Brian Lamar - Columbia Township Trustee

13/05/2026

Happy 513 Day! Notes from the May 12 trustees meeting at the Columbia Township Community Center.

Lengthy post - I hope all Columbia Township residents will read this.

We welcomed Hamilton County Auditor Jessica Miranda from Hamilton County, Ohio Auditor's Office, who is visiting communities across the county and called our Community Center one of the best meeting spaces she’s seen. She thanked our staff for being responsive partners and shared how her office can support local governments with property and financial data. Her team also launched a new, much‑improved website: https://www.hamiltoncountyauditor.org/. I’ll write another post soon that focuses just on her presentation and the new tools they’re offering.

We also heard from the new president at The Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori, a school located in Madison Place near my home. Deacon Nathan Beiersdorfer shared their vision for transforming the playground. After a recent spring fundraiser, they’re working to replace an aging wooden play structure that’s starting to deteriorate, with screws and splinters becoming a safety concern. They hope to repair and patch the concrete walkways, add a drinking fountain, and create shaded seating—possibly with a shade sail—so families have a more comfortable place to gather. They’re partnering with a company that specializes in natural playscapes, with plans for logs, climbing features, and other elements that fit the look and feel of their beautiful 13‑acre campus rather than installing a bright plastic structure. I was asked to help lead the conversation on how Columbia Township can partner with the school to make this a truly great, welcoming neighborhood park for everyone. When school is not in session, this park is open to all residents and has been available for a number of years.

We’re also teaming up with Hamilton County and the Village of Mariemont to plan and design a safer, better intersection where Plainville meets Murray (by the Murray Path). This is the spot where the final segment of the Murray Path will cross Plainville, so we want to redesign the intersection now to make that crossing highly visible and safe for people walking and biking. Most of you know that this intersection has always been challenging with 6 different roads connecting and now a trail.

Because part of the intersection is in Columbia Township/County jurisdiction and part is in Mariemont, we’re signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that basically says we’ll work together, share information and expertise, and coordinate the design and construction. The MOU itself doesn’t force anyone to spend money yet and isn’t legally binding for funding; it just sets the roles and expectations so we can jointly seek outside funding, including a 2026 Hamilton County Metro Transit Infrastructure Fund grant, with Mariemont as the official project sponsor.

Construction updates:
* After more than a year, Muchmore is finally open—and it looks great.
* Cambridge Avenue reconstruction is complete, and the new parking lot is open with trees, lighting, and signage. A new walkway will be created from the parking lot to Murray Avenue between Danny Boy and Mariemont Veterinary Clinic.

Grace Avenue construction has started and is on schedule. We’ll be putting up signage soon to help visitors understand where they can park during construction.

We are applying for grants for Highland Avenue sidewalk improvements to construct a new ADA‑accessible sidewalk from METRO bus stops at Ridge Road and Highland Avenue to provide direct, accessible pedestrian access to the future new home of Meals on Wheels Southwest OH & Northern KY. We’re also seeking funding for road resurfacing and sidewalk repairs on Ashley Oaks Drive, Ashley View Drive, and Ashley Meadows Court.

We approved a contract with Ketchum & Walton Company for installation of an acoustic panel system at the Columbia Community Center. This commercial acoustic fabric panel system will help moderate sound levels and make the space more comfortable for public meetings, town halls, township events, resident events, business meetings, nonprofit groups, and more.

We authorized Ford Development to add on‑street parking to Orchard Street to help alleviate parking challenges in the neighborhood.

Economic and community development:

Columbia Township is proposing to provide 25,000 dollars (from business‑generated, non‑levy funds) to the Community Improvement Corporation of Greater Cincinnati to help the nonprofit The Mariemont Theatre by Cindependent reopen and operate the Mariemont Theatre. In total, Columbia Township, Mariemont, and Fairfax would each contribute 25,000 dollars as part of a matching commitment, alongside a much larger fundraising effort (roughly –$1,000,000) to bring the theater back to life.

The theater is seen as a key local and regional asset sitting right between our three communities and close to our Plainville Business District and Community Center. The idea is that a reopened, independent theater will draw visitors, support nearby businesses, and add to the quality of life for our residents. In return for our support, we’ve asked for tangible benefits for Columbia Township residents, like discounted tickets, special promotions, and “Columbia Township nights” at the theater, plus potential children’s and outdoor movie events tied into places like Good Shepherd Church.

I’ll write another post about my perspective on supporting local businesses—both within and just outside Columbia Township—and I welcome any feedback or questions you have on these efforts.

Link to watch the meeting: https://vimeo.com/1191823319

12/05/2026

We have our May Board of Trustees meeting today at 4:00.

