New code faces more changes

Eight months after Cincinnati's 41-year-old zoning code was completely rewritten, city planners are back to the map.

The 27 changes under consideration this time are mostly minor, though City Planner Margaret A. Wuerstle said more changes will come as the city irons out the wrinkles of the new code.

The biggest change involves allowing neighborhood groups to freeze development even if they don't have a plan approved by the planning commission.

The planning commission will have a public hearing on the changes Aug. 27.

Radio ads blast Bush on blackout

On the anniversary of America's worst blackout, a coalition of environmental groups, Save Our Environment, will begin running radio ads criticizing President Bush and his administration. On Aug. 14, 2003, parts of the Northeast and Midwest power grid failed, leaving 50 million people without electricity. Save Our Environment, which includes the Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council, among others, will run the ads across the state to tell Ohioans that one year later, the blackout risk remains.

OSU heart hospital opens next month

The $83 million Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital at the Ohio State University Medical Center will begin accepting patients in September after a grand opening planned for Sunday. The five-story, 100-bed heart hospital features six operating rooms, more than 25 procedure suites and all-private rooms.

CONTACT US

To report news, call our tip line at 768-8651.

CORRECTION

Property owners seeking rezoning

Mason property owners and developers want the city to rezone nearly 77 acres from light industrial to a residential planned-unit development. A story in Wednesday's Local News section incorrectly said the Mason City Council wants the city to rezone.