🏗️ Fee freeze

Good morning, Hamilton County. The cost of progress is making headlines as Cincinnati City Council unanimously rejected proposed increases to planning commission fees that would have jumped by 50-150%. In a rare moment of complete agreement, council members voiced concerns that higher fees would disadvantage smaller developers and contradict the city's housing goals. The decision highlights Cincinnati's delicate balancing act between budget realities and development priorities in a housing market that continues to challenge both builders and buyers.

A different kind of challenge faces hundreds of local workers as significant cuts hit Cincinnati's National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health facilities. Some 165 union members learned they'll lose their jobs by June 30, with supervisors at two local laboratories immediately placed on administrative leave. The reductions are part of broader federal workforce changes that have drawn criticism from local representatives concerned about both the immediate human impact and longer-term public health implications.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Cincinnati

44°

81°

84%

Norwood

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84%

Forest Park

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Sharonville

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Blue Ash

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Loveland

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Harrison

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Springdale

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Montgomery

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Reading

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North College Hill

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Madeira

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Wyoming

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Cheviot

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Mount Healthy

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏗️ Cincinnati rejects developer fee hikes in unanimous vote. City Council members shot down an ordinance that would have increased planning commission fees by 50-150%, which hadn't been raised in a decade. Officials worried higher fees would disadvantage smaller developers and contradict the city's housing goals. The administration had proposed the increases to recover more planning department costs. Councilman Jeff Cramerding noted that despite budget challenges, raising fees would send the wrong message about the city's commitment to increasing housing units.

🏢 Trump administration cuts put 400 Cincinnati health jobs on chopping block. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health employees learned Tuesday that 165 union members will lose their jobs by June 30. Supervisors at two local NIOSH laboratories were immediately placed on administrative leave, losing access to their offices. The cuts are part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to eliminate 20,000 positions from the Department of Health and Human Services. Rep. Greg Landsman criticized the move as "pure chaos" that makes Americans "less healthy and less safe."

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Luxury Hyde Park condo views: For $425,000, this 1,700-square-foot Regency condo offers panoramic Hyde Park views, updated kitchen, spacious owner's suite, and building amenities including gym, pool, and concierge services, all less than a mile from shopping and dining.

Serene oasis with space galore: This private $369,900 property features new furnace, water heater, four-season room with fireplace, and multiple water features, plus additional living space that could serve as an apartment for aging parents or college students.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍻 Apr. 2 - $2 Draft Happy Hour: Unwind after work with wallet-friendly sips at Happy Hour on Madison Road! Enjoy $2 16oz drafts Monday through Friday, April 2nd at 1526 Madison Rd in Cincinnati.

📚 Apr. 2 - Books & Brews Club: Grab a pint and talk page-turners at Pages and Pints Book Club! Join fellow readers at Fibonacci Brewing Company on April 2 for lively literary discussions paired with craft beer.

🍺 Apr. 2 - $4 Guinness Happy Hour: Quench your thirst at The Pitch with $4 Guinness all day, every day! Stop by this Central Parkway gem on April 2nd and enjoy wallet-friendly pints in a lively neighborhood atmosphere.

🍷 Apr. 3 - Prisoner Wine Dinner Experience: Indulge in culinary bliss at McCormick & Schmick's on April 3 with their exclusive five-course dinner featuring The Prisoner Wine Company pairings. Reserve your spot at 21 E 5th St in Cincinnati!

🍺 Apr. 3 - $4 Guinness Happy Hour: Raise your glass at The Pitch for $4 Guinness all day, every day! Stop by this Cincinnati hotspot on April 3rd and enjoy happy hour specials at 1430 Central Pkwy.

🍳 Apr. 4 - Cafe Alma Brunch: Fuel your weekend at Cafe Alma's delightful Brunch on April 4! Savor morning delights at 6111 Montgomery Rd in Cincinnati where community and culinary magic come together.

🍳 Apr. 04 - 6 'N The Mornin' Brunch: Kick off your Thursday with mouthwatering flavors at 6 'N The Mornin' / 6 @ Nite's Brunch! Join the delicious fun on April 4th at 1535 Madison Rd, Cincinnati for a mid-day feast worth waking up for.

📚 Apr. 5 - Saturday Morning Session: Perfect your swing at Reeves Golf Course this Saturday! Join Session 1 on April 5 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at 4757 Playfield Lane in Cincinnati for some springtime golfing fun.

🙏 In Remembrance

RANDY WOODALL

Randy "Ran" Woodall, 47, passed away on March 26, 2025, in Independence, KY, after being born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1977. He dedicated 29 years of his career to Mazak Corporation after studying at Cincinnati State. Randy was an enthusiastic Cincinnati sports fan, particularly of the Reds and Bengals, and had a special passion for Camaros and gaming. He is survived by his parents Willard and Jennie, his brother Scott, and nephews Elliott and Emmett, with services scheduled for April 3, 2025, at Jackman Hensley Funeral Home in Harrison, Ohio.

LISA ROELL

Lisa Kay Roell, 57, of West Harrison, Indiana, died unexpectedly on March 25, 2025, in Harrison, Ohio. Born on September 13, 1967, in Hamilton, Ohio, she was remembered during a visitation held on April 1, 2025, at Jackman Hensley Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial took place the following day at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Harrison, with burial following at St. John Cemetery.

CLARA DRAGAN

Clara E. "Nubby" Dragan, 77, of West Harrison, Indiana, passed away on March 26, 2025, in Loveland, Ohio. She was born on October 2, 1947, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Visitation services were held on March 31, 2025, from 5 p.m. until the funeral services at 7 p.m. The services took place at Jackman Hensley Funeral Home in Harrison, Ohio.

GERALD BRANDITZ

Gerald H. Branditz, 83, passed away on March 28, 2025, after a 33-year career with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department following his service in the U.S. Army. He was deeply involved in youth baseball, serving nine years as president of Harrison Junior Baseball and working security for Cincinnati Reds games. Gerry was active in multiple veterans' organizations and was a past president of F.O.P. Lodge 84. He is survived by his three sons, five grandchildren, one great-grandson, and his sister, while being preceded in death by his parents.

JANET WILHELM-MYLES

Janet Rose Wilhelm-Myles passed away on March 29, 2025, at age 72. She was preceded in death by her husband Phillip Myles, her parents Richard and Mary Alice Wilhelm, and two brothers. Janet is survived by her stepson Tony Myles, eight siblings, two brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Services will be held on April 8 at Neidhard-Minges Funeral Home followed by Mass at St. John Catholic Church in Harrison, Ohio, with burial in the church cemetery.