Clifton Home and Garden Tour 2024 – a Recap in Three Easy Walkabouts

Did you miss the perfect Mother’s Day event, when all locations were open for visitors? If so, we’ll break it down here for your casual strolling enjoyment. Parking opportunities are marked on the map with a P, with easy walkability in 3 groupings suggested for those who don’t want to go the full distance. You can enjoy a sidewalk view of all 10 locations while traversing our walkable, beautiful neighborhood! Credits to the official tour booklet’s writer Lindsay Wile and illustrator Sonja Thams.

South Grouping

429 Resor Avenue

Built approx. 1870; current homeowners Benjamin Schmidt and Danielle Nitti. Renovations: Second Empire style was conserved during a 2017 renovation by previous owners, which added new kitchen, baths, and opened the floor plan. History: Two important Clifton founders built, then inhabited this historic manor. The McAlpin family (1870s), followed by the Isaac Burnet Resor family until Mr. Resor’s death in 1909, when the home was transformed into rental and boarding before the next sale.

3345 Whitfield Avenue

Built in 1848 by Richard Smith/famed newspaperman, now the location of the Center for Mind, Body and Play. Restorations over 30 years by previous owners Tom and Linda Bender.

New transformations: Interior design Tara Ryan Busch of Boxwood Interiors, Bobby Bedinghaus and Chris Liedke of Bedinghaus Painting

587 Terrace Avenue

Built 2017-2018 by owner Dr. Michael Willing. Brad Roush/architect, Andrew James BuildersJill Koch/interior designer. LEED gold certification, Pool by Mid American (2022).

History: This property previously was the site of a modest 2-bedroom home (1954). Acquired in 2016, Dr. Willing sketched out his intentions for a new home, designed in harmony with a Sears home across the street.

North Grouping

8 Belsaw Place  

Built 1922; homeowners Guy and Kelly Banesse. Design: NOLI Kitchen (Agostino Fede design/build); Quince & Quinn (John Hinger interior design)

439 Wood Avenue  

uilt 1920 by Alfred S. Berghausen. A Craftsman bungalow. Current steward/renter Michael Friedes

403 Lafayette Avenue  

Built 1853; current homeowners Jess and Andrew Salzbrun. Renovations: All Around Joe, NOLI Kitchen, and Jess Salzbrun. History: The Neave/Sabin residence was home to the Alexander C. Neave family and his descendants from 1853 to 1925. The formal entryway pediment and columns were added to the façade in 1910. Dr. Albert Sabin and his family moved to Cincinnati in 1947 and chose this address as their home. Here, in his personal laboratory, Sabin would produce the world-famous Sabin polio vaccine.

517 Lafayette Avenue  

Built in 2011 by owners Bill Chappie and Scott Allgyer. Architect Ron Sabo and Justin Goldwire/Goldwire Gardens. Creative evolution over 13 years by Bill (the visionary) and Scott (the executor).

East Grouping

Clifton Cultural Arts Center – 3412 Clifton Avenue  

Built in 2024; Emersion Design/architecture and engineering; Skanska/construction management. History: CCAC’s new permanent home is set into the heart of Clifton, presenting a lively atmosphere of efficiency and inclusivity. Careful choice of materials and preservation of existing sightlines have made this 18,000-square-foot modern structure a well-integrated new gathering and performance space. A variety of classrooms and galleries welcome audiences, artists and educators. All is topped off with a green rooftop terrace where visitors enjoy an overview of Clifton’s lush trees and vintage rooftops.

2 East Interwood Place – The Pool and Marietta Gardens

Built 1925; homeowners Nora and Steve Fink. Pool Design: Christopher Lamond & Lamond Design and Mid American Pools

New Garden Plot at Vine and Glenmary Avenues

Built 2023; David Jackson/D2 Landscaping and Outdoor Service 

CTM Board – Hybrid Meeting – April 1, 2024

The meeting will begin at 7:00pm, the public is welcome to attend. Public input on CTM agenda items will be heard after Trustee discussion is complete.  Community members wishing to address the Board on an agenda item should sign up to speak at least 24 hours before start of the meeting by completing this Google form or with an email request directed to the president at contactctm@cliftoncommunity.org. Individual input on agenda items will last no more than two minutes.

Community members may speak on non-agenda issues during the public questions and concerns period at the end of the meeting. Individuals with statements are asked to sign in before the start of the meeting. Such statements should last not more than two minutes and are invited during the public questions and concerns period. Email your request to speak (specify the topic), or to request an agenda item at the next meeting to contactctm@cliftoncommunity.org.

