Norwood City Councilwoman Susan Hoover, Chair of the Housing, Health and Public Safety Committee, has been working with Xavier University and some local special interest groups to return our city to multifamily dwellings by allowing A.D.U.s (Accessory Dwelling Units) in backyards. Owners and investors would be permitted to renovate garages, build tiny houses or place trailers in their back yards for renters. On 8/24/22, Susan Hoover and her special interest groups presented A.D.U.s at a public meeting. A.D.U.s were being sold to the citizens as affordable housing for seniors or boomerang kids. The affordable part was quickly debunked. If Norwood City Council ever allows these housing units on our lots, they will be used for market priced rentals by absentee landlords and even more Xavier student housing. Xavier University's influence and sales pitch was front and center at the meeting.  It has been reported that Xavier has a shortage of on campus housing for their students.

Here are a few facts to consider:

1.  Population density for comparison: Norwood 6048/sq mile vs. Cincinnati 4008/sq mile

2.  At the 9/13/22 Housing Committee meeting, Chairwoman Susan Hoover confirmed there has been no impact study done to determine if our 100+ year old already overburdened sewer system could withstand additional residents.

3.  Chairwoman Hoover also confirmed at the same meeting that neither the Chiefs of the N.P.D. nor the N.F.D. has submitted a report detailing the potential impact on resident’s safety and services. 

Tiny houses in backyards could decrease our property values, increase street flooding, create privacy and safety issues.  Several homeowners spoke against allowing ADUs at the 9/13 committee meeting. The chair of the committee, Susan Hoover will not budge on this issue. Help us stand against this ridiculous program. We've worked too hard to reverse the negative impact of  too many multi-family and boarding houses. The path for reclaiming our neighborhoods is the only reason many of you live here today.