A battle over housing is brewing in East Price Hill, with neighborhood and civic leaders strongly opposing a proposal to build low-income apartments on a prime lot with sweeping downtown views.

        Neighborhood leaders argue the property is one of the best chances to boost home ownership and stem decline in an area some residents say is falling victim to neglect, litter and other ills.

        “What the community wants is owner-occupied (homes),” said Norman Murdock, an attorney and former Hamilton County commissioner who represents the East Price Hill Improvement Association. “We think this is important to save the neighborhood.”

        The group has asked the city to change zoning of the Grand Avenue lot to block Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority's 47-unit Seminary Ridge project.

        They want the land used solely for single-family homes, not apartments.

        After hearing arguments from both sides on the proposed zoning change Friday, the Cincinnati Planning Commission directed its staff to investigate possible alternative uses for the land.

        The battle over Seminary Ridge comes as other west side communities, such as College Hill and Westwood, appeal to City Hall to evenly distribute subsidized housing throughout Cincinnati.

        Leaders of these neighborhoods believe too many subsidized homes equate to spikes in petty crime and neighborhood decline.

        They have found a sympathetic ear in city Councilman John Cranley, who proposes eliminating funding for any new construction of low-income units in Cincinnati.

        Mr. Cranley said the city already shoulders more than its fair share of low-income housing. He wants the city to help pay for low-income housing in the suburbs.

        “The fact is East Price Hill has one of the highest concentrations of subsidized housing in the city,” said Mr. Cranley, an East Price Hill resident. “Adding more low-income units will not help the neighborhood but only exacerbate the situation.”

        Yet housing authority officials say the $5.9 million Seminary Ridge is precisely the type of development that neighborhoods need to prevent people from leaving.

        Only 15 apartments will be low-income; the remaining 32 units are planned for people of varying incomes.

        The mixed-income model of housing is endorsed by the federal government as the best way to build homes for the poor. The idea is to get away from concentrating poverty in a single area — a strategy past policies encouraged in Over-the-Rhine and West End.

        The housing authority has used two $30-million-plus federal Hope VI grants to demolish and rebuild two large public housing projects in the West End. When rebuilt, the developments will include a mix of single family homes for purchase and rental units for all incomes.

        Donald Troendle, executive director of the housing authority, is surprised by East Price Hill's opposition.

        “We've gained support in the West End, which is a predominately African-American neighborhood,” said Mr. Troendle. “But we haven't been able to gain support in Price Hill, a predominately white neighborhood.”

        East Price Hill has undergone a large demographic shift over the decade. The neighborhood's black population increased from 8.8 percent in 1990 to 21.5 percent in 2000.

        Mr. Murdock said the opposition has nothing to do with race.

        “The thing that causes me grave concern is some people will choose to make this a racial issue,” Mr. Murdock said. “I would not have anything to do with this if it was based on racial bigotry.”

        Mr. Murdock said East Price Hill needs more single-family homes to revive the neighborhood. Of 390 units immediately surrounding the Grand Avenue site, only 35 are occupied by owners, he said.

        Grand Avenue resident Saylor Alkie said the neighborhood has changed in recent years. She has put her house up for sale and plans to move to Northern Kentucky.

        Ms. Alkie doesn't oppose more low-income housing, but she urges neighbors to tend to yards and pick up waste more frequently.

        “If they would just help keep this place clean,” said Ms. Alkie. “It never was like this before.”

        City Councilman Jim Tarbell, who also sits on the planning commission, said the city may explore a land swap or purchase from the housing authority.

        Mr. Troendle said it isn't fair to ask his agency to sell its land to a private developer. Current zoning allows the project, and the city already has approved designs.

        “Do people have a right to adequate housing?” Mr. Troendle said. “I think they do.”

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