Ad Hoc Master Plan Steering Committee
Minutes of Record
May 14, 2008

The Ad Hoc Master Plan Steering Committee held a public meeting at the Safety Service Center on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.  In attendance were:  Brad Vigran, John Goedde, John Dowlin, Jr., Wendy Moeller, Kathy Wagner, Phil Beck, Ken Bryant and Jerry Beckman.

Jerry Beckman opened the meeting at 7:01 p.m. He gave a brief overview of the meeting format then introduced Wendy Moeller and the Trustees and Committee members that were in attendance.   Wendy then gave an overview of the Master Plan process and explained that the document is just a draft and that it will be updated before it is adopted by the Board of Trustees.  She then went over the key issues, guiding principles and recommendations for Land Use and Development, Transportation and Quality of Life.

The meeting was then opened up to the public.  Below is a list of topics that were discussed.

Property Maintenance - Herb Riley had concerns about property maintenance issues.  He claims that new residents moving in do not take care of their properties as well as the long-time residents.  Mr. Beckman explained the Township's nuisance policy and noted that the Township cannot do anything about gutters falling off a house or making someone repaint their house.

Sidewalks - Tony Hodun wanted to know when the current Sidewalk Plan expires.  He is not sure he can vote for another levy, as it does not serve everyone.  He would like the Master Plan to include all possible areas that may receive a sidewalk that way he can justify voting for another sidewalk levy. The areas he is most concerned with are from Montgomery Trace subdivision to the library and Symmes Elementary School and from Montgomery Trace subdivision to Blong Memorial Park.

It was determined that bike paths will be incorporated into the sidewalk plan.  The sidewalk plan will be updated to reflect areas in the Master Plan.  Ken Bryant noted that ODOT has installed bike paths along Montgomery Road as part of the widening project.  Jerry Beckman also noted that the Township plans to consider utilizing railroad tracks as bike paths if they become available.

Master Plan Format - Mr. Nunneker stated that he found the Master Plan to be too soft.  He feels that it needs to be more definitive.  He also thinks there is too much emphasis on parks and sidewalks.  He feels the Township needs to do more for businesses.  Mr. Beckman noted that the Board of Trustees is currently in the process of developing a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA).  This would allow businesses a 50% abatement for any improvements they make.  It may also allow the Township to include streetscape areas in Harpers Station and down Montgomery Road.  He pointed out, however, that the Township does not have the resources such as Montgomery or Blue Ash.  The Trustees agreed that they would peruse all avenues.  Wendy Moeller pointed out that the Township receives 23% of their revenue from businesses.  Mr. Tremblay would also like to see the business environment thrive on Montgomery Road.  He feels businesses may need to work together.  Kathy Wagner suggested the business owners form their own association in lieu of the Northeast Community Chamber of Commerce.

Rozzi Property - George Conner wanted to know the status of the Rozzi park property.  It was noted that the Township has not closed on the property yet.  It was pointed out that even after we close the Township couldn't take possession of the property until 2009.  The Park Expansion Committee is looking at a needs assessment.  The park will be developed in phases.  The levy money will allow us enough to purchase the land and use $1,000,000 for the first phase of development.  The Meade property will be developed for the Cincinnati Horticultural Society as a horticultural center.  The Symmes Township Historical Society is developing property for a log cabin house and paths will be connected to Stonebridge Farm subdivision.

Zoning -  Tony Hodun had concerns about residential areas becoming mixed use.  Mr. Beckman noted that the Master Plan would clarify that mixed use only applies to commercial corridors.  Carol Sims had concerns about proposed zoned "E" Retail in Camp Dennison.  She claims some of these parcels are too small to justify this.  Mr. Beckman told her that even if it is reflected on the land use plan it does not mean it would be granted.  These parcels considered "E" Retail apply to parcels on Glendale-Milford Road.

Miscellaneous - Judy Havill had concerns about the Township's revenue stream because the Master Plan stated we are built out.  She also wanted to know if a cost analysis has been done regarding having Zoning in-house vs. staying with a contract with Hamilton County.  She also wanted to know how property maintenance can be determined when her neighborhood in Camp Dennison is so diverse with many different socio-economic families.