Overview:

Cincinnati City Council approved an ordinance that will rezone at 198 E. McMillan St. and 237 William H. Taft Road in Mt. Auburn to allow for a new Chick- fil-A.

Council members said it's a high-traffic area and expressed concerns for pedestrian safety after the restaurant is built.

They also discussed other possible uses for the land, including housing.

Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney said she would rather see housing, but the area "has heavy traffic, it's noisy, too close to the highway, and therefore unhealthy -- not for residential use." She said the fast food restaurant is the best option.

Meeting summary:

  • The city is advancing in various areas, including zoning adjustments, fund appropriations, and capital improvement projects. The zoning ordinance aims to promote community welfare, protect property values, and ensure appropriate land use. The city directed funds to the Cincinnati Recreation and Cincinnati Police departments.


Documenter’s follow-up question:

  • Does Cincinnati City Council give entities chosen for recognition any type of “reward” for their contribution other than a plaque?

Cincinnati City Council has nine members and operates in accordance with the mayor.  Council members are Jan Michele Kearney, Victoria Parks, Anna Albi, Jeff Cramerding, Mark Jeffreys, Scotty Johnson, Evan Nolan, Meeka Owens and Seth Walsh.

After roll call, Mayor Aftab Pureval led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by filing of the journal (items submitted and approved prior to the meeting).

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pureval.  Roll call by the council clerk verified all members were present. Before beginning the business session, Council Member Owens and Vice Mayor Kearney presented resolutions honoring Co-Op Cincy and the University of Cincinnati Medical Center Registered Nurse Association.   

RESOLUTION: Kearney

Co-Op Cincy  nurtures an interconnected network of worker-owned businesses whose goal is to facilitate the local economy.  Kristen Barker, president and co-founder, and Ellen Vera, co-founder, accepted the resolution. 

RESOLUTION: Council Member Owens

The Registered Nurse Association is a professional organization representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners and nursing students.  Kylee Hamm, president of , University of Cincinnati Medical Center Registered Nurse Association, accepted the honor.

Council Members Kearney, Albi, Johnson, Jeffreys and Cramerding each expressed thanks and appreciation. 

Both resolutions presented for consideration were passed unanimously.

The meeting centered on previously approved actions. Per Mayor Pureval, agenda items 3 – 25 required no discussion.  Item #26 was tabled until the following week.

Items 27 – 30  were passed.

See agenda.

Item#31 was a supplemental item that members discussed.

This ordinance proposed the rezoning of property located at 198 E. McMillan St. and 237 William H. Taft Road in Mt. Auburn to allow for the building of a Chick-fil-A.  Pedestrian safety was mentioned as a concern as well as other uses for the space.

Owens called the proposed Chick-fil-A the best use for this particular land. 

Jeffreys said pedestrian safety is a real concern in the traffic-heavy area.. Council Member Nolan said it is estimated that 200 cars per hour, or 2,000 cars per day, use this corridor, and the Planning & Development department informed him the applicant (Chick-fil-A) does not meet the design requirements for economic development.  

Albi said she is uncomfortable proceeding with this project. Pedestrian safety and the proposed design are a concern, she said, and she wouldsay no to this proposal.  

Vice Mayor Kearney said the applicant is not bad, but she would rather see multi-unit buildings; however, the space has heavy traffic, it’s noisy, too close to the highway, and therefore unhealthy for residential use.  She said a restaurant is the best option.

The ordinance passed.

Announcements

Kearney announced that the unveiling of a marker recognizing Pete Rose would take place at Boldface Park, 3040 River Road, Sedamsville, on May 14 at noon. The park was renamed Pete Rose Field.This is the park where Rose played ball as a child.  Hot dogs and cracker jacks will be provided. The public is welcome.   

Comments

Owens referenced the fatal deputy crash. She asked that folks be calm and allow the process to work.

Kearney wished condolences to both families.

Albi said, “Two families lost someone.”

Assistant City Manager Kathy Bailey was honored for “her outstanding service to the city.”

The meeting adjourned at 2:52 p.m.

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@signalcincinnati.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.

Find more Documenters’ notes on Cincinnati City Council here.