Issue 15 approved by Blue Ash voters in November 2006 provided resources for a number of future major capital improvements for the benefit of our citizens. The first improvement was the renovation and expansion of the Recreation Center, which was completed and dedicated in 2009. The next major projects associated with Issue 15 and promised to voters includes future enhancements of Golf Course services and facilities and development of a signature 130-acre park at the Blue Ash Airport. Below is the latest information regarding these exciting projects.

Golf Course Update

At the June 10, 2010 Council meeting, City Council authorized the solicitation of bids for the Golf Course improvements, including construction of a new clubhouse/banquet facility, replacement of the 30-year old irrigation system, and replacement of cart paths. The first phase that has been bid is replacement of the irrigation system, with bids opened July 1, and awarded by Council on July 8. It was decided that in order to minimize inconvenience to the golfing public, that all three phases of the course improvements should be done at the same time.

The design of the Clubhouse/Banquet facility is in its final stages. Initial design concepts for a new clubhouse/banquet facility were presented at a Council meeting in late 2009, and in April 2010, an open house was held to seek further public input (see conceptual renderings below). Bids are likely to be sought for this portion of the project in late September. If favorable bids are received and Council authorizes the project to move forward, construction could begin as early as October. A new clubhouse/banquet facility will take at least nine months to construct; however, all golf operations will remain open (working from temporary facilities), as weather permits.

Click here to see an excerpt from the May 13, 2010 Council meeting minutes to learn more about the latest design and project features of a new multi-functional clubhouse and banquet facility.

This project is made possible only by the passage of Issue 15 by voters in November 2006. The total investment in the new building is estimated to be $7.7 million, though the actual cost of construction could vary depending on the construction market at the time of the bid. The Administration and Council are hoping for a favorable bidding environment later this summer, resulting in authorization for the project to move forward. The Administration and Council will continue to closely monitor Issue 15 and other earnings tax revenues to determine when and if the project can move forward this year.

Additional enhancements to golf course operations are also being considered on the airport park property in the form of a potential six-hole short course and a driving range on the airport park property oriented towards Plainfield near the Golf Course. This new short course would be family-oriented, environmentally-friendly, and would be attractive to members of our business community who might no have the time to play a regular full round of golf. Any golf improvements slated for the airport park property would not likely begin before 2012 or 2013 as the City of Cincinnati continues to work towards reconfiguration of the airport facilities.

Airport Park Background & Update

In the summer of 2006, the City of Blue Ash negotiated the acquisition of 130 acres of the 228 acre Blue Ash Airport owned by the City of Cincinnati. This purchase agreement, approved by the City Councils of Blue Ash and Cincinnati, represented a breakthrough in a 20+ year discussion regarding the future of the airport land. Various private development proposals existed at that time regarding re-use of the airport land, including a myriad of office, retail and residential developments. However, Blue Ash placed before the voters a vision of acquiring 130 acres for development as a “Central” Park with amenities such as the Blue Ash Center (Performing Arts and Conference Center), pedestrian plaza, open space, walking trails, family-friendly golf facilities, and open green space. Voters approved of this plan and a related 0.25% earnings tax financing plan passed via Issue 15 by a 2 to 1 margin.

While the continuance of the Blue Ash Airport operation on the remaining 98 acres retained by the City of Cincinnati was not guaranteed as part of the Issue 15 process/vote, the purchase agreement specified that Cincinnati would apply for FAA funds to reconfigure and redevelop the airport, and do so by August 2010, with extensions available until August 2012 (in February 2010, Cincinnati did in fact request one of those year extentions to give them more time to work with the FAA). The agreement also specified that Blue Ash would commit up to $2 million in matching funds to the FAA grants received by Cincinnati. Should Cincinnati not receive the required $10 million in FAA funds requested, they have the option of closing the airport. 

Before Blue Ash can move forward with development of the park, the City of Cincinnati must resolve these issues associated with airport operations. As noted above, Cincinnati has formally requested one of those optional year extensions in February 2010, and as of April, Cincinnati is awaiting approval from the FAA as federal funds will be required to reconfigure airport operations.

In the meantime, Blue Ash remains committed to the airport and continues to support Cincinnati’s efforts to receive FAA funds to keep it operational. Should that process not prove successful, Blue Ash has a contractual right to match any purchase offer on the remaining 98 acres, and will go through a due diligence process to determine financial feasibility. Regardless of whether the airport remains open or not, Blue Ash will likely begin phased development of the new “Central” park around 2012-13, depending on the economy.

The City looks forward to development of this wonderful future 130-acre park and believes it will be a source of pride for Blue Ash residents for generations to come. Many thanks to Blue Ash citizens for their support of Issue 15 in November 2006, making these future capital improvement projects, as well as others, possible in the future!

See below the latest conceptual ideas associated with this future signature park.