Cincinnati City Council Unanimously Declares Bella Vista Street in Bond Hill the City’s 25th Historic District

Though I infrequently write about my own projects at The Bond Hill Journal, after a grueling 18-month effort I am thrilled to share that the Cincinnati City Council has granted designation of The Bond Hill Bella Vista Historic District, by unanimous vote, 9-0.

Historic designation, which is a type of zoning overlay, requires that any exterior alterations other than repairs and maintenance to receive a Certificate of Appropriateness. Given the impediments to demolitions and alterations in historic districts, the process of obtaining Historic Designation is rigorous, as it should be. The applicant must draft a Designation Report and Conservation Guidelines. There are public hearings and meetings before commissions and committees. The applicant is required to submit designations of support (or opposition) from property owners in the district. Ultimately, the process ends in a vote by Cincinnati City Council.

This means a lot to our street, and, I hope, to our neighborhood. It means that Bella Vista will be more attractive to families, and less attractive to disreputable landlords and speculators. It means that the beauty and charms of Bella Vista will be better secured for another generation. And it means that the City of Cincinnati officially recognizes that this little, integrated cul-de-sac of generations of strivers of different races, political affiliations, religions, (dis)abilities and circumstances is an important and special place.

I owe an immense debt to my Bella Vista neighbors who remained steadfast and active in their support. To a person, they are an incredible group of people that I am privileged to live amongst. They are the best part of this beautiful place.

I owe a debt of gratitude to Vice Mayor Christopher Smitherman for his counsel and encouragement, to Council Member Jeff Pastor for his support and taking time to visit us before the District vote, to Council Member Greg Landsman for assisting us in navigating rough bureaucratic waters, and to the entirety of City Council, as well as the Mayor, John Cranley.

I also must thank Dr. Rea Waldon under whose leadership as President the Bond Hill Community Council voted to sponsor our application for historic designation.

I owe an unbelievable debt to my husband and partner, Wei Liu. Without his support, counsel and endless toil, I could have achieved nothing.

I’m humbled, grateful and very, very happy.