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Fedders Construction to base offices in Newport’s west end at former Greenline ‘bus barn’ location


By Don Owen
NKyTribune reporter

During Monday night’s board of commissioners meeting, Newport city manager Thomas Fromme took a moment to welcome Albert Fedders and his construction business to its new location — the old Greenline fleet warehouse near the 11th Street Bridge in the west end.

“We’re all looking forward to seeing your company grow here in Newport,” Fromme said. “The ‘bus barn’ has been an eye sore for a long time.”

That will no longer be the case. Fedders Construction will be based out of the building, a dilapidated structure with plenty of history. That’s about to change, according to Fedders, the CEO of the company.

Albert Fedders

“Growing up as a kid in Fort Wright, we would drive across where there was a toll bridge there between Newport and Covington, and my brother and I would fight over who got to throw the nickel or dime in the toll basket,” said Fedders, who recently purchased the old warehouse. “I always remembered that building with the ‘bus barn’ there, watching the buses come out.

“There’s a lot of history with the building, it’s really cool, and I have the ability to bring it back to life — that’s what I do. The potential is there, and it’s centrally located. I have projects in Maysville, Hamilton, Florence, Clermont County. I’m kind of in a roundabout location in Newport, which is nice. I have employees from all over, and Newport is a convenient location.”

Fedders said the old warehouse has approximately 50,000 square feet, only 7,000 of which will be used by his company. “I’m also bringing Tracker Products, an IT software development company. We’re going to create a second-floor mezzanine, which is kind of there right now, but it needs to be re-established. Tracker Products and Fedders Construction will be occupying the second floor, but there will be conference rooms and bathrooms downstairs. There’s a lot more space for other potential tenants as well.”

Fromme was directed to execute a memorandum of agreement with Fedders Construction, Tracker Products and Impact Sales for participation in Newport’s Job Development Incentive Program.

“We’re a design/build commercial contractor, and we provide solutions for our clients no matter the size,” Fedders said. “I’m super excited about the team we have. Most of us are 20-year vets in the commercial construction world. I’m also excited about coming to Newport and developing our home here.”

Newport Mayor Jerry Peluso welcomed Fedders to the city and said, “That building you’ve bought is one of the coolest in all of Northern Kentucky. It has a great deal of history, and I’m delighted you’re going to grow your business there.”

In other items Monday night:

• Organizers gave a one-year update for ReNewport, a resident-driven initiative to revitalize and reenergize the city. Among the accomplishments of ReNewport during the past year:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Economic Bus Tour – Organized a multi-event bus tour with Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation and Catalytic Fund where Newport city officials, Newport schools and other partners saw what Place Matters neighborhoods are doing in their communities.

Bike Rack Grant Program – Created a matching grant program that allowed small businesses and organization to purchase bike racks at half the cost and have them installed for free, thanks to Newport Public Works. More than 15 bike racks estimated at $1,500.

Public Transportation – Secured funding and implemented a new bus shelter for the westside of Newport, an estimated $5,000 investment.

Business Facade Program – Utilized fundraising to implement a new business façade program focused on the Westside of Newport. It had a $5,000 starting fund, with a goal of $20,000.

Continued Development – Actively working with city government and residents on opportunity for community development.

HOUSING

Beautification – Partnered with United Way, Neighborhood Foundations and Keep 
Cincinnati Beautiful to paint two boarded-up buildings on the Westside of Newport.

Historic Preservation – Supporting historic preservations efforts across the city.

Beyond the Curb – Sponsored the Catalytic Development Fund of Northern Kentucky’s Beyond the Curb event showcasing the housing stock of Newport for $500.

EDUCATION

Literacy – Implemented two little libraries where community members can get access to 
free books, one at a community garden on Washington, the other a Freudenberg Park.

Youth Ambassadorship – Recently completed the necessary documentation to begin the Youth Ambassador Program, in which Newport students can be connected to job and leadership training.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Mini-Grants – Awarded more than $5,000 in mini-grants to support community projects and initiatives of residents and neighborhood associations.

PARKS, RECREATION & BEAUTIFICATION

Bicycle Infrastructure – Installed 3 new bike racks a James Taylor and Buena Vista Park for 
a $1,000 investment.
Beautification – Worked with United Way for park and vacant lot cleanups.

Trash Bash – Supported the annual Trash Bash Challenge which had over 100 volunteers do a litter pickup with $500 grant.

Trees – City-wide tree planting efforts raised a total of $4,000 in partnership with Westside Citizen’s Coalition and Neighborhood Foundations.

DIY Park – Supported the recent expansion of the Newport Skate Park with a $500 grant. Offering ongoing support as the park continues to grow.

Playground Infrastructure – Worked with Newport Parks Renaissance Commission to get a new swing set in Buena Vista Park with a $750 grant.

HEALTH, WELLNESS & SAFETY

Light-Night – Established “Light-Night” a group walking, running and biking Newport to 
promote healthy living. Raised an additional $1,200 in 2018 to continue these events.

Fire Safety – Supporting Newport Professional Firefighters Local 45 Community Outreach and Fire Safety Programs with a $300 sponsorship.

GoVibrant – Raised $5,000 with GoVibrant to create urban walking tour to highlight the business district, historic neighborhoods and parks in Newport.

Health Expo – Worked with St. Elizabeth, LiveWell, N. Ky. Health Department, City of Newport, Newport Schools and Brighton Center to host annual Health Expo Event’s in Newport.

• The board also authorized and directed Fromme to issue purchase orders for the acquisition of four police vehicles — two 2018 Dodge Charger Pursuits, one 2018 Ford Explorer Utility, and one 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo.

The board of commissioners will convene again in a caucus meeting on May 7 at 7 p.m.


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