News from the Neighborhood

To the View Place Residents:

We invite you to the upcoming exciting musical celebration of the Peaslee Neighborhood Center's 25th anniversary which will take place at the School for the Creative and Performing Arts Auditorium, 1310 Sycamore Street (across the street from Peaslee) on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 pm.

David and Roxanne are performing two duets and the Keyboard Club Ensemble will play a duet and six hand arr. of the Sabre Dance. African Drumming will open and close the program and the OTR Steel Drum Band and Brasil Band will perform as well. The Morpheus Chamber String Ensemble from Miami University, the MUSE Women's choir, a vocalist, a cellist, and a Claude Bolling jazz suite for flute and piano will complete the program.

Reception with birthday cake and beverages for all !

Seats can be reserved by calling the Peaslee Center at - 621-5514 - at a sliding scale price of $15 - $20 .
All proceeds will benefit the Peaslee Music Programs.

Hope we see you there!

David and Roxanne Engle
(513) 948-9896

The mission of the Peaslee Neighborhood Center is to provide a peaceful place where
Over-the-Rhine residents create and participate in dialogue-based educational programs that foster creative expression, self-determination, personal and social change. Peaslee Neighborhood Center - (513) 621-5514

Housing Monitors Needed & Upcoming Twp. Meeting

Housing Monitors Needed
By Jim Golan

The FCA Housing Block Watch is simply a network of Finneytown residents looking for signs of housing distress, and directing this information to Springfield Township for corrective action.

How is distress defined? It is those visual signs which would cause its neighbor to lose resale value. The visual signs include vacancy, overgrown grass and plants, peeling paint, roof problems and suspicious activity.

Block Watchers agree to monitor certain streets at least monthly. The watching can be walking or “windshield” (by auto). The streets monitored could be nearby or reachable by auto. The data is then entered into a spreadsheet, processed and forwarded to Chris Gilbert at Springfield Township.

Interested in Block Watching? Call Jim Golan at 522-8075.

Springfield Township Master Plan

Please attend the public forum scheduled for your neighborhood to discuss the planning procedure and gather input for the creation of a neighborhood master plan.

A presentation of current neighborhood conditions will be included in each meeting. Existing land use, zoning, current proposed land use recommendations, redevelopment potential, property maintenance violations, street conditions, crime rate, fire and EMS call response time, service delivery issues and special characteristics of the neighborhood will be discussed. After the presentation, residents will be asked a series of information-seeking questions. The answers that residents give will provide the valuable feedback necessary to begin a plan for the future.

The Finneytown neighborhood meeting (Oct. 26 at the Grove) is the last of eleven public neighborhood meetings held throughout Springfield Township. Trustees will host similar meetings, with the same structure in every Township neighborhood district. Residents will be asked if they wish to participate as a focus group for their neighborhood. Each neighborhood master plan will take one year to complete.

For a street-by-street listing, visit the “Living in Springfield Township” tab (Neighborhood Master Plan) on www.springfieldtwp.org, or call 522-1410

Springfield Township Neighborhood Master Planning

Neighborhood Master Planning




Springfield Township is a unique, diverse community that is comprised of many different neighborhoods, each with their unique character, attributes and needs. In addition, the Township includes one school district that is entirely within the Township and portions of six others. With a total of 39,755 residents and about 16,000 households, we recognize that an overall Master Plan for the entire Township may fail to address the individual and specific needs of a particular neighborhood. Therefore, we are creating a Master Plan process that embraces the Township for what it is - a community of neighborhoods. You care about your neighborhood, what it looks like and what it could be. It's where you call home. Creating many individually customized, but unified neighborhood and district plans, will allow us to better ensure our Township's sustainability and create a path for a bright future.


