Kevin Marsh Announcements, News

CTM Annual Membership Meeting – Monday, Nov 18, 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

StartTopicTopic Lead
6:00Elections (only in-person voting)
 Click here for candidates’ bios		 
7:00Roll Call/ Approve prior month’s minutesSecretary Barry Gee
7:05Historic DistrictsBeth Johnson, Cincinnati Preservation 
7:35Discussion/ Questions
7:50Elections Results/ On-Boarding discussionPresident Goodin
8:00Clifton Ave. Bike LaneJustin Ogilby
8:15Clifton Plan UpdateGerald Checco
8:25Committees Roll CallSteve Goodin
8:30Community Questions/ConcernsSteve Goodin
 Adjournment – Next meeting December 2, 2024President

Clifton Plan

The last comprehensive Clifton Plan was in 1980 (almost 45 years ago).  You can read the very interesting document by clicking on the link below.  Since 1980, our neighborhood, our city and the world have changed drastically.  It is clear that we need a new plan to guide Clifton for the next 20 years.  If you want to participate in the 2025 Plan, please register by clicking on the form below.
1980 Clifton Plan
I want to participate in the 2025 Plan 

Kevin Marsh Announcements, News

Bios for CTM Trustee Candidates – 2024

The objective of CTM is to build a Board of Trustees that represents the diversity of Clifton including ethnic, racial, gender, sexual orientation, religious, profession (salaried/hourly), community of origin (lifelong Cliftonites/new to Cincinnati and/or Clifton), etc. so we ensure our decisions are informed by diverse perspectives. We thank our current group of nominees for stepping up to serve their community, and we hope that more of you will consider joining the board in the future.

Below are the bios for candidates running for CTM Trustee at the upcoming elections on Elections will be held on Monday, November 18 from 6:00 – 7:00pm at the Clifton Recreation Center at 320 McAlpin Avenue.

All voting will be in person. There will be no online voting option.

You can pay your membership current by clicking here prior to voting in advance or at the night of elections.

There are 5 three-year term and 4 two-year term positions to be filled by the nine candidates. Candidates receiving the most votes will win the longer length terms.

Jan Brown Checco

I present my candidacy for one more term as a CTM trustee because, reflecting on the work that needs to be shouldered in coming months, I believe it’s the right thing to do. I wish to continue to support the evolving Clifton Chronicle as committee chair and advertising manager, mindful of the responsibilities we have to our advertisers and readers. I wish to continue curatorial duties as an administrator of the Clifton Chronicle Daily online Facebook page. I wish to continue my support of our local businesses through ongoing service as a CTM liaison to Clifton Business Association meetings. And with the projected 2025 rebirth of CliftonFest, I wish to provide service to event planning as well as communications liaison between CTM and Clifton Cultural Arts Center for this important  arts and culture event. I have served CTM as a trustee since 2020, in the role of Secretary, participating on the Events and Beautification committees as well as being Clifton Chronicle editor and ad sales manager since 2021. As a devotee to community building and preservation of our shared quality of life, I hope that CTM’s voting membership will choose to reappoint me as a trustee.

Patrick Etter

My name is Patrick Etter, I am a resident of Clifton, and I am interested in serving as a CTM trustee. I am interested in it because I love living in this neighborhood, and I would like to be more involved with others who feel the same way about our community. I value the walkability of the neighborhood, and by extension the varied storefronts on Ludlow that having a pedestrian-friendly street allows. It makes Clifton feel like a special place within Cincinnati, like a smaller village within a larger city. I would like to help to keep Clifton a pleasant neighborhood by focusing on matters like green spaces, pedestrian safety, and walkability.

Steve Goodin

Steve Goodin is a current member of CTM and has lived in either the Clifton or Northside neighborhoods for a combined 20 years.  He is a former member of Cincinnati City Council and former outside litigation counsel for several city departments.  He currently serves as the city’s representative on the Hamilton County Planning Commission and is a past trustee of the Southern Ohio Regional Transportation Authority (SORTA) which oversees the Metro bus system.  He also serves on the USO Ohio board and the executive board of the Charter Committee of Greater Cincinnati. He is a partner at the Porter Wright law firm and lives on Clifton Avenue with his son, the Internet-famous Hugh Goodin. 

