Future Land Use Map Series The following map series illustrates the previous discussions of future land use in the context of natural systems, the aquifer, and the availability of public services.

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AgriculturalAgricultural EstateRural Estate ResidentialLow Density ResidentialPlanned Low Density ResSuburban ResidentialGeneral BusinessMixed UseIndustrialOffice/TechnologyPublic/Private RecreationPublic/Semi-PublicGravel ExtractionRailroad

Sand and Gravel Aquifer SystemSand and Gravel Aquifer SystemSt. Clair TownshipProposed REX PipelinePonds


Map 11-12: Future Land Use and the Sand and Gravel Aquifer System


LAND USE 11-39

GOAL, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES – LAND USE Land Use Goal: Promote the public health, safety and welfare through land use decision-making that achieves and maintains a high quality living environment with a well-planned, well-timed and well-placed mix of land uses. Objective LU1: Establish the following land use classifications in St. Clair Township for the purpose of managing growth: Agricultural, Agricultural Estate, Rural Estate Residential, Low Density Residential, Suburban Residential, Planned Residential, Mixed Use, General Business, Gravel Extraction, Industrial, Office/Technology, Public/Semi-Public, and Public / Private Recreation. Make uses of land consistent with these Future Land Use classifications as they are portrayed on the St. Clair Township Future Land Use Map. Policy LU1.1: Apply the Future Land Use Map in conjunction with the policies of this element and other elements of this Plan. Future Land Use designations are intended to: a) coordinate land use with the natural environment, including soils, topography, and other resources; b) appropriately mix and distribute residential, commercial, industrial, recreation, public and preservation land uses; and c) encourage an efficient pattern of development and discourage sprawl. Policy LU1.2: Provide for residential land uses with a variety of densities and housing types to meet the needs and desires of a range of family sizes, age groups and income levels, and to accommodate different needs and desires of the population. Residential land uses include five sub-categories:

AGRICULTURAL ESTATE Areas so designated include land that is primarily residential in character, which may contain some agricultural uses in a limited fashion on lots greater than ten (10) gross acres in size. RURAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL Areas so designated consist of single-family residential development, with lot sizes ranging from five (5) acres to ten (10) gross acres in size. LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL Areas so designated include single-family residential uses, with lot sizes ranging from one (1) acre to five (5) gross acres in size. PLANNED RESIDENTIAL Areas so designated include residential development that preserves natural features and takes advantage of shared amenities including: vehicle and pedestrian access, landscaping, open spaces and communal facilities. SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL Areas so designated include single-family residential uses at a density of one (1) to four (4) homes per gross acre that are generally provided with higher levels of urban services.


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Policy LU1.3 Base the density of development for undeveloped land on considerations such as: (a) the density of adjacent developed areas for which the undeveloped land would be a logical extension; (b) access to major transportation facilities; (c) the nature of adjacent activities; and (d) residential development in rural areas should be designed to maintain existing rural character of open space and the appearance of low density. Policy LU1.4: Provide for very low density and rural-character residential development in areas where urban services such as public water and sewer services cannot economically be provided, and are not anticipated to be provided within the planning period. Policy LU1.5: Encourage revitalization of core areas by planned redevelopment and rehabilitation of residential uses. Objective LU2: Encourage the location and design of facilities providing goods and services to serve the unique needs and desires of different types of consumers. Policy LU2.1: Use one category for commercial land uses, as follows:

GENERAL BUSINESS Areas so designated include moderate to highly commercialized retail, office and service business development serving the needs of the neighborhood and beyond. This classification accommodates neighborhood-scale, community business, general business and office uses.

Policy LU2.2: Encourage the provision of centers for goods and services that are conveniently accessible to the population, and a variety to serve the unique needs and desires of different types of consumers, such as: commercial areas oriented to serving immediately surrounding residents with daily convenience needs, commercial areas intended to serve the transient public, major commercial centers offering both convenience and comparison goods and services to customers from a large service area. Policy LU2.3: Ensure that new or redeveloped facilities providing goods and services have adequate off-street parking facilities, reasonable control of ingress and egress, landscaping, reasonable separation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and similar amenities. Encourage such facilities to be located and designed to minimize any adverse environmental effects. Policy LU2.4: Locate proposed commercial uses on the basis of: (a) adequate service population, according to forecasted population distribution; (b) access via good transportation facilities; and (c) relationship to surrounding areas.


