Wednesday, October 27, 1999
Neighbors, city may have cleared hurdle for housing complex
BY PHILLIP PINA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Some quick maneuvering may let Cincinnati sidestep a feared $1 million roadblock to a housing complex on the site of a Carthage factory.
The city has worked with Carthage neighbors on a plan to redevelop the Carthage Mills industrial site at the corner of 66th Street and Fairpark Avenue. Businesses will be relocated to make way for about 50 homes along tree-lined streets.
But in September, the project ran into a stumbling block. An environmental study found several areas of contamination. The cleanup cost jumped to an estimated $1.9 million, about $1 million more than anticipated.
But working with property owners and contractors, the city was able to wipe out any increased cost, said Tim Sharp, special assistant to City Manager John Shirey. City Council is expected to pass a funding plan today that would get the project moving.
“This is going to revitalize our neighborhood,” said Fran Burns, who lives in the 6600 block of Fairpark, across the street from Carthage Mills.
For years, nearby residents complained of the noise, dust and grime the industrial site and its traffic brought to their otherwise residential neighborhood. Planners say the new development will bolster the community and encourage residential development.
“We're going to have a resurrection someday” of the Carthage neighborhood, said Councilman Charlie Winburn.
The city and property owners have reconfigured the pact to combine the demolition and cleanup of the industrial site, Mr. Sharp said. Savings from the one contract, rather than two, covered most of the new environmental costs. A $100,000 gap will be assumed by the property owners.
So the city's $8.15 million commitment to buy the land, tear down the factory, remove any contamination and then develop the infrastructure remains unchanged. The entire project is expected to cost about $12 million, with private developers picking up the rest of the tab. Planners hope to have the homes built during the year 2001.
The environmental study found five main areas of concern. The amount of asbestos-containing material was “significant.” About 2,400 tons of paint waste, 700 tons of petroleum-contaminated soil and another 1,950 tons of other solid waste was found.
On Tuesday, five members of council's finance committee and its small business development committee approved the deal, sending it to a full council vote today.
Legislator seeks to end '2 Percent Club'
Teens will live every musician's dream
Obesity epidemic is killing thousands
Tip for trimming down
Just how much are you eating?
Health info on the Web needs examination
Some recommended health-related Web sites
Avondale wants law to keep out undesirables
Miss America visiting Over-the-Rhine
Police targeting Fort Washington Way
Reading schools try to dispel furor
Routine traffic stop results in stolen patrol car, chase
School levy backers target undecided voters
Children Services asks for support
Levy assists 10,000 disabled
Opponents take shots at Patton
Taft stumps for local school levies
Getting the right sound
Famous engraving of city in new printing
GET TO IT
Starting the millennium with a wedding? Tell us about it
Workshops spell out Social Security issues
14-year-old faces adult murder charge
Boone sophomores get to test knowledge
Card-game slaying goes to grand jury
Decision on uniforms given to schools, parents
Ex-Boone official gets year in jail, lecture on theft
Lakota freshmen schools up to voters
Liberty asks for post office
Ludlow official in court over back taxes
Miami breaks ground on memorial to activists
Neighbors, city may have cleared hurdle for housing complex
Ohio low on school breakfasts
Relative keeps fight alive for renamed bridge
School kids operate bank branch
Sheriffs irate over drug allegation
Study: Payroll tax cut may help Covington
Suspect in crash can play football
TRISTATE DIGEST
Union Twp. residents asking for new name
Warren-Cincinnati vans to stop
Wyoming seeks funds money for fields
Yucky water gives insight
