MiddletownJournal.com

By Lori

May 13, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

This is to address anyone who feels the need to state “it is backwards to not want a polluting factory in your backyard,” and “if you don’t like it move.” It’s hard enough to sell a home in todays market. What makes you think someone else would want to buy the problem AK Steel and the “council” have now created for the unfortunate residents surrounding this plant. You are arrogantly ignorant if you actually believe these residents could sell their homes at this time.

By BJ

May 10, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Middletown has been a steel town always has been and thanks to the wise council can continuie to be so. If you do not like what is in your backyard-move. How backwards to have individuals think that blocking industry is in anyones interest in the Miami Valley- Very nonprogressive thinking and self centered. Not in my backyard thinking has never served the masses.

By Sherry

May 7, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Cont.:: By the way could you check and see if we rename the city to Ak city would they return the George Verity statue back to curtis street he has been greatly missed in the nieghborhood. We also have missed the 300 office workers..

Let the ground breaking begin. If you need help i’ll bring my shovel. Thanks Minddletown City Council

Sherry

PS I love the BBQ Junction

By Sherry

May 7, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Listen you selfish, rightous,home owners: without AK all homeowners would be in foreclosure. we need to keep AK steel not just for ak workers but for all the other companies in business working with ak steel. if you have lived here you would know that we have delt with the soot for decades. Garden manor should seek information on the old middletown hospital it would be a good move.

By Puzzled

May 7, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

You hole thing could be resolved very easily… There uesed to be Indians all over. I say we steal some of the skeletons in AK’s closet and bury them on the land. You can’t build on sacred ground!

By Bob

May 7, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to the council on making the correct decision in the best interest of Middletown!!!Go Middletown Go!!!!

By Jack

May 7, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Hey Puzzled!! Did you not see that AK had the union locked out for a year. The company does not want another business like Sun Coke building on their their property then there will not be any problems with workers crossing any picket lines when and if there will be another lockout, and one day there will be another one again.

By Gene

May 7, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

How many big companies has Monroe got in the last few years, you people there have a city council problem along with a school board that desires to be like Mason and Lakota schools. Big companies are coming to Middletown like PAC and Sun Coke and Monroe is left without much at all. If your not careful Middletown will get the Home Depot Warehouse.
Come to Middletown Home Depot and Kohl’s Monroe does not want you we will take your taxes with happiness.

By Carl

May 7, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

You are right Bob and Monroe is still in the Model T era. Maybe they should buy cars WITHOUT AK Steel and go to riding their bikes. They can’t even agree on getting any businesses in their little town.

By Boycott Middletown

May 7, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

The only business that will be hurt by a Middletown boycott will be Milton’s & they are more than welcome to come make donuts in Monroe.

All the other decent companies, including AK’s professional staff & your hospital, have moved away. All that’s left is a bunch of corrupt councilmembers and a half dead, dirty, polluted town with bumpy roads. You can keep the whole lot, Towne Mall and City Center included.

The line has been drawn in the sand, er, I mean coal dust.

By Puzzled

May 7, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

So mabey someone can answer me this. Why doesn’t AK put the facility on their property? They they wouldn’t have to truck the stuff it would be right there.

By Woody

May 7, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Dr. Raymond Boothe, do you work for AK (McCoy) or SunCoke?

By Middie Bob

May 7, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Dr Ray -

One correction.

USS is not building a non-recovery battery (Sun Coke Type) in Clairton PA. They are building two By-Products batteries similar to the one inside the fence at AK now.

By mc

May 7, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

I am so happy about this vote. AK Steel has been a life line in our lives and I want them to stay here and prosper. We need jobs in Middletown and we need Industry. City Council made the right decision. Everyone needs to look at the larger picture, new jobs are a good thing. A new plant in Middletown is a good thing. Be happy that AK wants to stay here. I know that we are.

By Dr. Raymond Boothe

May 7, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

The process that Sun Energy is using has proved over and over again to be the cleanest and safest technology available. It is used worldwide in countries that have stricter air pollution requirements than ours. Plants of this type are currently being operated or are being built at Haverhill (Ironton), Ohio, Toledo, Ohio and in Virginia. The United States Steel Corporation has chosen this technology to comply with air pollution standards in Clairton, Pennsylvania and Granite City, Illinois.

