Residence Zone D

Saw an email distributed by Frank Raeon, Martin Koepke, Mark Bruggeman urging support of Residence D, and urging voters not to sign the petition to put the Zoning Change on the ballot. Here's how I responded to the email (to these three gentlemen)

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Mark,

My wife Amy shared with me your email. I too am a proponent of updated zoning that would allow our historic buildings to be built in 2009! Frankly, I’m surprised the Village didn’t address this “miss” years ago. What gets me even more excited is Mixed Use, so that we could truly replicate buildings like on the Old Town Square.

I’m forwarding an exhibit I created for the Planning Committee and Village Council, showing a buildable, attractive, alternative to the 45’ height allowed in Residence D. Would love your thoughts on my idea, as well as D in general.

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But at the end of the day, 45 feet is out of balance with the 1-1/2 storey bungalows and cape cods in the neighborhood. I'm willing to concede parking, density, setbacks, etc for the good of the Village, but I can't support the height. We've learned what 47' looks like a la Jordan Park, so lets adjust (more than -2 feet). I'd be uncomfortable with 40' to the top of the peak, but I'd go along with it, as a goodwill compromise.

While I'm not a professional builder, I do have architectural design + residential and commercial construction experience, and I believe 3 storeys can be worked into 36.5' height (see exhibit).

Tobey Acheson stopped by Thursday, and Amy and I both signed the petition. I love the idea of improving our Zoning, but it has to be more sensitive to the neighborhood.

Cortney

Hamilton County BOE 58 names!

After a productive evening getting 18 additional signatures at the Mariemont Police Night Out, I'm now over the 50 signatures required to get onto the November Ballot! This is a major milestone for me, and I'm proud of the fact that I'm one step closer. Of note, I got the Mayor to sign my petition! He wants to meet to discuss how to market all of the Town Meeting candidates, and I'm very interested in the help. We'll see where it goes.

Now, it's on to "Marketing Mix". I'd like to explore some combination of the following
-handouts, likely
-bumper stickers
-yard signs, likely
-billboards, not likely
-banner from a plane, not likely :)

Obviously, I need to be smart about the spend. One, to set a good example of fiscal responsibility/scarcity mindset, two to show I'm serious about the position, and three to avoid under/over investing.

The next few months will be very interesting.

Cortney

Cortney

Cortney

"Citizen is Boss"

At P&G our Chairman coined the phrase "Consumer is Boss". It's become a core component of how P&G goes to market. It seems to me that "Citizen is Boss" in Mariemont. Not necessarily Voter, although that's an effective approach too.

We need to hear, respect, appreciate, consult, design around the Citizen. And I don't think we're quite there. I hear a subtle disdain when Council reacts to a Citizen comment at Meetings. This is unacceptable. This citizen decided to hit the pause button on his/her life and come to a not fun, not fast, not convenient meeting. We need to appreciate them, hear them. Too often I see us looking down our nose at them, unless they're delivering a "Thank you".

We work for the Citizen. The Citizen is Boss!

Cortney

Monday 7/27 Council Meeting

I attended the Council Meeting last evening. It was business as usual - paying the bills, reading of resolutions, etc. The Mariemont Rec Director came asking for $3000 for improvements. While I feel for him and support (and participate) in the cause, the $3000 was handed over too easily. Could it have been $2500? $2000? Not saying what the number should be, however there was no discussion.

What I found interesting was discussion on the Village's decision to take down the Flintpoint "Heritage" Oak against the majority of Citizens' wishes. Looks like there will be legal action. I support the Citizens - this tree coming down could be a disasterous precendent for the "Tree City USA" Village. How many trees are on the driveway. I bet 100 - do we take them all down at Taxpayer expense? I do, however, feel for the Homeowner. He attended and I'm sure felt surrounded. But, if we can address the safety issue, then I'm guessing he won't have concern re leaving the tree.

The other interesting development is the Referendum on Residence Zone D. Council seemed annoyed by it, but I think it's a clever move to make sure the Will of the People is considered. I'll sign the petition if/when it comes my way. I think I would support 40 feet to the peak - not that I like it, but that I feel its a compromise; both sides will feel pain.... Density is ok as is, parking is not what I want but again in the spirit of compromise, I won't object.

Finally, I had a nice conversation with Tobey Acheson and a few other supporters of the Referendum. I like their "Don't give up the ship" attitude. Tobey is showing he has the where-with-all to derail an idea, so I'll make sure I understand his position on every controversial issue!

Cortney

Zoning Residence D on the ballot in Nov?

Heard last night that the overly aggressive "Residence D" zoning approval will be challenged on the November Ballot. I think it's a good thing. No one questions the need for a change, however it's over reaching, and it's too development-sided. I signed the earlier petition to bring down the height max. We'll see what happens.

Putting every little thing on the ballot is not a good idea (ie Smitherman's Cincinnati Rail initiative on the ballot is VERY dangerous), but in this case, I support it.

Cortney

Hamilton County BOE Signatures 55!

I've spent the last couple days getting Hamilton County Board of Elections Signatures. Recall Town Meeting isn't recognized by Hamilton County, so the process essentially begins all over again. Tonight I received 56, 55 of which I'll submit, 5 more than needed. The County offers early checking, so hopefully the list will pass muster and I'll be all set!

I continue to receive so much support, and its very humbling.

3 requests I received:
-recycling bins in parks. Love the idea! Have to figure out how to pay for bins + pickup
-saving the Ash trees by treating vs tearing down. I fully support this, and I think payout is a savings for the Village
-beer at Belltower Park Softball games. 2 out of 3 ain't bad!

I did mention to a small group of folks my idea of a Fall Festival down near the Community Garden on the Little Miami Flood plain. $5 cover per family, bonfire, beer sold, food, hayrides, pumpkins, music would be so much fun, and it would be a great fundraiser for some group in the Village. Plus, the railroad tunnel is the perfect entry point. Who's with me!?!?

Cortney

How the Nov 3 Vote will Work

Here's a note I sent to a friend who asked about the process going fwd:

Because Town Meeting isn’t recognized by Hamilton County Board of Elections (BOE), the November race is At Large (I think this is the name). Said another way, BOE doesn’t care that we have Districts, that we have a Caucus, that I was chosen. Top vote getters (whether involved in Town Meeting or not) get seats. For instance, John Altman is running outside of Town Meeting, directly with BOE. He’ll be on the ballot, and if he’s the #1, #2, #3 or #4 vote getter, he gets a seat. Hamilton County views both of our candidacies equally.

So the campaign really starts today, I just happened to pick up a strong endorsement, so to speak….


Cortney