Residents propose pattern books, stricter design standards and stronger neighborhood plans under Connected Communities

Beth Johnson and Dawn Johnson, co‑chairs of the Making Connected Communities Better neighborhood look‑and‑feel working group, presented recommendations to protect neighborhood character as the city permits higher density under the Connected Communities legislation.

The committee proposed design‑standard changes, improved developer and public notice through the city permitting portal, neighborhood “pattern books” of pre‑approved infill housing, reintroduction of a Neighborhood Character Conservation District tool and a requirement that the Cincinnati Planning Commission and City Council use a supermajority vote to override an adopted neighborhood plan.

Why it matters: Presenters said the Connected Communities design standards, as written, favor an Italianate commercial building form common in Over‑the‑Rhine and can produce buildings that appear out of scale or out of character in other neighborhoods. The recommendations aim…