Posted by The Dean of Cincinnati

When Jose Guzman purchased a building about a year ago, the plan was to renovate it and convert it to living space for low income Seniors, aged 62 and older.  Additionally, Guzman planned on including in his rehab—at no additional cost to the City—a facility suitable to house a police substation.  Unfortunately, when the Westwood Civic Association voted down the project, they didn’t even speak with Guzman to learn the details of the project. 

"We were going to give (police) over 2,000 square feet complete with free internet and surveillance,” said Guzman.  “(We thought) their presence would definitely help decrease the crime rate in that area and attract more of our elders that could bring steadier income into the City.”

Without ever hearing the details of Guzman’s plans, Westwood sent the following notice to City Hall:

From: Jim and Irene McNulty
To: “Grace, Dawn” ; Michael Cervay ; Roxanne Qualls ; Cecil Thomas ; Chris Bortz ; Chris Monzel ; David Crowley ; Jeff Berding ; John Cranley ; Leslie Ghiz ; Y. Laketa Cole
Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2008 11:26:02 PM
Subject: Rental Rehab Program

7/13/08

Attn: City of Cincinnati Community Development Department-

On July 8, 2008 the board of directors of the Westwood Civic Association voted to oppose the application for the Rental Rehab Program for 2570 Harrison Ave. (Imperial House Apartments)

I have already contacted the owner, Mr. Guzman, by email to inform him of the vote.

As you know, Westwood has a large number and percentage of apartments, and a high vacancy rate.  The market in this part of town is saturated with multi-family housing.  The Rental Rehab Program for this property would not be a fit for our neighborhood at this time.  We are working toward a higher ratio of single-family owner-occupied homes in Westwood.

We are working on our new strategic plan for Westwood, and you can be assured that this housing goal will be a major part of the finished plan.

Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to continue our close working relationship with your department to make Westwood and Cincinnati the best they can be.

Sincerely,

Jim McNulty
President
Westwood Civic Association

Guzman said he never heard anything about his proposal until the email from Westwood saying it got shot down.  That, and the time “a nasty city inspector” came to the renovation location, “stating that he was going to shut us down just because he felt like it.”

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