LAND USE 11-41

Policy LU2.5: Discourage spot and strip commercial developments as undesirable characteristics of sprawl. Policy LU2.6: Avoid siting commercial uses over the aquifer that have the potential to pollute it. Policy LU2.7: Permit commercial development in rural settings at a scale and location consistent with the population and area it serves. Objective LU3: Pursue employment centers that provide a variety of employment opportunities oriented to various segments of the labor force and the skills they exhibit. Policy LU3.1: Accommodate employment centers in two categories:

INDUSTRIAL Areas so designated include businesses involved in manufacturing, warehousing, assembling, or handling of goods or commodities.

OFFICE/TECHNOLOGY Areas so designated include office uses and technology based businesses that employ highly skilled workers on campus-like settings.

Policy LU3.2: Attract the types of employment that appear to have the greatest potential for success in this region and are least susceptible to fluctuations in the economy, according to the most current economic studies,. Policy LU3.3: Provide for an adequate amount land for the location of industrial uses to meet anticipated industrial employment needs. Policy LU3.4: Locate areas planned for employment centers so as to shorten the work trip from residential areas and reduce energy consumption. Policy LU3.5: In considering the development of employment centers, give priority to land that exhibits the following characteristics: (a) good access to major transportation facilities; (b) good proximity to urban development (employment sources); (c) relatively flat land; and (d) a full range of urban services. Policy LU3.6: Avoid siting industrial uses over the aquifer that have the potential to pollute it.


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Objective LU4: Provide for a mix of land uses, where appropriate, to facilitate the efficient use of land, to promote multi-modal transportation options, to promote community centers, and to provide for varying densities and intensities to serve a diverse population. Policy LU4.1: Include one category in the mixed land use classification, as follows:

MIXED USE Areas containing a mixture of residential, pubic and small-scale business uses in close proximity to each other.

Policy LU4.2: Modify the Township zoning ordinance to include a mixed use zoning district. Policy LU4.3: Plan and integrate mixed use development with surrounding areas. Policy LU4.4: In setting forth mixed use development requirements in the zoning ordinance, pay special attention to use mix and dimensional requirements, off-street parking needs/requirements, the compactness of development, connectivity, and the use of public open spaces. Policy LU4.5: In considering locations for mixed use developments, use criteria such as the existence of multi-modal transportation options, access to major transportation facilities, and a full range of urban services. Objective LU5: Make public recreational facilities and programs available that are conveniently located and accessible to the population. Policy LU5.1 Accommodate recreational uses in one category as follows:

PUBLIC/PRIVATE RECREATION Areas so designated should consist of public and semi-public recreational land use including active and passive recreation, open space, parks, nature preserves, golf courses, playgrounds and other similar facilities.

Policy LU5.2 When considering the location and design of recreation and open space facilities, allow for both region-oriented spaces, containing a variety of active and passive recreation pursuits, and neighborhood-oriented spaces, primarily aimed at satisfying the day-to-day desires and needs of immediately surrounding residents. Policy LU5.3 Evaluate potential recreational areas to ensure the most efficient and reasonable utilization of the area's physical resources and that any short-term uses of man's environment will be to the long-range benefit of all.


LAND USE 11-43

Policy LU5.4 Encourage appropriate authorities and private developers to incorporate designs for recreational facilities into the early stages of land development projects. Objective LU6: Provide for conveniently located public facilities such as schools, government offices, libraries and other governmental uses. Policy LU6.1: Include one category in the public uses classification, as follows:

PUBLIC/SEMI-PUBLIC Areas for public purposes such as schools, cemeteries, churches, libraries, government offices, utility facilities, and conservation uses.

