JASON KEITH URBAN PLANNING PORTFOLIO
Jason Keith
653 Parkland Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45244
E University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH Graduation: May 2024 D Anticipated Bachelor of Urban Planning / GPA: 3.95 U Certificate in Historic Preservation List (2019-2021), APA Ohio Student Member C Dean’s Member of the UC Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) A Alpha Lambda Delta: National Honor Society for First-Year Success Participating in the Professional Practice Program, alternating T semesters of classroom study with work in the field of planning. I Clermont High School, Cincinnati, OH O West August 2015 - May 2019 N Honors Diploma / GPA: 4.46 / Rank: 9 Coursework: College Credit Plus (CCP), AP and Honors National Honor Society Member, Varsity Sports Captain
E McBride Dale Clarion, Cincinnati, OH 2021 - December 2021 X August • Served as an assistant to the private sector development team. P • Consulted clients through the entitlements phase of development, including receiving governmental approvals for projects and attending meetings. E • Responsible for researching project background including but not limited to evaluating current zoning regulations, necessary variance proceedings, and making submittals for clients. R I Union Township Planning and Zoning, Cincinnati, OH A June 2020 - August 2021 • Created the search database for the department used to archive zoning documents and N project plans. • Executed administrative tasks including accepting/filing zoning permits and executing C planning and zoning review for new projects. E • Communicated with community about questions/concerns pertaining to property limitations •
and project insight. Assisted in legal proceedings for project variances and township trustee meetings.
Cornerstone Development Inc, New Richmond, OH Summer 2019, Summer 2020 •
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Constructed small scale excavation projects including gravel roadways, water retention lines, plumbing, culverts and retention walls. Operation of heavy equipment for construction purposes. Assisted in bidding process and project brainstorming at new sites.
+1(513)787-9681
A C T I V I T I E S
keithja@mail.uc.edu
UC Army ROTC Program Participating in the Army ROTC program taking Military Science courses, Field Training Exercises, and Physical Fitness tests to become an officer in the US Army upon graduation.
DAAP Tribunal Member Member of the college’s student government group. Served as Senate representative Spring 2022.
Great Parks of Hamilton County Volunteered at park events aimed at improving the ecology of Hamilton County and guests’ experience.
Cincinnati Preservation Assoc.
Project Volunteer In collaboration with UC, worked to document and create imagery for the Dennison House in Batavia, OH.
S K I L L S
Proficient: Microsoft Office Illustrator InDesign, Acrobat, ArcGIS/ArcMap Intermediate: AutoCAD 2020, Sketchup, V-Ray, Photoshop, ArcGIS Online
Contents
Greetings From...
District Planning: Mill Creek Valley 4 -11
Site Planning: English Woods 12 - 21
Neighborhood Study: Camp Washington 22 - 31
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District Planning Mill Creek Valley
Our goal was to create greater access to the Mill Creek and around the Mill Creek within our focus district. The vision was to create a destination and a point of connection between the neighborhood it intersects by means of mobility via the creation of a greenway and blueway system. This system will provide visitors with access to a waterway, nature, ecology, and passive/ active recreation.
X X X X X X X
Mill Creek
Re-imaging an Urban Waterway The Mill Creek is a lesser known waterway of the greater Cincinnati area due to its lack of access causing underutilization. Being used for years as an industrial runoff outlet and becoming known as one of the worse polluted waterways in the country, the Mill Creek has regained attention for its restoration efforts. Today, the Mill Creek is in need of a regional plan to redevelop the area for the people and businesses that surround it, a plan to create greater access and utilization of Cincinnati’s urban waterway.
01
The Creek as a Means of Transportation
Early settlements used the creek for movement of goods and people, today railroads, highways and trails line the creek’s banks.
02
Framework
The Creek as an Industrial Catalyst
With the rise of Industrialization, the creek gave life and power to many emerging businesses in the City. This use would eventually turn to overuse though and lead to many problems the creek has faced.
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The Creek as a Barrier
Recent years the Creek has created a barrier for the communities it lines, much of its natural features stripped and channelized for efficiency purposes.