The First Neighborhood Meeting:


Your neighborhood meeting has been scheduled. You are encouraged to attend and share your ideas.Each meeting will last approximately two hours and will be held at a location nearby. Starting at 7:00 p.m., each neighborhood meeting will begin with a presentation of your current neighborhood conditions: land use, economic conditions, housing conditions, rental statistics, crime rate, fire response time, road infrastructure, and neighborhood attributes. This will provide residents with statistical information as it relates to where they live. The second half of the meeting will be designed to gather specific suggestions from residents. This segment is to be used as an idea brainstorm from residents - things to make your neighborhood better, stronger, sustainable and prosperous. Your ideas will be written down for consideration. In larger neighborhoods, a moderator may be used to insure everyone's suggestions are heard and recorded. Your ideas will not be disputed or debated. Your Trustees, members of the police, fire and administration departments will be on hand at the conclusion of the meeting to address individual questions or concerns. If you are interested, you can sign up to be a representative in followup focus group meetings.









August 31
7:00 p.m.
Neighborhoods closest to Valleydale, Edgemont, Caldwell
Mercy Franciscan
100 Compton Road

Sept. 2
7:00 p.m.
The Neighborhood of Sevenhills
Frost Elementary
2065 Mistyhill Drive

Sept. 21
7:00 p.m.
The Neighborhood of West College Hill
West College Hill Neighborhood Services Center
2062 North Bend Road

Sept. 28
7:00 p.m.
The Neighborhood of Hollydale
Springfield Township Senior/Community Center
9158 Winton Road

Sept. 30
7:00 p.m.
The Neighborhoods of Lexington Heights, Glencoe & Wellspring
St. Mark AME Zion Methodist Church
9208 Daly Road

Oct. 5
7:00 p.m.
The Area Called "Hamilton Southwest" - Which includes the areas in and around Skyline Acres, Ranchill, Adams Ridge, Hudepohl & Miles
Mt. Healthy Junior High
1917 Miles Road

Oct. 7
7:00 p.m.
The Area Called "Hamilton Northeast" - Which includes the areas in and around Covered Bridge, New Burlington, Ridgevale & Golf View The Winton Center
10245 Winton Road

Oct. 14
7:00 p.m.
The Area Called "Winton Northwest" - Which includes the areas North & South of West McKelvey, and covers the streets off of Sarbrook, Lakeside & Bridge Creek
The Grove Banquet Hall
9158 Winton Road

Oct. 19
7:00 p.m.
The Neighborhood of Pleasant Run Farms
Welch Elementary
12084 Deerhorn Drive

Oct. 21
7:00 p.m.
The Area Called " Winton Northeast" - Which includes the areas in and around Long Lane, Millbrook, Windcrest Acres, Meadows of Wright
Farm, Bonham, Lakeshore & Lochcrest The Grove Banquet Hall
9158 Winton Road

Oct. 26
7:00 p.m.
Any resident in the Finneytown School District
The Grove Banquet Hall
9158 Winton Road

Oliver Needs A Home ....

4th of July 2009

Concert at Civic Garden Sunday, May 24, 2009

Hi Friends!

We wanted to let you know about the upcoming Beyer Musical Society program at the Civic Garden Center this Sunday at 3 pm.


Our involvement with the Society goes back many years. The program will include Broadway songs, "pop" standards, and a few gospel songs.

A young violinist is on the program and also a jazz clarinetist. All of the ten vocalists are experienced, fine singers.

David will perform as soloist and accompanist. It is sure to be a delightful and entertaining hour of music.

And it is Free!

Beware of Loose Dogs at 455 Beechtree Drive

Most of you know my daughter delivers the Hilltop Press in View Place and on several occasions, we have found three huge dogs at 455 Beechtree ready to come after her while delivering to the house next door. Are they Akitas?



Also while the kids are riding bikes, the dogs will come running out of the yard and into the street running after the kids. No one is ever home and quite frankly, I'm afraid to get out of the car to find out if anyone is home.


Please use caution in this area until I can phone the people living there and find out why the dogs are not on leashes or left outside when no one is at home.



Since this street backs up into the Commonwealth area, I would also advise families to keep an eye out for your kids.

