LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: Drees Homes

  • A Grailville up-date: Commission didn’t vote but plenty of optimism

    A Grailville up-date: Commission didn’t vote but plenty of optimism

    Batavia, Ohio – About 20 local residents, members of both the Grail and the Grail Land Preservation Group made the trek to Batavia and the Clermont County Commissioners meeting Wednesday morning to show support for a grant application that needs the support of the Commission. There was no vote because the resolution was not finalized, however, both President Bonnie Batchler and member Claire Corcoran listened attentively as Andy Dickerson from the Cardinal Land Conservancy made a presentation followed by several residents from Loveland and Greater Cincinnati espousing the benefits they see if the remaining Grail land is preserved as greenspace in perpetuity.

    The hold up on having a resolution in front of the Commissioners was because Commissioner David Painter could not attend and it was expressed that there were one or two remaining questions before a vote was taken.

    This LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video is Dickerson talking to supporters after the presentation was concluded. Dickerson expects a resolution will be voted on next week when Painter can attend.

    Both the City of Loveland and Miami Township governing bodies have previously voted their unanimous support for the Cardinal Land Conservancy seeking a grant from the State of Ohio’s Clean Ohio Conservation Fund to purchase the remaining 89 acres of Grailville land. (Second step in securing grant money to preserve Grailville a success)

    More at 11 as they say

    Loveland Magazine will be publishing speeches from citizens as they passionately urged the Commission to support the grant application. You will hear their unique perspectives on why the Grailville land is so important as greenspace, and a tourism attraction for Loveland, Miami Township, and Clermont County. There were discussions of the positive financial impact on the area, and Grailville’s important cultural past that can be preserved and continue into the decades to come.

    _________________

    For background: History of Grailville – The Grailville Archive

  • Second step in securing grant money to preserve Grailville a success

    Second step in securing grant money to preserve Grailville a success

    David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    Miami Township and Loveland, Ohio – “The members of the Grail Land Preservation Group in attendance were excited by the unanimous support of the Miami Township Trustees. The opportunity for open green space to be protected in perpetuity has been a desire for many group members,” said Loveland resident Sharon Scovanner.

    The quest to get formal support from three government jurisdictions moved to step two last evening when the Miami Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously to give their stamp of approval. Andy Dickerinson with The Cardinal Land Conservancy, based in Miami Township, appeared at the township meeting to explain the proposal and answer any questions. His appearance was probably unnecessary as both Ken Tracy and  Mary Makley Wolff, as well as Township Administrator Jeff Wright spoke enthusiastically about the Grailville land remaining greenspace.

    Loveland City Council voted their unanimous support in June. The next step is to seek the support of the Clermont County Commissioners. (Council endorses request by residents for Grailville grant application filing)

    The Cardinal Land Conservancy and many Loveland and Miami Township residents are asking local governments to lend their support to a plan that could save 89 acres at Grailville as dedicated green space in perpetuity. Dickerson, on behalf of the Conservancy, is requesting votes of support for a grant application that would be submitted to the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, to purchase 89 acres of the Grail property.

    This is the site where Drees Homes was denied the zoning change they requested in 2022 after local residents filled Planning and Zoning chambers to urge that the site be protected. The Kentucky home builder had requested the land become a Special Planning District which could have allowed 209 homes on the site. The same parcel is also where the Loveland City School District proposed building a campus until the funding they wanted was denied by voters in 2019. The site is bounded by O’Bannonville Road and State Route 48 (Oakland Road).

    After the re-zoning Drees requested was denied, local Grail members and other local residents coalesced to find the solution. The Grailville Land Preservation Group worked together to stop the zoning change Drees wanted.

    If the grant application is successful, the 89 acres of land would be deeded as dedicated green space in perpetuity. The proposed purchase by the conservancy would be adjacent to the 100-acre Clermont County Park District property, which was also acquired from the Grail using Clean Ohio funding.

    Scovanner added, “It has always been our hope that the land will be preserved to respect not only the legacy of the Grail and their members past and present, but to also be a gift to future generations. We appreciate our partnership with Cardinal and look forward to garnering support from the Clermont County Commissioners as the next step in the process.”

    In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, Andy Dickerson explains the details of the grant and what he was asking the Miami Township Trustees to do.

