Guest: Eric Mack, Tipp City City Manager

Hosts: Greg Enslen and Tasha Weaver

In the newest episode of Downtown Lowdown, Greg Enslen and Tasha Weaver sit down with Tipp City City Manager Eric Mack to discuss some of the biggest developments happening around the community — including the potential arrival of a new Meijer, the city's purchase of property, infrastructure improvements, downtown projects, and the future growth of Tipp City.

With plenty of questions and discussion surrounding recent city council decisions, Eric provides insight into why the city has been acquiring property, how zoning affects what businesses can come to Tipp City, and what the city can and cannot control when it comes to attracting new businesses.

One of the biggest topics of the episode is the city's acquisition of approximately 60 acres of property and what could eventually happen there.

Eric explains that the opportunity came directly from the property owners, who approached the city because they wanted the land to have a community-focused future rather than simply selling it to the highest bidder. The timing also lined up with the city's ongoing efforts to evaluate development in and around the uptown area.

The conversation explores why owning the property gives the city considerably more control over what eventually develops there.

The biggest development discussed is the potential arrival of Meijer.

The city recently approved a real estate option agreement that gives Meijer the exclusive right to purchase approximately 17 acres of the 60-acre property. The agreement provides an initial six-month option with another six-month extension, giving Meijer roughly a year to complete its due diligence and determine whether the property will work for its plans.

Eric emphasizes that this does not mean Tipp City can officially announce that a grocery store is coming yet. There are still environmental, engineering, construction and other considerations that must be addressed before the deal can move forward.

The agreed-upon purchase price discussed in the episode is $3.05 million, correcting a figure that was reported incorrectly elsewhere.

The hosts tackle one of the questions they hear constantly: Why doesn't Tipp City just bring in Trader Joe's, Aldi, Dorothy Lane Market, or another popular grocery store?

Eric explains that the city cannot force a private company to open a location. Grocery stores and other businesses make their own decisions based on factors such as market demographics, traffic counts, available property, projected growth and their individual business models.

The city has reportedly had conversations with multiple grocery companies, but ultimately those businesses have to decide whether Tipp City fits their requirements.

Another major theme is control.

Eric and the hosts discuss the difference between owning property and simply having zoning authority over privately owned land. While zoning determines what types of businesses can operate in a particular area, the city generally cannot pick and choose between businesses that meet the requirements.

By purchasing property, the city has more control over what ultimately happens with that land.

That philosophy has played a major role in the city's decisions involving the Tip City Plaza and the 60-acre property.

Meijer's potential purchase would cover roughly 17 acres, leaving the remaining property under city control.

That means the city can continue working with its development partner, Woodard Development, to identify other businesses that could potentially occupy the surrounding outlots.

The discussion explains how having a major anchor retailer could make the surrounding properties more attractive to restaurants, shops and other businesses because those businesses often look closely at traffic and customer volume when deciding where to locate.

The conversation also addresses one of the biggest concerns surrounding development: How can Tipp City grow without losing what makes Tipp City special?

Eric discusses the city's newly adopted comprehensive plan and the public input that went into it. Surveys involving roughly 1,200 residents, along with a student survey, helped identify what people want to see in Tipp City in the future.

Among the most frequently requested amenities was a grocery store, along with other ideas such as bike paths and a downtown historical museum.

The location of the 60-acre property was also intentional. Because it sits on the western edge of the city and along major roadways, the city believes development there can occur without fundamentally changing the character of downtown Tipp City.

What about all the additional traffic?

Eric explains that the city has already begun looking at the potential impact through a traffic study, while also examining utility and infrastructure needs.

The city is planning ahead for potential improvements to roads, water, sewer and other infrastructure. The city has also secured approximately $1 million in state funding for infrastructure related to the project.

Eric describes the goal as smart growth — allowing Tipp City to grow while planning for the infrastructure needed to support that growth.

The hosts also address concerns about the project becoming a burden on Tipp City taxpayers.

Eric explains that the city is looking at multiple funding mechanisms, including property revenue, state grants and other development-related financing tools, to help cover the costs associated with the project.

He also notes that the city has received more than $1.5 million in grant funding so far this year, with additional applications pending.

If Meijer completes its due diligence and moves forward with the purchase, there would still be a significant amount of work before the store could open.

The city would need to design and construct infrastructure and utilities, while Meijer would need to move through its own construction process.

Eric estimates that, assuming the project continues forward, 2029–2030 could be a reasonable general timeframe for a potential grand opening.

The episode isn't all about Meijer.

