Thursday, May 04, 2000
Mason rejects retail plan
Shopping center not on par with golf course
By Kevin Aldridge
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MASON — City planners on Tuesday decided they'd rather see golfers than grocers on Mason-Montgomery Road.
The planning commission voted 7-0 to reject Midland Atlantic Properties' proposal to rezone 140 acres for retail business, high-tech offices and single-family homes.
The Cincinnati-based company wanted to build 130 houses, an office park and a commercial shopping center, which would have included a Kroger store. The site is the Western Row Golf Course — a mainstay on Mason-Montgomery Road for 38 years.
Tuesday's meeting was the continuation of a public hearing city planners began April 4. And just like the previous meeting, a swarm of residents showed up to voice opposition.
City officials moved the meeting from City Hall to the Mason High School Commons, which can hold about 350 people. The room was nearly filled.
“We've lost neither interest nor passion on this issue,” said Charley Eberhard, who lives in the neighboring Village Lakes subdivision. “We are not specifically anti-Kroger. It wouldn't matter what anchor store this developer was planning, we would still be against putting retail in this area.”
Those opposed to the development pointed to traffic congestion and other “nuisance features of retail” such as lights, signs, noise and trash. Many said the 100,000 square feet of retail space that would be spread out over 25 acres is inconsistent with Mason's comprehensive plan and the landscaping being done along Mason-Montgomery Road, the city's designated gateway.
Most opponents acknowledged that property owners have a right to get the most value possible out of their property — until it comes at the expense of neighboring owners.
Mason Mayor John McCurley, also a commission member, said he could not support retail development in this area, primarily because City Council had rejected a similar proposal on the west side of Mason-Montgomery Road two years ago. That land is now the site of Central Parke Mason, a multimillion-dollar office complex developed by Cincinnati United Contractors.
The planning commission's decision will be forwarded to City Council in the form of a recommendation. Midland Atlantic Properties now has the option of taking its proposal before council as submitted or modified.
John Silverman, a spokesman for Midland Atlantic, said he was “surprised and disappointed” city planners elected to vote without allowing him to make a presentation. Mr. Silverman had asked to continue the hearing until June 6, so Midland Atlantic could present a proposal that included “significant changes” to the site plan.
“I'm not sure what direction we are going to take now,” said Mr. Silverman.
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