The weather is nice and kids will be out. I would hate to see any of our kids hurt and I'm sure the homeowners would like to be made aware of the potentially dangerous situation they are putting the neighborhood by not supervising their dogs while they are out.

They are beautiful dogs, Akitas. The AKC breeders information, however, warns all owners not to let these dogs around kids or small pets while unsupervised. They are very territorial and if something is not right "in their mind" they will instinctively go after whatever it is they feel is a threat to their terrority. They are known to break through an invisible fence barrier to protect their territory.

This Weekend May 2nd

May 2 – Springfield Township Police Department Open House

May 2 – Hamilton County 1-Day Compost Bin Sale ($35 – Regular price $100!)

If you have not had a chance, you may want to visit the Springfield Township Community Calendar & News Board. It is packed FULL of programs: http://springfieldtwp.besavvy.egovlink.com/CommunityNewsBoard.cfm?MonthChange=Forward&LastDate=04%2F27%2F2009

Thank You for the Flowers!

A special thank you goes out to Melanie McNulty who gave us donated pansies to fill our flower boxes this Spring and Barb Rizzi who helped fill the boxes on the corners of Shelley & Blossomhill, Viewplace & Keats, Viewplace & Wellesley, and at the Welcome Board ... Thank you!!!

Community Cleanup April 25th, 2009

Springfield Township Hosting a One-Day Brush Drop Off for ResidentsSaturday, April 25

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Springfield Township, Ohio April 2, 2009-

The Springfield Township Service Department will host a one-day brush drop off in conjunction with the Great American Cleanup on Saturday, April 25, during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. During designated hours, brush can be taken to the Service Department, located at 952 Compton Road. Brush and tree branches must be cut into lengths of 6 feet or less and can be no larger than 12 inches in diameter. Branches with thorns have to be tied in bundles with twine. Lumber, plastics, rock or other non-vegetative material will not be accepted.

Proof of residency will be required.Many residents have placed cut tree limbs and shrubs near the curb, apparently unaware that the curbside brush pickup service is no longer available. This drop off site provides an opportunity for those residents to dispose of their yard waste. Due to the failure of a November, 2008 levy supporting neighborhood services, Springfield Township Administrator Mike Hinnenkamp recommended to the Trustees a reduction in expenses to the community's general fund.

As a result of these necessary budgetary adjustments, an announcement was made in January that curbside brush pickup has been discontinued. The 2009 budget reflects several changes to assure fiscal responsibility and compliance with the law, while at the same time attempting to continue providing quality services to residents. In addition to this one-day brush drop off service being offered on April 25, Hamilton County residents may drop off their yard waste at no cost at any of the county's designated drop-off locations. Closest to Springfield Township, the Rumpke landfill, located at Struble Road and Colerain Avenue, is open for yard-waste drop off Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

This free service is available to Hamilton County residents only. A list of yard-waste guidelines can be found at www.hamiltoncountyrecycles.org.The Trustees and Administration of Springfield Township are committed to the Township's success, planning its future and paving the way for long term financial sustainability. The Trustees have made, and continue to make, those difficult choices that will ensure the highest quality of life and value of services for residents and business owners.


About Springfield TownshipSpringfield Township is a first ring suburb in the Greater Cincinnati area consisting of approximately 16 ½ square miles and 39,755 residents. The Township is governed by an elected Board of Township Trustees who is dedicated to delivering reliable and superior services to create a sense of community, enhance property values and improve the quality of life for residents and businesses in the Township.

Learn More About TheGreat American Clean-up in Springfield Township April 25, 2009
Brush Drop-Off 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Neighborhood Clean Up 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

*Learn More about how YOU can make a difference in your community by volunteering 4 hours of your time! Email your name and phone number to volunteer on April 25.