Policy LU6.2: Make public uses accessible by multiple modes of transportation whenever possible, and accommodate sidewalks, bus access and automobile access. Policy LU6.3: Except for conservation areas, locate public uses where development exists or where new development is anticipated. In areas where intensive development patterns are not established or planned, do not locate public uses other than conservation areas. Policy LU6.4: Locate elementary educational facilities so that the student enrollment is within a reasonable walking distance in urban areas. For elementary education facilities in non-urban areas, secondary education facilities, higher education centers, and specialized education facilities, provide locations which are easily accessible to the population of their service areas. Objective LU7: Preserve areas for agricultural uses in order to maintain the agricultural heritage and economy of the Township. Policy LU7.1: Include one category in the agricultural uses classification, as follows:

AGRICULTURAL Land that is most suitable for cultivation of crops, the raising of livestock, or other types of related bona fide farm uses. This classification includes those areas which are, and will continue to be, used primarily for agricultural pursuits and held in reserve for future development. Within the Agriculture area, residential development should limited to a density of one unit per 20 gross acres. Within the Agriculture area, land management activities associated with agricultural uses may be incompatible with residential development; however, such management activities are considered to be of primary importance in the Agricultural classification.

Objective LU8: Gravel extraction Provide for land areas that can be used for the purpose of extracting sand, gravel or other materials, including accessory sorting areas.


LAND USE 11-44

Policy LU8.1: Set standards for the removal of rock, sand and other minerals from the ground and the transportation of these materials within the Township. Monitor such activities so that they do not adversely affect adjacent land uses or ground water quality or quantity. Objective LU9: Coordinate proposed future land uses with the appropriate soil conditions, topography, and the availability of public facilities and services. Policy LU9.1: Direct development to areas where public facilities and services are available or are projected to be available. Policy LU9.2: Issue development orders after consideration of established levels of service for public facilities and services as defined in this plan. Objective LU10: Establish systems to reduce or eliminate existing development and zoning districts that are inconsistent with the Land Use Element and Future Land Use Map. While protecting public safety and minimizing public expenditures on public facilities and services, permit residential development on vested lots of record established prior to this Comprehensive Plan which do not conform to density standards set forth in the Land Use Element. Policy LU10.1: Ensure that development existing at the time of adoption of this Comprehensive Plan that is inconsistent with the Future Land Use Element or Future Land Use Map will not be expanded, and that if the use of such development is discontinued for a period of more than six months, that it will not be reestablished. Policy LU10.2: As part of the development review process, identify any properties not having legal access to a city-, county- or state-maintained road, or to a privately-owned road constructed to meet engineering standards established for an approved private road, and convey this information to the county so that building permits will not be issued. Legal access includes: 1. Direct frontage on the road in accordance with minimum width standards established in local

land development regulations. 2. Access by easement which meets applicable standards established in local land development

regulations and which has been properly recorded in the public records of St. Clair Township or Butler County.

Objective LU11: Adopt and enforce standards that conserve, appropriately use, and protect natural and historic resources. Protect natural resources by regulating land use in proximity to community water system wellfields and other environmentally sensitive lands, and by the management of stormwater runoff and drainage.


LAND USE 11-45

Policy LU11.1: Implement procedures to evaluate development proposals in terms of goals, objectives and policies set forth in this Comprehensive Plan that address the conservation, appropriate use and protection of natural resources. Policy LU11.2: Protect floodplains, wetlands, zones of influence, natural ground water aquifer recharge areas, native vegetative communities and wildlife habitats by evaluating all proposals for development and redevelopment activities for their impacts on natural resources and source water during a review process, and subject such activities to the applicable land development regulations and source water protection program requirements. Policy LU11.3: Separate incompatible land uses and protect natural resources through the use of buffers as appropriate. Set forth the size, composition and location of buffers in the appropriate land development regulations, based on the proposed land use or development activity, and ensure their consistency with the policies of this Comprehensive Plan, including those in the natural systems element. Policy LU11.4: Develop standards for the use of alternative energy. Objective LU12: Promote compact development patterns and encourage the efficient use of public facilities. Policy LU12.1: Make decisions affecting the development of land consistent with the Future Land Use Element and Future Land Use Map. Policy LU12.2: Update development regulations, where necessary, to be consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. Consider improvements to the Township’s land development regulation processes that focus on efficiency and effectiveness through streamlining. Policy LU12.3: Work with the appropriate Butler County agencies to consider a program to bring planned, permitted and zoned development capacity into alignment with existing and programmed capital improvements capacity, and in the process recognize and protect vested property rights. Policy LU12.4: Work with the Butler County Department of Development to promote innovative land development techniques which mix and distribute land uses to use public facilities in the most efficient manner possible. Policy LU12.5: Encourage infill development by providing for: a) Expedition of the permitting process for infill development proposals;


