BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
UNION — Yet another residential development is being proposed for Boone County.
Fischer Development Co., Miller Developers and Boone County developer Tom Schreiber are proposing to build nearly 1,000 single-family homes in unincorporated Boone County west of Union.
Called Longbranch Park, the planned residential development would offer homes ranging from $100,000 to $400,000. The development, which would be phased in over 10 to 15 years, is proposed for a site near the intersection of Longbranch and Fowler Creek roads.
The project would help meet the long-term demand for housing in rapidly developing Boone County, said Larry Sprague, land development manager for Crestview Hills-based Fischer Development Co.
Because the development would be phased in, developers do not anticipate any unplanned impact on community facilities and services.
“This part of Boone County is really recognized in the county's comprehensive plan as an area of greatest growth,” Mr. Sprague said.
A public hearing is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesdayin the third-floor courtroom of the Boone County Administration Building. Essentially, the applicants are requesting a zone change from rural estates to suburban, allowing for a higher density.
Proposed are a maximum of 990 units on about 347 acres, and 35 acres of recreation and open space. The development would be divided into two parts: Longbranch Park South would be on 120 acres and Longbranch Park North would be on 227 acres.
“The whole idea is to have a lot of different neighborhoods in this overall community,” Mr. Sprague said. “All of the infrastructure is there.”
Mr. Sprague said although the development would be complementary to the area, he anticipates some opposition. was unavailable. If approved, construction could begin next year with the first houses ready by 2000, Mr. Sprague said.
Hiking trails, bicycle pathways and areas for sledding, field sports and playground equipment would be included. Longbranch Park would be served by public water and sanitary sewer service.