Eric also provides updates on several other projects around town, including:

• Second Street culvert replacement near Parkwood and the Moki Ditch
• A temporary change to the Tipp City Mum Festival parade route because of construction
• Upcoming downtown pedestrian safety bollards
• Continued alley resurfacing
• Recent street resurfacing
• Substation work near Peters Road

Eric explains that the city's alley resurfacing program prioritizes the worst-condition alleys first, with the goal of steadily working through the city's aging infrastructure over time.

Throughout the episode, Eric emphasizes the importance of communication between city officials and residents.

He encourages residents with questions or concerns to reach out, ask questions and participate in the process rather than relying on rumors or assumptions.

The conversation also recognizes that growth and development will inevitably bring disagreements. The challenge for city officials is balancing private property rights, neighboring residents, commercial development and what the city believes is best for Tipp City as a whole.

From a potential new grocery store to road improvements and downtown development, this episode offers an inside look at what is happening in Tipp City now — and what could be coming next.

• Eric Mack joins Downtown Lowdown
• The history behind the city's 60-acre property purchase
• Why the city purchased the Tip City Plaza
• The potential Meijer development
• What Meijer's option agreement actually means
• Why the city can't simply force Trader Joe's or another grocery store to move to Tipp City
• How zoning impacts development
• Why property ownership gives the city more control
• The future of the remaining 60-acre property
• Woodard Development and potential future businesses
• Tipp City's comprehensive plan
• What residents say they want to see in the community
• Traffic studies and infrastructure planning
• State funding and grants
• How the city is approaching smart growth
• Potential Meijer construction and opening timeline
• The Second Street culvert project
• Changes to the Mum Festival parade route
• Downtown pedestrian safety bollards
• Alley resurfacing
• Current city infrastructure projects
• How residents can stay informed and get involve

The Downtown Lowdown: From New York to Tipp City and the Legacy of Captain Elijah Miles Part Three

By Abbi Heckel

The conversation with local Ron Re continues in Part Three of this special three-part series of The Downtown Lowdown.

In the final installment, Ron shares more about his own incredible journey. Before becoming a longtime Tipp City police officer, Ron worked as a police officer at the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair, where he met his wife, Sue Ann. He later moved to Ohio and went on to serve more than 30 years with the Tipp City Police Department.

Ron also shares stories from the early days of Tipp City’s police department, including the department's transition from a largely volunteer force to a full-time police department. He recalls his first experiences working in Tipp City, the differences between policing in New York and Ohio, and how local residents, including the men who gathered downtown and the barbershop regulars, helped him learn the stories and history of the community.

The episode then returns to the historic home at the corner of Fourth and Main Streets, once the home of Captain Elijah Miles. Built in 1888, the magnificent Victorian home stood for exactly 100 years before being destroyed by fire in 1988. Ron shares more about the home, its carriage house, and the history of the property.

The episode concludes with a deeper look at Captain Miles himself and why he was so beloved by the community. A Civil War veteran, Captain Miles was the first person from the area to enlist in the Union Army in 1861. He served in numerous major battles and participated in Sherman's March to the Sea. After the war, he continued to serve Tipp City in numerous roles, including postmaster, bank cashier, president of the Board of Education, secretary of the Monroe Building and Loan Association, cemetery association secretary, church treasurer, and a longtime member of the Masons.

He even personally helped care for the pool at City Park.

With a lifetime of military and community service behind him, Captain Miles became one of the most respected figures in Tipp City history, making the parade held in his honor after his death a fitting tribute to a remarkable life.

The series closes with a reminder of the importance of preserving local history and listening to the stories of the people who lived it. Ron’s stories offer a glimpse into a Tipp City that may look different today, but whose sense of community and history still lives on.

The Downtown Lowdown is brought to you by the Downtown Tipp City Partnership and powered by the Tipp City Foundation, investing in what makes our community thrive.

Christmas planning is already underway in downtown Tipp City! In this festive episode of Downtown Lowdown, Tasha Weaver and Greg Enslen unveil the exciting vision behind Tipp the Halls, a brand-new holiday experience designed to transform the Monroe Township Building into a magical Christmas destination for the entire community.

From immersive themed rooms and family photo opportunities to holiday parties, music bingo, and community events, Tasha shares how this ambitious project is bringing together volunteers, local organizations, businesses, and residents to create a one-of-a-kind holiday tradition that will continue to grow for years to come.

