Let's Talk Clermont

 
Ep. 43 — Christmas with Santa Claus, Clermont Holiday News and Events


We skip the usual opener and jumps straight into a talk with Santa Claus himself, then we close the show with Clermont County news, value-for-value holiday details, and an event roundup. 


Interview — Santa Claus
Santa talks Christmas spirit, how to stay off the naughty list, and why most kids are much better than they think. He explains: 

• How elves “run on adrenaline,” why all the reindeer who pull the sleigh are actually girls, and what it takes to prep all year for one night of deliveries.
• Why kids’ “hyperfocus” is more superpower than flaw, and how parents can reframe forgetfulness, growing independence, and the shift from parent–child to adult–adult relationships.
• The five ways we show love at Christmas (gifts, words, service, time, and touch) and why the real gift is in our hearts, not under the tree.
• Santa’s true favorite cookie (oatmeal raisin), his very honest policy on “any cookie within arm’s reach,” and a plea for Jungle Jim’s to start stocking reindeer milk.
• Stories from the sleigh: low-altitude flights under radar, riding polar winds, the one year jingle pox almost sidelined him, and how Mrs. Claus secretly saved Christmas.

News quick hits

• Animal shelter upgrades: Interior and exterior work at the Clermont County Animal Shelter is on track, with a new covered outdoor kennel area that will more than double outdoor runs.
  
  
• Juvenile court expansion: Clermont County will dedicate its newly expanded juvenile court complex on Dec. 12, adding courtrooms, shared security, and connected space to the detention center.
  
  
• Avian influenza in Pierce Township: About 70 black vultures were found dead near St. Bernadette School. Early tests point to highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5). Risk to the public is low, but residents are urged not to handle sick or dead birds and to protect backyard flocks.
  
  
• Miami Township zoning: Jan. 8 meeting at the Civic Center to consider rezoning land behind 1804 SR 131 from planned industrial park to residential. If you live nearby or along 131, it’s one to watch.
  
  
• Pierce Township CPR training: Feb. 7 class at fire headquarters, $30 per person. Patrick makes a strong push for CPR training as a life-saving skill.
  
  
• Union Township pinball tournament: The 7th annual Cincinnati Pinball Tournament at the Eastgate Holiday Inn drew about 140 competitors and thousands of visitors, including a Stern Pro Circuit event.
  
  
• New Richmond updates: Finance/safety/council meetings shifted to Dec. 15, and the Rose Vesper Park lighting project is complete with new photos on the village site.

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 Ep. 42 — Snow, Budgets, Annexations + Beds for Clermont County Kids

We start with some county news: a look at Clermont’s projected 2026 operating budget, a red flag in the capital fund, and a new annexation fight that has the airport sounding alarms. After that, we look at township and village updates across Batavia, Tate, Union Township, Loveland, and New Richmond.


Interview — Ron Dunn of Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Ron Dunn, co-president of the Clermont County chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace and a Bethel village councilman, joins the show to talk about a need most of us never think about: kids sleeping without beds. He explains how SHP started in Idaho and grew to 400+ chapters, why 2–3% of kids nationwide are estimated to sleep without a bed, and what a $250 “sponsored bed” actually covers from lumber to “bed in a bag.” Ron walks through build days with volunteers, how deliveries work, and the look on a kid’s face the first night they get their own bed. Then the conversation shifts to Bethel’s challenges and strengths: aging housing stock, small-town budgets, utilities and police costs, economic development, and why “darn good Chevy” might be the most honest slogan a village can have.
News quick hits

• County budget: Commissioners review the projected 2026 general fund — about $88.6M in operating revenue, just over $87M in appropriations, and roughly 67% of spending going to criminal justice and courts. We look at the 35% reserve policy, the projected $54M cash balance, and what “$24M in excess reserves” really means.
  
  
• Capital fund hole: The capital fund is over-committed by about $11.5M, with another $7.6M in requests waiting in the wings. Commissioners are staring at a choice: move millions from the general fund or scale back/delay projects.
  
