property within the R-4 Zoning District. Historically, The Oakwood Historical Society owned two buildings at 1947 Far Hills Avenue and 1945 Far Hills Avenue. Both of the properties were under common ownership of The Oakwood Historical Society in the 1990s.

In 1994, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to hear a special use request filed by The Oakwood Historical Society to designate the properties at 1945-1947 Far Hills Avenue as a museum, to install off-street parking, and to review the landscaping plan due to the proposed demolition of a garage. At that time, they had a series of meetings with the Planning Commission and Oakwood City Council, and at each meeting, concerns were raised about parking at the property, noise, and the compatibility with the neighborhood, because it is a museum use within a residential district. The museum is permitted as a special use, but the Planning Commission is authorized to impose conditions to ensure it is compatible with the neighborhood. Ultimately, in 1995, the Planning Commission and City Council approved the request, and a document with the 1995 special use requirements was approved. The 1995 special use requirement document was given to the Oakwood Planning Commission as part of the staff memo for today’s meeting.

Mr. Jacques summarized the differences between the 1995 requirements and the proposed 2024 updates. He pointed out that the 1995 special use requirements document mentions 1945 Far Hills Avenue. That property was sold by The Oakwood Historical Society and does not apply to this application. The biggest change between the 1995 document and the 2024 proposed document is that the 1995 document allowed The Oakwood Historical Society to hold official functions and occasional meetings and activities of affiliated groups related to the Society’s objectives at the property. They were not allowed to make the property available for outside groups to host events and it was not to be a rental facility.

In the 2024 document, the Society is requesting to continue with their official events but also to host other outside events and fundraising-related activities. Mr. Jacques pointed out to the Planning Commission that this would include renting out the Long-Romspert Homestead House Museum for larger events.

The 1995 document approved hours of operation from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. This application asks for extended hours until 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Mr. Jacques explained that The Oakwood Historical Society does not have permanent parking on their property which is concerning. They have a driveway that loops around the property and some grass areas on the side of the house used for limited parking. The 1995 special use requirements document mentions the establishment of permanent spaces to be constructed of GeoBlock, which is a permeable paver, however, The Oakwood Historical Society was not directed to install parking at the time and none has ever been installed.

Mr. Lauterbach asked why permanent parking had not been installed.

Mr. Jacques said that he assumes it pertains to cost more than anything, but he would let representatives of The Oakwood Historical Society speak to that. He noted that there are no provisions for parking in the application being considered today which is a concern because the Society is asking permission to host larger events.