Construction of new low-income housing would be prohibited in some of Cincinnati's poorest neighborhoods under a proposal that is likely to win council support.

        Councilman John Cranley introduced a proposal Wednesday during a rare evening session that is designed to end the concentration of public housing and disperse it more evenly throughout Hamilton County.

        “The city's high concentration of low-income residents and oversaturation of subsidized housing taxes too strongly city services, creating a domino effect of declining property values ... and increased social ills,” Mr. Cranley said.

        He produced statistics showing the disparity of public housing in suburbs compared to city neighborhoods.

        For instance, Avondale has 1,270 public housing units, compared to seven in suburban Anderson Township; Bond Hill has 3,330 units compared to just six in Blue Ash.

        Under the proposal, council could not approve funding for new public housing in neighborhoods with large numbers of public housing units. However, funds could be spent on maintaining existing housing.

        Mr. Cranley's motion was referred to committee, but several council members expressed support for the proposal and indicated they are likely to eventually approve it.

        Councilman Paul Booth also introduced a motion encouraging state lawmakers to establish a so-called Housing Court in Hamilton County. Modeled after similar programs in other Ohio cities, the Housing Court would give the city “a more effective, efficient approach to criminally prosecute negligent property owners.”

        It also was referred to committee.

Airport tackles runway safety
$1.4B may not be enough
Ohio justices defy convenient labels
UC tuition will rise by 8% in fall
A boost for home buyers
Cities say rules thwart growth
Clinton visits Dayton to accept peace prize
Cops take it where crime happens
Doctors rally against concealed carry
Dulcimer picked as official Ky. instrument
Fair's touchy about animals
Grand jury will hear Lebanon case
Group moves to scrap city's civil service rules
Hospitals won't get Medicaid raise
Kenton teachers get 7% hike
Low-income housing would be controlled
Nature Conservancy buys more land along palisades
No sex indictment against teacher
Ohio PTA award announced
Outside auditor to watch ballpark
Proposal for video slots at racetracks dies in committee
Protester on trial for fest disruption
Officer Roach trial scheduled for Sept. 17
School gets 2nd inspection
Silverton development group launched
United Way pledges other help
Video store bandits use the same script
Welfare reform spending in danger
Worms sicced on Ky.'s coal scars
Kentucky News Briefs
Tristate A.M. Report