Editorial from Feb2009, published Cincinnati.com, Town Crier

This blog is an attempt at honest, transparent communication with Mariemont's Citizens, with a goal of an educated, informed vote on 11/3.

In the spirit of laying it all out there, here's the Zoning editorial I published last Winter. Some of the details aren't relevant (heights measured to midpoint of the roof), but I still stand by what I said.

Cortney


http://rodeo.cincinnati.com/getlocal/gpstory.aspx?id=100132&sid=143532

text follows:
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Mariemont Zoning Code Changes: A Good Idea Executed Badly
Contributed By Cortney Scheeser
You may have heard of the proposed changes to Mariemont’s Zoning Code to accommodate a “Mixed-Use A District.” It involves allowing higher density, taller buildings to be developed on many streets in the Village. Proponents describe it as fixing 60 year old zoning problems and an attempt at “New Urbanism”. I believe the proposed changes are a good idea but with 3 significant, show-stopper issues: 1) allowing building heights up to 10 feet taller than the Mariemont Inn, 2) designating quiet, narrow streets like Oak for redevelopment, and 3) allowing surface parking to spread in these areas.

Building Height. I live on Nolen Circle just behind the Theater in one of 22 houses in a triangle bordered by Thorndike, West and East. Of the 22 single family homes, 16 are 1-1/2 storey. Today, we live in the shadow (literally) of the new 3-1/2 storey condos on Miami. Their height happens to be the recommended Zoning height of 45 feet to the roof’s midpoint (The Inn is 38 feet). The condos are attractive however too tall to fit the character of our neighborhood. If the Zoning Code is changed, our small, quaint neighborhood is at risk of development on all sides of the triangle, effectively walling us in. Yours may be at risk too. Possible solution: cap all buildings to not exceed 35 or 38 feet to the midpoint of the roof.

Eligible Streets. Development on Madisonville Road and Wooster Pike is a no-brainer. I get excited about the possibility of creating another “Mariemont Strand” (Dilly Deli, Starbucks) on one of these streets. However, the recommendaton is to expand this list of Streets to include Murray east of Plainville, Oak through the Old Square, and Miami Road south of Wooster Pike, among others. These are heavily residential, quiet streets that will permanently change the feel of Mariemont if allowed to be rezoned for redevelopment. Possible solution: redevelopment along Madisonville, Wooster, and possibly Plainville only.

Surface Parking. Parking lots are ugly and not in keeping with Mary Emery’s vision for our Village. Further, the “New Urbanism” concept, of which I’m a fan, is all about Pedestrianism and increased density. These ideals clash with surface parking. Any Zoning changes need to reign in the ability to raze buildings for parking. We need smarter parking, not more blacktop. Possible solutions: surface parking may not take up more than some small percentage of lot area; build a low, well designed parking garage behind the Inn.

I welcome redevelopment along appropriate streets, however it needs to be ultra-sensitive to its surroundings. Big buildings on quiet streets with surface parking do not fit the style or the history of our Village. Proper Zoning guidelines need to strengthen our Village, not put it at risk. I would encourage everyone to contact their Council Members and let their views be known.

Cortney Scheeser
Mariemont