What Can Form Based Codes do for Westwood?
The City of Cincinnati is beginning a process called “Form Based Codes." Here’s the story. For a long time land use has been regulated by zoning. Form-based codes provide a way to describe what we want to see. They preserve the culture of a community and require that development adhere to the design criteria of the community.
Beginning April 28, residents, business and residential owners, and developers in Westwood are invited to participate in a process of developing a form-based code for the entire City. The Opening Session takes place on Saturday, April 28, 2012. You can come to a session at either 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. to learn more about Form Based Codes and then get to work with designers as we draw what we think Cincinnati neighborhoods should look like as new development happens.
Throughout the week, you are encouraged to stop by the 4th Floor of Centennial II, 805 Central Avenue, to see the progress. There will be brown bag lunches and a closing session on May 2. For the complete schedule, see here.
Later this fall, Westwood will be asked:
“What do you want the street and the buildings to look like?”
We will go through a neighborhood-specific charrette where we get to decide to look and feel of our neighborhood. Our decisions will apply to future development in the neighborhood. Please plan to get involved!
Henke Winery Named in Top 10 List of Urban Wineries
Congratulations to WestCURC Board Member Joe Henke and owner of Henke's Winery for being named one of the top 10 urban wineries in the U.S. Great news for Westwood and for Cincinnati! Check out the announcement here.
More News on the Bell Building
Soapbox Media recently published this article about the WestCURC-Madcap partnership to turn the Bell Building into a regional puppet theater. Published January 17, 2012.
2011 WestCURC Newsletters
December 2011 Newsletter
May 2011 Newsletter
March 2011 Newsletter
Treasure Qwest was a hit!
We recently held the 2nd annual Treasure Qwest on September 24, 2011 and welcomed 18 teams to Westwood! It was a great day. Last year, the Community Press published an article about the event. Thanks for this great article.
Westwood Works in the News!
The Cincinnati Examiner published this recent article on Westwood Works, a project of WestCURC. WestCURC thanks the volunteers who initiated Westwood Works and who continue to plan fun and exciting events for Westwood.
WestCURC in The Cincinnati Enquirer!
The Cincinnati Enquirer ran an article about the home at 3655 Boudinot and our neighborhood-wide efforts. In case you missed it on June 1, 2010, here is the link: Foreclosed Westwood home has new life | cincinnati.com | CommunityPress.com
3655 Boudinot is for sale!
Update: 3655 Boudinot is sold!
As previously mentioned, WestCURC was awarded funding through the City's Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), to rehabilitate 3 homes in Westwood. The work at 3655 Boudinot is complete and ready for occupancy. WestCURC has completely updated the home and has added many energy-saving features. The 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house is listed for $99,900 with Bill Cook from Star One Realty. The complete MLS information can be found here. Qualified homebuyers will receive a $10,000 0% second mortgage. This second mortgage will go away 20% each year, so you only have to qualify for an $89,000 first mortgage!
Key features of the home include:
- New roof, gutters, and trim
- New low-e energy efficient windows
- New plumbing, updated bathrooms
- Updated electric service
- New furnace with air conditioning-95% efficiency
- New insulated attic, second floor sidewalls and basement
- New hot water heater
- New kitchen with Energy Star refrigerator
- New paint inside and outside
- New doors
About fifty Westwood residents, business owners, and students gathered at Town Hall on Thursday, November 5, 2009 to hear how Westwood is going green. We had a terrific panel available to answer questions and share information about how to make Westwood's historic homes more energy efficient.
State Representative Denise Driehaus kicked off the meeting by welcoming everyone and thanking them for coming. The purpose of the meeting was to share information and to generate interest in energy efficiencies.
Andy Holzhauser of the Cincinnati Energy Alliance described his organization's multi-state approach to engaging communities. As a new organization funded by local governments and businesses, Andy will soon have interesting financing opportunities available to people earning more than 200% of the area's poverty level. These low-interest loans should entice property owners to make energy-saving improvements to their homes. Watch www.greatercea.org for more information.
Holly Todd of Green Building Consulting, LLC emphasized that improvements don't have to cost a lot of money. She talked about how much a difference a $2 tube of caulk can make! Her company is available to do home energy audits for approximately $100-$200.
Kathy Schroder from Duke Energy was on hand to answer questions about Duke's programs. They also do home energy audits. These are free and can be arranged at www.duke-energy.com.
Quentin Harris of the State of Ohio Department of Economic Development talked about the many state incentives available. From the residential solar photovoltaic energy incentive to the appliance rebate program, it is clear that the federal and state governments are serious about reducing our reliance on foreign oil. Mr. Harris suggested that everyone check this website for periodic updates:
www.development.ohio.gov/recovery/EnergyStarProgram.htm
The Community Action Agency was on hand to answer questions about their weatherization program. Many homeowners may be eligible for this program if is at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. More information on their programs can be found at www.cincy-caa.org.
The Cincinnati Preservation Association announced two programs that may be of interest to owners of older homes. In January, there is the Old New House program and in March, they are conducting a workshop on Window Restoration. More information can be found at www.cincinnatipreservation.org.
WestCURC would like to thank everyone for coming out to this highly informative gathering. This was just the first step in our efforts to green Westwood. Keep checking our facebook page and our website for information on a follow-up to this month's meeting.
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