• Learn how the Impact Award grant made the Tipp the Halls project possible and why community collaboration is at the heart of the experience.
• Take a tour of the three immersive holiday spaces planned inside the Monroe Township Building:
• A Hallmark-inspired gathering room filled with Christmas trees and flexible event space.
• A cozy Dickens Lounge featuring vintage holiday charm, comfortable seating, and a relaxing atmosphere.
• The interactive Tippecanoe Toy Room, designed for families, children's activities, letters to Santa, and festive photo opportunities.
• Find out how the decorated venue will be available for community organizations, businesses, holiday parties, and special events throughout November, December, and even January.
• Hear about exciting events already planned, including:
• Yuletide Winter's Gathering activities
• Free gift wrapping
• Family Christmas Music Bingo
• Christmas Movie Trivia
• Main Street Mixer
• Home Tour Preview Night
• A festive Christmas Speakeasy for adults
• Community programming and holiday celebrations.
• Learn how local businesses, nonprofits, photographers, schools, and organizations can reserve the decorated venue for holiday events.
• Discover how volunteers, sponsorships, donations, and creative ideas can help Tipp the Halls become an annual holiday tradition for Tipp City.

Whether you're looking to volunteer, host a Christmas party, attend one of the many holiday events, or simply experience the magic of the season, Tipp the Halls promises to become one of downtown Tipp City's newest holiday traditions.

For more information about Tipp the Halls, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or reserving the decorated space, visit downtowntippcity.org or follow the Downtown Tipp City Partnership on social media.

The Downtown Lowdown returns with a special bonus episode featuring alongside interim co-host Heather Bailey to share exciting news that could make this year's Tipp City Mum Festival Parade bigger, brighter, and more creative than ever.

Joining the conversation are Ashley Cook, Parade Chair, and Tommi Malone, Co-Chair of the Tipp City Mum Festival Parade Committee, who discuss a brand-new partnership with the Tipp City Foundation designed to help local nonprofits create unforgettable parade floats.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How the Tipp City Foundation is offering up to $500 to qualifying nonprofit organizations to help offset the cost of building a parade float.
• Why organizers hope the grant program inspires more elaborate, creative, and memorable parade entries.
• What qualifies as a parade float and what judges will be looking for when evaluating creativity, effort, and storytelling.
• How nonprofits can apply for both the parade and the grant through a single application.
• Behind-the-scenes insight into the many hours volunteers dedicate to making the Mum Festival Parade a success each year.
• Why the parade continues to grow, with the Mum Festival welcoming more than 26,000 visitors in 2024.
• The importance of community volunteers and how anyone can get involved with one of Tipp City's most beloved traditions.
• Application deadlines, parade information, and where to find additional details for organizations interested in participating.

Whether you're part of a local nonprofit, a longtime Mum Festival fan, or simply love seeing the community come together, this special edition is packed with valuable information and inspiration for making this year's parade one to remember.

For parade applications, volunteer opportunities, and additional information, visit the Tipp City Mum Festival website or follow the Downtown Lowdown social media pages for updates.

How to Apply for a Grant | Tipp City Foundation

For more information, contact the Tipp City Mum Festival Parade Committee at [email protected], or by calling (937) 703-5860.

The Downtown Lowdown: The Exchange Hotel, The Hen House, and the Sequoia Fire Part Two

By Abbi Heckel

The history continues in Part Two of this special three-part episode of The Downtown Lowdown as Tasha Weaver and Greg Enslen continue their conversation with local historian Ron Re.

This time, Ron takes us back to 135 East Main Street and the building’s fascinating history. Originally purchased by John Clark in 1839, the building began as a wood-frame structure with a grocery on the first floor and the Exchange Hotel upstairs. Over the years, it became known as the Hen House, housed a lunch counter, bar, tailor shop, barber shop, hotel rooms, and even a dance hall.

Ron also shares a hilarious story from his time as a police officer, including an unusual arrest involving a patrol car, a tire, and three pounds of air.

The conversation then turns to the devastating 1971 Sequoia fire. Ron shares firsthand memories of the blaze, while historic photographs and newspaper clippings help paint a picture of the fire that consumed the longtime downtown building. Fire departments from Tipp City and surrounding communities, including New Carlisle, Vandalia, Covington, and West Milton, were called in to help battle the flames and prevent the fire from spreading through downtown.

Along the way, the group explores historic photos of Main Street, long-gone businesses, the former Creamery, the buildings that once stood where downtown parking lots are today, and how Tipp City has changed while still retaining so much of its historic character.

There are plenty more stories still to come. Tune in for Part Two, and join us for the conclusion of this special three-part conversation with Ron Re in Part Three!