Michael Hinnenkamp Springfield Township AdministratorJoseph HonerlawTom Bryan Gwen McFarlin TrusteesKimberlee Flamm Projects, Events & Communications Coordinator
Springfield Township9150 Winton RoadCincinnati, Ohio 45231522-1410www.springfieldtwp.org

Egg Hunt

State of the Township

State of the Township Address
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Grove Banquet Hall
9158 Winton Road
(Behind the Administration Complex)


1:45 p.m. Registration
2:30 p.m. Presentation
3:30 p.m. Question & Answer
4:00 p.m. Social


Click here to RSVP To the State of the Township AddressAsk a question about the future of Springfield Township


The current economy is presenting unprecedented difficulties on many levels, and local government is no exception. To address these concerns, Springfield Township residents are invited to attend an informal “State of the Township” Address on Sunday, February 8 at the Grove Banquet Hall, 9158 Winton Road. The Address will provide residents an opportunity to hear about the specific challenges that face Springfield Township, and to learn about the opportunities and strategies that the Trustees are considering to secure a positive future for the Township. Event registration, which includes a brief survey, will begin at 1:45p.m.

Township Administrator Michael Hinnenkamp and Trustees Joseph Honerlaw, Tom Bryan and Gwen McFarlin will begin their presentation at 2:30p.m. Upon conclusion of the presentation, residents will have an opportunity to ask questions of their Trustees and take part in a meet-and-greet social with Department Heads, the Trustees and the Township Administrator.

Residents will be receiving information about this meeting in the mail prior to the event. Although not required, residents are encouraged to RSVP by email to residentspeak@springfieldtwp.org.

An agenda and a reminder notice will be sent to anyone who RSVPs. If you are unable to attend, but have a question about the Township’s plans, inquiries may be submitted to the same e-mail address. Springfield Township is a first ring suburb in the Greater Cincinnati area, consisting of approximately 16 ½ square miles and 39,755 residents.

The Township is governed by an elected Board of Township Trustees who is dedicated to delivering reliable and superior services to create a sense of community, enhance property values and improve the quality of life for residents and businesses in the Township. To learn more about Springfield Township, visit www.springfieldtwp.org

ReCap from the Information CMHA Meeting ...

If you needed to be at a Springfield Township meeting this year, this was the meeting. Fortunately, it will be available on the community access cable station.

Before you read on, I'd like to say that there is a process to report homes falling in disrepair in Springfield Twp. by notifying the township. It works. I've seen two houses in Viewplace already where neighbors worked together to report, assess, and resolve the issues.

The point of the meeting was to help educate the community about the process by which a home or rental property suddenly becomes inhabited by families or individuals who have vouchers and to dispel the myth and misinformation that Springfield Twp. is being targeted by CMHA & HUD to settle a disproportionate number of people using vouchers into the community.

Although CMHA re-iterated that they have absolutely no control over where people use the vouchers, it was pretty clear that the 10% bonuses CMHA offers to voucher-ready homes and rental properties in Springfield Twp., Colerain Twp., and Norwood is steering the high concentration of voucher-users in Colerain Twp., Springfield Twp, and Norwood.


In general, most Township residents in attendance were in support of helping people by providing housing. What they didn't like is that this system which was designed to lift people out of their poverty was actually dragging the property value down in neighborhoods where many homes are falling into disrepair. Another big concern was about how rental properties are driving up the property taxes for additional township services and schools levies that are needed by people using federal and state housing vouchers who are not paying property taxes.


Township trustees assured residents of the procedure to report homes by calling 522-1410 to report homes that are falling into disrepair. Also, if the property is currently occupied through a voucher, it is also important to notify the CMHA that the property is in trouble so they can contact the owner. If there is any criminal activity, call Chief Dave.

The main frustration I heard at the meeting is that many homes in Springfield Township are owned by people living outside of the state with no ties or commitment to keep up the conditions of the home.

Many of the residents in attendance at the meeting expressed that home owners who rent their homes to voucher holders should live within a close proximity or that money should be escrowed into an account for repairs to be made if they are not going to be around to fix the home. It was also suggested that before they rent their homes, notification should be given to neighbors who own and reside near the property so that phone numbers can be exchanged to report unusual activities.