By Dr. Raymond Boothe

May 7, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

The process that Sun Energy is using has proved over and over again to be the cleanest and safest technology available. It is used worldwide in countries that have stricter air pollution requirements than ours. Plants of this type are currently being operated or are being built at Haverhill (Ironton), Ohio, Toledo, Ohio and in Virginia. The United States Steel Corporation has chosen this technology to comply with air pollution standards in Clairton, Pennsylvania and Granite City, Illinois.

By Dr. Raymond Boothe

May 7, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

The process that Sun Energy is using has proved over and over again to be the cleanest and safest technology available. It is used worldwide in countries that have stricter air pollution requirements than ours. Plants of this type are currently being operated or are being built at Haverhill (Ironton), Ohio, Toledo, Ohio and in Virginia. The United States Steel Corporation has chosen this technology to comply with air pollution standards in Clairton, Pennsylvania and Granite City, Illinois.

By Dr. Raymond Boothe

May 7, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

The process that Sun Energy is using has proved over and over again to be the cleanest and safest technology available. It is used worldwide in countries that have stricter air pollution requirements than ours. Plants of this type are currently being operated or are being built at Haverhill (Ironton), Ohio, Toledo, Ohio and in Virginia. The United States Steel Corporation has chosen this technology to comply with air pollution standards in Clairton, Pennsylvania and Granite City, Illinois.

By Dr. Raymond Boothe

May 7, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

The process that Sun Energy is using has proved over and over again to be the cleanest and safest technology available. It is used worldwide in countries that have stricter air pollution requirements than ours. Plants of this type are currently being operated or are being built at Haverhill (Ironton), Ohio, Toledo, Ohio and in Virginia. The United States Steel Corporation has chosen this technology to comply with air pollution standards in Clairton, Pennsylvania and Granite City, Illinois.

By Phil Man

May 7, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

people are complaining about progress? Wasn’t everyone raising hell a couple of years ago when they thought AK would leave? Look around people, jobs are going away. This is creating jobs, close to people, and everyone complains? brilliant.

By MonroeNate

May 7, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Middletown Citizen: I share your concern in this regard. I don’t dispute the Council’s right to rezone, but with valid health concerns plus past history here, there should be a sunshine policy in place so that we can see just how much scientific analysis and data was examined before making this decision. Then, we should be privy to the same info. I shutter to think that they made this decision WITHOUT such analysis and data.

By Middletown citizen

May 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

It amazes me how the city can “rezone” on something like this. How much thought, research and consideration did they put into this? The City Council does as they please, must be nice.

By Not A Happy Camper

May 7, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Wow, in the know…. were you at the meetings during all of this, b/c it sure looks like you were not. and yes it is a groud zero site. that term is not reserved for 9/11 only, and how dare you compare this to that. this is nothing like that at all. you really need to educate your self on this matter before you start posting things you do not understand. and also you lose alot of people when you use caps lock all the time, and curse at people, wow you seem really smart there buddy.

By MonroeNate

May 7, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

To MiddieBob: Since people from Monroe only wish to remain healthy, and that makes us “idiots”, somehow I suspect that you will NOT choose to move your family to Neiderlander Rd. Gee, I wonder why not?

To MiddCitizen: Rather than us having to “show any studies or proof that any of the new technology coke plants are as dirty”, the burden of proof is on THEM to prove this facility will NOT be dirty. Rather than patiently walking everyone through this data, the council rammed it through.

By Middletown citizen

May 7, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Intheknow, you are the one the needs to get a clue, Middletown is now alive but dead, the ways of the past are no more and no longer work. We need to find other ways to bring business into Middletown. For someone who in is “In The Know” you sure are clueless and need to get into the 21st centry, but hey, so does our city council so you are not alone being stuck in the “good ole days” of the model T. Middletown needs to stop defining itself as a “steel town” and be progressive.

By Paul Howard

May 7, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Caps lock is cruise control for cool!

By In the know

May 7, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

WE ARE A IRON MAKING CITY NOW AND WE WILL BE AS LONG AS THIS CITY IS ALIVE!!!!!

