Episode 47 - Dan Griffin and Rod Sabo - Stonelick Ridge Developers

 Ep. 47 — Inside Stonelick Ridge: A Developer’s Vision, PUD Politics and What “Responsible Growth” Looks Like It’s a quiet January week in Clermont County, so we skip the news segment and jump straight into the main event. We also give a quick Value for Value update, thanks recent supporters, and put out the call for more boots-on-the-ground reports from around the county. Interview — Dan Griffin and Rod Sabo (Stonelick Ridge) Dan Griffin, the developer behind the proposed Stonelick Ridge project off Ross Road near Lexington Run, joins the show with architect Rod Sabo to explain how a project like this actually gets built. Dan walks through his path from real estate law into land development and lays out what he’s trying to build here: a long-term, village-style community designed for multiple life stages, not a cookie-cutter subdivision. We talk about the real development process from land acquisition to zoning meetings, why projects can burn millions before breaking ground, and how recession risk can derail communities if the plan isn’t structured right. Rod breaks down the architectural vision, including distinct “neighborhoods” within the development, design guidelines that builders must follow, and features like front-porch streetscapes, alley-loaded garages, street trees, and preserved tree stands that aim to make the place feel cohesive and walkable. The conversation also gets into the political friction around growth in Batavia Township, including planned unit developments (PUDs) and what it means after voters repealed Article 36, the threat and reality of development referendums, annexation pressure between the township and the village, tax abatements, and the hard logistics like traffic planning, access management, and why roundabouts keep showing up in Ohio. Events (roundup at the end of the show) Nature Storytime and Craft at the Hartman Log Cabin, a free CPR certification class for Union Township residents, Foraged Tea Time at Clingman Park, Maple Sugaring hikes at Cincinnati Nature Center, Promont House Museum tours, an essential oils workshop at the Batavia Branch Library, penguin family night, virtual bedtime stories, kids story times and sensory play, and a Euchre club meetup in New Richmond. Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.FacebookInstagramNewsletterIf the show brings you value, consider supporting us!Donate