Kevin Marsh Announcements, News

Special CTM Board Meeting for NSP Vote – Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Clifton Town Meeting (CTM) has a May 2nd deadline to submit projects for $10,000 in funds from NSP (Neighborhood Support Program). If you attend this April 30th at 7:00 PM special Board meeting in person and if you are a resident of Clifton, you can vote on which projects receive funding. You don’t need to be a member of CTM to vote, but non-members must bring proof of residency in Clifton such as a driver’s license. Preview the meeting presentation here!

Below are projects that the CTM Board recommends because there are enough details about the projects to meet NSP requirements. Also, these projects would consume the entire maximum allocation of $10,000:

#ProjectNSP Amount
1Back to School Bash$1,000
2Memorial Day$2,740
3Tax Preparation$600
4Radar Upgrades$500
5Clifton Chronicle$560
6Clifton Plaza Shed$2,000
7Wednesdays in the Woods$1,000
8CliftonFest$1,600
 Total Recommended$10,000

Below are projects that the CTM Board suggests postponing until 2026 because they don’t yet have enough budget details to meet NSP requirements. CTM has notified the proposers about the delay and are working to incorporate their ideas into different grants or existing events if possible:

#ProjectNSP AmountDisposition
9Upside Alley Refresh$2,000Postpone for additional planning. Potential project in 2026
10Clifton Pride$5,000Postpone for additional planning,
collaboration with other existing events
Potential project in 2026
 Total recommended to be postponed 2025$7,000 

Details on the projects listed above are shown below:

1. Back to School Bash
a. Proposer: Clifton Recreation Center
b. Amount requested: $1000
c. Total cost of project: $3500
d. Description: Hosted by Clifton Recreation Center, Clifton Area Neighborhood School & Fairview German Language School This event is to kick off an amazing school year with our 3rd Annual Back to School Bash! This free, family-friendly event is open to everyone and is all about bringing the community together for a day filled with fun, excitement, and connection. We’re planning to make this year bigger and better than ever — packed with activities, games, and entertainment to keep the whole community engaged from start to finish.
e. Issues: None
f. Note: Event already organized in the last two years, very successful
g. Expenses Well Defined: Yes

2. Memorial Day Picnic and Parade
a. Proposer: Mindi Rich
b. Amount requested: $2740
c. Total cost of project: $6000
d. Description: The Memorial Day Parade and Picnic is the biggest event organized by Clifton Community Council. It starts with a parade, commencing at Middleton and McAlpin and ending at Mt. Storm. The picnic is at Mt. Strom and includes food, band and activities organized by various local groups. This year, the City Department of Planning will be present to seek public input on the Clifton Plan.
e. Issues: None
f. Note: Traditional CTM event, always successful, big opportunity for community engagement, especially for the Plan
g. Expenses Well Defined: Yes

3. Tax Preparation
a. Proposer: Tim Noonan 
b. Amount requested: $600
c. Total cost of project: $700
d. Description: These funds will be used to partially pay the expenses of filing taxes
e. Issues: None
f. Note: Help CTM pay for administrative expenses
g. Expenses well defined: Yes

4. Radar Sign Revival
a. Proposer: Justin Ogilby
b. Amount requested: $500
c. Total cost of project: $500
d. Description: Repair and replacement parts for Clifton’s radar speed sign
e. Issues: None
f. Note: The radar was purchased few years ago using NSP funds. Needs some fixing. Important as CTM is looking for better data to understand traffic
g. Expenses Well Defined: Yes

5. Clifton Chronicle
a. Proposer: Jan Checco
b. Amount requested: $540
c. Total cost of project: $4000
d. Description: Help pay for one quarterly publication
e. Issues: None
f.  Note: None
g. Expenses Well Defined: Yes

6. Repairs Shed at Clifton Plaza
a. Proposer: Jan Checco
b. Amount requested: $2000
c. Total cost of project: $5000
d. Description: The shed at Clifton Plaza is served to store tools and equipment to operate the Plaza. The Plaza is joint ownership of CTM and CBA. After 20+ years, the shed has become rotten and needs some repairs. Labor will be sought in the community and additional funding by CBA and CCF
e. Issues: None
f.  Note: Important storage place for community events
g. Expenses Well Defined: Yes

7. Wednesday in the Woods
a. Proposer: Leslie Mooney, CCAC
b. Amount requested: $1000
c. Total cost of project: $5000
d. Description: Wednesdays in the Woods have become an annual tradition. Bands are hired to perform at the Burnet Woods Bandstand, mobile vendors are invited and the CCAC animates with special activities, including some by other organizations, targeting children.
e. Issues: None
f. Note: traditional community events welcoming people from Clifton, CUF and Corryville
g. Expenses Well Defined: Yes

8. CliftonFest
a. Proposer: Leslie Mooney, CCAC
b. Amount requested: $1600
c. Total cost of project: $40000
d. Description: After a hiatus provoked by COVID, the street festival will return in Mid-September.
e. Issues: None
f. Note: traditional community events welcoming people from Clifton, CUF and Corryville
g. Expenses Well Defined: Yes

9. Upside Brew Alley Refresh
a. Proposer: Christine Pantoja
b. Amount requested: $2000
c. Total cost of project: $2000
d. Description: For alley on East side of Upside Brew, add lights and brightly painted mural to increase safety when using alley to walk between Ludlow and the Merchants lot.
e. Issues: Concept at an early stage, needs more definition, agreement of property owner needed, collaboration of CBA. Would need a design to understand the scope and quotes from contractors. Private property, owner not contacted. NSP usually not granted for private property improvement.
f. Note: Recommending that project planning happens in 2025 for potential request in 2026. Not ready for 2025.
g. Expenses Well Defined: No

