By Gregory Korte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Cincinnati Planning Commission backed down Friday from its threat to freeze zoning in North Oakley to prevent more "big box" development, after nearby factories and business leaders warned that the action could cause "collateral damage."

The commission will, however, send a letter to City Council expressing its frustration that the city has failed to follow the Planning Department's plans.

At the center of the controversy is the Center of Cincinnati, a new retail development that includes Target and Sam's Club stores.

Vandercar Holdings Inc., the developer, received approval from the Department of Buildings and Inspections to build a fourth "big box" store, a Home Depot Expo.

The Planning Commission, upset that another city department was undermining its plan for a mixed-use development, threatened to respond with an "interim development control" district.

An IDC district would freeze further development until the Planning Department could study the issue - a process that could take 90 days or nine months.

Business leaders said the commission shouldn't try to dictate the kind of retail.

"When we've tried to force the market, we've failed," said Randy Welker of the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce. But planning commissioner Caleb Faux said the city should try to control the market forces to get the best, most sustainable development.

"Market forces have gotten us Colerain Avenue and Fields Ertel Road, and some aspects of our community that I don't think are particularly attractive," he said.

In the end, Mr. Faux agreed to table his IDC proposal.

E-mail gkorte@enquirer.com