  
• Airport annexation fight: A 29.884-acre Taylor Road parcel near Clermont County Airport heads for type-II annexation into the Village of Batavia. We hear from Sporty’s president Chuck Gallagher, who outlines why the airport opposes the move: the land sits in the FAA-defined Runway Protection Zone (RPZ), they’ve taken FAA grant money, aircraft incidents have already happened on those parcels, and moving zoning authority to the village could invite “incompatible development” and undercut the new airport master plan.
  
  
• Batavia Township zoning: Zoning commission continues work on case B-10-25-Z, updating the SR 125 special overlay district and cleaning up Article 34 after Article 36 (PDs) was repealed by voters.
  
  
• Tate Township: Special meeting held with fire union reps to discuss a new contract; Patrick flags it as one to watch.
  
  
• Union Township: Two public hearings coming up on a proposed additional $5 annual license tax on motor vehicles. If you drive in UT and have opinions, mark your calendar.
  
  
• Loveland: A new city flag is coming for the 150th anniversary — “The Heartland,” designed by Ariana Wilson, inspired by the bike trail and Little Miami River.
  
  
• New Richmond: Plumbing issues from the Indian Ridge water main break appear resolved, no boil advisory in place; the village consolidates December meetings to December 15, pauses shade tree and planning commission meetings for winter, and sets up a Christmas light recycling box at Village Hall through February 1.

Events (roundup at the end of the show)

• Miami Township Community Tree Lighting at Miami Meadows Park.
  
  
• Trains of Williamsburg Christmas Walk on Main Street.
  
  
• Winter wellness sound bath and hike and heritage wrapping-paper printing at Clingman Park.
  
  
• Batavia “Christmas in the Village” on Main Street.
  
  
• New Richmond’s River Village Christmas and Santa Paws pet parade.
  
  
• Old Milford Christmas golf cart parade (with Santa and Elvis on an antique fire truck).
  
  
• Trinity Milford live nativity, Clermont Chorale “Christmas Traditions” concerts, Candyland Christmas at Batavia Library, Christmas in Loveland, DIY stained-glass ornaments for kids, and more.

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Ep. 41 — Thanksgiving Thanks, Beckjord Water Worries and World-Class Dry-Land Dog Mushing 


We start off our Thanksgiving episode with heartfelt gratitude for everyone who’s been listening since May, then get into some county-wide news: Clermont County Animal Shelter’s interior and exterior upgrades are nearly complete, Christmas Nights of Lights at the fairgrounds gets delayed after a freak lightning strike, and local leaders raise alarms over coal ash at the former Beckjord plant and what it could mean for our drinking water. 


From there, it’s back to Batavia Township, where trustees used an emergency resolution to approve the Arborside and Stonelick Ridge developments, shutting down another referendum attempt, plus early talk of a new township fire levy and possibly leaving CJFED. We also talk about the open seat on Union Township’s zoning commission, recap New Richmond’s boil advisories and water main breaks, and run through the show’s holiday value-for-value donation special, and new newsletter crossword puzzle. 


Interview — Taylor  Johannigman, Dry-Land Dog Musher
Taylor is an ER veterinarian by day and a sled-dog musher the rest of the time. She explains what dry-land mushing actually is (bikejoring, scooters, canicross, and wheeled rigs), how you train purpose-bred racing huskies versus rescue dogs, what makes a great lead dog, and why some mushers drive all over the Midwest just to chase muddy, cold races. In a follow-up segment after Worlds, She breaks down her trip to the IFSS Dryland World Championships in Minocqua, Wisconsin, where she finished 2nd in bikejor and 5th in canicross, talks about running 5-minute miles with an 80-pound hound, losing toenails, lending dogs to other teams, and why the camaraderie in this sport keeps her coming back. 