LAND USE 11-46

b) Consideration of exceptions to requirements such as minimum lot sizes, minimum setbacks, or minimum parking requirements to provide for residential, affordable residential and economically viable commercial opportunities;

c) The direction of public expenditures to areas of higher intensities and densities of use, thereby encouraging development to locate where public facilities are more readily and more economically available; or

e) Coordination of uses with city, county and state transportation facilities to provide adequate levels of service that support higher densities and intensities of development within or adjacent to currently developed areas.

Objective LU13: Ensure that suitable land is available for public facilities and utility facilities to support proposed development. Policy LU13.1: Work with the Butler Soil and Water Conservation District, the Butler County Department of Development, the Butler County Storm Water District, and the Butler County Engineer’s Office to ensure that adequate land or facilities are available to meet the needs of new development in the following areas: a) Drainage; b) Storm water management; c) Parking; d) Open space; e) Road right-of-way; f) Public utility plant sites; and g) Schools. Policy L13.2: Require the set-aside, by dedication or easement, of land suitable to accommodate public utility facilities needed to service a proposed development. Policy L13.3: Permit public utilities needed to service existing and future land uses in all future land use classifications, provided they meet performance standards in the Comprehensive Plan and any applicable land development regulations.




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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS 12-2

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Introduction This Capital Improvements Element is limited by the structure and authority of township government in Ohio, and by the size and rural character of St. Clair Township. Since this plan addresses a 20-year period, however, the remainder of this introduction describes the purposes and content of a fully-developed capital improvements element for future reference. Ideally, a Capital Improvements Element should: evaluate the need for public facilities as identified in the other comprehensive plan elements and in the applicable definitions for each type of public facility; estimate the cost of improvements for which St. Clair Township has fiscal responsibility; analyze the fiscal capability of St. Clair Township to finance and construct improvements; and adopt financial policies to guide and schedule the funding of improvements and their construction, so that they are provided when required. An effective Capital Improvements Element should examine the township’s existing capital needs, projected capital needs, its system for prioritizing and funding identified deficiencies, and determine remedies for problems with the existing prioritization and funding system. Ideally, the Capital Improvements Element should be one basis for preparation of a five-year schedule of capital improvements. A Capital Improvements Element and associated five-year schedule of capital improvements should assist the Township in planning for public facilities and services to support development. The five-year schedule should estimate the cost of any needed facilities and services, target the sources of revenue that will pay for the facility or service, and should be updated annually. A Capital Improvements Element should consider the need for and location of public facilities. An analysis of the capital improvements addressed in the other elements of the comprehensive plan should be the starting point for this element, followed by a listing of the township’s primary revenue sources and other township budget information, in the form of revenues and expenditures. Capital Expenditures Related to the Comprehensive Plan During the preparation of the elements of this comprehensive plan, capital improvement projects necessary to attain or maintain an adopted level of service were identified to the greatest extent possible. There were no capital improvements projects identified for inclusion in a five-year schedule of capital improvements. As a result, no five-year schedule of capital improvements will be prepared for this edition of the plan. As St. Clair Township grows and develops, however, and as this plan is amended to reflect physical changes in the Township, capital improvements should be identified, included in a five-year schedule of capital improvements, and adopted by the Township. The following are the plan’s elements that are relevant to level of service standards, and that could result in a capital improvements project required for inclusion in a future five-year schedule.