Kevin Leahy

I’m Kevin Leahy, and have lived in Clifton since 1998. I’m an Indiana farm boy and lived in Boston, St. Paul MN, Honduras, Albania, and France. I retired from Duke Energy in 2018, having worked in our International and renewable energy business, and later, 14 years in environmental policy (traveling frequently to DC as a pseudo economist). I’ve an engineering degree from Purdue, an MBA in finance, and a Masters in Public Administration. My wife and I raised our two daughters here and enjoyed good schools, the great library, the many other families with kids, and Clifton Meadows. I joined CTM when Connected Communities became an issue and was pushed through with little analysis regarding the implications for a neighborhood like ours. I would like to focus on mitigating the negative impacts this new policy will have on our very special part of Cincinnati, and am also interested in improving the infrastructure that serves our community.

Kevin Mohan

I have lived in Clifton for over 45 years. I have always loved the scenic beauty, architecture, and diversity of Clifton.  I am interested in a strong and safe business community on Ludlow, fostering artistic initiatives, addressing issues caused by aggressive panhandling and drug addiction/dealing, and striking sensible balances between motorists/pedestrians/bicycles.

Ben Pantoja

I’m Ben Pantoja.  I’ve lived in Clifton for 40 years.  I am currently a member of the CTM Board of Trustees, acting as the chair of Governance and the chair of Communications, and I’m enjoying the challenges and learning opportunities of these committees.  I was also on the Board of CTM between 2010 and 2016, including 2 years as Vice President and 2 years as President.

Brendan Pulte

After growing up in Mt. Lookout, attending Walnut Hills and then UC, I first moved to Clifton-proper this March. my familiarity with the neighborhood began much earlier, having lived in Clifton Heights for the past four years, several of them I lived very close to the neighborhood boundary and spent more time on Ludlow Avenue than not. I’ve always been drawn to the neighborhood: the historic architecture, small businesses, greenspace, and its connectivity to the rest of the city. But what I love most is the true and tangible sense of community which all these help to create. I have never lived in a place with such identity and pride. Clifton is very dear to me, and not the least because of my wonderful neighbors whom I have gotten to know so well these past months. Buildings and streets may be the bones, but people are the soul of a city, and I’ve found Clifton to have some of the best!

I’m excited to get started and help represent our great neighborhood!

Mindi Rich

My family returned to Clifton in the summer of 2022.  My husband, three daughters and I are thrilled to be back in this wonderful gem of a neighborhood!  I have always enjoyed keeping busy by volunteering within the community in one way or another.  For several years I assisted in coordinating the Clifton Child Study Group – something I am still very active in today.  I have also assisted in organizing CliftonFest in past years – creating a space to raise funds for the Clifton Area Neighborhood School and The Amazing Race.  In 2017, I worked with the City of Cincinnati and DOTE to have a crosswalk installed at the intersection of Glenmary and Brookline.  In 2022, I once again reached out to the community to request its support in having a 3 Way Stop installed within that very same intersection.  Thanks to the support of CTM and the Transportation/Public Safety Committee and to the efforts of DOTE – the 3 Way Stop has been installed – enabling pedestrians and motorists alike to have a safer experience while traveling through this intersection.  In the Winter of 2024, I was appointed as a CTM Trustee.  Since being on the board, I have served as the Vice President of the Executive Board and the Chairperson of both the Welcome & Connect Committee and the Clifton Soccer Committee.  I enjoy working with others and helping create a community and neighborhood that is welcoming, inclusive and safe for all.  I would truly appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve as a Clifton Town Meeting Trustee.

Owen Waller

I am Owen Waller, a UC graduate and an electronics engineer. I have been living in Clifton for just over a year. After getting settled in, I began attending CTM meetings and have gained an appreciation for the work that goes into maintaining and cultivating a community like Clifton. I would like to be a trustee to engage with my community and serve wherever needed.

Kevin Marsh Announcements, Events

2024 Annual Clifton Golf Outing

Join us for the annual Clifton Golf Outing, dinner on the Clubhouse deck and prizes!

As of Aug 14 evening, golfing slots are sold out! We still have extra dinner tickets available, and we also welcome any donations.