News & event quick hits 

• Clermont County Animal Shelter: new outdoor kennels, expanded capacity from 23 to 53, and interior upgrades funded by donations and county capital.
• Christmas Nights of Lights at the fairgrounds: opening postponed after storm damage from a lightning strike.
• Beckjord coal plant: coal ash in unlined ponds near well fields sparks concern from Pierce and Anderson Township officials and a letter to Gov. DeWine.
• Batavia Township: 1,100 new homes approved (Arborside and Stonelick Ridge) via emergency resolutions; exploration of a new township fire levy and possible exit from CJFED.
• Union Township: vacancy on the zoning commission board for anyone wanting a front-row seat to development decisions.
• New Richmond: boil alert and multiple water main breaks, plus “Cookies & Cocoa with Santa and Mrs. Claus” on December 20.
• Around the county: Milford Home for the Holidays, tree lightings in Milford and Miami Township, Loveland’s “Biggest Tailgate” and Small Business Saturday passport shopping, a live raptor show at the Loveland Library, Williamsburg’s Trains of Christmas walk, Clingman Park sound bath and DIY wrapping paper workshop, Batavia’s Christmas in the Village, New Richmond’s River Village Christmas and Santa Paws parade, and Old Milford’s lit-up golf cart parade.

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Ep. 40 — Northern Lights, Zoning Shake-Ups and an interview with Dave Caraway, owner of Sons of Toil


We start with a countywide news rundown: new space for the Public Defender’s Office, auroras over Clermont, volunteer openings in Loveland, zoning changes in Pierce and Batavia, and what’s next for Union Township’s Eastgate corridor. Then it’s out to Mount Orab for a sit-down with Sons of Toil Brewing on beer, business, and doing things the hard way.
  
Interview — Dave Carraway of Sons of Toil Brewing 
Dave walks through the Sons of Toil origin story, from kitchen homebrew days with his son to running an award-winning taproom surrounded by farm fields. We talk about: 

• All-grain vs. extract brewing, what “lautering” is, and why temperature control is everything
• Hops, yeast, fruit additions, and how different strains change flavor, aroma, and haze
• Scaling from 5-gallon batches to 100+ gallons, including DIY hacks (glycol chiller from a window A/C, rebuilt keg washer, etc.)
• Food, fundraisers, comedy nights, murder-mystery dinners, and why the brewery world is more community than cutthroat competition
• Trades vs. college, what it really takes to run a small business, and why canning might be the next step for Sons of Toil

News quick hits

• Countywide: Clermont County Public Defender’s Office completes a renovation that more than doubles its space; the state picks up over 90% of the tab.
• Sky show: A strong solar storm sends the northern lights over Milford, Loveland, and Batavia, with bright pinks and greens visible thanks to an active 11-year solar cycle. We now officially need a “space weather expert” for the show.
• Loveland: City is recruiting residents for a long list of boards and commissions (Arts, Beautification, BZA, Tax Review, Historic Preservation, and more). Applications go to the clerk of council by early December. Loveland also gears up for its 5th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival with a 60-foot pine, thousands of lights, ornaments, and a gingerbread house contest.
• Milford: America 250 mural ribbon cutting at Five Points Landing, featuring artist Kate Albert, whose work appears at the Clermont County Fairgrounds, Krohn Conservatory, and Museum Center.
• Felicity: New parade rules mean permits are now required . No fees, but applications must be filed 30 days in advance.
• Union Township: Trustees schedule two public hearings on a proposed additional $5 annual motor vehicle license tax, effective Jan. 1, 2027, and deny a proposal to convert the former Big Lots/Toys “R” Us at Eastgate into an AutoZone after years of mall-easement constraints.
• Pierce Township: Trustees honor nine first responders and one civilian for saving a 4-year-old boy from drowning, and set a hearing on creating a zoning overlay along SR 125 to shape future “development nodes.”
• Batavia Township: After voters repealed Article 36 (Planned Developments), the township is starting over on its development code, promising a more transparent, community-driven process.
• New Richmond: Short, sharp updates: Liberty Landing’s new Ohio River sheet-pile wall and utilities are underway; River Valley Boulevard paving is complete.

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Ep. 39 — Post-Election Updates, Batavia Growth Debate and  Coffee Nerd Out with Goshen Grind

We start with where things stand after Election Day, including Loveland’s automatic recount timeline, then we look at what’s next in Batavia Township, two large subdivisions approved (Arborside and Stonelick Ridge), annexation chatter with the Village, the PD repeal (Article 36), and a fresh look at planned-development rules. We also hit a quick holiday note with Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights at the Clermont County Fairgrounds before getting into today’s interview. With Terry Casey, the owner of Goshen Grind.


