By Michael D. Clark
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MONROE - This city's largest housing development is no longer its most controversial.

Rezoning for the proposed 500-acre Monroe Crossings development along the city's southwest sector was approved unanimously Wednesday by the Monroe Planning Commission without complaint from the more than 50 residents in attendance, many who opposed the project when introduced in August.

The public outcry over the initial plan to rezone the tract, southeast of the intersection of Ohio 4 and Ohio 63 across from LeSourdsville Lake amusement park, prompted City Council to table the original rezoning proposal and call a series of public meetings so that the developer and residents could work out an alternative plan.

Top concern was devaluation of residential properties, primarily north of Ohio 63, if nearly 700 apartments were in the planned single-family and commercial development. Another concern was crowding of Monroe's new kindergarten-through-12th-grade school complex scheduled to open in August 2004.

But Tim Haller, president of Concerned Citizens for a Better Monroe, said nearly 100 residents were won over by city officials drawing them into a negotiation process, and the main developer's willingness to listen.

"We're absolutely happy with this plan," said Mr. Haller after the commission's 5-0 vote.

He praised the Crossings' developer - Harry Thomas Jr. of H.T. Investments in Fairfield - for his "willingness to compromise and negotiate in good faith."

Mr. Thomas said he appreciated the opinions of residents and that the new plan, which now includes 150 apartments and 890 single-family homes with some priced more than $300,000, will include a 27-acre park along Ohio 63, with miles of bike and hiking paths.

"We listened and we heard. We have a plan that is very marketable for the next eight to 12 years," he said.

The tract development's time line eventually will include 40 acres of commercial development along Ohio 4, and might include two churches and a day-care center elsewhere in the site.

Jay Stewart, Monroe's director of development, said the rezoning and new development plan "will not adversely affect adjacent property values. The existing zoning was all over the place, but this zoning is more appropriate."

The planning commission's recommendation will next go to City Council on Tuesday for a first reading. Council likely will vote on the matter Dec. 10.

E-mail mclark@enquirer.com