(A) When the village was incorporated in 1941, the village was a rural neighborhood of farms and single-family homes situated at the outer edge of the Cincinnati metropolitan area. The villages to the west of this village were also mostly rural, but gradually becoming suburban in character. It was the vision of the framers of the Village Charter that the village should maintain its rural character. Consistent with this objective, the village fathers recognized the need for a transition from these communities to the west by providing for a gradual decrease in density along portions of the western border. Subsequent village annexations and land use decisions were consistent with this pattern of decreasing density.
(B) This transition in intensity of development, and the topographical characteristics described above, define two logical gradients in the village, both of which generally flow from west to east. These two gradients are shown in the land use map which is attached to this plan and made a part hereof. The village has continued to serve as a natural and logical geographical area of rural relief to the increasing sprawl of the Cincinnati suburbs. The village is located along a major physical boundary, the Little Miami River, and its stream valleys and steep ravines are ideally suited for low-density development. The expanse of the village gives it an appropriate size for maintaining the desired rural character and providing rural relief within the metropolitan area.
('80 Code, § 155.03) (Res. 15-86, passed 6-16-86)