Transportation Facilities St. Clair Township currently has no road segments operating below the level of service adopted by the County, although there are several segments currently operating, or projected to operate, below the level of service recommended by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). When ODOT plans major road construction that will affect St. Clair Township, the Township will also include those projects, funded by the ODOT, in the township’s five-year schedule of capital improvements. Such road projects could affect capacities of the road system, and therefore levels of service. ODOT, the Butler County Engineer and St. Clair Township have ongoing road projects, including resurfacing and bridge work. While important for the functioning of the road system in St. Clair Township, such projects will not be included in the Township's five-year schedule unless there is a direct correlation to attaining or maintaining a level of service. Sanitary Sewer and Potable Water Facilities St. Clair Township does not own or operate sanitary sewer or potable water facilities. As a result, no capital costs associated with these facilities were assessed. Landfill Facilities Solid waste disposal for St. Clair Township is handled by private contractors, and there are no active sanitary landfills in St. Clair Township. As a result, no capital costs associated with these facilities were assessed. Drainage Drainage in St. Clair Township is addressed by the Butler County Storm Water District. Recreation Facilities An examination of existing St. Clair Township recreation facilities revealed some deficiencies; because of the township’s budget limitations, however, and the absence of any identified sources of funding for parks, no capital improvements were compiled. Public Educational Systems Newly-opened school facilities and those that will open within the next five years will serve township residents. In addition, one school expansion is under evaluation. Provision of Public Facilities to Support Efficient Land Development St. Clair Township does not provide most public facilities. The Township does not provide any potable water or sewage treatment. The township’s road system is adequate in its role as a collector and local system. Over time, the state road network in the Township evolved to support agricultural production, and the township’s existing land use patterns evolved from that agricultural base. Because roads and streets are so expensive, future development in the Township will likely be confined to the current state, county and township road network. Some improvements to the overall road system will be necessary over time to support existing development and assist the logical progression of future development; however, St. Clair Township is not in a financial position that would allow it to expend funds on major improvements to the road network.



Revenue Sources General Fund revenues for the Township are raised from three primary categories: local sources; state sources; and federal sources. Local sources comprise those revenues which are levied, collected, and disbursed solely at the discretion of the County. Local Sources The Township’s General Fund total revenues forecast for 2009 were $364,675. Budgeted general fund expenditures for 2009 were $342,875. With a projected cash balance of $184,225 for 2009, the Township expects a 2009 General Fund balance of $206,025. The Township’s capital or project-specific funds include:

• Motor Vehicle License Tax • Gasoline Tax • Road and Bridge Fund • Cemetery Fund • Garbage and Waste Disposal District Fund • Fire District Fund • Road District Fund • Life Squad Fund • Permissive Motor Vehicle License Tax • Ambulance and EMS Fund • Special Assessment • Miscellaneous Capital Projects (Road) Fund • Miscellaneous Capital Projects (Fire) Fund • Miscellaneous Capital Projects (Life Squad) Fund

The Township’s general revenues come from: property taxes; licenses, permits and fees; fines and forfeitures; intergovernmental transfers from the State of Ohio; earnings on investments; and miscellaneous receipts. Cash Carried Forward: All monies not expended or encumbered in the prior fiscal year are carried forward to the succeeding year to continue projects or to provide funding for other needs. Other than general fund cash brought forward, these proceeds are used for expenditures for functions within the fund from which the monies were returned. The Township forecast a balance carried forward for 2008 of $298,995, but it projects $184,225 carried forward into 2009, a decrease of $148,457. Property Taxes: Ad valorem property taxes are levied according to the certified assessed value of real property contained in the Township, less all appropriate exemptions. The taxable value is the assessed value less any exemptions. Ad valorem taxes are based on one mill (one tenth of one cent) per one dollar ($1) of assessed value. Ad valorem taxes on personal property are levied by political subdivisions and local taxing districts.



