LEBANON — A planned 127-acre subdivision can annex into Lebanon, the Warren County commissioners ruled Tuesday, despite fire safety concerns raised by Turtlecreek Township.

        “I do not try to sit and analyze who has better services,” Commissioner Pat South said, while admonishing the developer to ensure adequate protection.

        Las Colinas de Lebanon, off Ohio 123 east of Lebanon, needs city sewer and also is eager for city electric, cable and gas, developer Joe Gallenstein told commissioners at an April 30 public hearing. Owners of several other properties totaling 46 acres also requested annexation.

        Mr. Gallenstein said he plans to carve his land into 90 to 95 lots for $300,000 to $400,000 houses.

        It will cost about $700,000 to run sewer lines out to Las Colinas, but the developer will pick up most of the cost, Lebanon Service Director Scott Brunka said.

        Turtlecreek officials opposed the annexation. They said the water lines that the private Western Water Co. is planning to put in the subdivision cannot be used with fire hoses, but only to fill tanker trucks — an allegation Lebanon disputed.

        The township has tankers but Lebanon doesn't, Turtlecreek Fire Chief Bill Stevens said.

        Several neighbors also expressed concern that the Las Colinas development will increase storm water runoff in the area.

Archbishop expresses his distress
Census shows SE Indiana perked up by prosperity
'Star Wars' launches at 12:01 a.m.
Local program employs youths for summer jobs
Luken fears tax may spook Convergys
Men still missing after second day of river search
Obituary: Richard J. Schilling owned Beverly Hills
Pilot license suspended in sinking of towboat
Presbyterians vote to study gay issue
Time Warner stops charging franchise fee
Tristate A.M. Report
AMOS: Bad timing
BRONSON: Roach forum
HOWARD: Some Good News
KORTE: City Hall
Cinergy grants aid area schools
Conese denies threatening board member
Lebanon adds to downtown
Lebanon annexation bid gets nod
Middfest shines spotlight
Planners scale down I-75 mall
Policeman dodges bullets
Portman taking sides now that primary's over
Principal selected for Mason High School
West Chester TV expands programs
5-4 ruling shows rift on court
Convention center tax advances
New game will face updated Powerball
Traficant to play tapes for committee
Edgewood chooses police chief
Kentucky News Briefs
Many tax refund notices undelivered
Power plant conditions set
Protesters air gripes at finance firm's meeting
State works to fix deficit