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

Though exact construction dates are contingent on funding and the economy, broad planning, design, and engineering will continue through 2010 for future improvements to the Blue Ash Golf Course, such as a new multi-functional clubhouse including banquet facilities and more. 

Exterior design concepts for a new clubhouse facility were presented to Council in late 2009 (see conceptual renderings below), and in 2010, it is likely that open houses will be held to seek further public input regarding clubhouse design. In 2009, it was decided that in order to minimize inconvenience to the public that other necessary course improvements be done at the same time as clubhouse construction -- such as irrigation and cart path improvements. In late 2009, City Council and the Project Team selected Schumacher-Dugan Construction as the project’s construction manager (after following an interview process).

Though planning and design will continue, as of early 2010, it is not certain when construction for a new clubhouse/banquet facility will begin given the current downturn in the economy. While the economic situation presents a unique opportunity to take advantage of a competitive construction market (representing the potential for significantly lower construction costs), the Administration continues to closely monitor Issue 15 and other earnings tax revenues. The hope is that construction can move forward late in 2010 or early 2011.

Work also on the feasibility and design of a family-oriented golf learning center on the airport park property continued throughout 2009. The thought is to include a six-hole short course and a driving range on the airport park property (oriented towards Plainfield/the Golf Course) that would require no major changes to the current championship layout golf course west of Plainfield. The new short course would be family-oriented, environmentally-friendly, and would be attractive to members of our business community who might not have the time to play a regular full round of golf.

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 March, 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.