Terry shares the Goshen Grind origin story, then nerds out on coffee, how cherries become the beans in your cup, “honey” vs. washed processing, why Ethiopian can taste fruity, what “mocha” really means, and practical brewing tips you can use tomorrow (weigh your beans, grind fresh, try your coffee hot and cool). We also talk tea, community classes, and the new America 250 mural project behind the shop. 


News 

• Loveland City Council race: recount triggered; begins after county certifications due by Nov. 25, then up to 10 days to complete.
• Batavia Township: Arborside (≈275 homes on ~124 acres along SR 132) and Stonelick Ridge (≈790 homes off Ross Rd) approved; traffic studies underway; trustees push back on potential annexation/tax abatements.
• PD repeal: Article 36 removed by voters; existing applications proceed under current rules until results are certified; zoning commission reopening PD discussion.
• Holidays: Nights of Lights drive-through returns to the Fairgrounds late Nov–early Jan.

Also in this episode

• What a referendum on Stonelick could mean (resubmittals, annexation routes, and the reality of developer lawsuits that can drag 1–4 years).
• A call to define Clermont’s “character” and pursue alternatives that keep land productive (think ag and conservation tools) instead of letting development be the only outlet.
• Boots-on-the-ground reports wanted, plus a volunteer to do a weekly high-school sports rundown.
• Next week: Dave Caraway from Sons of Toil.

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Ep. 38 — Post-Election Wrap + “World Walker” Steve Newman

We're back to regular programming! We start with a run through of Clermont County’s contested races and ballot issues using the unofficial Board of Elections numbers as of Wednesday. We look at Loveland’s razor-thin council race (likely recount), Milford and Batavia council results, township trustee winners across the county, and every levy or zoning question, what passed and what failed. There's also a new holiday donation special. 

In the second half, we talk with Bethel native Steve Newman who actually walked around the world, solo, in the 1980s. Steve talks about why he did it, training on Wyoming oil rigs, walking through Ireland during the Troubles, being checked out by an Apache helicopter, crossing North Africa, getting protected by warlords in Pakistan, dragging a water cart across the Australian Outback, and what all of that taught him about fear, dictatorships, kindness, and why America really is special.

County & local news

• Veterans Village site approved off SR 125 in Monroe Twp; 19 subsidized units for unhoused/at-risk vets, construction targeted for 2026
• Operation Green Light: county buildings in Batavia lit green to honor vets
• New Richmond: Dec. 6 River Village Christmas; discolored-but-safe water; Robin Hill partial closure; council 11/18 @ 7 p.m.
• Goshen: 24,000 tons of junk finally getting hauled off the 7-acre illegal dump after 17 years, paid largely by $2.5M state grant

Also in this episode

• Holiday donation special running through Jan. 1: $25 or more gets an on-air mention and a short holiday note.
• We need a boots on the ground report from New Richmond on their funky smells and funky water.

Upcoming guest: Terry Casey from Goshen Grind

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Ep. 37 — Clermont County Ballot Rundown and CJFED Levy with Chief Roy Short

We start with a brief refresher on mills and levy types, then walk through every countywide and major local ballot issue, from CPS and the Mental Health & Recovery Board to New Richmond’s earned-income tax, Milford’s charter revisions, and the Batavia Township zoning referendum and PD initiative.

In the second half, CJFED Fire Chief Roy Short explains the district’s 4.9-mill Fire/EMS levy, why response times on the west side top 10 minutes, how calls grew from 3,720 (2010) to 6,362 (2024), and what the levy would fund (staffing, a new station, aging apparatus). He also shares practical home-safety tips: smoke alarms, closed bedroom doors, escape plans, second-story ladders, and kitchen extinguishers.

