Hamilton County Commissioner Tom Neyer has withdrawn his company's interest in building the $700 million riverfront neighborhood known as The Banks.

        Mr. Neyer has been the project's biggest supporter on the commission, and could be called upon to vote on funding the construction of about $70 million in parking garages that will lift the development out of the flood zone.

        His ability to vote on the issue was in jeopardy because of the interest shown by Al Neyer Inc. in building the development. The company officially expressed interest this year in building the project.

        Mr. Neyer said it's important that the county make its intent to move forward with the project known in the next 12 months. That means putting together a deal with a developer, he said.

        “Personally and professionally, I remain very passionate about The Banks,” Mr. Neyer said. “For that reason, it was important not to jeopardize the long-term potential with short-term actions.”

        The other two commissioners, Todd Portune and John Dowlin, have expressed concern that there might not be enough money to build the parking garages. Sales tax revenues have declined sharply this year, leaving the county in a struggle to pay for riverfront construction to which it has already committed.

        Mr. Neyer asked the county prosecutor's office for an opinion on whether he could vote on issues related to a project his company has expressed interest in building. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Roger Friedmann responded by saying: Ask someone else.

        He recommended Mr. Neyer seek an opinion from the Ohio Ethics Commission.

        Hamilton County Prosecutor Mike Allen said the ethics commission is “better suited” to make a decision in the matter. “There's probably been a similar situation in the state that they've ruled on before,” he said.

        Chris Finney, attorney for the anti-tax organization Coalition Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes, had said his group would file a complaint with the Ohio Ethics Commission if Mr. Neyer tried to vote on any matter related to The Banks.

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