‘It could be a new beginning’: Middletown redevelopment may be infused with $15M

A proposed partnership between the county, Middletown, the community foundation and finance authority is a “once in a lifetime” chance to begin remaking Middletown’s downtown landmark with $15 million.

Butler County Commissioner Don Dixon told the Journal-News he has been working with city officials, the Middletown Community Foundation and Butler County Finance Authority to jumpstart the Manchester Inn redevelopment project. He announced the county, city and community foundation are in for $5 million apiece on Tuesday.

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The Butler County Finance Authority is also a partner in this venture, not with direct funding, but President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Smith assisted the city with identifying a developer. He said if asked, the Middletown Port Authority — which is managed by BCFA — will provide typical port authority services such as capital leases, revolving loans and bond funding.

He said the $15 million investment is “critical” to the success of Middletown’s rebirth.

“Their investments will provide the catalyst needed to move downtown redevelopment efforts forward in a meaningful and accelerated way,” he said. “Without their leadership and willingness to invest, there is no realistic scenario in which this level of progress could be achieved on the current timeline.”

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