    For background: History of Grailville – The Grailville Archive

  • Council endorses request by residents for Grailville grant application filing

    Council endorses request by residents for Grailville grant application filing

    The request must still go before Miami Township and Clermont County leaders

    David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – On Tuesday the Loveland City Council approved a request by the Cardinal Land Conservancy to put their mark of support on a plan that could save 89 acres at Grailville as dedicated green space in perpetuity. Andy Dickerson, on behalf of the Conservancy, appeared at the meeting requesting a vote of support for a grant application that would be submitted to the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, for funding the purchase of the 89 acres of Grail property that is within the city’s corporation boundaries.

    After their successful effort to convince Loveland Council to support the plan they worked on for a year, some members of the Grailville Land Preservation Group posed for a photo. Laurie Kiley, Kevin Kiley, Sharon Scovanner, Andy Dickerson, Elizabeth Murphy, Elizabeth Robinson, Mary Lu Lageman, Jamie Smith, and Loretta Rokey.

    After Council unanimously approved the request Dickerson expressed caution because the Conservancy will still need the support of the Miami Township Trustees and the Clermont County Commissioners.

    This is the site where Drees Homes was denied the zoning change they requested in 2022 after local residents filled Planning and Zoning chambers to urge that the site be protected. The Kentucky home builder had requested the land become a Special Planning District which could have allowed 209 homes on the site. The same parcel is also where the Loveland City School District proposed building a campus until the funding they wanted was denied by voters in 2019. The site is bounded by O’Bannonville Road and State Route 48 (Oakland Road).

    After the re-zoning Drees requested was denied, local Grail members and other local residents coalesced to find the solution that was presented to City Council on Tuesday. Many of them sat in council chambers to hear the presentation.

    The Grailville Land Preservation Group worked together to stop the zoning change for Drees. Four members of the conservation subcommittee of the larger group consisted of Lauren Enda, Kevin Kiley, Jamie Smith, and Sharon Scovanner.

    Sharon Scovanner told Loveland Magazine today, “I want to make it clear that both the big group and our subcommittee were very important to our success. This was a case of many members of the community coming together with the goal of preserving the land. We are grateful that ‘corporate’ Grail agreed to provide a 25% match for the grant and to the local Grail women, several of who worked alongside us wanted to find a solution. Of course, we have been honored to partner with Cardinal to help facilitate an agreement that is good for the Grail and the community.”

    For background: History of Grailville – The Grailville Archive

    If the grant application is successful, the 89 acres of land would be deeded as dedicated green space in perpetuity. The proposed purchase by the conservancy would be adjacent to the 100-acre Clermont County Park District property, which was also acquired from the Grail using Clean Ohio funding.

    In this first LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, Andy Dickerson explains the details of the grant and what he was asking the Council to do.

    In this second LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, Council members ask questions and vote on the resolution of support.

    In this third LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, residents and Grail members spoke with cautious optimism about the first public step they made in announcing the plan they had worked toward since Drees first proposed building 209 homes on the site.

    About Cardinal Land Conservancy

    Their address is 790 Garfield Avenue in Milford.

    Cardinal Land Conservancy is a private, nonprofit, 501c3 tax-exempt conservation organization, incorporated in September 1999 under the laws of the state of Ohio. Cardinal is a member of the Land Trust Alliance (LTA), a national organization, and Coalition of Ohio Land Trusts (COLT). Cardinal earned LTA accreditation in 2019 and uses LTA’s “Land Trust Standards and Practices” to guide our work as we grow. This accreditation confirms that Cardinal practices sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.

    Cardinal Land Conservancy, formerly known as the Citizen’s Land Conservancy of Hamilton County (“the Conservancy”), is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) land preservation organization and land trust. Cardinal holds the title to 11 nature preserves.

    Cardinal Land Conservancy is a land conservancy in Southwest Ohio whose mission is to preserve natural habitats, waterways, agricultural lands, and open space in Southwest Ohio.

