BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MONROE -- The city planning commission recommended denial Wednesday of a proposed zone change to allow Solid Rock Church on Union Road to build a home for unwed, pregnant teen-agers.
Because the proposal had faced no opposition previously, Wednesday's public hearing before the planning commission was expected to bring a recommendation that the project be approved.
In a surprise move, Jay and Helen Frick, abutting property owners, showed up Wednesday to object to the zone change. The Fricks, who own Traders World and the Cincinnati Inc. Zoysia Sod Farm, brought their attorney Peter Koenig to present their case.
Mr. Koenig said changing zoning on the 60 acres from industrial to multifamily residential is "spot zoning" and could "have serious negative impact on the Fricks' property."
He said the proposed zone change appears to be inconsistent with the city's land use plan, and is a "fickle kind of use."
"It's a substantial change in the current use, very close to their property line and would be inconsistent with many possible viable uses of the Fricks' property," Mr. Koenig said.
"They have 120 acres of prime developable property. This use could negatively impact it."
Last month, Solid Rock Church requested changing the zoning on 1 acre of its Union Road property next to the church to allow for development of the Darlene Bishop Home for 30 pregnant teens. Monroe officials feared the 1-acre change sought by Solid Rock would be spot zoning and recommended instead that the church seek to rezone all of its 60 acres with planned unit development designation. A PUD gives the city more control of changes and development of property. Ron Carter, church financial administrator, who presented the plan Wednesday, said he was "shocked at the turn of events and disappointed by the vote."
He said Wednesday's vote still allows the plan to go to city council for a public hearing Aug. 25.
"I'm confident council will approve it," Mr. Carter said, but added the church has some alternatives. He would not discuss what those alternatives would be.
"But the project will not die," he said.
Planning commission Chairman William Kinsey, who voted with the 3-1 majority to recommend denial of the zone change, said he did so mainly so the process can continue and council can have its public hearing.
Tabling the matter or continuing the public hearing would have delayed the process, he said.
