Ad Hoc Master Plan Steering Committee
Minutes of Record
October 22, 2008

A meeting of the Ad Hoc Master Plan Steering Committee was held on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.  In attendance were:  Brad Vigran, John Goedde, Greg Kessler, Ron Salatin, John Dowlin, Jr., Kathy Wagner, Jerry Beckman and Wendy Moeller.

Jerry Beckman updated the committee on some events that have transpired since their last meeting.  Some of the highlights are: 

• The Township has successfully negotiated with the Cincinnati Horticultural Society (CHS) to bring the Cincinnati Flower Show to Symmes Park.  They have also negotiated a 25-year lease with CHS for a horticultural center on the Meade property. 
• The Township is close to finalizing an agreement on the Rozzi property.
• A grassland paver system is currently being installed in the Meadow parking area at Symmes Park.
• Construction on the walking paths behind the Meade house has begun.
• Symmes Township businesses have been invited to attend a public meeting on October 27, 2008 to hear a presentation on the Community Reinvestment Area.

Wendy Moeller noted that all the comments have been incorporated into the Master Plan.  However, one more public meeting needs to be scheduled before the Master Plan can be finalized.  A tentative date of December 9, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Safety Service Center has been scheduled for the public meeting.  The document can then be brought before the Board of Trustees for adoption at their January 6, 2009 meeting.

Representatives of MSA then presented a concept plan for the Harper's Point area.
Below is a summary of their findings:

• The existing retail development is difficult to access without a stoplight.
• Lines of sight obscure the view from the primary approach.
• There is a poor visual connection between the two retail areas.
• There is no clear system of signage or identification.

It was noted that Krogers will be expanding their store by occupying space from Harpers Point Raquet Club, retail space from Subway to Widmer's and also Blockbuster Video.  Plans are currently before the Board of Zoning Appeals. 

MSA suggested the Master Plan incorporate the following:

• Create a centralized access into the two retail developments.  Adding landscape elements could enhance this intersection.
• Use streetscape and landscaping to unify Blong Memorial Park to the north and Montgomery Road to the south to establish continuity.
• Plant trees along streets to focus attention to a destination point.

Jerry suggested the Committee recommend the Trustees hire a landscape architect to come up with a landscape and lighting plan.  Wendy also suggested the Township establish a Special District where the property owners and Township could contribute funds for these improvements.  Everyone in attendance agreed that now is the time to proceed with these improvements while Krogers is in the expansion process.

The conceptual plans will be incorporated into the final Master Plan.

Wendy will revise the plan and identify the changes that were made and will email a copy to everyone.  A copy of the revised draft will also be included on the Township's website.

The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.