    We protect and restore natural lands with significant habitats that support native wildlife and create scenic vistas for public enjoyment, as well as agricultural lands suitable for the production of food, timber, or other cultivated or natural products. Cardinal acquires conservation interests in real properties which it then monitors and stewards in perpetuity. These include conservation easements, fee simple title, and other conservation interests which are acquired through donations and purchases guided by, and executed through, Cardinal. Once obtained, Cardinal monitors and otherwise stewards the properties and interests through regular oversight, periodic assessment and, if needed, protective action and legal defense. Our service area includes the Southwestern Ohio counties: Adams, Brown, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, Highland, and Warren.

    Rinsky Woods Nature Preserve

    Clermont County

    There are few woods like this in the world. Those woods that exist are found only in Southwest Ohio and Southeast Indiana. Rinksy Woods is the second largest woods of this kind in the world. In fact, it has been designated as an Ohio Natural Landmark by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. These wet flat woods are adjacent to Stonelick State Park, adding to an admirable stretch of greenspace in the area. Details & Trail Map

    Todd’s Fork Nature Preserve

    Clinton County

    Native prairies give way to a 100+ acre woods on this preserve, which also includes the Todd’s Fork of the Little Miami River. Cardinal has several stewardship projects ongoing here including maintenance of the prairie. Maintenance includes prescribed burning which is meant to discourage unwanted invasive plants on an annual basis. Details & Trail Map

    Kope Hollow Nature Preserve

    Brown County

    In Southeast Brown County, the Kope formation (a bedrock formation unique to Southern Ohio and Indiana) runs through incredibly diverse woods. A recent native plant survey listed over 100 native species. This property is also graced with five waterfalls that contribute to Roup’s Run. This water flows into the Ohio River just beyond the bounds of the property. Details & Trail Map

    Bortz Family Nature Preserve

    Hamilton County

    This 119-acre preserve offers respite in deep and cool woods along with views of the wide Ohio and of the Little Miami’s emerald shores. This land appeals to both humans and wildlife because of its diversity. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources determined that this land is likely the home of the endangered Indiana Bat and several endangered species of mussels. Overlooking the confluence of these two great rivers is an American Bald Eagle nest, atop a towering cottonwood tree. Our eagles can be viewed by our Eagle Camera from January to June! Details & Trail Map

    Read about the other nature preserve of the Cardinal Land Conservancy.

    Send email to lovelandmagazine@cinci.rr.com
  • 89 acres of Grailville could become dedicated green space in perpetuity

    89 acres of Grailville could become dedicated green space in perpetuity

    The House of Joy at Grailville (Loveland Magazine 2005 file photo)

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – On Tuesday, City Council will be asked to support a grant application that will be submitted by the Cardinal Land Conservancy to the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, for funding to purchase 89 acres of the remaining Grail property that is within the city’s corporation boundaries.

    This is the site where Drees Homes was denied the zoning change they requested in 2022 after local residents filled Planning and Zoning chambers to urge that the site be protected. The Kentucky home builder had requested the land become a Special Planning District which could have allowed 209 homes on the site. The same parcel is also where the Loveland City School District proposed building a campus until the funding they wanted was denied by voters in 2019.

    The site is bounded by O’Bannonville Road and State Route 48 (Oakland Road).

    After the re-zoning Drees requested was denied, local Grail members and other local residents coalesced to find the solution that will be presented to City Council on Tuesday.

    For background: History of Grailville – The Grailville Archive

    If acquired by the conservancy, the 89 acres of land would be deeded as dedicated green space in perpetuity. The proposed purchase by the conservancy would be adjacent to the 100-acre Clermont County Park District property, which was also acquired from the Grail using Clean Ohio funding.

    House of Joy at Grailville (Loveland Magazine 2009 file photo)

    The Conservancy is proposing to portion off the area surrounding the existing structures to allow them to be renovated and utilized for their offices and community meeting space.

    Cardinal Conservancy and the Grail will be notified if the application is successfully funded sometime this fall, according to City Manager Dave Kennedy in a memo to Council. The resolution requires no financial contribution from the city.

    About Cardinal Land Conservancy

    Their address is 790 Garfield Avenue in Milford.

    Cardinal Land Conservancy is a private, nonprofit, 501c3 tax-exempt conservation organization, incorporated in September 1999 under the laws of the state of Ohio. Cardinal is a member of the Land Trust Alliance (LTA), a national organization, and Coalition of Ohio Land Trusts (COLT). Cardinal earned LTA accreditation in 2019 and uses LTA’s “Land Trust Standards and Practices” to guide our work as we grow. This accreditation confirms that Cardinal practices sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.

