Tuesday, April 28, 2009

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!!!


Friday, April 17, 2009

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

Friday, February 06, 2009

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

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

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.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Information Sharing About Section 8 Housing

Springfield Township Trustees will host an informational forum from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 to answer questions on Section 8 Housing. Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority will present a twenty-minute informative discussion about the Section 8 program and then follow up with forty minutes of question and answer to address resident concerns. The time structure was set by CMHA.


The meeting will be held at The Grove Banquet Hall, behind the Administration Complex at 9158 Winton Road. Residents of Springfield Township are encouraged to attend. Springfield Township is a first ring suburb in the Greater Cincinnati area, consisting of approximately 16 ½ square miles and 37,587 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.

Monday, November 03, 2008

IT'S A MISTAKE!

Mrs. Merusi just confirmed what we all suspected. The Badger House on Keats went for $198k and not the $98k that we read in the Hilltop Press.

Friday, April 25, 2008

STOP SIGNS, COVENANT CHURCH LIGHTS, AND PANSIES

ONE OF THE NEIGHBORS ON COMMONWEALTH JUST REPORTED THAT PEOPLE ARE ONCE AGAIN DISOBEYING THE STOP SIGN AT VIEW PLACE AND WELLESLEY.

IS THIS STILL HAPPENING? IS ANYONE ELSE SEEING AN INCREASE?

IF YOU CAN GET A DESCRIPTION OF THE CAR AND APPROXIMATE TIME WHEN IT HAPPENED, I CAN SEND IN THE "COUNT" TO POLICE CHIEF DAVE. HE'LL GET ONE OF THE PATROL CARS OVER THERE IN A MINUTE. THEY ISSUED WARNING LAST TIME; THIS TIME THEY'LL ISSUE TICKETS.

FOR THE NEIGHBORS WHO ARE DIRECTLY IMPACTED BY THE ADDITIONAL 3 LAMP AERIAL LIGHTING AT THE COVENANT CHURCH PARKING LOT AREA PLEASE SEND WRITE VIEWPLACENEWS@YAHOO.COM SUBJECT: AERIAL LIGHTS

THE PERIMETER LIGHTING IS FINE BUT THERE ARE THREE LIGHTS THAT WERE ADDED AND ARE PROJECTED OUTWARD CREATING MANY SAFETY ISSUEs FOR NEIGHBORS NEARBY.

CERTAINLY WHEN THE CHURCH HAS SPECIAL EVENTS, WE EXPECT THEM TO USE THE ADDITIONAL LIGHTING, BUT ON NIGHTS WHEN THERE IS NO EVENT, THE PERIMETER LIGHTS AND THE FEW PARKING LOT LIGHTS ARE ALL THAT IS NECCESSARY.

Thanks to Barb on Blossomhill Drive... we received two flats of pansies from Melanie McNulty who donated the flats to the Finneytown Civic Garden Club. THANK YOU BARB!!!

Friday, April 04, 2008

View Place Drive

Last year, the Hamilton County Engineer resurfaced View Place Drive and replaced the curbs and catch basins. They did well with the road.

The problem is with the curbs. The way they are designed, it causes erosion to occur in front yards just inside the curbs. The new curbs were placed inside of where the old curbs were, so there is an area where vegetation cannot grow and blacktop shows in the yard - and the mailman cannot reach all of the mailboxes.

If anyone else besides me feels that they have the same or similar problems, I would like to know so that I can present their complaints along with mine. They can contact me at 244-1364 days 761-6277 eves or at jrdengenv@aol.com.

This applies to View Place Drive only. It is a County road.

Thanks,
Jeff Dean

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

EASTER EGG HUNT THIS SATURDAY!!!

We didn't forget ....

The annual neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt will take place this Saturday at the Badger Home located at 7633 Keats in the backyard beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the top of the hill. Parking is available at the church. You'll see us out there hunting for eggs. I have to go to a bell choir practice so I would appreciate if anyone can stay from 10:20 until 11 a.m.

Why is the Easter Egg Hunt at the Badger Home? Mrs. Badger let us use her backyard last year so she could watch the kids from her kitchen window and my daughter suggested we do it again even though Mrs. Badger will be with us in spirit.

I also hope that all our View Place family & neighbors will take every opportunity to see the home before it goes on the market this Monday.... it's such a beautiful home and if my chimney wasn't leaking right now I would buy it in a heartbeat. But I can't sell my home with a leaky chimney, right?

The home is beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. No leaks. And remember this is the home Art Badger built after they moved from their home on Brucehills to make way for Ronald Reagan Hwy. I hope somebody out there will appreciate the historic significance of this home. The Badgers were respected by the neighborhood and also much beloved by the kids who are all grown up raising their own families ... hint ... hint ....

Hope to see you at the Easter Egg Hunt!!!!!

Monday, February 04, 2008

Landfill Update on Northbend ...

