CHIMNEY HILL NEWS Fall 2006

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 NEIGHBORHOOD DIRECTORY

The latest neighborhood list is included in this newsletter. If your information is not correct or needs updating, please call Cathy Chernausek so that she can make the necessary changes.

CHIMNEY HILL WEB SITE

As you know, Cathy Chernausek has donated many hours to get the Chimney Hill web site online and to maintain it. You can find the neighborhood directory and other information Take a minute to go to http://www.chimneyhill.net/.

If you have ideas for additions to the website, particularly the homeowner’s only pages, please give Cathy a call 984-2327.

NEIGHBORHOOD PARTY

The next neighborhood party is scheduled for October 8 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and will be held on Village View. The planning committee includes Mary Jo Linduff, Maureen Callinan, Kristy Conlin, Cathy Chernausek, Elaine Widmeyer, Doreen Frank and Lisa Mandell. They will be rounding up more volunteers to complete their respective assignments. This year we will invite city officials so that we can chat with them about the many new projects in Blue Ash. There will also be a special program just for kids. So mark your calendars and get your party hats on.

BLUE ASH IN THE NEWS

On August 2, Blue Ash City Council moved forward on the proposal to purchase 130 acres of the Blue Ash airport which will be developed into a “first-class Central Park like facility.” The plan, which is not finalized, includes a performing arts center, large areas of green space, lakes, trails, pathways and more. For more information, go to http://www.blueash.com. There will be opportunity for public input.

Many of you may have noticed the development across from the Wellness Center on Cooper Road. You may have also heard that there are plans to update the Kroger store on Hunt Road. You You may have read about the plans for multi use development between Kenwood Road and Reed Hartman a few blocks south of Cornell Road. See the Blue Ash Website for details about the downtown master plan. Things are changing and we hope to get the latest on all of the proposed projects at the neighborhood party on October 8.

NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

In years past, the board saw that the Village of Chimney Hill was improved in some respect, from adding an irrigation system to the entrance, to new pavers in the cul de sac. This year, no major improvement projects were undertaken. This means that there are funds available for an improvement project. A sampling of ideas that have been surfacing are speed bumps, enhanced landscaping for entrance and cul de sac, and even making the neighborhood wi-fi! If you have an idea, please be sure to mention it to a board member or pitch it at the neighborhood party on October 8.

REMINDERS

Being a good neighbor is important. Respecting your neighbors wishes regarding walking your dog is particularly critical. Some neighbors have used a gentle approach by posting signs that remind people not to allow dogs on their property. Other neighbors use a direct approach and ask dog owners to keep their dogs off their property. One neighbor recently gathered up all the dog droppings in their front yard and lined them up on the sidewalk! The message was clear and unfortunately this reminder is still necessary. For those of us who own dogs, being a good neighbor means that we must respect the rights of our neighbors. Most homeowners don’t mind dogs walking past as long as the owner picks up after the dog. The basic rules which all dog owners must adhere to are:

1. Keep dogs on leashes at all times. Blue Ash ordinance 505.19.

2. Pick up after your pet - each and every time.

3. Stay on the sidewalk/ curb or as close to the sidewalk/curb as possible while walking your pet.

4. Do not let your pet wander on yards and near houses.

5. BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR.

If you would like to see a dog park included in the airport project, let your voice be heard. Call City Manager, Marvin Thompson at 745-8510 or email him at administrator@blueash.com or call Chuck Funk, Parks and Recreation Director at 745-6271 or email him at cfunk@blueash.com.

DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Design Review Committee has been at work this summer. Please remember to complete a request for approval for any changes you are making to the exterior of your home. The form is on the website. If you don’t have internet access, call a board member who can make a hard copy available to you. Don’t know if the change you are contemplating requires approval? When in doubt, read the Design Review Criteria on the website. If that doesn’t answer your questions, call a board member for guidance, or better yet, fill out the form and submit it!

The board continues to look for volunteers to help with the Design Review Committee. At the recent annual meeting, there was considerable discussion about separating the Design Review Committee from the homeowners association board. If you have an eye for design and color, please consider this important volunteer opportunity.

The 2007 neighborhood Progressive Dinner has not been scheduled yet. The hosts are Kristy Conlin, Elaine Widmeyer and Linda Bayliss. A date will be announced in a few months.

The Book Club continues to read, meet, discuss, and have a great time doing so. Recent book selections are Case Histories by Kate Atkinson and Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane. If you are interested in learning more about the book club, or starting your own group, contact Kristy Conlin at 891-2537.

Got an idea for an interest group?

Just bring a sign up list to the neighborhood party on October 8. The meditation group met for several months and if interested, Tara might be willing to host again. Rumor has it that there is a very serious and boring euchre group that meets now and again. A garden club? We have several avid gardeners who might be interested in organizing such a group. How about a walking club, or a knitting club, gourmet club, or bridge anyone? Bring your ideas to the party on October 8. 

Do not forget the neighborhood party on October 8. Mark your calendar now!!!