I've been following the Sycamore Square debate with interest, partly because I live three blocks from the Rookwood boom (and am therefore fascinated by development in already-developed areas), and partly because I think the future of the Maisonette affects Cincinnati as a whole. (So what if no one I know has actually been there - it's still one of the first things you tell visitors: "So, did you hear about our five-star restaurant?")

Frankly, I'm skeptical that the township can handle any more retail - traffic is already at critical mass in that area and has been for some time. But it's nice to see Sycamore Township officials so concerned with the welfare of its residents rather than simply increasing its revenue - especially when I look at Rookwood. As much as I like shopping there, it was obviously designed to accommodate shoppers from out of the area, rather than neighborhood residents. (I have a long rant on that subject, tentatively titled "Why Kelly Has To Walk Half a Mile Out of Her Way Just to Get Some Damn Sushi" - but now I'm getting off-track.)

It appears Sycamore Township operates on property taxes rather than sales taxes, so it makes sense that officials would have a greater interest in keeping its residents happy (and living in the area) than in getting outsiders to come in and spend money in the township. (To continue the Rookwood parallel, I was looking for information on taxes in Norwood, but couldn't really find anything. Does anyone know if Norwood has a city sales tax?)