On Growth

I’m fast approaching the start of my third decade living in Harrison.  As long as I’ve lived here growth has always been one of those issues that polarizes people.  This blog is all about transparency and allowing voters to see exactly how I’m wired on the issues that matter so I’m not going to shy away from this one. 🙂

The thing about growth is, it’s not something new or something coming down the pike.  It’s here now.  It’s been here for decades and its not going to stop any time soon.  I moved to Harrison to get more breathing room than we had in Cheviot.  I’m a lifetime westsider so I know all to well what Glenway and Colerain Avenues have become and I don’t want that here.  We need to be intentional about how this growth unfolds.

Since growth is inevitable we need to be out in front of it.  If we must grow then lets grow smartly.  Let’s shape our zoning code so things go in their right place and we don’t have a warehouse right next to a residential neighborhood or houses stacked right on top of one another.  I’m already on the record with my opinion on garbage-can-gate but zoning and property maintenance codes do play an important role in making sure the development that does take place enhances, not degrades, our community.

With K-Mart shutting down it seems all but guaranteed that some other retailer will be looking to come to Harrison before long.  Planning commission, the Building/Zoning department, Economic Development, Streets/Utilities, Public Safety, heck even the Tree Board all have a role to play in making sure its the kind of business that will elevate our city, not drag it down.  A role in ensuring any incentives offered are a win-win for the business and for the residents of our city, not a one-sided deal.  A role in making sure the safety and well being of our citizens aren’t jeopardized.

Council took a HUGE step in the right direction last year when they did a deep dive on updating the city’s Comprehensive Plan.  If you’ve never looked at it you should take a few minutes to download it and at least thumb through it.  It’s a forward looking document and really a blueprint for smart growth!