Tuesday, November 02, 1999
Apartment battle escalates
Landowner warns it may get costly
BY DAVID ECK
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEBANON — The city's attempt to acquire a 10-acre parcel that is slated for an apartment complex could be a messy legal battle and cost the city at least four times the land's last purchase price, its owner said.
“My client has begun to develop the site,” said Joseph Trauth, attorney for Associated Land Group.
“We'll fight it as long as we can fight it. We want to build the apartments.”
The land last sold for $275,000, but Mr. Trauth said Associated has $1.6 million invested.
Residents say the proposed 96-unit complex would create congestion, make the area more dangerous and decrease property values.
The land is near Deerfield Road on the city's south side.
“I think the citizens are in agreement, that that is not the proper place for an apartment complex,” said Councilman James Reinhard.
In a special meeting Monday, council approved an ordinance to appropriate the parcel. The next step, officials say, is to file suit and begin negotiations.
If the sides can't agree, a court could decide.
The city may also ask for a restraining order to halt work on the site.
The city wants to create a park on the site, but Mr. Trauth said the land is ill-suited for that.
”I think the whole process is flawed,” Mr. Trauth said. ”I would urge council to think very carefully.”
When asked how close the two sides are in price, Councilman John McComb said, “Does the Grand Canyon come to mind?”
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