The Downtown Lowdown is brought to you by the Downtown Tipp City Partnership and powered by the Tipp City Foundation, investing in what makes our community thrive.

The Downtown Lowdown: A Parade, a Civil War Hero, and Tipp City’s History Part One

By Abbi Heckel

In this special three-part episode of The Downtown Lowdown, Tasha Weaver and Greg Enslen step out of the studio and sit down with local historian Ron Re to explore some fascinating stories from Tipp City’s past.

Part One begins with the incredible story of Captain Miles, a Civil War veteran who was so beloved by the community that Tipp City held a parade in his honor following his death in 1933. The parade traveled down Main Street and included local organizations, bands, civic groups, veterans, dignitaries, horse-drawn carriages, and citizens from across the community.

Ron shares details about the organizations that participated, including the Masonic Lodge, the City Band, the Knights of Columbus, the Odd Fellows, local businessmen, bank employees, and other residents. The conversation also explores the historic home once located at the corner of Fourth and Main Streets, the former Opera House, and the ways local groups supported the community and gathered throughout Tipp City’s history.

With historic photographs and newspaper clippings in hand, the group takes a fascinating look at what downtown Tipp City looked like nearly a century ago, including dirt roads, horse-drawn transportation, and plenty of impressive hats.

This is just the beginning of Ron Re’s stories about Tipp City history. Tune in for Part One, and stick around for Parts Two and Three as the conversation continues!

The Downtown Lowdown is brought to you by the Downtown Tipp City Partnership and powered by the Tipp City Foundation, investing in what makes our community thrive.

By Abbi Heckel

Downtown Tipp City will be in full bloom this Saturday, July 18, as residents and visitors are invited to explore some of Miami County's most beautiful private gardens during the 11th biennial Miami County in Bloom Garden Tour. The upcoming event was the focus of this week's episode of the Downtown Lowdown podcast, hosted by Tasha Weaver and Greg Enslen.

Joining the hosts was Carolyn Grimm, a Miami County Master Gardener Volunteer, who shared what visitors can expect from this year's self-guided tour. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will showcase six unique gardens, four in Troy and two in Tipp City, each offering its own style, landscaping ideas, and colorful displays.

The tour has grown significantly since it first began in 2004 as a way to feature Master Gardener volunteers' own gardens. Since then, it has evolved into a county-wide tradition, highlighting 75 gardens over the years while inspiring gardening enthusiasts from across the Miami Valley.

"This is more than just looking at flowers," Grimm explained during the podcast. "It's an opportunity to learn, gather ideas, and appreciate the hard work of homeowners who graciously open their properties to the public."

One of the featured Tipp City gardens belongs to Kathy Skinner, well known locally as the coordinator of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership's volunteer "Pot Tarts" program. The Master Gardener volunteers maintain the beautiful flower planters that brighten downtown throughout the growing season.

Visitors can explore each garden at their own pace while speaking with homeowners, viewing educational plant labels, and browsing vendors featuring local artwork, birdhouses, plants, and other garden-inspired creations. A lemonade stand will also be available during the tour.

Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Miami County Master Gardener Volunteer program, helping fund annual scholarships for graduating Miami County seniors pursuing careers in agriculture, horticulture, or related fields.

The podcast also highlighted another reason to spend the day in downtown Tipp City. Bodega Market will celebrate its 10th Anniversary on Saturday with giveaways, special promotions, and discounted menu items throughout the day, making it easy for visitors to enjoy breakfast or lunch while attending the garden tour.

Advance tickets are $20 and are available through Friday at participating locations throughout Miami County or online. Tickets purchased on the day of the event will be $25 and can be purchased at any of the featured gardens.

For gardening enthusiasts, homeowners seeking inspiration, or anyone looking for a relaxing summer outing, the Miami County in Bloom Garden Tour promises an enjoyable day celebrating the beauty of local landscapes and the volunteers who help make Miami County flourish.

The full episode of Downtown Lowdown is available now wherever you listen to podcasts.

By Abbi Heckel

What makes a downtown truly thrive? According to the latest episode of the Downtown Lowdown podcast, it takes far more than festivals and beautiful buildings. It takes relationships, communication, volunteers, and a community willing to invest in its future.

In part two of their conversation about the Ohio Main Street Program, hosts Tasha Weaver and Greg Enslen continue their discussion with Lorna Swisher, Assistant Director of Revitalization for Heritage Ohio. Together, they take listeners behind the scenes of what it really takes to build and sustain successful downtowns across Ohio.