Agenda

Join in-person: Clifton Recreation Center, 320 McAlpin Avenue  
Join Remotely: https://meet.google.com/qym-wjou-ncx

StartTimeTopicTopic Lead
7:001WelcomePresident Goodin
7:012Roll Call/ Approve prior month’s minutesSecretary Barry Gee
7:033Treasurer’s Report – Attachment 1Treasurer Checco
7:0615Police ReportP.O. Shawn Dent
7:215Fire Report
7:265CRC ReportCollin Fitzpatrick
7:315Clifton Library ReportJeanne Strauss de Groote
7:365Misc Business UpdatesPresident
7:4110Board – Trustee Vacancy Announcement, Governance Chair Vacancy, VP 2 DiscussionPresident
7:5110NSP – Proposal and Community Vote – Attachments 2 & 3NSP Coordinator – Gerald Checco
8:015Housing & Zoning – Letter of No Objection – Motion 1Rachel Wells
8:0610Connected Communities – Special Meeting RequestRachel Wells
8:1615Transportation Committee – Motion 2Jusn Ogilby
8:312Communication from CPD – Liquor License – 3523 Jefferson Ave – Attachment 4Gerald Checco
8:334Communication from House TourJan Brown Checco
8:375Communication from Golf Outing – Introduction to Motion for consideration at next meetingJohn Whedon
8:425USPS Informed Delivery Option – with Notifications sent to CTM Board – Motion 3Rachel Wells
8:4715Committees Roll CallPresident
9:025Community Questions/ConcernsPresident
9:07Adjournment – Next meeting May 6, 2024President
Motions
#SponsorDescription
1Housing & Zoning CommitteeDraft Letter of No Objection

Zoning Variance Application Documents
2Transportation CommitteeClifton Ave Redesign Objectives and Goals
3Rachel WellsUSPS Informed Delivery Option with Notifications sent to CTM Board
Attachments
#SponsorDescription
1TreasurerTreasurer’s Report
2NSP CoordinatorDraft NSP Application
3NSP CoordinatorNSP Voting Ballot
4Police DeptLiquor License Communication

CTM Board – Hybrid Meeting – March 4, 2024

The public is welcome to attend. Public input on CTM agenda items will be heard after Trustee discussion is complete.  Community members wishing to address the Board on an agenda item should sign up to speak at least 24 hours before start of the meeting by completing this Google form or with an email request directed to the president at contactctm@cliftoncommunity.org. Individual input on agenda items will last no more than two minutes.

Community members may speak on non-agenda issues during the public questions and concerns period at the end of the meeting. Individuals with statements are asked to sign in before the start of the meeting. Such statements should last not more than two minutes and are invited during the public questions and concerns period. Email your request to speak (specify the topic), or to request an agenda item at the next meeting to contactctm@cliftoncommunity.org.

Agenda

Join in-person: Clifton Recreation Center, 320 McAlpin Avenue  
Join Remotely: https://meet.google.com/qym-wjou-ncx

StartTimeTopicTopic Lead
7:001WelcomeCTM President
7:012Roll Call/ Approve prior month’s minutesSecretary Barry Gee
7:033Treasurer’s Report – Motion 1Treasurer
7:0615Police ReportP.O. Shawn Dent
7:215Misc. Business UpdatesCTM President
7:264Welcome CFD Captain Alexis MundyCTM President
7:305Fire Report CTM President
7:355CRC ReportCollin Fitzpatrick
7:405Clifton LibraryJeanne Strauss de Groote
7:455Clifton Soccer Update – Motion 2 Mindi Rich
7:505Clifton Golf Outing – Motion 3Gerald Checco
7:555Connected Communities – Motion 4Rachel Wells
8:005Beautification Committee ReportJayme Ritter
8:052Clifton Ave RedesignJustin Ogilby
8:0710NSP Discussion – List of RequestsNSP Coordinator
8:175Presentation: Citizens not Politicians
8:225CCAC OpeningLeslie Mooney
8:2718Committees Roll CallPresident
8:455Community Questions/ConcernsPresident
8:50Adjournment – Next meeting April 1, 2024President
Motion #SponsorDescription
1Treasurer2024 Budget Change
2Executive CommitteeClifton Soccer
3Executive CommitteeClifton Golf Outing
4Housing & ZoningConnected Communities

CTM Board of Trustees meet in hybrid meeting on Monday, Feb 5, 2024

The public is welcome to attend. Public input on CTM agenda items will be heard after Trustee discussion is complete.  Community members wishing to address the Board on an agenda item should sign up to speak at least 24 hours before start of the meeting by completing this Google form or with an email request directed to the president at contactctm@cliftoncommunity.org. Individual input on agenda items will last no more than two minutes.

Community members may speak on non-agenda issues during the public questions and concerns period at the end of the meeting. Individuals with statements are asked to sign in before the start of the meeting. Such statements should last not more than two minutes and are invited during the public questions and concerns period. Email your request to speak (specify the topic), or to request an agenda item at the next meeting to contactctm@cliftoncommunity.org.

