TROY — The city of Troy provided the following report, which city officials said reflected that 2023 was a good year, and “look forward to another fantastic year in 2024.”

AMONG 2023 HIGHLIGHTS:

— Economic Development:

• After a successful first year of operation in 2022, City Council, at the request of Troy Main Street, amended the DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) regulations, expanding boundaries and hours of operation;

•The Troy Planning Commission, City Council and staff approved 400 new housing lots in two additional future subdivisions, while authorizing 51 new single-family homes;

• Several new notable businesses opened, including Aldi, Crafted & Cured, Miso, Greenville Federal Bank, Provisions, and Jersey Mikes;

• Several important industrial companies, including Crown, Freudenberg-NOK, and Hobart Brothers, invested over $35 million and created 65 new jobs;

• The Troy Development Council (TDC) sold the 66.72-acre Experiment Farm Industrial Park to the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology. The City of Troy was the majority investor in that property and realized a return of over 50% on the sale of that property, which funds will be used to acquire the rights to additional industrial property;

• The Mayor led a trade mission to Tokyo and Takahashi, Japan. Along with the City Director and TDC CEO, the Mayor conducted business visits with Honda Logistics, Lintec Corp., F-Tech Inc., and Honda Motor to discuss their operations in Troy and explore opportunities to expand staffing and production. The city’s contingent also visited cultural and business sites in Takahashi, Troy’s Sister City of 33 years.

— Safety:

• The Fire Department continued its highly successful Fire Apprenticeship Program, which provides on-the-job and educational training in return for their commitment to join the Troy Fire Department upon certification;

• The Police Department instituted a Police Recruit Program, which sent three officer candidates to training in return for their commitment to join the Troy Police force upon certification;

• City Council and the Mayor continued to invest in first responder personal protection equipment, life safety tools, and vehicles.

— Quality of Life:

• A new storage building was completed at Miami Shores Golf Course to protect expensive maintenance equipment;

• A second indoor golf simulator was also installed due to the high demand for off-season indoor league, lessons and tournaments;

• City Council adopted a bee ordinance to allow residents within the city limits to keep and maintain a limited number of beehives on their properties;

• Mayor Oda hosted 11 students and 3 adults from our Sister City of Takahashi, Japan as part of our annual student cultural exchange program.

— Infrastructure:

• The highest priority project of the long-range Stormwater Master Plan, the reconstruction of the Kidder Ditch, was completed at a cost of $550,000;

• 13.14 lane miles of local roads were repaved as part of the annual $1.5 million road resurfacing program;

• The reconstruction of the Madison Street Sewer Lift Station, at a cost of $850,000 was completed;

• East Main Street from the downtown square east to the Broadford Bridge corporate boundary was repaved;

• The South Stanfield Phase I Project, which included the replacement of utilities and new pavements from West Stanfield Road to Commerce Center Boulevard was completed;

• The first phase of the West Main Street Corridor Reconstruction Project was substantially finished with the exception of the Tavern Building block in the downtown area.

2024 GOALS INCLUDE:

— Economic Development

• Gain Planning Commission approval of the update to the Comprehensive Plan;

• Resolve the Tavern Building property through stabilization, renovation and/or demolition, to allow the reopening of West Main Street by April 30;

• Redevelop Spinnaker property on East Water Street into office, retail, business, and/or residential uses;

• Dedicate the opening of public restrooms in the Mayflower Building;

· Assemble industrial space serviced by City utilities;

• Conduct a trade mission in Europe, visiting existing Troy companies, potential new businesses and presenting to various Chamber of Commerce groups in Germany, France, Sweden and The Netherlands.

Safety:

• Assist with the completion of the Miami County-wide Fire Operations Study, analyzing and potentially implementing recommendations to create cost effective efficiencies in the shared use of equipment, vehicles, and deployment practices

• Relocate the Police Department Firing Range

• Complete the detailed design engineering for the removal of the Great Miami River low head dam, with removal occurring as early as late 2025

• Take receipt of one if not two new ambulances on order since 2021 to maintain fleet

• Continue first responder recruitment in Police and Fire Departments while exploring additional strategies

Quality of Life:

• Commission a study of alternatives to renovate and expand the Troy Aquatic Park;

• Implement credit card payments that will include a “text to pay” option as well as multi-lingual translation capabilities;

• Dedicate a new ADA-compliant entrance and outdoor patio pavilion at the Senior Citizens Center;

• Celebrate the Total Solar Eclipse and The Troy Foundation 100th Anniversary with concerts and other events, including a summer of painted pianos in our downtown, in addition to the normal busy season of events and activities in the city;

• Replace obsolete softball field pole lights at the North Market Ball Fields to enable night leagues and tournament play;

• Host the Mayor, dignitaries and staff from Takahashi City in May;

• Send Troy students and adults to Takahashi, Japan in August as part of our annual student cultural exchange program.

Infrastructure:

• Complete $14 million Waste Water Treatment Plant expansion;

• Begin the West Main Street Corridor Reconstruction Project, Phase II from Ridge Avenue to the I-75 on ramp;

• Resurface Elm Street from West Main Street to Treasure Island Park;

• Repave 12-14 lane miles of local roads;

• Improve safety at the Water Treatment Plant by converting the chlorine processing operation from gas to liquid;

• Complete the South Stanfield Road Reconstruction Project, Phase II, from Commerce Center Boulevard to the Tractor Supply Company store.

“(Year) 2023 was another busy and successful year in the City of Troy, with many projects, programs and events that have kept our community a great place to live, work and play, whether you are a resident, visitor, or business.” stated Troy Mayor Robin Oda. “2024 promises to be even bigger and better, as we celebrate milestones and continue to invest millions of dollars in our key priorities of economic development, safety services and quality of life amenities,” she continued. “Troy is a good place to be for so many reasons.”