CITY COUNCIL MADE THE BEST AND ONLY DECISION THAT COULD BE MADE! PEOPLE WHO SPOKE AGAINST THE COKE PLANT, I AM SORRY THAT YOU FEEL THAT THIS IS BAD BUT AS GOVERNMENT ALWAYS DOES IT IS FOR THE MAJORITY AND NOT THE FEW- SORRY!!

ALSO COMPARING THIS AS “GROUND ZERO” IS BS, YOU ARE GOING TO GET SOME DIRT AND SOOT ON YOUR CARS AND MAYBE IN YOUR PRECIOUS POOL, BUT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE DIED ON 9/11 SO GET A FREAKIN CLUE

By Middie Bob

May 7, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Good Job council. State of the art manufacturing facilities are a great addition to Middletown. Don’t listen to the idiots from Monroe.

By MiddCitizen

May 7, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

“Well I’m not going to buy an automobile because I’ve seen how dirty and noisy a Model T can be.” That seems to be all the reasoning I’ve heard. Has anyone shown any studies or proof that any of the new technology coke plants are as dirty as the ancient one we have here now? Sounds like everyone’s fears are based on their understanding of early 20th century technology.

By Carl

May 7, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

If taking care of this city means we have to have more industry then so be it. Maybe now we will begin the paving of the streets. As far as Monroe goes well this plant will be in Middletown and your say doesn’t count, we want the tax money for our city. YOUR own Monroe council and school board has not done so well to bring larger business to Monroe so you don’t want Middletown to have any. Monroe EAT, DRINK and PLAY in your own city and we will bring in the taxes for OUR city.

By love my kids

May 7, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

why didnt they put it behind AK on navaho mohawk etc and keep it all in one area. most of the people would love to move away from all that soot. AK made a killing in profits millions and millions. you know they have the revenue to purchase every house in middletown and some. people need to think about our future not about just today. i know middletown needs AKs jobs just keep it all in one area then everybodys happy…….

By jc

May 7, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Mike - Dave Schiavone would have been right along with the rest of the council with their votes. It was a done deal months ago. How about Armbruster voting “YES” - he has grandchildren that are living in that area, where was his concern? None of the residents were against SunCoke from moving forward it should have just been relocated to a industrial atmosphere. Will be curious who is sitting in those chairs next election. Of course our votes probably aren’t counted then either.

By love my kids

May 7, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

its a dagon shame everybody is complaining about there homes there houses there cars . what about the children that have to play in all the pollution. they are our countrys future. ohh i forgot if you live in middletown there will be no future. just laughing from all the big shots who dont even live in middletown. its very upsetting that money is more important than our childrens health. keep up the good work AK………….

By Eric

May 7, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

I feel sorry for the people who have homes near the new coke plant site. But it is needed to keep this mill running The prices for raw materials for steel have risen fast and more than gas hasif they dont get this plant there is a real threat of losing the Middletown mill and that would break this town and probably take the hospital down with it and ripple throug every employer in town and Middletown would die a slow death if Middletown had another major employer it would be different

By Middletown citizen

May 7, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

I agree free american, Middletown is going down the tubes fast becasue our City Council is a bunch of bozos who don’t care about the citizens who voted them into office. I’m glad I didn’t vote for any of them, I leave those spaces blank as it matches the looks you get from them when you bring an issue to them, blank stares and don’t let the door hit you in the a— on your way kind of reactions is all we have from our city leaders. Now that should be a real crime.

By free american

May 7, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

i think its awful they are putting coke plant where people dont want it. why dont they buy up all the property behind armco on navaho mohawk etc and keep it in one area. they already put out enough soot. they pay people every year for cleaning. they would save money over the long haul in fuel charges for transporting from monroe to middletown. its awful i see middletown going down the tubes in the future ….im moving out of middletown CANT TAKE NO MORE good luck its about money not people..

By MiddCitizen

May 7, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Vocal Monroe border residents drove our new hospital into another county. God help anyone with a heart attack trying to get through Rt.122 rush hour traffic. Middletown has lost so much industry that we can’t afford to let anymore go. We are a “one trick pony” town, and it’s AK. People are leaving town right and left (I would too, if my home value wasn’t in the toilet). With high gas prices, no way can we become a bedroom community for Dayton and Cincinnati… so it’s more industry, or die!