Vision for the Mill Creek
Research Objectives
The Mill Creek will be a destination and a point of connection between the neighborhoods it intersects by means of mobility via the creation of a greenway and blueway system. This system will provide visitors and residents with access to a natural ecology, multi-modal transportation options and Mill Creekpassive/active Greenwayrecreation. Implementation Analysis
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Strengths
1
Weaknesses 1. Difficult Pedestrian access
1. Caldwell Nature Preserve 2. Salway Park
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2
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3. Mill Creek Conservancy 4. District Road Connectivity (Grid)
3. Unbalanced Land Ownership Along Creek
5. Popular Metro Lines
4. Intergovernmental Cooperation
5. Vine Street & Spring Grove Ave
5. Train Track Boundaries
Opportunities
Threats
1. Hamilton County Fairground Plans
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2. No current multi-modal ride share system
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1. Industrial land use Blockage in Ivorydale 2. Channelized Portions of Creek
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3. Negative Connotation
3. Integration of green infrastructure
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2. Presence of Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO)
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4. Funding
4. Adaptive reuse of Industrial Structures
5. Community Backing
5. Educational Focus during Redevelopment
6. Equitable Future Development
6. De-channelization
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7. High Speeds
Complete the Trail One large overarching objective the group took focus on was the completion of an existing Mill Creek Bike Path. The goal became not only to finish the trail throughout the district, but to improve its current condition, create a better environment for users, and to extend its boundaries along the banks of the Creek and add in new green infrastructure to turn this pathway into the Mill Creek Greenway. Many of the improvements needed to create change and better access in the district have been noted on the illustrative plan to the right.
Illustrative Plan
Strategies for Change To achieve our goals and objectives set forth at the beginning of the planning process, we devised a series of strategies for change. These physical changes to the district are categorized by their cost, installation timeline, longevity of the project and the disruption is would cause to current access and mobility.
Impact
Concept Plan
Graphic created Nicholas Heaton
Impact
Concept Plan
Graphic created Brandon Williams
Implementation We decided on five broad implementation strategies for creating better access to the Mill Creek. Due to collaboration constraints and feedback, the implementation strategies will become more focused as the planning process commences.
Site Planning English Woods
Tasked with developing a site in a West Side neighborhood of Cincinnati, almost entirely vacant and publicly owned. Goal was to create a more sustainable and diverse mix of land uses to support the redeveloping area.
English Woods
1 of 52 Cincinnati Neighborhoods
A temporary community of the past, pushing for a promising plan in the future The neighborhood of English Woods began as a temporary housing project of the 1940s, its temporary status however grew into a permanent settlement. In recent years, it has been subject to demolition due to neglect and is now looking for a plan for the future that will provide sustainable living for the Mill Creek Community.
Smallest Neighborhood by population and land Population of 402 in 2010 Census
Overall Goals
1
Housing Diversity
An overarching goal from the beginning of the analysis was to fix the lack of housing and housing diversity in the area.
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2
Connectivity
With only one through street in the neighborhood, improving how cars and pedestrians would move was a large focus in this analysis.
3
Address Community Issues
The community surrounding English Woods faces many problems such as lack of basic needs and resources, so the new neighborhood needed to serve more than just its residents.
Current Site Conditions Only two main entryways with one through street
Past Development Pattern Large Tree Canopy
Marquette Manor: senior housing project
Sutter View: most recent housing project; renovations in 2020
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Conceptual Design Plan
Boost to Economy
The conceptual plan for English woods focuses on improving connectivty by establishing new roads, diversifying land uses to create more activty and a greater mix of living options, and aims to retain the neighborhoods hilltop appeal.
