A majority of Cincinnati City Council supported a divisive plan by a developerto turn a vacant sports mall on Cincinnati's West Side into apartments.
Cincinnati City Council's Housing and Growth committee on Sept. 15 voted 6-0 in support of a zone change to allow the redevelopment of the shuttered Western Hills Sports Mall, which has sat empty since a 2022 fire.
The full, nine-member Cincinnati City Council will take a final vote on the measure Sept. 16.
What is Westline Flats?
Louisville-based LDG Development has plans to demolish the former sports mall and build 167 apartments in a development called Westline Flats. LDG Development also plans to apply for low-income housing tax credits from the state this summer in order to cap rents at an average of 60% of the area
median income.
Why 2 neighborhoods disagree over the project
It's a project that has divided two West Side communities. The project, in Westwood, sits on the border of the Westwood and West Price Hill neighborhoods.
The Westwood Civic Association has voted in support of the project. The neighborhood's 10-year plan calls for denser housingto support a burgeoning business district.
The West Price Hill Community Council has opposed the project, citing concerns over the density of the housing development and safety issues associated with a 167-unit apartment complex. Residents have said they feel income-restricted housing has already saturated the neighborhood.
What residents told Cincinnati City Council
West Price Hill resident Todd Zinser sued the city, saying the planning commission improperly met in executive session regarding the development. Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Leah Dinkenlacker on Sept. 10 denied Zinser's motion for an injunction and restraining order to halt the development.
Several West Price Hill residents on Sept. 15 urged council to not approve the development.
West Price Hill residents understand the need for more housing, resident Susan Bilz told Cincinnati City Council. But the neighborhood already has too many problem properties that attract crime and safety issues. She said she's sent a list of 14 problem properties to city officials. She said she will "pray to God it is not our 15th problem property."
"We want good housing for all," Bilz said. "We want safe neighborhoods. We want to work with developers who listen to the community and make adjustments for the better of all and not be profit driven."
Why City Council supported the project
The developer and several council members said the housing development will draw less traffic than the Western Hills Sports Mall or some other potential commercial developments that could open there. The vacant sports mall is an opportunity to add housing, said Councilwoman Anna Albi.
“Having a big vacant building, we know, is not a good use of space and can be a real drain on communities," Albi said. "I’m thrilled to see this space be put to use and hopefully in a way that will support our residents seeking housing."
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Council moves to turn vacant sports mall on West Side into apartments
