Friday, August 06, 1999
Rybolt Rd. projects in offing
Planners OK change in Green land use plan
BY RACHEL MELCER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Officials began clearing the way Thursday for development of perhaps the largest pristine tract of land remaining at a highway interchange in Hamilton County.
Approving a change in the Green Township land use plan, the county Regional Planning Commission (RPC) took the first step toward allowing strip malls and office parks to overtake 250 acres of heavily wooded hillsides at Rybolt Road, just off Interstate 74 before the I-275 interchange.
Opponents worry that the development could unsettle the delicate hillside, leading to costly and dangerous slides. They say it would cause more water runoff and flooding, and ruin a scenic spot.
“We have one of the most beautiful urban landscapes in the United States because of the topography and the hilly slopes. But it's very vulnerable to damage, and we're afraid that's what is going to happen in this place,” said Green Township resident Don Patrick.
The development, which calls for a new connector road between already congested Rybolt Road and Wesselman Road in Miami Township, could also aggravate traffic problems.
But township officials say the development would not be allowed to proceed without improvements to the highway interchange and nearby intersections.
And RPC members said each proposed building would be subject to an analysis of its effects on the steep hillside before a county permit is issued.
Joe Allen, speaking for the group of developers, said the project has not yet taken shape. But as specific businesses, offices and condominiums are proposed, they will be subject to a host of regulations.
“This is just the beginning phase,” he said, adding that the area would take up to 10 years to fully develop — even then, it probably wouldn't cover the entire 250 acres because of environmental concerns.
The area overlooking the eastbound lanes of I-74 is high atop steep slopes and is densely covered with trees. While the top could be cleared and built upon, much of the slopes would remain untouched, Mr. Allen said.
That is not only good news for those who enjoy the scenic area and its deer and birds, it is necessary, according to an expert in hillside development.
“These fine silts may be especially prone to landsliding, even on relatively gently sloping hillsides,” wrote Meg Riestenberg, an associate professor at the College of Mount St. Joseph, in a report requested by Concerned Citizens of Western Hamilton County. “Some serious problems ... will almost certainly arise upon development of this area.”
Township officials say they want what's best for the community.
Development Director Adam Goetzman promised a unique, themed area that would not resemble the “cookie-cutter” strip malls that residents fear.
“This is a gateway to the community, and we don't want to ruin it,” he said, promising to keep development decisions in local rather than county hands.
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