Swisher explained that one of the biggest misconceptions about Main Street organizations is that they simply plan community events.

"People often think we're just party planners," she said. "While events are important because they bring people downtown, they're only one piece of a much larger mission."

She described the nationally recognized Main Street Approach, which focuses on four key areas: organization, design, economic vitality, and promotion. Together, these elements create a comprehensive strategy for preserving historic downtowns while encouraging economic growth and long-term sustainability.

Much of the conversation focused on the importance of nonprofit leadership and community partnerships. Swisher shared that one of her passions is helping local Main Street directors become stronger nonprofit leaders through volunteer recruitment, fundraising, and organizational management.

Something as simple as a handwritten thank-you note, she explained, can make a lasting impression on donors and volunteers.

"A handwritten thank-you note will go further than almost anything else you can do," Swisher said, emphasizing that appreciation is one of the foundations of successful community organizations.

Weaver praised Heritage Ohio's revitalization training programs, noting that they have become invaluable resources for downtown directors across the state.

"Lorna has completely transformed our trainings," Weaver said. "They're practical, engaging, and give us tools we can take back to our communities."

Another major topic of discussion was collaboration between Main Street organizations, city governments, chambers of commerce, and economic development agencies. Swisher believes communication is the key to ensuring everyone is working toward the same goal.

"I think 99 percent of it comes down to education and communication," she said. "When everyone understands what downtown revitalization really involves, partnerships become much stronger."

The episode also explores the economic value of vibrant downtowns. Swisher shared a story about Daisy Brand, whose executives visited downtown Wooster while considering locations for a new manufacturing facility. Rather than focusing solely on financial incentives, the executives experienced the community's farmers market, local restaurants, and walkable downtown.

That positive experience helped convince the company to invest in Wooster, bringing hundreds of jobs to the area.

"It wasn't just the incentives," Swisher explained. "It was the experience and the quality of life they felt while they were there."

Funding was another important topic throughout the episode. Swisher explained that successful Main Street organizations rely on a diverse mix of public support, business sponsorships, memberships, donations, and volunteer service rather than a single funding source.

Weaver highlighted the Downtown Tipp City Partnership's Friends of Downtown subscription program, which allows residents to support revitalization efforts through affordable annual contributions.

"Every contribution matters," Swisher said. "Whether it's your time, your talents, or a financial donation, everyone has a role in strengthening their community."

Throughout the discussion, both hosts emphasized that preserving a downtown's historic character is about more than maintaining buildings. It's about protecting the identity of a community for future generations.

Swisher noted that once historic buildings disappear, they can rarely be recreated.

For Swisher, who now works with more than 60 communities throughout Ohio, the opportunity to share ideas and connect communities is one of the most rewarding parts of her job.

"I love seeing what lights people up about their community," she said. "Every downtown has its own personality, and helping communities learn from one another is incredibly fulfilling."

The episode serves as a reminder that successful downtowns don't happen by accident. They are built through years of dedication, collaboration, and the shared belief that preserving the heart of a community is an investment worth making.

New episodes of the Downtown Lowdown are released every Wednesday and feature conversations about the people, projects, and organizations helping Downtown Tipp City continue to thrive.

By Abbi Heckel

The latest episode of the Downtown Lowdown podcast shines a spotlight on the impact of the Ohio Main Street Program, offering listeners an inside look at how community partnerships, historic preservation, and dedicated volunteers help shape thriving downtowns across the state.

Hosted by Downtown Tipp City Partnership Executive Director Tasha Weaver and Greg Enslen, the episode features special guest Lorna Swisher, Assistant Director of Revitalization for Heritage Ohio. Swisher brings decades of experience to the conversation, having spent 26 years leading Main Street Piqua before joining Heritage Ohio, the statewide organization that oversees Ohio's Main Street communities.

Swisher shared her unexpected journey into downtown revitalization, explaining that what began as a temporary, part-time opportunity eventually became a lifelong career dedicated to strengthening communities.

"I thought it would be short-term," Swisher recalled. "But community development just got me by the neck and kept pulling."

Throughout the episode, Swisher reflects on some of Piqua's most transformative revitalization efforts, including the restoration of the historic Fort Piqua Plaza. The ambitious $22 million project required years of planning, collaboration, and community investment, ultimately transforming a deteriorating landmark into one of the city's greatest assets.

"It truly takes my breath away every time I drive into Piqua," she said.

