what is Residence D?

summary
1. Residence D is a new zoning classification for multi-family buildings on the Nov. ballot

2. Residence D was created with public input and is endorsed by all local major civic groups

3. no viable zoning exists in the village for new condos / apartments to match our historic structures

4. Residence D is a floating zone, with future sites subject to the zoning change process

5. new multi-family's would be slightly shorter with greater setbacks from houses than the existing Jordan Park condo project, plus maintain underground parking and ARB approval

6. with passage, Residence D can add buildings which blend into the Mariemont fabric, increase our tax base, and provide new housing options for seniors, entry level buyers, tenants, and new residents alike AT NO COST TO THE TAXPAYER

7. Vote YES for Residence D

Residence D is a proposed new Mariemont zoning classification designed to regulate larger scale multi-family residential buildings (similar to classification 'B' which zones business use, classification 'I' which zones industrial use, etc.). It was originally drafted by the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission, received resident input for over 4 months in public meetings, and was unanimously approved by the Planning Commission and Village Council. Currently, the Residence D ordinance is subject to voter approval on the November ballot. Unlike other ballot issues, Issue 42 does not add any cost to the taxpayer.

Residence D classification is required because the village does not have a viable ordinance in place for multi-family buildings over 4 units to emulate the standards of our historic building design. Our existing apartments and condos were built either prior to zoning enactment in 1941 or built with variances to the Residence C zoning classification (not a desirable practice as variances create legal loopholes for future developers to subvert zoning law).

As a zoning classification, the ordinance simply defines how new multi-family's should be built in the village and does not specify any particular areas of development. If Residence D goes into effect as a new zoning ordinance, any new proposed multi-family project using Residence D zoning would separately submit for a zoning change for its particular site and be subject to additional public review in Planning, Zoning, and council approvals.

By ordinance, Residence D restricts building height to 45' (i.e., no taller than the Inn), increases side and rear yard setbacks, mandates underground resident parking, and requires Architectural Review Board approval. Compared to Jordan Park (new condos on Miami Rd.), Residence D is 2' lower and requires 15' more setback from neighboring houses).

By effect, Residence D has the potential to dramatically increase the village and school tax base, promote responsible residential development maintaining the historic character of the village, and provide a variety of new housing options for both entry level buyers and seniors alike.

Residence D is endorsed by:

Mariemont Architectural Review Board
Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF) Board of Trustees
MariElders Board of Trustees
Mariemont Park Board
Mariemont Civic Association
Garden Club of Mariemont
Mariemont Village Council
Mariemont Planning Commission
Mariemont Board of Education*
*The Mariemont Board of Education is in favor of Mariemont Residence D zoning in so far as it will provide additional tax dollars which will assist the Board as it continues to offer an excellent education to the students of the district. The Board of Education also expresses its belief that the citizens of Mariemont have the ultimate right to decide as they vote on the issue in November.

Please stay tuned to this blog for development of these topics. Thanks MB