Improved Housing Stock
Med. Density/ Intensity Commercial
High Intensity Mixed Use
ve rA tte Su
High Intensity Mixed Use
Westw Preserved Hillside/Open Space Pub
ood No
rthern
Increased Ground Activity
Blvd
3.45 acres
li c
Use
Single Family Attached Assited Living Preserved Hillside/Open Space
Med. Denisty Multi-family
Diversity of Business
High Density Multi-family
Forested Space/Light Recreation
Community Park Desire d Drain
age Pa
th
L
Residential Public Use
2.84 acres
Senior Living/ Cottages
Preserved Space
Single Family Attached
Existing Development
Mixed Use Recreation Assisted/Senior Living
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Preserved Hillside/ Open Space Existing Development
Site Develo
pment Boun
dary
Design Development Plan
6 2 5
Directory 1
Townhouses
2
Bus Station
3
Single Family Homes
4
Assisted Living
5
Community Center
6
Mixed Use Building
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Senior Landominium
3
6 4
1
1
7 1 3
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A complete community
What resulted from much research, design and revision was a new English Woods made for the community. An emphasis on resources and diversified land uses help make the English Woods more adaptable and created an asset for the community. The West Side of Cincinnati has gone through many changes, the changes made for English Woods hope to rebuild a lost community and help existing residents find stable housing. Many project housing developments create cold spaces, this development offers a new look at how large housing developments can intertwine with the community and become a place residents want to live, not forced to live.
Street Network
• Promotes Walkabilty • Traffic Calming • Active Street Level • Introduce Roundabouts • Limit Cul-de-sacs
Public Space System
• Large Trail Network • Public Park • Community Resource • Retain Natural Hillside
Block Patterns
• Enhance Mobility • Retain Natural Topography • Facilitate Development Phasing • Better Connection
High Density Commercial District
Total Units 174
English Woods Commercial District may just be it’s most unique and ambitious aspect. Unlike much of its surroundings, this high density commercial district was made to accommodate for the needs that this isolated site has while also providing community wide assets. Offering a large amount of 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartments, ground level retail, parking garages, a grocery store, dedicated bus station and a community center. Wide sidewalks and 4 lanes of road allow for all the circulation of traffic that will eventually fill this vibrant neighborhood center.
Grocery Store, Apartments and Community Center surrounding Roundabout
New Dedicated Bus Station Commercial District
Tools: Illustrator, Photoshop
1 Bed 84 2 Bed 62 3 Bed 28
Multi-Family/Single Family Residential The multi-family/single-family residential district focused on here was designed to be dense and promote walking through the neighborhood not driving past it. The roadway network in this area is largely meant to limit driving unless necessary. Parking has been concealed as much as possible to limits the large setbacks that they usually require. The area was meant to resemble development of the past, in traditional garden cities.
Residential Streetscape showing Single-Family and Multi-Family units
Total Units 158 Single Family 36 Multi Family 122
Relation of Multi-Family and Single-Family units to Commercial District North View of Single/Multi-Family Street Tools: Illustrator, Photoshop
Relation of Multi-Family and Single-Family units to Commercial District
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Assisted Living/Senior Living The proximity of assisted living to the senior landominiums was no coincidence but rather a thought out way to allow access for emergency services to the independent living if necessary. The large assisted living complex allows for 32 units of assisted living, an on site parking garage and a green roof implemented for aesthetics and to reduce cooling needs. This space is truly unique not only to the site but to the surrounding area as a dedicated space for Cincinnati’s aging residents.
Looking North to Assisted Living Center and nearby Senior Living
Total Units 112 Assisted 80 Independent 32
Senior Landominiums along tree lined median
Senior Living Landominiums Tools: Illustrator, Photoshop
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Neighborhood Study Camp Washington
In collaboration with another planning student, we conducted a semester long study into the Mill Creek neighborhood of Camp Washington. We analyzed the neighborhood to learn about the past of the, its rise to prominence, its eventual decline, the present day state, and provided a number of ways to help improve its current state.
Inset Map: Camp Washington Tools: ArcMap, CAGIS2015
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Neighborhood Analysis To better understand the current state of Camp Washington, it was essential to us to create visualizations of the current capacity for change (building footprint map), how the neighborhood was traversed (linkages map), and how we felt these two combined to create the current state of the neighborhood and what areas were unique (imageability map).
Building Inventory
Tools: ArcMap, CAGIS2015
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Land Use
Tools: ArcMap, CAGIS2015
Linkages
Imageability
Tools: ArcMap, CAGIS2015
Tools: Illustrator, Pen/Pencil
Street Hierarchy Local Primary
Major
Arterial
Node
Intersection Density Low Medium High
Minor
Path Edge Districts Industrial Residential Commercial
Rail
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Neighborhood Surveying Hopple St
Colerain Avenue Section
Sidney Ave
Colerain Ave Rachel St
Henshaw Ave
Jessamine St
Henshaw Avenue Section Township St
Mixed Use/Residential Camp Washington’s industrial heritage and heavy population density at one time created a mixed-use environment within much of the neighborhood. With lack of space due to large industrial buildings many homes and businesses crowded along the other valuable pieces of land. Analyzing the mixed use typology of the neighborhood helped us understand what the neighborhood’s capacity for redevelopment would be.
