Neighborhood Initiative

In an effort to assist citizens of the Neighborhood Initiative Area (2nd and 4th Wards of Hamilton), the City has formed partnerships to ensure successful community revitalization. The Neighborhood Initiative Area is comprised of approximately 30 blocks south of Downtown Hamilton in the 2nd and 4th wards and bounded by Pershing Avenue, the Miami River, Martin Luther King Blvd. and Knightsbridge Avenue. A Riverfront Study has been completed, to enhance the downtown area adjacent to the Neighborhood Initiative and boost economic development in the City.

The Neighborhood Initiative project will initially focus in the 2nd and 4th Ward of Hamilton, which is one of the most distressed neighborhoods and contributes to blight in this neighborhood due to the existence of dilapidated, tax delinquent properties. This project will focus in mixed income and mixed use development in order to create affordable new homes and also create long term economic viability of inner city neighborhoods.

Two new single family homes have been successfully constructed on Washington Street. These are located by the Nate Sherman Manor Elderly housing complex on Second Street. These houses were part of the "Youth Build" Program and will provide affordable new housing opportunities in Hamilton.

A number of other new plan implementations are currently underway such as a plan to redevelop public housing by Butler County Metropolitan Housing Authority (BMHA). Using a consulting firm and working with neighborhood groups, organizations, institutions and residents, the City has finalized a neighborhood plan for the Initiative Area. This plan will provide a guide for future development in the neighborhood. The plan will not only provide action steps but also a Phasing Plan for development. This plan complements and is integral to the recently completed Riverfront Plan for the City. Additionally, the City is working with a consultant to identify, prioritize, implement and complete housing developments in the Neighborhood Initiative Area. These housing projects will be implemented through many community organizations, institutions and agencies as well as a variety of financial resources.

As part of this Neighborhood Initiative process, it is currently being planned to build a new affordable single family home at the corner of Lane and Long Street.