NEWPORT — Some residents made it clear Wednesday they aren't glad to see the proposed commercial/residential development planned for part of what is known as Wiedemann Hill off Interstate 471.

        But it was also clear following the informational session in the Newport fire house that most of the people affected by the project are in favor of it, and many have already signed contracts to sell their property.

        Neyer Properties, a major Cincinnati developer, wants to build Newport Promenade on the east side of the hill above 10th Street and I-471. The project would include a shopping center along Grand Avenue, with upscale $300,000-$400,000 condominiums/town homes on the hill above with an impressive view of downtown Cincinnati.

        Newport City Manager Phil Ciafardini, who conducted the meeting, said 65 percent of the property needed for the project is already under contract.

        “A total of 46 residential units must be acquired, and they would be replaced with over 60 new residential units,” he said. “The residential aspect of this project is most important to the city because we want to replace and increase our housing stock.”

        Some residents had voiced concerns about how the development would fit into the neighborhood, and that it was taking a city park at Grand and Carothers Road that includes a ball field.

        But Mr. Ciafardini emphasized that the plan now being considered would include green space, a park, and bicycle and walking paths. A separate city park with a ball field also is planned in another area.

        The Rev. R.D. Lloyd, pastor of the Calvary Apostolic Church on Grand Avenue, said he was still opposed to the project because “the real estate people working for the developer are low-balling us on the price of our property.”

        “We have two pieces of property, the church and a separate lot,” he said. “Our last offer was $75,000. We won't accept that.”

        The Rev. Mr. Lloyd said he had not had the property appraised recently. He said his congregation now wants to be involved in the process, and said the developer “will have to deal with us.”

        The commercial portion of Newport Promenade would include a grocery, a sporting goods store, a clothing store, at least one restaurant, and a number of specialty shops.

        Eric Russo, executive director of the Hillside Trust, said his group had done a preliminary study of the hill where the project is to be developed, and it has no physical drawbacks.

        “There is a shallow bedrock there, so it is feasible from a geotechnical standpoint,” he said. “Some residents have talked about flooding problems in their homes and yards, and that needs to be addressed.

        “We are also concerned about the developer cutting away a portion of the hill and leaving it to look like the bare interstate cuts. We hope to talk with the developer and the city about some sort of gardens or other landscaping to soften the look of the cut.”

        Valerie McQueen, who with her husband, Tom, has contracts to sell two pieces of property on Vine Street, said she was “not happy to be selling. I like my house. But we know the project is going to go, and we are getting a good price for the property.”

        Bertha Walters and her Vine street neighbor, Anna Thibodeaux, who both have contracts to sell their houses, are in favor of the development.

        “The hill's going to go anyway, and a lot of people have serious problems with their foundations,” Ms. Walters said. “I think this (development) will be a good thing for Newport. We need a new place to shop.”

        John Stevens, director of development for Neyer Properties, said there is no time line on when work might begin on the project, but the company would like to see Newport Promenade completed and open in 2003.

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