The Ohio Constitution has, since 1934, limited the amount of the aggregate levy of ad valorem property taxes on particular property, without a vote of the electors or municipal charter provision, to 1% of true value in money, and Ohio statutes limit the amount of that aggregate levy without a vote or charter provision to 10 mills per $1 of assessed valuation -- commonly referred to in the context of Ohio local government finance as the “ten-mill limitation.” Taxes charged net out certain reductions, which include a tax rollback of 10 percent on all real property, as well as a homestead exemption and a 2.5 percent rollback for owner-occupied dwellings. The state reimburses local governments for the full amount of the 2.5 and 10 percent rollbacks, as well as for the homestead exemption. Ad valorem property taxes are distributed by county auditors to the local taxing authorities. For 2008, the Township forecast ad valorem property tax receipts of $52,942, and general personal tax receipts of $30,000. Licenses, Permits and Fees: These are assessed based on the reasonably anticipated costs of the allocation of resources or the costs of providing support for specific services relating to the acquired license or permit. For 2008, the Township forecast $38,000 in receipts in this category, and projected $37,000 in receipts for 2009. Miscellaneous Receipts: For 2008, the Township forecast $9,500 in miscellaneous receipts, and projected $10,500 in receipts for 2009. Potential Development-Related Revenue Sources at the Local Level Cooperative Economic Development Agreements (CEDA): A CEDA is an agreement, entered into following a public hearing, between one or more municipal corporations and one or more townships (and possibly a board of county commissioners or the state) that, in connection with the promotion of the economic development of an area, may allow for such things as the provision of joint or separate services and improvements, the payment of service fees, the issuance of debt obligations, the annexation to a municipal corporation of an area of a township, periods during which no annexations may occur, the application of tax abatement statutes, and payments in lieu of taxes to townships (ORC 701.07). Joint Economic Development District (JEDD): A JEDD is an area designated by one or more specified municipal corporations and one or more specified townships, by contract, in order to promote the area’s economic development, create or preserve jobs and employment opportunities in the area, and improve the economic welfare of the people of the state and the area’s residents by contributing resources, such as services, money, property, facilities, and equipment, and by creating a board of directors to govern the area, possibly with the authority to levy income taxes within the district on either persons or businesses; JEDDs may be created in several distinct manners (R.C. 715.70 to 715.83). Joint Economic Development Zone: A Joint Economic Development Zone is an area composed of land from two or more municipal corporations in which the contracting municipal corporations agree to share in the costs of improvements for the area in order to facilitate new or expanded growth for commercial or economic development in the state, or an area composed of



land in two or more municipal corporations, or one or more townships and one or more municipal corporations, in which the contracting political subdivisions enter into a similar type of agreement (R.C. 715.69 and 715.691) Restricted Use Revenues The Ohio Constitution directs or restricts the use of certain revenues. Highway fees and excises, including gasoline taxes, are limited in use to highway-related purposes. Not less than 50% of the receipts from state income taxes and estate taxes must be returned to the originating political subdivisions and school districts. State net lottery profits are allocated to elementary, secondary, vocational and special education program purposes, including application to debt service on obligations issued to finance capital facilities for a system of common schools. Ad valorem property taxes are also levied by other taxing authorities, including libraries, school boards and the Miami Conservancy District. (The Ohio Conservancy Act enables a conservancy district to levy assessments against property receiving the benefit of the flood protection works of the District to provide funds to pay for the cost of construction and maintenance of a project.) Borrowing: The Ohio Constitution provides “for the issuance of bonds and other obligations of the state for the purpose of financing or assisting in the financing of the cost of public infrastructure capital improvements of municipal corporations, counties, townships, and other governmental entities as designated by law.” General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing authority or "full faith and credit" of the issuing institution. The benefit received from purposes financed through general obligation bonds must support the Township as a whole. The Township has outstanding bonds or notes to finance a maintenance building and a fire truck. State Revenue Sources State sources represent specific grant awards and those revenues collected by either individual localities or the State of Ohio and distributed by the state based on an established formula or methodology. The State of Ohio has shared taxes with the Township: local government fund, estate taxes, property taxes, and other transfers. State revenue sources also include specific grant awards. State revenue sharing was projected to contribute $180,135 to the Township's General Fund in 2008 and 182,225 in 2009. Some state revenues are available for restricted uses. Highway fees and excises, including gasoline taxes, are limited in use to highway-related purposes. State net lottery profits are allocated to elementary, secondary, vocational and special education program purposes, including application to debt service on obligations issued to finance capital facilities for a system of common schools. Federal and State Grants Direct federal or state grants have become rare; however, from time to time, the Township does receive direct grants as partial funding for a federal or state mandated program.



