By Cindi Andrews
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LEBANON - The city has decided not to annex the 174-acre site of a proposed subdivision in eastern Turtlecreek Township, letting Wednesday's deadline pass without action.

"I'm reluctant to annex a residential property that we can't satisfactorily serve with fire (protection)," City Manager George "Pat" Clements said of the decision.

The city got Warren County commissioners' permission to annex the Las Colinas site, along Ohio 123 and Stubbs Mill Road, in early June. However, Lebanon officials could not reach agreement with Western Water - a private company that provides the area with water - to install city fire hydrants, Mr. Clements said.

Lebanon pursued the annexation under the previous administration as a way to extend toward the intersection of Ohio 123 and Interstate 71, expected to eventually be a key development area. However, Mr. Clements suggested to council Tuesday that the city instead consider forming a Joint Economic Development District with Turtlecreek Township at the interchange.

"That would open it up for development," he said. "And that gives us the opportunity to jointly shape that development instead of just waiting for whatever happens."

JEDDs allow a township and a municipality to combine efforts in a geographic area. The area is not annexed and does not have to be contiguous to the city, but earnings taxes can be collected within it to pay for road improvements, sewer work and other infrastructure.

"This is a great idea," Turtlecreek Trustee Dan George said Wednesday. "We want to help if we can."

The township objected to the Las Colinas annexation because of fire safety concerns, but Mr. George said the trustees probably would not mind working with Lebanon to bring business and industry to the interchange.

The township could provide services such as fire protection and in exchange get a cut of the taxes collected, he said.

A JEDD solely at the interchange would alleviate the concerns of Turtlecreek residents along Ohio 123 who don't want to be annexed, Mr. George added.

Councilman James Reinhard, chairman of the finance committee, also is enthusiastic about the idea: "It makes sense."

Mr. Clements said he hopes to meet with township officials in January to further explore the concept.

E-mail candrews@enquirer.com