Nearly $275 million invested in Great Miami Riverway this year, release says

The Great Miami Riverway has seen over $274 million in investments so far this year, according to a Great Miami Riverway press release. An increase in businesses, jobs and tourism has contributed to the area’s success.

Over the past two years, the 99-mile riverway has seen average investments of $500 million annually, according to the release. The dining, recreation, attractions and entertainment near the riverway are the catalysts for the funding. The country’s largest paved trail network and Ohio’s only national water trail are just a couple of aspects that residences and business owners say draw people into the riverway’s community to stay and live or to set up and sell.

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“Proximity to the river not only adds to the overall ambiance of downtown Hamilton, but also increases the desirability of our urban corridors as a great place to set up shop,” said Mallory Greenham, a small business development specialist in Hamilton. “Small business interest has never been higher here in Hamilton, and the river is part of that success," Greenham said.

Proprietor of Mudlick Tap House in Dayton Jen Dean said the connection to the river is what helps her customers find a real community. “Building community is important to the revitalization of our city and we do that in many ways, the river being one of them,” Dean said.

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A large portion of the investments stems from Kettering Health Network’s new hospital in Troy, representing $80 million and 120 jobs, and the incoming Marcum Apartments in Hamilton; the apartments will have over 100 luxury apartments, and four commercial spaces to Marcum Park, according to the release.

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