Wednesday, January 20, 1999
Planners lose leader in Monroe
Chairman steps down
BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MONROE — William “Bill” Kinsey came to this community in 1964, when it was a tiny village, and joined its planning commission three years later.
Now after 31 years helping Monroe evolve from a village to a bustling city in which controlling growth is a major issue, Mr. Kinsey is ready to pass the gavel.
“Having been born and raised in southern California, where I witnessed the dynamic and often uncontrolled growth of the area, I have been motivated to use my best efforts to prevent similar occurances in Monroe,” said Mr. Kinsey, who has been the commission's chairman since 1973.
City Councilman Steven Hollon, who is council's representative on the planning commission, said he known Mr. Kinsey for many years and hates to see him step down.
“He's been a real pillar of the community for the past 30-plus years,” Mr. Hollon said. “And his contributions to the planning commission are first-rate. He's thought issues through well, and provided a steady leadership in overseeing the process of Monroe going from a sleepy village on the hill to one of the fastest growing citys in the area.”
One of the most recent issues before the planning commission has been efforts by Solid Rock Church to change zoning on its property on Union Road to allow the church to build a home for pregnant unwed teen-agers.
That issue is still under debate and the city's board of zoning appeals is expected to hear it next month.
Mr. Kinsey tried to retire in 1997, but city officials asked him to stay on and help with the development of a comprehensive land plan and zoning ordinance. Those were adopted in late 1998, and Mr. Kinsey said he now feels free to move on.
“Monroe Assistant Manager Jay Stewart is doing an excellent job of handling development and planning and zoning matters,” Mr. Kinsey said. Additionally, the city recently contracted for the services of a professional city engineer to help with those matters.
“This is the logical time to end my 31 years of service to the city,” Mr. Kinsey said.
His resignation is effective today. Steve Campbell has been chosen to replace Mr. Kinsey on the board, and officers will be elected during today's meeting at 7 p.m. in the firehouse, 6262 Hamilton-Middletown Road.
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