The discussion also explores a common misconception about downtown revitalization. Rather than replacing a community's identity, Ohio Main Street programs focus on preserving historic character while encouraging thoughtful growth and economic development.

Weaver emphasized that revitalization is about protecting what makes communities special for future generations.

"We're not trying to change what we have," Weaver explained. "We're enhancing it and making sure it's still there for the next generations."

Swisher echoed that sentiment, noting that every downtown has its own unique story and should never try to imitate another community.

"When communities tell us they want to be like Tipp City or Dublin, we remind them that what makes them special is already there," Swisher said. "It's about enhancing what makes your town unique."

The conversation highlights the strong collaborative spirit found throughout Miami County. Swisher praised the partnerships between local organizations, city officials, chambers of commerce, tourism offices, and downtown organizations, noting that many communities across Ohio struggle to achieve the same level of cooperation.

"We're very blessed in Miami County," Swisher said. "The way we work together is unique."

Volunteerism also plays a central role in successful downtown revitalization efforts. Both Weaver and Swisher discussed the importance of finding meaningful ways for residents to contribute their talents, whether through event planning, marketing, graphic design, or community outreach.

Swisher shared a memorable story about discovering the artistic talents of a high school volunteer who had originally been asked to help with filing paperwork. After learning she planned to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design, Swisher instead tasked her with creating marketing graphics that were used by the organization for years.

"It's about finding what makes people excited to contribute," Swisher said.

The episode also touches on the international influence of the Main Street movement. Weaver shared that representatives from other states and even overseas have visited Miami County communities to learn from their revitalization efforts. She recently welcomed visitors from Lithuania and Michigan who toured Tipp City and Piqua to experience Ohio's successful Main Street programs firsthand.

By Abbi Heckel

What began as a rainy Memorial Day weekend quickly turned into one of the most challenging moments in recent history for the Tipp City Public Library.

During the latest episode of The Downtown Lowdown, hosts Tasha Weaver and Greg Enslen sat down with Library Director Lisa Santucci to discuss the flood that nearly caused catastrophic damage to one of the community's most treasured institutions.

Santucci detailed how nearly six inches of rain fell over a five-day period, creating what she described as a "perfect storm" of events that overwhelmed the library's infrastructure. A widespread power outage knocked out the building's sump pumps, while excessive runoff and overwhelmed drainage systems allowed water to begin flooding the library's basement.

"When everything failed at once, it created a situation we never could have anticipated," Santucci said.

The flooding was discovered after power was restored later that morning. By then, three to four inches of standing water had accumulated throughout portions of the basement. With books, equipment, and building systems at risk, library staff quickly shifted into emergency mode.

For Santucci, the challenge extended beyond managing a library collection. As the steward of the historic downtown building, she suddenly found herself coordinating disaster recovery efforts, contacting insurance companies, searching for remediation specialists, and trying to prevent mold from destroying library materials.

"Water in a library is basically kryptonite," Santucci explained. "If books and paper products stay wet too long, mold becomes a major issue."

The situation became even more complicated when water began filling the library's elevator shaft. After inspection, staff discovered approximately 700 gallons of contaminated water mixed with hydraulic fluid from the elevator system. The contamination required specialized removal procedures and emergency response from professionals equipped to handle hazardous materials.

Despite the severity of the situation, Santucci credits the community for helping save the library from even greater damage.

After issuing a call for help, volunteers arrived with wet-dry vacuums, fans, dehumidifiers, and helping hands. Community members spent hours removing water, carrying buckets up stairways, and assisting staff throughout the holiday weekend.

"The response was incredible," Santucci said. "People showed up with equipment, their families, and a willingness to help however they could."

That support had a significant financial impact. Initial estimates for professional water remediation reached nearly $25,000. Because volunteers and staff were able to remove much of the standing water before professionals arrived, the final remediation bill was reduced to approximately $9,000.

In addition to community volunteers, Santucci praised library maintenance staff and local emergency service providers who worked tirelessly to stabilize the building. Through their efforts, the library was able to reopen affected areas within nine days.

The experience also served as a reminder of the unique challenges that come with maintaining historic buildings in downtown districts. Santucci emphasized the importance of preventative maintenance, disaster planning, and regular inspections of drainage systems, roofs, and critical infrastructure.

While the flood created significant stress and long hours, including several nights spent sleeping at the library to monitor conditions, Santucci said the experience reinforced how much the community values its public library.

"We're on the other side of it now," she said. "What could have been devastating became a story about people coming together to protect something important."

The full episode of The Downtown Lowdown is available wherever podcasts are streamed.