BY LISA DONOVAN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati City Council today is expected to reject a proposal for Hamilton County to transform a vacant hospital in Bond Hill into a juvenile jail.
"This does not surprise me," Hamilton County Commissioner John Dowlin said after learning a majority of council was poised to vote against putting the jail at the old Millcreek Psychiatric Center for Children.
"I would expect in due time we would advance it through the courts," Mr. Dowlin said.
The county, which owns the property, says the site is an economical alternative to building a jail. The 60-bed juvenile center would house low-level felony offenders.
Bond Hill residents argue that a jail would hurt real estate values and neighborhood revitalization.
The issue has been on the table for three years, with council voting in May 1996 and a year later to oppose converting the former psychiatric center.
Council is considering the county's request for a zoning change that would allow the conversion. Zoning in the residential area doesn't allow a juvenile detention center.
In April, city council threw a further blockade in the county's efforts by unanimously passing an ordinance aimed at keeping such detention centers out of neighborhoods. The ordinance, authored by Councilman Charlie Winburn, limits the facilities to manufacturing districts and parts of downtown.
Attorneys for the county say they have gone through "hoops" to meet the city's requirements in using the Bond Hill property, including the request for a zoning change.
Mark Vanderlaan, an attorney representing the county, said public interest and the community's need for the jail will be considered. Mr. Dowlin argues that the desire of the county -- as an arm of state government -- for the land supersedes local zoning.
"It's my understanding that the state is not bound by local zoning, and there's quite a bit of case law that supports that," Mr. Dowlin said. "Assuming we were not recommending anything outrageous . . . I would think that the court would find in our favor."
During Tuesday's final public hearing in council's neighborhoods committee, Mr. Winburn said the issue has become more a test of wills than about what's in the best interest of the neighborhoods.
"Bond Hill is not the only area this has to go; Cincinnati is a huge conglomeration."
Councilman Phil Heimlich said he would vote for the request because it ultimately would save taxpayers money by using an existing site.
"Obviously a facility likes this creates concern wherever you put it; if there was a suitable place in the county to put it -- I'd support it," he said.