1 in. = 20 ft.
0 ft
10 ft
20 ft
Sidewalk
12'-0"
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2-Lane Traffic 18'-0"
2-Lane Traffic 18'-0"
60'-0"
Sidewalk
12'-0"
Typology Model
Tools: SketchUp, V-Ray, On the Map
Colerain Ave Elevation Tools: Illustrator
1 in. = 20 ft.
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SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis Flexing
Strengths
Adressing
Weaknesses
Highway Connectivity
Low Tree Canopy Density
Existing Building Density
Absence of Welcome Signs
Sidewalks/Walkability Camp Washington Community Board Strong Community Ties Historic Character Capitalize on
Opportunities Exisiting Parking Infrastructure Vacant Buildings
Large Industrial lots could pose threat to future expansion
A threat to future residential development, this is the only large apartment style housing
No Public School Railyard boundry Lack of Retail Business
Countering
Threats Food Desert Public Attention
Rezoned Colerain Ave
Hopple Street Growth
Mill Creek Accessability
Residential Diversity
Create Walkable Destinations
Possible location for neighborhood welcome signage
A pathway or trail along Mill Creek to improve connectivity
Industrial Lots
Widening and attention to vehicles has made Hopple St. an intimidating street for walkers and bikers
Rezoning of Colerain Avenue allows for more restaurants to move into Camp
Provide walkable destinations for the two large residential districts
These sections denote spaces where there is little to no tree canopy or cover at all
Multiple access points to I-75 allow easy entrance/exit to neighborhood
The only food shopping source in the neighorhood is Family Dollar
Overview of Reccomendations
Recommendations
CAMP WASHINGTON
Extend Mill Creek Bike Path
Introduce Neighborhood Welcome Signage
Improve structural integrity of storefronts along Colerain Ave Community clean up of open spaces and streets
Branding the Community
Restore Building Facades
Incentivize Development
Additon of welcome signs at neighborhood entrances Increased neighborhood awareness through visual aids
Improve Mill Creek Access Introduction of a park
10”
Promote Community Outreach
Camp Washington
Camp Washington
Extension of Mill Creek Bike Path Increased access to surrounding neighborhoods
1 in. = 20 ft.
0 ft
10 ft
20 ft
Branding and Beautification along Hopple and Colerian
Restoring Vacant Building Facades
Increase neighborhood activities and events Neighborhood wide clean up Communication boxes placed around neighborhood
Street Beautification Addition of banners, light posts, trash cans and benches Improve tree canopy along streets Scheduled street clean up Repair potholes in road and sidewalk
Camp Washington
Camp Washington
Branding the Community
10”
1 in. = 20 ft.
0 ft
Colerain Ave. and Hopple St. are extremely trafficked areas of the neighborhood and deserve attention and beautification to attract stores and people. To do this, it’s proposed adding street lamps and benches. Adding Camp’s name creates an image that imprints in passer-byers and shows the neighborhood investment, as well providing adequate lighting to an otherwise dim area.
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Colerain Ave Section
Camp Washington
ColerainN Ave Corridor
10 ft
20 ft
Tools: Illustrator, Photoshop
Street Furniture Tools: Illustrator
CW
0
2 ft
4 ft
Along the two main entryways of the neighborhood, Colerain Ave. and Spring Grove Ave., there are no signs that show where you are located. Many neighborhoods in Cincinnati have such welcome signs and seeing the important role Camp has played in the city’s history, Camp should have a proper introduction.
CAMP WASHINGTON
Camp Washington
CAMP WASHINGTON
Eastern Entrance: Hopple Street
Northern Entrance: Spring Grove Ave
Camp Washington Entrance Sign Tools: Illustrator
CAMP WASHINGTON
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Contact Mobile: +1(513)787-9681 E-Mail: keithja@mail.uc.edu LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jason-keith-734394198