By mike

May 7, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Well, looks as if our incompetent council did it again. Their consistent track record of screw ups continue. Regardless of who runs for council it seems they end up like the rest of the politicians nationwide. Promises to take care of their people but its always a pack of B.S. Council cannot attract businesses to come to Middletown other than one that will not benefit Middletown but will benefit AK and their overpayed higher ups. Impeach them all except for Dave Schiavone.

By Keith

May 7, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

J.L. Last I heard the wind does blows. Not going to get into this pissing match. I have all the imformation on pro’s and con’s. Con’s out weight the pro’s.

By Middletown citizen

May 7, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

JL if you think a coke plant is so great you must live near the one on Oxford State Road. My aunt use to own a house there and I remember is foul stinch from the plant and the black filth that came from the plant and gets all over your house, car and everything you own. There isn’t a property near that plant I our many others would give a plug nickle for.

By Middletown citizen

May 7, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

JL if you think the coke plant is okay why not live on Seneca or one of the other streets on the “reservation.” My aunt lived there and all I can remember is the terrible smell and dark durty residue from the coke plant. No ruin property values, there isn’t any property around the coke plant on Oxford State Road that is worth 2 nickles because of the coke plant there.

By Middletown citizen

May 7, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

JL if you think the coke plant is okay why not live on Seneca or one of the other streets on the “reservation.” My aunt lived there and all I can remember is the terrible smell and dark durty residue from the coke plant. No ruin property values, there isn’t any property around the coke plant on Oxford State Road that is worth 2 nickles because of the coke plant there.

By JL

May 7, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Keith, with all do respect to those with reservations, the current coke plant does not emit smells/dust 5 miles away. 5miles from the proposed site would go to the intersection of Rt. 4/Liberty Fairfield and almost to Postown at the other end of the spectrum??Its true AK/Armco has had a substantial and at times unfair control over Middletown. However, it is what is. There is no way you can turn down that kind of investment given the lack of reasons not to let it go through.

By Middletown citizen

May 7, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

JL if you think the coke plant is okay why not live on Seneca or one of the other streets on the “reservation.” My lived there and all I can remember is the terrible smell and dark durty residue from the coke plant. No ruin property values, there isn’t any property around the coke plant on Oxford State Road that is worth 2 nickles because of the coke plant there.

By GladI'mInMonroe

May 7, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

I had a choice 2 years ago to buy a house in Middletown or Monroe. I am SO glad I chose Monroe! At least their Council is standing up for their residents. Middletown is once again bowing down & kissing the a**e of AK. They’ve reduced the number of employees, robbed the pensions & even moved their headquarters to West Chester! Where’s the loyalty?

BOYCOTT MIDDLETOWN. Who wants to drive on their crappy roads anyway? Take away our PD & Fire help, too. Garden Manor is welcome in Monroe any time!

By Keith

May 7, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

J.L. If AK could find a way they probaly would TRY to build it on your land. Was brought up in the meeting last nite about there other plants they have. People that lived as far as 5 miles away had coke dust on their house and said the smell was so bad that they couldnt go out. It all looks good on paper but look deep you find flaws.

By Middletown citizen

May 7, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Well City Council can once again pat each other on the back for putting another nail in Middletown’s coffin. AK cares nothing about Middletown, they have proven that over and over, but our leaders continue to kiss thier A—. The coucil talks about wanting to attract new business to Middletown but who will want to come to Middletown new? Good job city council you are killing our town!!

By mike

May 7, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

The council has once again proved itself to be gutless, shameless whores. Anything to accommodate AK, who didn’t even consult them about their move to West Chester. A short term boost in construction jobs, a few dozen “permanent” jobs, and an eco-blight on a viable region of the town. Middletown doesn’t deserve this and sure doesn’t need it, or it’s bottom-feeding council. Follow the money trail on this one.

By Mike

May 7, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

The council has once again proved itself to be gutless, shameless whores. Anything to accommodate AK, who didn’t even consult them about their move to West Chester. A short term boost in construction jobs, a few dozen “permanent” jobs, and an eco-blight on a viable region of the town. Middletown doesn’t deserve this and sure doesn’t need it, or it’s bottom-feeding council. Follow the money trail on this one.