    Cardinal Land Conservancy, formerly known as the Citizen’s Land Conservancy of Hamilton County (“the Conservancy”), is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) land preservation organization and land trust. Cardinal holds the title to 11 nature preserves.

    Cardinal Land Conservancy is a land conservancy in Southwest Ohio whose mission is to preserve natural habitats, waterways, agricultural lands, and open space in Southwest Ohio.

    We protect and restore natural lands with significant habitats that support native wildlife and create scenic vistas for public enjoyment, as well as agricultural lands suitable for the production of food, timber, or other cultivated or natural products. Cardinal acquires conservation interests in real properties which it then monitors and stewards in perpetuity. These include conservation easements, fee simple title, and other conservation interests which are acquired through donations and purchases guided by, and executed through, Cardinal. Once obtained, Cardinal monitors and otherwise stewards the properties and interests through regular oversight, periodic assessment and, if needed, protective action and legal defense. Our service area includes the Southwestern Ohio counties: Adams, Brown, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, Highland, and Warren.

    Rinsky Woods Nature Preserve

    Clermont County

    There are few woods like this in the world. Those woods that exist are found only in Southwest Ohio and Southeast Indiana. Rinksy Woods is the second largest woods of this kind in the world. In fact, it has been designated as an Ohio Natural Landmark by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. These wet flat woods are adjacent to Stonelick State Park, adding to an admirable stretch of greenspace in the area. Details & Trail Map

    Todd’s Fork Nature Preserve

    Clinton County

    Native prairies give way to a 100+ acre woods on this preserve, which also includes the Todd’s Fork of the Little Miami River. Cardinal has several stewardship projects ongoing here including maintenance of the prairie. Maintenance includes prescribed burning which is meant to discourage unwanted invasive plants on an annual basis. Details & Trail Map

    Kope Hollow Nature Preserve

    Brown County

    In Southeast Brown County, the Kope formation (a bedrock formation unique to Southern Ohio and Indiana) runs through incredibly diverse woods. A recent native plant survey listed over 100 native species. This property is also graced with five waterfalls that contribute to Roup’s Run. This water flows into the Ohio River just beyond the bounds of the property. Details & Trail Map

    Bortz Family Nature Preserve

    Hamilton County

    This 119-acre preserve offers respite in deep and cool woods along with views of the wide Ohio and of the Little Miami’s emerald shores. This land appeals to both humans and wildlife because of its diversity. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources determined that this land is likely the home of the endangered Indiana Bat and several endangered species of mussels. Overlooking the confluence of these two great rivers is an American Bald Eagle nest, atop a towering cottonwood tree. Our eagles can be viewed by our Eagle Camera from January to June! Details & Trail Map

    Read about the other nature preserve of the Cardinal Land Conservancy.

  • [Documentary] How Loveland, Ohio’s Simpson Farm was preserved in its pristine beauty

    [Documentary] How Loveland, Ohio’s Simpson Farm was preserved in its pristine beauty

    Loveland, Ohio – Here is a Loveland Magazine Documentary. It is a love story of how 27 years ago the Simpson Farm in the West Loveland Historic District was preserved in its pristine beauty and in perpetuity.

    Local residents banded together and fought hard to establish a 41-acre conservation covenant that was eventually placed on the Simpson Farm deed.

    You will learn how the Drees’ bulldozers and proposed condos eventually lost traction and were steered away from Loveland.

    It was a four-year “labor of love” to keep the acreage in the heart of our “Sweetheart City” untouched by human hands so all future generations of girls and boys could fall in love with it as well.

    You can win the fight against City Hall and “developers” when precious greenspace needs protecting.

    This is a love story. As often happens, love stories often mingle with their nightmares and the familiar sleepless nights. First, the love story though, and perhaps at a later time what the current heartache is.

    (You can view the story in a larger size by using the “+” button.)

    The-Saving-the-Simpson-FarmDownload

    Here you can watch the accompanying video. Featured are the sights and sounds of the wildlife that resides on the “Farm”. The primary reason for the effort that began 25 years ago was to provide a sanctuary and a peaceful place for the animals you see in this video.

