Mariemont architectural proposal could cause red tape

MARIEMONT, Ohio - There is a distinct atmosphere resting in Mariemont that was designed for tranquility in the early 1900s.

"We moved to Mariemont, because of the excellent school district and this particular house because it's close to the square," said resident Michael Benson.

His home is a two-story English Tudor along Center Street.

"[When] we put an addition on our house, we went through great lengths to match the house so that it looks like it was part of the original structure," he said.

Last year, across the street from Benson, a developer wanted to tear down an apartment building and build condominiums, which could have changed the scenic feel to the street. The village mayor did not care for the idea.

"We felt it wasn't best for the village, because it would ruin the run of apartments," said Mayor Dan Policastro. "I then decided to put it into the ARB, Architecture Review Board."

The ARB recently handed over its way of handling the issue. The report advised to make the entire street an historic area. That would mean any owner of any building (single family or multi-residential) would have to come before the ARB and receive approval for any exterior renovations or alterations.

Benson dislikes that idea.

"We really think that the people that live here all have an understanding of this area and will take care of it without having any external governmental action forcing it on us."

Policastro agrees with the homeowners to a point.

"I only plan to put it in [committee before council] for the five apartments."

The mayor said that he would not introduce any measure to include single-family homes. It will not be submitted to committee until later this fall.