One thing to announce beforehand is that the new parking lot on Cambridge is officially open for Madison Place businesses and our community center. It’s beautiful and a lot of appreciate goes to our township staff primarily Krista for securing multiple grants so that no taxpayer money went to creating this and to Dustin our road supervisor who has been managing all the work in the area including both Cambridge and Grace reconstruction. This should greatly help the businesses around Grace Ave as construction continues.

24/04/2026

24/04/2026

Columbia Township residents – check your mailboxes!

Our Spring 2026 issue of The VOICE should now be arriving at your home. If you haven’t received it by next week, please let us know so we can make sure you’re on the mailing list.

Here’s a quick look at what’s inside:

This Saturday, April 25th, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office is hosting a DEA Drug Take Back Day from 10AM-2PM at the Columbia Community Center.

Community Spotlight: A feature on May We Help, the incredible local nonprofit designing custom devices for people with disabilities, plus highlights of the McGing Irish Dancers.

Columbia Connector Trail: Updates on the new 1.6‑mile multi‑use trail that will link our community to the Little Miami Scenic Trail and CROWN Cincinnati.

Community Center Events: Coverage of our St. Patrick’s Day celebration and details on the Flying Pig Marathon Watch Party at the new Community Center rooftop.

Voting Update: Important information on the new polling location at the Columbia Community Center starting with the November election (May voting stays at your usual location).

Award‑Winning Water: A deep dive into the history of our region’s drinking water and why our water quality is so highly regarded.

You can also view recent issues of The VOICE online by scanning the QR code printed on the back page of the newsletter.

15/04/2026

Notes from April 14 trustees meeting at the Columbia Township Community Center.

We welcomed special guest Elizabeth Maier, candidate for Ohio House District 27, and talked about how important strong partnerships are between the township, our neighbors, and state leaders.

Fiscal Officer Caroline Heekin shared that our business districts continue to cover more than 80% of the cost of township public services, which helps us maintain high service levels while keeping the burden lower for residents.

Administrator Melissa Taylor gave a big update on infrastructure: Cambridge Avenue is wrapping up as one of our most significant road projects, with final paving, landscaping, and new safety lighting (for the new parking lot) finishing over the next couple of weeks. Grace Avenue construction will start this week and continue through October, and we’ve been working closely with residents and businesses to minimize disruption while improving safety, parking, and access.

We approved this year’s crack‑sealing and micro‑resurfacing program so we can extend the life of township roads in a cost‑effective way and keep our streets safe and smooth.

We also authorized the purchase of a long‑vacant parcel at Ridge and Highland from Meals on Wheels, using non‑levy TIF funds, to create an attractive gateway with a monument sign that will highlight our local employers, small businesses, and township events.

Police Lt. Robin Reid reminded everyone about the DEA Drug Takeback event on April 25 at the Community Center and shared some positive leadership changes that will bring even more expertise— including a dedicated drone operator—into our patrols.

On a lighter note, we’ve got a neighborhood social coming up on April 23 and our popular Flying Pig Marathon watch party on May 3, with breakfast, a great view of the race, and even a visit from a rescue pig.

Our latest newsletter is in the mail and you should receive it over the next week or so - it is probably the best and most thorough newsletter we've created so keep an eye out for it!

I’m grateful to live in a community that invests in safe streets, strong partnerships, and vibrant business districts—and I’m thankful for the residents, businesses, and regional partners who make this work possible

08/04/2026

I spent some time this morning walking around the Madison Place business district with a few of our team members — Road Superintendent Dustin Frazier, Administrator Melissa Taylor, and Fiscal Officer Caroline Heekin.

We took a close look at the Madison Place business district and brainstormed ways to improve signage and parking to better support our local businesses (and residents). It’s a tricky challenge given the limited parking and the unique layout along Grace Avenue, but I left the walk feeling encouraged and optimistic.

We have some great (and many unique) ideas on the table, and our goal is simple: to make things as easy as possible for both our residents and our business community — many of whom are our neighbors right here in Madison Place.

Note that this will start in a couple of weeks.

05/04/2026

Here are a few construction updates for Madison Place, focusing on Cambridge and Grace Avenues.

On Cambridge Avenue, we’ll be planting grass, repairing some soil and trees (week of 4/6) and finishing the final asphalt paving (week of April 20) in the next couple of weeks—work we delayed until spring. The new parking lot on Cambridge will open soon, pending Duke Energy’s light connections.