By JL

May 7, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Keith, its my understanding the facility is state of the art. It will produce substantially less pollution then the current coke faciltiy. The Suncoke system is based on negative pressure vats as opposed positive pressure older systems that emit a greater amount of the bi-products(pollution if you wil) into the air…Being at the meeting does not make you informed…. I would love to have them build it in my back yard. Could they fit it in a 1/4acre lot? I am guessing you have a large back yard?

By Here's Your Sign

May 7, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Ok, hypothetical question… If AK decided to pull out of Middletown because of all of the citizens complaints, would all of you be able to support the 2000 plus people who lost their jobs? Probably not. My guess is that you would ask our Democrat governor to build a new “state of the art” trailer park. But then you would probably complain because you didn’t have first choice of the lots. Oh, by the way, you will have well water, yum, because the city doesn’t have any income tax revenue. Think.

By Here's Your Sign

May 7, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Ok, hypothetical question… If AK decided to pull out of Middletown because of all of the citizens complaints, would all of you be able to support the 2000 plus people who lost their jobs? Probably not. My guess is that you would ask our Democrat governor to build a new “state of the art” trailer park. But then you would probably complain because you didn’t have first choice of the lots. Oh, by the way, you will have well water, yum, because the city doesn’t have any income tax revenue. Think.

By Peg

May 7, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

I also wnat to know if city council members are going to personally guarantee equal or better housing and care in Middletown for the residents of Garden Manor. My sister and I will be happy to come visit my mom right in one of the council member’s home knowing they are providing a completely handicap accessible environment, daily activities with other senior residents, 24/7 nursing staff and transportation.

By Peg

May 7, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Terrible decision. But I’m not surprised. AK owns this town. A truly intelligent City Council would have started courting other cleaner industries years ago instead of bowing to a company that would rather spend money on lawyers than clean up their act. I work in West Chester where all those new warehouses are located. Had Middletown gone after that kind of business we’d have lots of jobs and a clean environment.

By Keith

May 7, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

JL there is alot of reasons. Im guessing you arent one of them that was at the meeting. Can they build it in your back yard?

By JL

May 7, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

To those against the SunCoke Proposal: Have any of you truly done your research on this? Will it really be the terrible pollution maker you claim? Will it really de-value property of those in the Monroe area surrounding that area? Based on the FACTS presented to me, there is little reason to beleive any of this will occur. Middletown needs to make sound economic descisions that promote long-term growth and increased revenue to the city. Why would you not approve a $375million investment?

By JL

May 7, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

To those against the SunCoke Proposal: Have any of you truly done your research on this? Will it really be the terrible pollution maker you claim? Will it really de-value property of those in the Monroe area surrounding that area? Based on the FACTS presented to me, there is little reason to beleive any of this will occur. Middletown needs to make sound economic descisions that promote long-term growth and increased revenue to the city. Why would you not approve a $375million investment?

By Keith

May 7, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Sick of it at least you had someone come out and sit in there car and look. My Aunt has been trying for years to get them to her house and know one has showed up as this day. She lives 2 blocks away from the polluted coke plant.

By sick of middletown also

May 7, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

CONT. so then a couple days later i recieved a letter stating it wasn’t AK’s dust, lol he didn’t even get out of his car to check, you can’t sleep with your windows open on a nice spring/summer night because of the coke smell and you wake up the next morning sick with your sinuses or asthma, i regret buying a house here and it will probley never be bought so most likely it will go back to the bank, i feel for you if it’s gonna be in your back yards, i’m not even that close to this one!!!

By sick of middletown also

May 7, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

i already live by the AK on oxford st. rd but i live about 11 or 12 streets down and my house and cars and childrens play equipment is covered in the AK dust, you have to wash everything down before you let the kids play with it, but AK SAYS THE DUST DOSEN’T GO THAT FAR, WELL I TOLD THEM IT DOES SO THEY SENT A “PERSON” OUT TO CHECK IT WELLLL I WAS HOME ALL THAT DAY THEY WERE SUPPOSE TO BE HERE AND ALL I SEEN WAS A GUY PULL UP IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE AND TAKE A PICTURE…

By Keith

May 7, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Sadden I for one Have been off my butt. I have enter act with council on a few issues. I have gave my last vote too any of them on the council. Tired of hearing one thing and them doing the complete opposite. Its time to pull on suspender’s and Boggty Boggty Boggty…

By Saddened Bystander

May 7, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

to believe that AK is going to protect the interests of the homeowners. I think once again Middletown has given in to Ak and I find it ironic and sad that the union has so vigorously supported this because it was the WHOLE community that was trying to support you when you were BULLIED out of work by AK. As to the statement about the Monroe council building the coke plant…I believe their concil just fought to get a gas pumping facility moved because of the impact on the people living nearby.

