Here's what caused
the Groob code violation
Couldn't figure out where all the water was coming from in the back yard.
Turns out, it is a downspout pipe that's spewing the water. It's tucked underneath a wooden fence on Mrs. Groob's property.
After writing to her two months ago about this, and not getting a response, I finally called the City of Covington. Code enforcement promptly declared a code violation.
The officer is also worried that the water barrage will / could / has undermined the foundation of my garage. I'm going to call in a structural expert and if there's a problem, there will be hell to pay.
Hope it doesn't come to that. She has 10 days to redirect the water, or penalties could begin.
DECEMBER 16, 2009
Kathy Groob hit with
building code violation
Got word yesterday that our favorite politician has been hit with a building code violation by the City of Covington with regard to her property at 1023 Russell Street.
Not a good thing for a politician to have on permanent record, especially when it involves a neighbor's property.
The city's code enforcement division declared the Groob property "in violation of City of Covington Code of Ordinances, Chapters 92 Nuisances and/or 152 Property Maintenance Code, and/or 158 Zoning." [Quote taken directly from the violation notice.]
I'll explain further as time allows. If not today, then tomorrow morning.
As always,anyone is welcome to respond to any comments at Russell Street News. My email address is listed at the top of the page.
DECEMBER 15, 2009
Paying a visit
A lot of people on Russell Street do not realize that I'm sort of a visitor to the neighborhood.
Seriously, had I intended to live in the region full-time, I would have bought a big, big house overlooking the Ohio River, not some hut on a busy street.
My pre-approved mortgage allowed me to spend up to $1.1 million.
But I bought the little house on Russell Street for family reasons, to keep an eye on my parents who had been seriously ill.
Just a place to hang my hat when I'm in town.
So here I am
So, I'm back on Russell Street.
My first impression last night was how dark and dreary the street looks. The holiday garland on the fences look nice, and that helps to pretty things up. The little candles in the windows at the Ashbrook look fantastic!
I'd noticed that many on the street have decided to not use twinkling lights this year. Last year, I had lights in the window and along the sidewalk. Had a couple small Christmas trees on the porch. I'll pass this time around. Not planning to be around for too long.
Better get going
with the building
Someone in the know at City Hall told me that the city will give the owners of the burnt-out building until after the holidays to come up with a plan to save it -- or Covington will issue a teardown order.
The source said most fire-damaged homes have only two weeks "if there are no plans in place" before orders are issued. The city has been patient because it's "sensitive to the historical nature of the building."
Chop, chop everybody. For those most of you who refused to cough up just $65 to help save the building -- just go back to your selfish lives. Nothing to see (literally).
Pike Street in 1915
A very interesting photo of Pike Street in 1915. Notice anything? Pike Street got it's name because it was the beginning of the Lexington Pike, now US 25.
DECEMBER 11, 2009
Debris was flying off the building
Got a call yesterday that debris was flying off the burnt-out building, a dangerous situation for passers-by and perhaps even vehicles.
So, I did what any good neighbor should do: I called Covington police at 3:48 pm. on Wednesday. Had a brief discussion about closing down that segment of Russell Street until the wind storm ended. The police department promised to send an officer to check out the situation.
( Kind of a shame that someone 1200 miles away had to call the police concerning a potential safety problem, rather than a local person. )
DECEMBER 9, 2009
Hickey latest to
exit Covington city hall
Kathie Hickey, assistant director of Covington's Economic Development and Community Relations Department, tendered her resignation effective December 31.
[ Link ]
Association just a
silly little social club
I wish someone would change the name to Old Seminary Square Bored Ladies & Retirees Social Club. Even its long-time president Greg Paeth admits it's a social club, so why not make it official?
And ineffective? Well, let me remind you:
The club proved its ineffectiveness when it failed to raise a lot of money for the burnt-out building.
Most of those attending special meetings concerning the building were more of an irritant, than helpful. Just a bunch of yapping blowhards, causing the victims to run for cover.
The holiday home tour was cancelled because so-called members didn't want to participate
While other neighborhood groups got their street banners posted in a timely manner, it still hasn't happened on Russell Street, months
behind schedule.
The club failed to get the stop sign, even though residents overwhelmingly wanted it.
 The tree island fences only became reality because of small grants given to the Association; because most residents didn't want to cough up any money.
Nobody was willing to donate for the upkeep of Farny Park. Only yours truly kicked in $100.
Great neighborhood friendships have been destroyed because of the actions of a few pretentious people closely associated with the club.
The tree replacement program became reality because the city was willing to pay for it, plus get the new trees planted.
The yard sale was a disaster, with large gaps
-- one gap was two blocks long -- between booths. Most neighborhood residents didn't bother to participate.
The club, unlike other neighorhood groups, doesn't send out meeting notices to Covington for its newsletter and to other concerns.
Greg can't find anyone to help deliver flyers concerning the next meeting.
The club doesn't bother to directly report minutes from the last meeting to residents.
It's always difficult to get people to water and maintain the flowers in the large pots lining the street.
Just one household north of West Robbins Street goes to meetings; and only two households on the west side of Russell Street above West Robbins Street attend on a regular basis. Most attendees are women with a few retired men showing up from time to time.
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12th and Banklick
A colorized photo of 12th and Banklick
in horse and buggy days.
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DECEMBER 8, 2009
Power outage in Covington
Electricity went out -- mainly in Covington and the northern portions of Florence -- around 7:30 p.m., Monday. "This is not normal," said a Duke spokesman, stating the obvious. [ Link ]
Albro House in 1930
That's the historic Albro House at 1041 Russell Street in 1930.
This Italianate townhouse is one of the largest homes built
in this district following the Civil War.
Of brick construction
with stone trim, the Albro House is noteworthy for
the inspiring bay windows that grace its front façade. In
addition to its interesting architectural elements, the house
is said to be haunted.
Rumor has it that the lonely widow of
Henry Albro still walks the floors of this stately old mansion,
dressed in full Victorian splendor.
DECEMBER 7, 2009
Jenny & Jason
Got word this morning that Jenny and Jason have moved their belongings out of the garage, and are getting ready to settle down at a new house in Triple Crown.
What a crazy two months for them. I'm going to miss them, the neighborhood will miss them.
PS I'm still in South Florida. Still wearing shorts, it's warm again.
Suspension Bridge lights going
dark, perhaps permanently
 The necklace lights on the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge that have shined since 1984 will go off at 8 p.m. Monday.
They won't be turned back on unless money can be raised to replace them.
Maybe the Politician can do something about it. After all, she knows everybody. Even the fire crews know her name, as she pointed out during the fire last October, in the midst of death and
heartbreak. [ Link ]
Yet another fire
on Russell Street
Four residents were displaced by a fire in the 1400 block of Russell Street early Friday. [ Link ]
DECEMBER 3, 2009
Covington hillside development
Like it or not, Northern Kentucky's hillsides have become a valuable commodity, one that becomes more precious as flat areas in the region become developed, Eric Russo of the Hillside Trust told an audience Wednesday at Notre Dame Academy.[ Link ]
Intersection's pavement is crumbling
It's unsightly, and it's been that way for some time.
The pavement on the east side of W. Robbins and Russell Streets is crumbling and is in woeful need of repair.
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