Ballot quick hits

• CPS: renewal +0.2 mill (about $23 per $100K AV, 5 years)
• Mental Health & Recovery: renewal only (~$15 per $100K AV, 5 years)
• New Richmond Schools: 1.25% earned-income tax (continuing)
• Milford: City Charter revisions (full redline in show notes)
• Batavia Twp: Farmstead PD referendum; separate citizen PD removal initiative
• CJFED (Village + Township): new 4.9-mill Fire/EMS levy (continuing)
• Ohio Twp: new 1.5 mills Fire/EMS
• Pierce Twp: new 2.8 mills Police
• Wayne Twp: replacement EMS (1.0) & Fire (2.5); electric aggregation (opt-out)
• Local options: Sunday alcohol sales at specified addresses

Also in this episode

• News brief: carfentanil warnings; Redwood’s new single-story apartments; two Batavia Twp development hearings

Links in show notes

Example ballots for every locality
https://www.clermontauditor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Sample-Ballot-ALL-Precincts.pdf

Milford charter redline
https://cms6.revize.com/revize/milfordoh/document_center/Milford%20Charter%20Revisions(53449236.1).pdf
side-by-side spreadsheet

Milford Charter Side-By-Side Comparison
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EOO_dPhnlrU_kdzO9zXIO7xZ5BkHw99e/edit?gid=1091401509#gid=1091401509

Episode 32 - CPS Levy
https://www.letstalkclermont.com/episodepage/episode-31--dotty-meier-anne-gross--child-protective-services-levy

Episode 35 - Mental Health and Recovery Board Levy
https://www.letstalkclermont.com/episodepage/episode-35--dr-lee-ann-watson--mental-health-and-recovery-board-levy

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Episode 36 — HB 186 & HB 335 plus an interview with Batavia Village Council Candidates

We start the episode off with a look at Ohio property-tax mechanics (mills, inside vs. outside, HB 920) and two House-passed bills now headed to the Senate: HB 186, aimed at offsetting school-floor hikes after inflationary reappraisals, and HB 335, which would peg inside-millage growth to inflation by trimming rates after reappraisal. One published estimate says the bills combined could save homeowners nearly $2B over five years.

Then, a roundtable with Lauri Zagar, Mike Gardner, and Randy Dorsey (Batavia Village Council candidates) on growth, CRAs, finances, transparency, and a pragmatic vision for downtown. Plus village-township relations and why they’re against dissolution (and not chasing city status). Quick audio note: single-mic setup; you may need to nudge the volume during the interview.

Highlights

• Millage quick-hit: why HB 920 drops effective rates on voted levies as values rise
• School 20-mill floor and how HB 186 proposes to blunt inflation-driven bumps
• HB 335 in plain terms: cap year-over-year inside-millage collections to inflation after reappraisal
• Where both bills stand: passed the House; now in Senate committee
• Council trio on growth: “yes” to planned growth; skepticism on blanket residential CRAs/annexations
• Downtown wish list: small businesses, services , CIC used strategically
• Transparency fixes: fuller agendas/minutes online, open comment channels, fewer “emergency” votes
• Finances: debt tied to development deals, equipment needs, and a comp-time policy sidebar
• Village/township relations: mend the partnership; co-host community events; fund shared services fairly
• Dissolution? No. City push? No. Keep the village, improve the process.