By Jeff

May 7, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Really, what other choice was there? Middletown is and always will be (maybe)a steel town. Reality is, AK is what drives Middletown’s political decisions not the voters. If the voters want change, then they need to make R-E-A-L changes on the council AND school board. If some of you on here who are complaining want real change then get off of your hind ends and vote, get involved, protest, something…because sitting around and crying about it hasn’t worked. I’m glad I moved from Middletown!

By Saddened Bystander

May 7, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

I am continually amazed at the choices made by the City of Middletown. Where has any common sense gone and has council forgotten the environmental impact AK wrought on this community over the years. The homes torn down and people moved out because of the overwhelming pollution in the ground their homes sat on. Have THEY(council) forgotten about the polluting of Dick’s Creek and speak to any “old timer” and they’ll tell you how AK/Armco polluted their own retention pond. And now these people are

By Sick of Middletown

May 7, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Once again, Middletown has bowed down to A K Steel. The city should be renamed A K Kingdom because apparently they make all the decisions for the “city”. Everyday I regret moving here to Middletown. Most would say just move then. How? NO ONE WANTS TO LIVE HERE!! Middletown keeps making poor decisions that send retailers and other businesses that attract consumers and money to the “city” to our neighboring cities. Way to go Middletown!! Oh, I mean A K servants!!!!

By PK2

May 7, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

No. Middletown is ramming this down the throats of the nearby residents.

My family will be taking it’s business elsewhere.

By Keith

May 7, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

Well put common sense. I have found out first hand that this council is not for the people that put them where they are now. They have lost alot of respect. They say one thing and do another. Thank you council. As For Dave and his bussinesses you have to excuse him he didnt vote on the topic.

By Common Sense

May 7, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Council made the decision that was best for them, not the citizen that they represent and they made no consideration with regard to their neighbors. They would not vote to put the coke plant in the middle of one their residential areas, like the old hospital site, but they have no problem infringing on their neighbors. They took enough time to try and cover their butts during the discussion prior to the vote, buy the Yeas were instant when roll was called.

They know that the reason they can’t build on existing AK land is because it is so polluted; now they want to spread the cancer. I understand the need for jobs, but this will endanger the health and the surrounding residents and devalue their homes. I know the surrounding residents are not the mighty AK Steel you locked out it workers and moved its headquarters to West Chester. The surrounding residents are the income and property tax payers, the area consumers, the ones supporting your community. Well thanks for considering us.

By jc

May 7, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

NO they did not make the right decision. However, how else could they vote? AK had already purchased the land, before any Middletown/Monroe residents knew about their plans. It was in the works a long time ago. I hope City Council thinks about that at election time. I wonder if Dave Schivone would like that Coke Plant next to his BBQ Junction restaurant? I know I won’t be donating to the Middletown City Council Fund. Need to change the map to AK, Ohio instead of Middletown.

By Keith

May 7, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

Im All for the Coke Plant but not where its going to be located. I have Freinds,uncles and nephews that are Union out there and Yes there for it But Arent for its location. Got a chuckle out of the commeant about Monroe running out of Middletown. Guess AK done the samething when they took there office’s to West Chester.

By Matt

May 7, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

what is there to “not understand”? It was a tough decision but a realistic one. Council had a decision on what was best for all of Middletown — not Monroe, not Garden Manor, and not 75 people on Neiderlander Rd. It sucks but is understandable. If they had voted against it then half this town of hillbillies and people who can’t type would have been saying “hey, another dumb Middletown decision, shooting ourselves in the foot”. And Keith, all the “big money” AK union guys supported this.

