Highlands HIstoric District

Merrell- I thought I heard that 20 number as to the ones not having paid their "membership" dues and I believe one of the presenters said that one homeowner opted out of the HOA altogether.

I watched the meeting last night and I am not sure but it might have been that 20 people had not paid into the HOA that they had established.  I know there are historical homes up there, but I can not imagine if I had a home built in the 70's that I would want to pay a fee to be in a historical district.  I have to agree with you Merrell - it won't effect me either way - just state the real reason for the designation.  It all has to do with the old hospital land.  The designation should be lowered down to the homes that are historical not the entire 66.

TudorBrown,  You say Mr. Kohler said last night that about 20 homeowners  did not vote to approve their homes to be in the new district? Are you sure?

Merrell I fully understand the 1st and 2nd reading.  No one directly involved, they owned a home in the area in question, did not know that the matter was going before council last night.  No one with a home in the affected area that opposed the Historic designation showed up to voice their opposition last night.  This has been discussed by those people in the area for two years and no one voiced opposition that has a home there according to Kohler before other meetings.  So let them have their designation.

Pac. Last night was the 1st reading for the public to be aware of the issue and beleave me it was unknown to many... or for that matter any 1st reading on most issues that come before council.  That's why their's a 1st reading. As I understand it, once the public officially is aware of an issue...during the next two weeks they can do a variety of things to question it, present other related information, lobby with council members etc.  The 2nd reading and vote comes when council members have considered  info from both sides and then votes. JMO

Merrell,

Vet

  You wait until one of these newer homes want to make an exterior change and see what Mr. Kohler has to say then...
  They had a big fight in Hamilton over what was going to be built on old school site property across from a historic district. You can bet that they will use this to try control what will be built across from the old hospital site. However since HHD was formed after the old hospital was torn down I don't believe they would win this fight.

TudorBrown
  Glad you enjoyed the discussion however it isn’t over yet.
As Mr. Kohler stated last night about 20 homes did vote to approve their home being within this new historic district.
  Last night Mr. Kohler addressed the questions of rules and regulations
placed on these properties since they are part of a historic district. Now we will see what the homeowners think now that they are fully informed.
  I still do not agree with this area being declared a historic area because of the age span and number of homes involved.

Vivian Moon wrote: How many of the homes in HHD on their individual merit could be placed on the National Register?...Answer: Very few.

swohio75

    Again...I have never seen the 50 year rule used in a residential area of this size and age range.  (Please provide me with an example) The South Main Street Historic District includes commercial buildings . Out of the 66 homes included in HHD only about 40 homeowners want this district....1/3 of these homes are newer....what about their property rights? I don't believe that they clearly understand the regulations that will be placed on their property?
How many of the homes in HHD on their individual merit could be placed on the National Register?...Answer: Very few.  

swohio75 wrote: Mike_Presta wrote: There is a CONDO on Riverview that was owned by George M. Verity, whose achievements equaled those of Mr. Hook and the others mentioned by SWohio75.  Mr. Verity also served as Secretary of Commerce.  Can we make a large area around Riverview an "Historic District"??? Geo M Verity certainly did not own a Condo on Riverview. But his Great-Grandson CW did. And he does have many merits. BUT -- the condo isn't 50 years or more in age. And there are several homes on S. Main that are associated with CW that are already listed.

You are absolutely right!!!  I erred.  I sit corrected.

Mike_Presta wrote: Jerry Lucas's boyhood home was in the 2200 block of Grand Avenue.  Perhaps that should be a "Historic District"???

While the area itself might not warrant historic designation, I would tend to agree that Mr. Lucas's childhood home should be considered worthy of local historic designation.

Again, where is the property owner making the petition?   

Consider this.

What has become the oldest home still standing in Middletown does not have local designation and is not a NRHP listed structure.   But certainly has the history associated with it to be considered! Located on Thorn Hill Lane. Constructed in 1825 on S. Broad near VanDerveer, this Federal style home was moved to Thorn Hill Lane in the 1950s.

It is the family home of Ferdinand VanDerveer.

Ferdinand's father, Dr. Peter VanDerveer purchased the home from its builder, Nathaniel White, shortly after its construction. Dr. VanDerveer was one of the first physicians in the area. Ferdinand was born in 1823, so he definitely spent time in this house.

Legend has it that during the Mexican War, as a Captain Ferdinand's company bivouacked near the house on their way south. For a drill, they would march up the front steps, through the central hall and out the back.

By the end of the war, he had risen to the rank of captain and commanded an assaulting column at the Battle of Monterey. While his regiment was being mustered out Van Derveer served as a second to Capt. Carr B. White in a duel with Lt. Fyffe over promotion White's prmotion to captain. Van Derveer returned home after the war and resumed his legal career. He served for a number of years as the Sheriff of Butler County, Ohio.
When the Civil War began, Van Derveer organized the 35th Ohio Infantry and became its first colonel. It originally consisted of 921 men, 750 of whom came from Butler County. Before disbanding in September 1864, the 35th Ohio Infantry fought at Mill Springs, Perryville, Stones River, Missionary Ridge, and Chickamauga, during which nearly half the men in the regiment were killed or wounded. In 1864, Van Derveer was appointed Brigadier General of Volunteers and assigned to the IV Corps in Alabama in January 1865.

Ferdinand's sister, Margaretta married the Presbyterian minister in town, and lived the couple lived in the house, which was sold to Dr. Barnitz and his wife in 1864.

Ferdinand was also a successful lawyer in Middletown, and later became Butler County Judge.

Why is not? Probably because its owners have not petitioned. It's in an area that is not at risk for significant decline. So why bother?