  • Date: Saturday August 24, 2024
  • Location: Avon Fields Golf Course, 4081 Reading Road
  • Time: Shotgun start at 1:00 pm – 18 hole scramble
  • Dinner & Drinks: 6:00 pm; welcome families and friends
  • Fee: $100 per player. Make your own foursome or we can pair you up.
  • Dinner for Extra Guests: $10 (Kids 12 and under eat for free)
  • Kids putting contest at 6:00 pm.
  • To Register: Complete the 2024 Golf Outing Registration Please include names of others registering as a group. This form is required even if you purchased online tickets.
  • Purchase Online: As of the evening of Aug 14, the store is open for this event only for extra dinner purchases and donations. Golfing slots are sold out! We use PayPal for payment. Click here to pay online. You must complete the paper registration even if you purchased online previously – this is how we will know who is in your foursome. 

Event includes ‘Beat the Lady Bearcat’, ‘Hole in One’ and ‘Kids Putting’ contests, four-person scramble tournament, over $3,000 in raffle prizes and concluded with Dinner on the Deck (kids 12 and under eat for free, you don’t need to play golf to dine!).

Clifton Golf Outing has given over $120,000 to deserving non-profits in our neighborhood including:
Good Samaritan Cancer Center – Burnet Woods – Clifton Cultural Arts Center
Clifton Community Fund – Clifton Fairview German School – Little Sisters of the Poor
CANS (Clifton Area Neighborhood School) – Clifton Town Meeting – Clifton Recreation Center

This years beneficiary is Keep Cincinnati (Clifton) Beautiful.

Recognizing “Friends of Clifton”

Each year Clifton Golf Outing is proud to honor a “Friend of Clifton,” people who have given back much to our great neighborhood. This year we’ll honor Leslie Mooney, Director of Clifton Cultural Arts Center. Past recipients include Cindy Herrick, Dick Druffel, Tom Lohre, David Taylor, Tom Reese, David Mann, and Jan & Gerald Checco.

Avon Fields Golf Course: Oldest Course West of the Alleghenies

The Clifton Golf Outing supports our neighborhood. We ask that you support Clifton Golf Outing. We are very grateful for our sponsors!

Kevin Marsh Announcements, News

CTM Board – Hybrid Meeting – June 3, 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

TimeTopicTopic Lead
7:00pm / 1 minWelcomePres Goodin
7:01 / 2 minRoll Call/ Approve prior month’s meeting minutesSec. Barry Gee
7:03 / 2 minNew Board Member – Motion 1Pres Goodin
7:05 / 4 minTreasurer’s Report – Budget Amendment Motion 2Treas. Gerald Checco
7:09 / 21 minPolice ReportP.O. Shawn Dent
7:30 / 5 minSafety IssuesTim Noonan
7:35/ 5 minFirehouse report 
7:40/ 5 minCRC ReportBrittany Havens
7:45/ 5 minPublic Library ReportDir. Jeanne Strauss DeGroot
7:50/ 5 minClifton Welcome & ConnectGerald
7:55/ 5 minMemorial DayBarry Gee
8:00/ 5 minBike Lane Extension – Motion 3Justin
8:05 / 10 minNomination Committee – InformationPres. Goodin
8:15/ 10 minGolf UpdatesJohn
8:25 / 5 minConnected CommunitiesRachel Wells
8:30/ 5 minDiggs Plaza – Motion 4Gerald Checco
8:35 / 10 minTrustee, Committee and Liaisons AnnouncementsPres Goodin
8:45 / 15 minCommunity Questions/ConcernsPres Goodin
9:00 pmAdjournment – Next meeting July 11Pres Goodin

Motions

#SponsorTopic
1PresidentTo select Ben Pantoja as a new Board Member
2TreasurerTo confirm budget after decision previous month
3TransportationTo approve recommendation of Transportation Chair
4Ad-HocTo approve recommendations of Ad-Hoc Committee

Attachments / Information
#FromTopic
1Nominating CommitteeExisting CTM Trustees Term Information
2MSDWork on Clifton Avenue
32024 Home TourThank You Note
4IINSurvey results about Connected Communities by Invest In Neighborhoods Part 1 and Part 2
Kevin Marsh News

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