    The Restrictive Covenant Establishing the Conservation District

    simpson-farm-deed-restrictionDownload
  • [VIDEO INTERVIEW] Clermont Parks Director talks about their Grailville nature preserve

    [VIDEO INTERVIEW] Clermont Parks Director talks about their Grailville nature preserve

    David Miller is the Publisher and Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Josh Torbeck, the Director of the Clermont Park District met with me mid-morning Wednesday at the site of their newest park. Torbeck said the park on former Grailville land doesn’t have a formal name yet but was pretty confident “Grail” or “Grailville” would be in the official name once a decision is made. Currently, it is listed as “Grailville Nature Preserve” on the District’s website. The address is 1014 O’Bannonville Road, and Loveland City Council recently took steps toward annexing the 100 acres into the City. The land reaches all the way to Route 48 (Oakland Road) and that will most likely be where most visitors will go to enjoy it.

    I asked him to tell you a little about his background and previous experience which he was modest about – but his resume is certainly not modest!

    To find out what was most on the minds of Loveland residents I asked a few residents what questions they would like me to ask Torbeck. One was to ask about what deed restrictions are on the land. Torbeck explained the restrictions as well as the amenities they are allowed to put on 10 acres at the Oakland Road entrance.

    The most pressing issue and question however was whether the District is pursuing, or is there a potential that the adjacent 109 acres, those where the Drees company intended to build 209 homes, would eventually become an addition to the nature preserve. Torbeck gave a candid answer.

    The District also recently received a $260K capital improvement grant from Ohio to be used on the nature preserve and Torbeck talked about the intended uses of those funds.

    The Grailville Archive

    Because posterity may wish to know.

  • Grailville Land Preservation Group asks you to imagine the hopefull future

    Grailville Land Preservation Group asks you to imagine the hopefull future

    by Tom Scovanner – On behalf of the Grailville Land Preservation Group

    Imagine a place just outside of Loveland Ohio that serves as a foundation for an economy powered by outdoor recreation.  Loveland has an opportunity to create a place that will be a beacon of hope and peace, a place where everyone in the community feels welcome and connected, coupled with the opportunity to experience the mental and physical health benefits of being in nature and the sacredness of the land.  According to the Trust for Public Land, ‘Quality parks and green space are a fundamental requirement for sustaining healthy, equitable, resilient communities.’ 

    Drees Homes had hoped to develop 111 acres owned by The Grail since the early 1940’s into a 209-unit housing development.  This rural oasis just outside of Loveland has been a ‘sacred space for women who value peace and care of the earth’ according to The Grail’s website.  

    When members of the community learned of the Drees proposal, an organic, grassroots organization of smart, engaged, well informed and dedicated people went to work to protect the land.  We, the Grailville Land Preservation Group are environmentalists, naturalists, neighbors, lawyers, mothers, fathers and children, Grail members, community leaders and organizers, farmers, business owners, people of faith, historians, and past Grail participants.  While our group is diverse, what brings us together is a visceral desire to protect the land from development.

    We first needed to prevent Drees from getting a zoning change from the current zoning of Residential Low-Density, 1 acre lots.  While Drees states that they intended to “maximize green space” in actuality, Drees’ objective was to build as many houses as possible on the land.  Looking at the topography, some 37 acres are undevelopable; Add in roads and other infrastructure, less than 70 acres are developable for housing.  On those 70 acres, Drees wanted to build 209 houses, more than triple the density currently allowed. 

    The standing room only crowds at the two Planning and Zoning meetings saw over 20 people speaking against the proposal at each meeting and only one person speaking in favor.  Many issues were presented by those who spoke, including the need to maintain greenspace, preserving the unique historic site, demolition of historic buildings, concerns about increased traffic, demands on Loveland’s infrastructure and the costs of the necessary improvements.  Others spoke about the negative revenue stream to the city caused by the increased populations and adding students to the school district already using portable classrooms. 

    Loveland is on the verge of approving a new comprehensive master plan for the city which stipulates it should ‘continue to aggressively preserve land for open space to ensure that our community remains a green haven for our residents and wildlife.’ We agree and desire to partner with like-minded people to accomplish this goal.  