The Township receives indirect federal funds from Butler County in the form of Community Development Block Grants. Such revenues are not projected as part of the budget process. Issues and Recommendations The Township does not have the fiscal capability of funding major capital facilities or improvements with existing revenue sources. The Township has historically undertaken capital improvements after a need arises, rather than in anticipation of needs. As the Township grows over time and associated capital improvements needs are identified, a five-year schedule of capital improvements should be created and updated annually. The Township should explore various financing alternatives and partnerships for major capital expenditures. User fees or other charges should be considered; however, the Township does not currently provide public facilities other than the Township’s collector road system. GOAL, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Capital Improvements Goal: Provide or pursue the provision of public facilities and services on a fair-share cost basis, in a manner which protects investments in existing facilities, maximizes the use of existing facilities, and promotes orderly growth. Objective CI1: Use the Capital Improvements Element to annually determine funding sources for identified deficiencies in capital improvement needs, and annually amend the Five-Year Schedule of Capital Improvements to include capital projects and funding sources to correct existing deficiencies and accommodate future growth. Policy CI1.1: Work with County and State agencies to maintain level of service standards for public facilities which have been established in other elements of this Comprehensive Plan, including the road system, surface water management system, potable water systems, sanitary sewer systems and parks or recreation facilities. Policy CI1.2: Work with the appropriate County agencies to evaluate local capital improvements projects which are related to applicable elements of this Comprehensive Plan. Consider the following factors: 1) whether the proposed project will eliminate a public hazard; 2) whether the proposed project will eliminate capacity deficits; 3) local budget impacts; 4) locational needs based on projected growth patterns; 5) accommodation of new development or redevelopment; 6) financial feasibility; and 7) plans of state or county agencies that provide facilities in the Township



Policy CI1.3: Rank proposed capital improvements projects in order of priority according to the following guidelines: Priority 1: The project is needed to protect public health and safety, to fulfill the

Township's legal commitment to provide facilities and services, or to achieve full use of existing facilities or support the existing economy.

Priority 2: The project increases the efficiency of existing facilities, prevents or reduces

future improvement costs, provides service to developed areas lacking full service, or promotes in-fill development.

Priority 3: The project represents a logical extension of facilities and services within a

designated service area. Policy CI1.4: Use the following level of service standards for public facilities, as identified in the applicable elements of this Comprehensive Plan: Limited Access Facilities: C Principal Arterials: C Minor Arterials: D Collectors: D Local Roads: D Sanitary Sewer: 100 gallons per capita per day Potable Water: 100 gallons per capita per day Storm Water Facilities: To be designed to accommodate a 24-hour storm in

accordance with the Butler County Engineer’s standards and with recommendations described in the Jackson Ditch Watershed Study on file in the Butler County Engineer’s Office.

Recreation: National Recreation and Park Association standards Objective CI2: Provide or require the provision of needed public facilities based on levels of service set forth in the several elements of this Plan. Determine public facilities needs within the Township's jurisdiction based on previously-issued development orders, the Township's planning and zoning process and the Township's annual budget process.



Policy CI2.1: Work with the appropriate County agencies prior to the issuance of a development permit to determine whether public facilities and services that meet adopted level of service standards will be available to support the proposed development. In determining if sufficient public facilities and services will be available for proposed development, consider whether the public facilities and services for a development are phased, or if the development is phased so that its impacts are addressed, Policy CI2.2: Evaluate potential revenue available for public facility expenditures through alternative sources such as user fees, special benefit units and/or special assessments. Policy CI2.3: Endeavor to secure public or private funds, whenever available, to finance needed capital improvements. Policy CI2.4: Adopt a priority list of capital improvements as part of the Township's annual budgeting process. Objective CI3: Consider available or projected public and private fiscal resources and the Township's schedule of capital improvements when making land use decisions, and maintain adopted LOS standards and the capacity to meet existing and future public facility needs. Policy CI3.1: Strive to avoid land use decisions that degrade levels of service for public facilities below adopted minimum standards. Policy CI3.2: Consider available or projected public or private fiscal resources and the Township's schedule of capital improvements when making land use decisions that affect deficient public facilities.