Dan Taphorn, an urban conservationist with Hamilton County Soil & Water Division met with Mr. Kendall late in 2007. He learned that the District made Mr. Kendall re-seed a few areas where the previous seeding had not taken because of the drought. As far as the District is concerned Mr. Kendall’s project is complete and no more fill should be taking place.

I understand that Mel Rack now owns an acre of ground formally owned by Mr. Kendall and that he is installing a driveway for access to this property. We do not have issues with the driveway being installed on the Rack property, if he (Mel Rack) wants to accept fill he needs to file for an Earthwork Permit.

Have any questions give Dan Taphorn a call.

Daniel Taphorn
Urban Conservationist
Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control #2730
Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District
29 Triangle Park Drive, Suite 2901
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
Phone: (513) 772 - 7645 ext. 16 Fax: (513) 772 - 7656

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Message from Randy Parsons, School Superintendent

Dear Donna,

I was happy we had an opportunity to talk earlier this week to address some of the questions about our high school program.

Concerning AP classes, we have not reduced, nor are there plans to reduce, our AP offerings. However, as our total student population gets smaller, it may to make sense to examine creative scheduling strategies – perhaps combining some classes, or offering some classes on alternating years. The data shows, however, that over the last five years, the number of students taking AP exams has increased from 69 in 2003 to 114 in 2007, with a corresponding increase in the number of students receiving Advanced Placement College Credit. (Last year we had 5 National Merit Semi-finalists and 1 Finalist.)

As for the scheduling issues, we are aware of only one student who was closed out of an AP class this summer. This student was in many other high level classes. Again, a smaller high school program naturally results in a tighter, less flexible master schedule with a greater likelihood of single course offerings. We believe this challenge is offset by the many advantages of attending a small school!

Although the state and federal (No Child Left Behind) accountability/testing programs have highlighted in recent years the need to provide intervention to struggling students, this does not need to be at the expense of meeting the needs of our academically talented students. We need to do both.

We also talked about the need to make sure the good news about Finneytown gets into the local press. Shawn Maus, our Communications Coordinator, sends 5 – 7 items per week out to the media. All of the news items that appear on our website are sent to them. It is solely their choice what to print.

I hope this response is helpful. Please let me know if you have additional questions, and let me know that you received this email. I would be happy to speak with anyone who has individual concerns. Your support in helping to facilitate good communication is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,

Randy

Randall B. Parsons
Superintendent
Finneytown Local School District
8916 Fontainebleau Terrace
Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
(513) 728-3703
rparsons@finneytown.org

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Don't forget:

GRILL OUT
TUESDAY, OCT. 23
AT HUMMER PARK

letter from Georgia ...

I grew up on Deanview and remembe Mrs. Badger saying good morning to us daily from her house when we’d wait for the school bus. Sometimes, just for fun, some of us would drop in after school and visit her, Mr. Badger, and their dog. They were truly wonderful people. I also remember the sign they always had up each year – season’s greetings from art and mary badger. They also were known for being the most generous to all of us at Halloween.

They were truly wonderful folks in every way possible. I’ve not lived in View Place since 1990 but it was wonderful, and came as no surprise, to read that the Badgers carried on as they always had, loving and giving to those around them.

Paul Larsen
Atlanta, GA.

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Two Cats Still Missing ...

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE ...

CONTACT Viewplacenews@yahoo.com if you see a short haired black cat and long hair grey cat roaming around upper end of Viewplace, Wellesley or Pinebrook.

There are two little (SAD) girls who are missing their cats! Both cats pretty much stayed in the yard although the grey cat was known for crossing over to the Jesuit house...

New Excavation on Northbend Road behind St. X??

I would like to know what is happening to the hillside on North Bend Rd behind the St. Xavier ballfield. It saddens me to see yet another forested area destroyed. Thank you. Teri from Keats Lane

Pinebrook Court Update

If you have been in the vicinity of Pinebrook Court lately, you are well aware that we are in the process of rebuilding our home. It was basically deemed a total loss, and because of that, we had the remaining structure torn down and opted to start fresh. We were able to save the foundation...which is why we are so far along in the rebuilding process all ready!
This house does look a little different than it did before, but soon the same old people will be living there and our lives will hopefully return to normal.

Since the fire, we spent 5 weeks living with my parents, Al and Kathy Humbert. They live in the area, so we were able to still be close to home. Then we were able to find a house to rent on Shuman Lane. This is in the area behind Brentwood Shopping Center. It is not exactly what we are used to, but it has worked out for the summer and into the fall. If all goes well, and so far it has, we should be able to move back onto Pinebrook in late November...so we could be HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Since the fire, we have been blessed in many ways, our friends in the area have been WONDERFUL. Looking out for our interests right after the fire happened and continuing to look out for us now. It is great to see so many smiling faces every day, as we travel in and out of View Place to drop off our girls at the babysitters. As of July, we have our newest addition as well. Lillian Claire Schwartz was born on July 21st and has been the best distraction possible after all of this fire stuff we have been dealing with! She is wonderful and her sisters, Hannah, Grace and Katherine, and her brother Joey, love her to death. We can't wait to introduce her to the View Place neighborhood