    Yes, Corporate Grail and Drees wanted to change the zoning to build a large compressed housing development because they would both make more money, but the community said no and many individual members of the Grail agreed.

    The members of the Grailville Land Preservation Group have no motives other than honoring the legacy of the Grail and stewarding this land into the future in a way that preserves it for the benefit of all.  We hope to have the opportunity to partner with the Grail to find an alternate path for the Grail land, one that incorporates many of the values that the Grail taught.

    The real story that needs to be told is that everyday citizens living in and around Loveland spoke up to preserve the land and at least for now, preservation triumphed over development.

    Tom Scovanner

    On behalf of the Grailville Land Preservation Group

    To reach out to help protect this sacred land, you can contact us on the Nextdoor app under the group ‘Grailville Land Preservation Group’ or follow our blog at grailvillesacredpathways.substack.com

    EDITOR’S NOTE: After the Loveland Planning and Zoning Commission denied the request by Drees to rezone the property they were going to buy from the Grail the contract between the two parties was not extended. ([Complete Video] Rezoning of Grailville denied)

  • [Complete Video] Rezoning of Grailville denied

    [Complete Video] Rezoning of Grailville denied

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Here are the complete meeting videos from May 4 when the rezoning of the Grailville property was denied to Drees Homes. The Northern Kentucky home builder had requested a map and text change to Loveland’s zoning code to build 209 Drees homes on the 111-acre Graville site.

    If you appreciate these kinds of reports, will you be so kind as to send a contribution our way so Loveland Magazine can keep on keeping on?

    All of the many speeches by local residents are here to watch as well as the one person, a Grail member who supported the rezoning. The rebuttal by the Drees’ representative is also here and the discussion by the Planning Commission which ultimately led them to turn down the re-zoning.

    You can also watch the post-meeting interview with the leaders of the movement to stop the rezoning, Lauren Enda and Sharon Scovanner.

    The Grailville Archive
    Because posterity may wish to know.
  • [Video] Jamie Smith: Grailville brought joy to her mentally and emotionally exhausted family

    [Video] Jamie Smith: Grailville brought joy to her mentally and emotionally exhausted family

    David Miller

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Jamie Smith has lived her entire life in Loveland and raised five sons here. She said she has a “very deep connection” to this place, and her family’s favorite place is Grailville.

    She testified during the May 4 meeting when the Planning and Zoning Commission was deciding whether or not to allow 209 Drees homes on the 111-acre Graville site.

    She speaks of her very stressful lifestyle, most of the time as a single mother, and living with the father of her children who struggled with an opioid addiction his entire adult life. She added that he has been “clean” for the past ten years however the experience of dealing with the addiction within her family was traumatizing.

    She defined her financial situation as havoc and how she has maintained a full-time job and two or three additional part-time jobs for her sons’ entire lives. To be able to be a contributing member of society and a good mom, she designed their lives around something she could afford, spending time in nature. “Not only because it was all we could afford, but because it was healthy and fulfilling,” Smith added. “And it brought joy to a mentally and emotionally exhausted family.”

    She took listeners on a journey with her boys down the Grailville path to the respite of the cool waters of the O’Bannon Creek.

  • [VIDEO] Diane Fisher testifies to be a good daughter and son of Loveland’s Mother Earth

    [VIDEO] Diane Fisher testifies to be a good daughter and son of Loveland’s Mother Earth

    David Miller – Editor and Publisher

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland resident Diane Fisher testified at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on May 4 about the re-zoning of Grailville and a proposed new development near her home on Oak Street.

    Fisher started by expressing how nervous she was about speaking publicly, however, speaking softly and determined told why she chose to live in Loveland, “…enjoying the mental and physical, and spiritual health that being in nature provides.” Referring to the COVID 19 Pandemic she said that activities in nature have proven more important than ever to many people she knows.

    Fisher also noted that it wasn’t lost on her that the meeting was being held in both “No Mow May” and “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

    It wasn’t a rhetorical question Fisher then asked, “How many more lawns filled with pesticides and herbicides, should be allowed, invited, encouraged into our area.”

    “Each of us. Every person is a steward of our community,” Fisher challenged.