10. Clifton Pride Celebration and Clean up
a. Proposer: Kathy Kalafut
b. Amount requested: $5000
c. Total cost of project: $unknown
d. Description: I think it would be a lot of fun and helpful to Clifton if we had a community event with all our wonderful resources present. We could present ideas for the community (bike lanes, beautification), as well as have a variety of activities to enhance the pride and inclusivity of Clifton! We could have a trash collection portion, a ‘take back the streets’ bike ride..vendors at the Clifton Plaza, stops at the Arts and Rec Center. Let’s bring some pride and fun to Clifton for ALL residents.
e. Issues: Concept at an early stage, needs more definition, could be part of existing event like CliftonFest or Memorial Day Parade and Picnic
g. Expenses Well Defined: No

  • Clifton Town Meeting (CTM) will host an additional board meeting on April 30, 2025 at 7:00PM at the Clifton Recreation Center
  • Vote will happen after discussion.
  • You can vote if you are a Clifton Resident.
  • All non CTM Members will need to provide proof of residency in Clifton to vote (ID or addressed mail are sufficient!)
Kevin Marsh Announcements, News

CTM Monthly Meeting – April 7, 2025

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

Start TopicTopic Lead
7:00PM WelcomeBen Pantoja
 Roll Call/ Approve prior month’s minutesOwen Waller
 Fire ReportCFD
 Clifton Library (10th Anniversary)Jeanne Strauss de Groote
 CRC ReportBrittany Havens
7:25Bike Lane update, Motion 1Justin Ogilby
7:45Motion 2 on beneficiary for Golf Outing and designation of Friend of CliftonJohn Whedon
 NSP (Neighborhood Support Program) updateBarry Gee
 Motion on Clifton Chronicle Motion 3Jan Checco
8:00Clifton Plan updateGerald Checco
 Clifton Boundaries, Motion 4 and Motion 5Ben Pantoja
 Committee updatesOwen Waller
8:45Community Questions/ConcernsBen Pantoja
8:50Adjournment – Next Meeting 5/5/2025Ben Pantoja

Motions

#Sponsor Description
1Justin OgilbyMove that DOTE proceed with the standard bike lane materials as planned to construct a 2-way bike lane from Ludlow to Bryant
2John WhedonMotion to designate beneficiary of Clifton Golf Outing proceeds and designate Friend of Clifton.
3Jan CheccoMove that the Clifton Chronicle digital issue be distributed when print copies are mailed out.
4Ben PantojaThis motion requests approval for CTM President to send the letter attached to the motion to the City Solicitor and Director of Planning
5Tim NoonanMove to use City of Cincinnati’s Clifton Boundaries for the Clifton Plan

Kevin Marsh Announcements

Clifton Neighborhood Plan

Our neighborhood has begun the process with the City of Cincinnati Department of Planning to create a neighborhood plan. A neighborhood plan is best described as a map of the neighborhood’s future. Acting as a guide, our neighborhood plan will tell current and future community members and decision makers where we were, where we are now, where we want to go, how we intend to get there, and who will help us along the way.

More specifically, the plan:

  • Allows for a platform for dialogue and engagement
  • Creates and confirms neighborhood identity, goals and vision
  • Helps guide policy decisions that impact the neighborhood
  • Helps guide development and investment decisions
  • Used as a tool for community investment projects
  • Demonstrates to City leaders that the neighborhood is united

Below are some frequently asked questions as well as links on how to get involved in the process.

What is in a neighborhood plan?

Each neighborhood’s plan is different – designed to meet the goals of that individual
neighborhood. However, there are certain elements that are commonly addressed. Typically, a neighborhood plan will contain the following components:

  • History of the neighborhood
  • Existing Conditions (past and current demographic and geographic information)
  • Vision statement
  • Goals and objectives (on various focus areas, such as: housing, economic Development/Business Retention, transportation, parks and recreation, public facilities and open space, land use, and health and the environment)
  • Implementation plans

Doesn’t Clifton have a few plans? Why do we need another one?

The last plans specific to Clifton are the Clifton Community Plan (1982) and the
Clifton Neighborhood Business District Urban Design Plan (1978). We need a plan
because a neighborhood plan is usually only relevant for 5-15 years, and our last plan
was from 38 years ago. We need to create a neighborhood-wide plan that showcases
our neighborhood’s vision, goals, and strategies. This plan will ultimately be reviewed
and approved by the City Planning Commission and City Council and recognized
as our official neighborhood plan. You can find copies of past plans (including the Clifton plans) on the City Planning website by clicking here.

Who participates in a neighborhood plan?

Everyone who is interested is invited to participate in the planning process. This includes residents (homeowners and renters), business owners, representatives of community institutions (like churches or schools), organizations in the neighborhood, etc.

How can I sign up for updates, get involved, or share my ideas?

There are many ways for you to get involved, no matter how much or how little time you may have! If you are interested in getting involved, click here to email Joe Brunner, President of Clifton Town Meeting.

Some examples of how to get involved are as follows:

As a Steering Committee Member
The Steering Committee’s main job is to champion the plan and provide guidance from beginning to approval. Steering Committee members will also help lead the working groups. The Steering Committee meets once a month.

As a Working Group Member
Working group members will help provide shape and detail to specific areas of the plan. They will write the goals and strategies for each of the focus areas. Working Groups will meet six to seven times throughout the year.

As a Plan Participant
Participate in plan events, provide feedback on surveys, send your thoughts via email, and follow along during the process. There is no minimum time commitment and you can participate when you are free and interested! Sign up for CTM emails by clicking here to receive future info on this topic and other topics including events and CTM meetings.


Contact James Weaver, City Planner by email or by phone at 513-352-4882 or email Joe Brunner, CTM President or visit the City’s website page by clicking here.