A Cincinnati developer angrily accused a city councilman on Wednesday of dismantling programs that aim to create economically diverse neighborhoods.

        Pauline Van der Haer of Dorian Development told the city's finance committee that Councilman Pat DeWine was trying to keep the rich from moving into lower-income neighborhoods.

        This came after Mr. DeWine questioned giving Dorian $200,000 on top of a $521,814 subsidy to build five homes on Sycamore Hill.

        “The council got a very, very bad deal,” Mr. DeWine said during one of several heated exchanges. “We could have done a lot more to help our neighborhoods.”

        While a majority of council members seem to agree with Mr. DeWine, saying they would not support paying out the extra $200,000, some said Wednesday they want to know what the city's record is when it comes to giving out additional money for projects.

        Councilman Paul Booth asked housing officials to prepare a list of projects in the last two years, their budgets, costs and locations.

        Ms. Van der Haer and Dorian co-owner Ralph Bawtenheimer, said they need the money to pay for engineering troubles while trying to develop the lots. But Mr. DeWine said he was offended by Mr. Bawtenheimer's statements last week that if housing officials don't recommend the funding then appeals could be made to friends on council.

        “We have to stop doing special deals,” Mr. DeWine said.

        Ms. Van der Haer first denied the comments were made, saying only a “political neophyte” would make such an utterance. She then blamed city administrators for making the statements that were attributed to her company. She later said the comments were taken out of context.

        Ms. Van der Haer said Wednesday that homeowners who risked buying the $320,000 homes now feel unwanted by the city and are owed an apology.

        She said there has been no attempt to push the council to approve the funds and that her company is ready to absorb the additional cost.

        “We are willing to take the financial hit,” she said.

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