By Cliff Peale
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority this week sent requests for proposals to three teams interested in developing the Banks riverfront project.

The plan includes units for more than 1,700 new residents, plus restaurants, office space, parking and hotels, all between Paul Brown Stadium and the new Great American Ball Park.

But its final shape will depend on millions of public dollars to build parking garages below Fort Washington Way, and on a potential project to lure Convergys Corp. to build a new headquarters near the football stadium.

"This is the exciting time when developers are going to be able to show us their ideas," said Tim Sharp, president of the Port Authority.

The request is only the next step in a process that started with the original Banks proposal. It asks developers to submit details proposals for design, construction and operation of the project by the end of February.

E-mail cpeale@enquirer.com