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IMPLEMENTATION 13-2

IMPLEMENTATION Introduction to the Policy Matrix The purpose of this chapter is to begin to describe how the goals, objectives and policies of this Plan will be consistently initiated and implemented through St. Clair Township’s programs, activities, and land development regulations. The following policy matrix is the result of discussions with the township’s Planning Advisory Committee about the status of work on the policies, the implementing parties, coordination among various organizations serving the Township and the target completion period. The matrix includes a summary of each policy in the plan. (For decision-making purposes the full text of the policy should be referred to for clarity and context.) The number of the policy in the matrix corresponds to the number within each chapter including that policy. Because of the large number of policies, and the concerns of the township’s Planning Advisory Committee about resources to implement them, the matrix included in this plan is broken down by status of the activity: Already Being Done; New Action Feasible with Existing Resources; Requires New Action and Additional Resources; Led by Organizations Other than the Township; and (may require) State and Federal action. Information about the status of the policies was gathered from both the township administration and implementing agencies involved with the township’s Planning Advisory Committee. Policies listed under “Already Being Done” are those that are ongoing or periodic tasks that the township and other related organizations are undertaking. Policies listed under “New Action Feasible with Existing Resources” are those that the township administration and/or potential implementing agencies on the Planning Advisory Committee judged to be do-able without additional staff or funding. Policies listed under “Requires New Action and Additional Resources” are those that the Township administration and/or potential implementing agencies on the Planning Advisory Committee identified as beyond the level of existing staff and/or funding, and would require outside assistance of some kind. Policies listed under “Led by Organizations Other than the Township” are those that were identified by township administration and implementing agencies on the Planning Advisory Committee as requiring some attention from the Township but being led by another organization. Policies listed under (may require)”State and Federal Action” are those for which effective action will depend on leadership and policy initiatives from the state and federal levels of government, rather than the Township. Priority and frequency of the policy tasks are also identified on the matrix. Short-term priority items are the highest priority and should be initiated within five years. Mid-term priority items should be initiated within ten years and long-term items will probably take ten or more years to initiate. In terms of frequency, some policies are time-limited, meaning they are a one-time task that can be initiated and completed within a certain amount of time. Other policies require periodic action and may only be necessary to complete once a year or on another less frequent time schedule. Still other policies are ongoing on a more frequent basis, such as monthly or quarterly; in any event, policies with ongoing implementation require action more than once a year.


IMPLEMENTATION 13-3

Many different organizations outside the Township will be involved in implementing the policies within this plan. The responsible parties for implementing each policy are listed in the matrix. The first party listed is assumed to be the lead organization. This listing of responsible parties illustrates how important intergovernmental coordination will be to achieving the goals of this plan. Two new work groups have been recommended by this plan. Both of these workgroups should include appropriate representation from applicable organizations, township officials and the general public. The Zoning Work Group is listed in several places on the policy implementation matrix. The purpose of this work group is to research, review and recommend changes in the zoning ordinance that will serve to implement the goals, objectives and policies of this plan to the Township Zoning Commission, and further to the Trustees and the Butler County Planning Commission. This group will work closely with the Township Zoning Administrator. The creation of a Recreation and Open Space (ROS) Work Group is also recommended by this plan in order to deal specifically with items related to recreation and open space, and in some cases, greenways and natural systems. This group will coordinate the work of creating a Recreation and Open Space Master Plan for the Township. Key Themes Several key themes for implementation apply to this plan. Public participation was a key element in the creation of this plan, both on the Advisory Committee level and through public meetings. Participation of Township residents and business owners will also be essential to implementing the goals of this plan. Regional cooperation is also an essential aspect of this plan. The policy matrix and the Intergovernmental Chapter both illustrate that it is not feasible for the Township alone to accomplish the magnitude of work included in this plan. The Township recognizes that it is not an isolated community and that what impacts the region, impacts the Township.


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