Agenda

Join in-person: Clifton Recreation Center, 320 McAlpin Avenue  
Join Remotely: https://meet.google.com/qym-wjou-ncx

StartTimeTopicTopic Lead
7:001WelcomeCTM President
7:012Roll Call/ Approve prior month’s minutesSecretary Barry Gee
  7:033Treasurer’s Report – and 2024 Budget (Motion 1)Treasurer
7:0619End of Year Safety reportSafety Chair Noonan
7:2515Police ReportP.O. Shawn Dent
7:405Fire Report 
7:455CRC ReportCollin Fitzpatrick
7:505Clifton LibraryJeanne Strauss de Groote
7:555Clifton Area Neighborhood School (CANS)Julia Bonfield
8:005 NSP DiscussionNSP Coordinator
8:055Historic Yew Tree at Fairview-Clifton SchoolJohn Wulsin
8:105CANS Multicultural EventLauren Mychael
8:1515Committees Roll CallPresident
8:305Community Questions/ConcernsPresident
8:355Adjournment – Next meeting March 4, 2024President
Motion #SponsorDescription
1PresidentApprove 2024 Budget

CTM Achievements 2020 – 2023

We thank the many volunteers who have worked with CTM over the years to make our community a better place. We always seek more volunteers to continue and support the efforts made by others.

CliftonCares established during Pandemic

  • Supported local restaurants during pandemic
  • Supported Health Care Workers with 2000 + free meals during pandemic
  • Leadership in Crisis award received
  • Successful fundraising to increase Police presence

Created Clifton Connect with Library and partners to welcome immigrants

  • Focused on newly-arrived immigrants
  • Seven orientation programs
  • Reached out to 50+ Clifton households

Memorial Day Parade & Picnic

  • Revived after pandemic
  • Served 300 – 400 individuals
  • Self-supporting thanks to sponsors

Holidays on Ludlow

  • Revived after pandemic
  • Collaboration with Clifton Business Association and local businesses
  • 150+ attendance annually

Applied/ Obtained/ Managed multiple grants

  • Enhancement of Clifton Plaza ($25k)
  • Security Cameras installed on Ludlow ($20k)
  • Concerts & Events ($10k)

Opened Neighborhood Support Program application process to include:

  • Manifest
  • Clifton Cultural Arts Center
  • Clifton Business Association
  • Clifton Recreation Center
  • Clifton Town Meeting
  • Individual residents

Produced Clifton Chronicle newsletter

  • Over 50 Content Contributors
  • Over 25 Advertisers
  • 10,000 recipients of electronic paper
  • 4,000 recipients of paper newsletter
  • Eliminated waste by improved distribution

Continued Support of “Off Ludlow Gallery” on Ormond Av

  • About 20 shows
  • Holiday Gallery Gifts shows
  • City-wide draw

Zoning changes/ supported local initiatives

  • Alive & Well sidewalk decking
  • Clifton Cultural Arts Center construction phases
  • Immanuel Church renovation

Membership Maintenance

  • Cleanup of membership rolls
  • Maintenance of membership roll
  • Updated organizational mailing lists

Beautification and Caretaking

  • Replanted street flowerpots x 400
  • Eliminated 1000 graffiti tags
  • Eliminated a dozen abandoned street news boxes
  • Collected 800+ bags of litter
  • Beautified Telford Plaza
  • Beautified Clifton Plaza
  • Pressure washing of sidewalks (4x)
  • Beautification award (Keep Cinti Beautiful)
  • Multiple cleaning of Ludlow Avenue
  • Several litter pickups on North Clifton Avenue, Dixmyth, Lafayette

Traffic Safety

  • Enhanced safety in a dozen Clifton locations
  • Addition of speed bumps and signage
  • Addition of several 4-way stops

Golf Outing Production Support in 2020, 2021, 2022

Advocacy

  • Welcomed City Council meetings x2
  • Worked with CPD on crime prevention
  • Cooperation with CBA and local merchants for public safety
  • “Burnet Commons” ad hoc committee convenes residents for discussions

Support of other local civic organizations

  • Clifton Community Fund (CCF) as their fiscal agent
  • Clifton Business Association (CBA) as their fiscal agent
  • Clifton Soccer as their fiscal agent

Transparency/ Engagement

  • Enhanced Email communication
  • Introduced hybrid meetings
  • All motions for Trustee voting provided to all before meetings
  • Easy sign-up for speaking at meetings
  • Easy way path to membership
  • Link to our calendar
  • Dozens of surveys sent for input

Calendar of Committee Meetings and Events

  • Most meetings are in the website calendar
  • Easy participation for all

External Communications

  • Good Samaritan Hospital
  • Metro Bus
  • Local Churches
  • Local Charities
  • Schools

Bylaws reviews

  • Deep dives into the bylaws by Trustees
  • Identification of multiple inconsistencies
  • Identification of multiple outdated items
  • Proposal of improvements for operation