On Grace Avenue, we recently awarded the road construction contract, and the team held its pre-construction meeting last week. Mobilization is set for April 15, with staging at the open lot at Grove and Grace. Work will begin the following week with water main installation, expected to wrap up by October, weather permitting. Since this area hasn’t seen major work in decades, unexpected issues could arise.

All businesses will remain open during construction, though parking will be limited. We’ll share updates soon to help residents and visitors find convenient alternatives. Expect heavier use of the Cambridge lot and nearby streets—thank you for your patience as we continue improving the neighborhood!

26/03/2026

This post is a little different than most and it's about the history of Madison Place, focusing on the old firehouse on Murray Rd which is now our community center. I summarized much of this from a podcast we did with historian Beth Sullebarger.

If you grew up in Madison Place, you know the old firehouse on Murray Road has never been “just a building.” For decades it was where life happened – emergencies were answered, kids stared wide‑eyed at the fire trucks, and neighbors came together in good times and bad.

Madison Place was platted in 1910–1911 and grew through the 1930s and 40s into a tight‑knit, working‑ and middle‑class community. By 1941, the neighborhood needed its own fire protection, and the Madison Place Fire Department was created in a rented building. In 1947 the township raised enough money to build the firehouse on Murray, later expanding it in 1978 as the community grew. The department merged with Fairfax in 1996 and Newtown in 2003, and the station finally closed in 2013 when the new firehouse opened on Wooster Pike in Fairfax, which serves the community today.

For generations, the firehouse was one of three anchors of Madison Place, along with the neighborhood church and school. Large families packed into modest two‑ and three‑bedroom homes, and their social lives revolved around ball teams, parish events, and the firehouse. The firefighters were neighbors – people you saw at the store or in the pews – and they often sat in the open bay doors, talking with anyone who walked by.

Inside, living at the firehouse felt like living at home: training, maintaining equipment, cooking, laundry, cleaning, and running mostly EMS calls filled their days. Firefighting itself was a small share of their work, but every interview with former firefighters comes back to the same motive: they wanted to help people. Many held other full‑time jobs and saw fire service as both a way to get ahead and a way to give back. Off‑duty, they built a brotherhood around pool, ping‑pong, cards, and constant joking and camaraderie.

For the neighborhood, the firehouse was a true “go‑to” place. It hosted court proceedings, vaccinations, voting, club meetings, weddings, parties, and Halloween events. During the brutal 1977–78 blizzards, firefighters checked on residents, let people know which local markets were open, and even picked up and delivered groceries and medicine. Former chiefs like Bob Wendell not only responded to calls but bought nearby houses to rent to firefighters and carefully collected documents and photos to preserve the firehouse’s story.

Over time, both the fire service and the neighborhood changed. Equipment and safety standards improved; crews became more inclusive; and sleeping quarters and working conditions became more professional. Meanwhile, some churches and schools closed, older residents moved or passed away, and more singles moved in, even as the core strengths of Madison Place—walkable streets, homes with character, and a strong sense of place—remained. In recent years, the area has seen a real renaissance, with new families and singles, more diversity, and expanding local businesses.

As of August 2025, the Madison Place firehouse is open and alive again as Columbia Township’s community hub. After years of planning and a state grant that required us to document and honor its history, the building now serves as our township headquarters, town hall, community and senior center, and event center. For the first time, Columbia Township has a true home base in our own community instead of borrowing space elsewhere.

From the start, the vision was “different look, different personality – but SAME FEEL.” That meant preserving the essence of the old firehouse even as we added modern offices, accessible restrooms, an elevator, updated systems, and flexible event space. Historic research by preservation consultant Beth Sullebarger is built into the design through “experience” spaces and displays that tell the story of the firehouse, its firefighters, and Madison Place itself. Memorabilia, photos, and documents from neighbors and former firefighters help make sure the past is visible and respected, not covered up.

Most importantly, we have brought back the building’s original purpose as a community anchor. Today the firehouse hosts township meetings, neighborhood events, graduation parties, kids’ activities, and private rentals like birthday parties, showers, and receptions for Columbia Township residents and others in the region. We are already seeing what local leaders hoped for: regular gatherings, from yoga and “mommy and me” groups to game nights and watch parties, that make the building part of everyday life again. On warm days, doors open to the street, people walk or bike over from nearby blocks, and the place feels like what it has always been at its best—a spot where you bump into neighbors and stay longer than you planned.

In other words, the Madison Place firehouse has entered its second act without losing its soul. It is no longer staffed by volunteers waiting on the next alarm, but it is still a place where people come to take care of each other and strengthen our sense of community. With the building active and buzzing, our shared work now is to keep using it—for township business, neighborhood celebrations, and the everyday connections that make Columbia Township feel like home.