By Matt

May 7, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Council did what any reasonable council would have done. I’m sure it was a gut-wrenching decision and they felt bad for the surrounding residents but their obligation is doing what is best for the city, not what is best for a few. Garden Manor, unfortunately, loses out to AK when it comes to priority employers. As for Monroe and “being a good neighbor”, they split off from Midd schools when they felt it was in their interest.

By Matt

May 7, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Council did what any reasonable council would have done. I’m sure it was a gut-wrenching decision and they felt bad for the surrounding residents but their obligation is doing what is best for the city, not what is best for a few. Garden Manor, unfortunately, loses out to AK when it comes to priority employers. As for Monroe and “being a good neighbor”, they split off from Midd schools when they felt it was in their interest.

By mc

May 7, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go. This is right for Middletown. We need to make sure that AK STAYS HERE!!!!!! They provide so much for our community!!!! Those of you in oppostion think about that when you swim at Sunset pool or go to any of our parks!!!! AK has provided them all. Way to go AK and SunCoke!!!!! I am glad to call you my life long neighbor!!!!!

By Keith

May 7, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

I have a Aunt that lives 2 blocks from the tainted Coke plant that AK has now. When you walk into her house you can smell the coke. Smells like rotten eggs. Has she got a knock on her door from AK about the rust looking water that she has to bathe in? Hell no she hasnt cos AK will continue doing as they want. Ak is above the law’s of the land. We all can gripe and complain until we turn Blue in the face But When you have Council members as we do its going to continue.

By Keith

May 7, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

I have a Aunt that lives 2 blocks from the tainted Coke plant that AK has now. When you walk into her house you can smell the coke. Smells like rotten eggs. Has she got a knock on her door from AK about the rust looking water that she has to bathe in? Hell no she hasnt cos AK will continue doing as they want. Ak is above the law’s of the land. We all can gripe and complain until we turn Blue in the face But When you have Council members as we do its going to continue.

By PK

May 7, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

NO!!!!! They made a very bad decision. Just because AK Steel says it is soooo important-does not make it true. I want to commend council for promoting themselves to the very top. Who would have thought any council would be given the chance to make a worst decision for the city than those that voted for “Lake Mistake” and the “City Centre Mall”? They will now be able to go down in local history as doing just that. Quite a legacy. Once this monster is built-it can NEVER be undone.

By IMPROVEMENTS

May 7, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this

MIDDLETOWN NEEDS MORE BUSINESSES TO RELOCATE HERE PEOPLE COMPLAIN WE HAVE NO NEW BUSINESSES OR THAT THE CURRENT COMPANIES ARE SHUTTING DOWN OR LEAVING THIS IS A POSITIVE WHATEVER BRINGS MORE JOBS IS A GOOD THING MIDDLETOWN NEEDS TO ACTIVELY PURSUE MORE BUSINESS TO RELOCATE HERE

By MIndy

May 7, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this

Absolutely ridiculous that the council cowers at the thought of losing their beloved AK Steel if they don’t get the coke plant….think about the residents living near that mess and the ramifications for a change!!!

By Mike

May 7, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this

Good job City Council! Way to listen to the MAJORITY of the people and not the lunatic fringe!

By VietVet

May 7, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this

With Middletown’s track record on econ.devel.,I think you have to take the opportunities when you can.Apparently Midd. hasn’t had that many opportunities or we would have had more companies locate here.If Monroe had had the opportunity to have a coke plant built in their city limits and it would have affected the neighbors in Middletown,I think they would have done the same thing that was done last night- approve the plan. Unfortunately, whenever progress is made,sacrifice happens.

By John Doe

May 7, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this

City Council: A bunch of jerks. Going to lose 400 more jobs. Don’t understand. No wonder Middletown is going down hill fast.

By Ready to move away

May 7, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this

NO! What a bunch of typical politicians who once again sold out the citizens of this community to Big Business. I am ready to pack up and leave Middletown and am expecting to take a loss on my home. Thank you City of Middletown.

By Keith

May 7, 2008 6:59 AM | Link to this

Hell no they didnt. I think they forget who put them in there seats.They are so scared of AK packing up and saying Good bye. Hope everyone of you arent there for very long. You are Not for the people your for the big Money people.