(00:00:21) Welcome, fall vibes, and show format shift

(00:01:24) Property tax primer recap and two House bills

(00:02:58) House Bill 186: School millage floor and inflation cap

(00:05:08) Clarifying the school tax credit mechanism

(00:05:24) House Bill 335: Inside millage growth tied to inflation

(00:07:27) Example: Reappraisal vs. inflation and collections

(00:08:41) Caveats, projected savings, and invitation for experts

(00:09:07) Value-for-value: Donations, credits, and how to support

(00:13:15) Subscribe, newsletter perks, and listener engagement

(00:17:17) Upcoming guests: Fire chief and CJFED levy preview

(00:18:19) Today’s guests: Batavia Village Council candidates

(00:20:36) Interview setup and candidate introductions

(00:21:35) Are they a ticket? Shared goals and village stakes

(00:23:18) Growth stance: Business focus, less on residential abatements

(00:25:01) Traffic, access, and planning concerns on Main Street

(00:27:07) Candidate backgrounds: County, education, policing

(00:29:10) What residents want: Grocer, small shops, historic core

(00:31:01) Revitalization hurdles: Buildings, CIC, and incentives

(00:33:03) Beyond growth: Communication and transparency gaps

(00:35:12) Village finances: Debt, salaries, and budgeting methods

(00:38:41) TIF/abatement mechanics and capital needs

(00:41:30) Meeting conduct: Responsiveness, minutes, and access

(00:46:14) Budgets, UAN system, and general fund optics

(00:47:15) Debt, growth pace, and risk if expansion slows

(00:49:25) Property tax repeal talk and fiscal preparedness

(00:50:18) Police comp time policy and scheduling practices

(00:54:07) Dissolution? City status? Candidates say no to both

(00:56:20) Village-township relations and CJFED funding fairness

(01:00:04) Concrete transparency steps: Agendas, docs, and forums

(01:03:18) Executive session use and public discussion balance

(01:05:06) Boards, vacancies, and boosting community participation

(01:10:06) Running for the community, not against opponents

(01:12:49) How this slate formed and why they stepped up

(01:14:38) K-9 program dispute as catalyst for change

(01:16:07) CRA changes without notice and ethical concerns

(01:21:04) Where abatements fit: Business focus; schools and fire made whole

(01:22:00) After abatement: Affordability, resale, and Main Street impact

(01:25:14) Downtown strategy: Mixed use and learning from peers

(01:26:31) County footprint on Main Street and practical limits

(01:26:48) What’s working: Street, police, and civic pride

(01:29:36) Closing pitches: Process, ethics, and teamwork vision

(01:39:03) Post-interview wrap and thanks

(01:40:03) Event rundown: Trick-or-treat, genealogy, retreat, craft show

(01:44:14) Final V4V reminder, newsletter perks, and sign-off

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Episode 35 — Millage explained and Clermont Mental Health and Recovery Board levy renewal

We start the episode with a light refresher and explanation on Ohio property taxes. What a “mill” actually is, inside vs. outside millage, the HB 920 reduction factors, the 20-mill school floor, and how levy types (additional / renewal / replacement) really hit your bill.

Then, a conversation with Lee Ann Watson, Executive Director of the Clermont County Mental Health & Recovery Board, on what the Board funds, why the  renewal is on the ballot, and a look ahead to a 24/7 crisis receiving center.



Highlights

• “Mill” math made simple
• Inside (unvoted, capped at 10 mills) vs. outside (voted) millage
• Why HB 920 makes effective rates drop as values rise (and the key exceptions)
• School 20-mill floor explained
• Additional vs. renewal vs. replacement levies
• What the Board funds: safety-net care, school-based services, crisis line & mobile response, MAT, suicide-prevention, CIT training
• Renewal details: 0.75 mill, “no new taxes,” ~one-third of system funding; revenue based on 2015 values
• Trends since 2020: more youth crisis calls, rising anxiety/depression; stimulant misuse up; ongoing Narcan access
• Parent notes: red-flag behavior changes and where to start for help
• Coming soon: 24/7 crisis receiving center (urgent-care style for behavioral health)

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Episode 34 — Batavia’s Growth & CRAs, and a Village Council Candidate

We open with a quick local news rundown:

• Loveland’s new Otto Huber Fire Station: ~$5.4M via USDA Community Facility Loan, 10k+ sq ft with pull-through bays and full living/training space.
• Eastgate’s big health update: Cincinnati Children’s opens Nov 3 at 4315 Ivy Pointe—111k sq ft, ~600 patients/day, 250 staff, and expanded specialty/urgent care close to home.
• New Richmond: Oct 28 village-council candidate meet-and-greet, plus a brief update on the mystery odor (crews say an issue was found; fix in progress).

Then, an interview with Michael Kinner, candidate for Batavia Village Council. We talk about:

• His background: five generations in Batavia, former village zoning administrator, civil-engineering/development work, and a career in insurance
• Growth, density, annexation, and where to put the rooftops are supposed to attract
• CRAs/abatements: why he opposes using them for residential builds, when he’d support incentives (job-creating reuse), and who pays for services under abatements
• “Blight” designations, PILOTs, Streamside, and what transparency around village finances should look like
• Main Street revival: incubators, cottage industries, and reusing existing buildings instead of chasing big-box dreams
• Property rights, rural character, and practical ways to engage residents beyond a packed hearing night
• Batavia’s “closed for business” reputation—and how to flip the script

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