The flip side to this is in regard to the voucher holders who are are being "taken" by unscrupulous home owners who do not take responsibility for the homes they own and blame the "neglect" it on the voucher holders.

Many voucher holders with whom I have had contact tell me that the owners will sometimes blame the families for stuff that the owner neglected to repair over time.

News From Finneytown Civic Association ...

This Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009 ... The Finneytown Civic Association is meeting to update people about the civility project; Section 8 (again); report by a nomination committee; and an update about the school and quality of life issues.

Springfield Township Senior and Community Center
9158 Winton RoadCincinnati, OH 45231
Phone: 513-325-5202

Get directions

7 p.m.


Here's something I picked up from the their blog ....






Finneytown Civic Association now has a Green CommitteeContributed

By Joseph Gorman Finneytown Civic Association
David Gaines and Joe Gorman

The goal of the FCA Green Committee is to involve Finneytown residents in projects that improve our local environment. A list of possible projects includes community clean up days, rain barrel installations, rain garden development, recycling projects, and creation of a Finneytown community garden. "Plans are already in the works to team up with the Finneytown High School Go Green Club," said David Gaines, "and we are hoping to coordinate events with a variety of organizations such as scouting troops, church groups and garden clubs.

All are welcome." "There are a bunch of cool resources in the green community that we can tap into," said Joe Gorman. For instance, Cincinnati State has a coordinator of green resources who can share practical information on geo-thermal cooling and heating systems, and, solar energy ideas. Roof gardens can lower the "urban heat" index.If you are interested in the environment and want to make Finneytown a healthier, greener community, please contact committee chair David Gaines at 522-6696.

Springfield Township Information

Springfield Township Citizen Police Academy
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP – The Springfield Township Police Department will once again be holding their annual Citizens Police Academy at the police station located at 1130 Compton Rd. The classes are scheduled to begin on February 16, 2009 and will be held on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The classes are ten weeks long and are open to all residents of Springfield Township with a limited number of spots available for residents of other communities on a first come, first serve basis. Since the first class in 1997, there have been over 150 graduates of the program. Participants will also have the opportunity to join the Springfield Township Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, which is a non profit organization that supports the police department and has become instrumental in and around the Springfield Township community in various civic activities. Graduates will also have the opportunity to attend additional training to become a member of the Citizen on Patrol program that started in 2008. The class topics will again include patrol functions, domestic violence, K-9 operations, and investigations ranging from traffic crashes to homicides. There will also be classes covering the functions of township government and the townships property maintenance program. Anyone interested in attending may pick up an application at the police station, visit the townships web page at www.springfieldtwp.org, or call 729-1300 for additional information. The contact person is Lt. Rick Bley.


CERT Training Offered(The Community Emergency Response Team)

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP – The Springfield Township Fire Department will hold Community Emergency Response Team training at the fire station located at 9150 Winton Rd. The classes are scheduled January 27, 29, February 3, 5, 10 and 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Participants must attend all classes. CERT is open to residents of Springfield Township with a limited number of spots available for residents of other communities on a first come, first serve basis.

The registration deadline is January 19, 2009.

Applications are available at www.springfieldtwp.org. Following a disaster, community members may be on their own for a period of time because of the size of the area affected, lost communications, and impassable roads.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program supports local response capability by training volunteers to organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers at the disaster site, to provide immediate assistance to victims, and to collect disaster intelligence to support responders’ efforts when they arrive.In the classroom, participants learn about the hazards they face and ways to prepare for them. Skills learned can be used to help themselves, their loved ones, and their neighbors until help arrives.

Local government, or one of its representatives, sponsors CERT training in the community. Training consists of 20 hours of instruction on topics that include disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster psychology. Upon completion of the training, participants are encouraged to continue their involvement by participating in training activities and volunteering for projects that support Springfield Township’s disaster preparedness efforts.