By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LIBERTY TWP. - A request from neighbors to increase buffering between their homes and a proposed interchange has been pulled back as zoning officials explore a proposal they say is better for the overall township.

The township will consider putting an overlay district between the Four bridges subdivision and the proposed eastward interchange off the Michael A. Fox Highway at Interstate 75.

A district would establish stricter development, buffering and beautification standards, said Barry Tiffany, Liberty's zoning supervisor.

It also would prohibit intense development such as hotels and fast-food restaurants next to Four Bridges, a country club and golf course community where homes range from $250,000 to $900,000.

"Strict lighting and landscaping guidelines will soften the area and give it more of a neighborhood feel, creating higher standards for development in the area," Tiffany said.

"The community benefits most of all by long-term planning and regulations that curtail uncontrolled growth or sprawl. This is a good plan for that corridor."

Residents overwhelmingly accepted the proposal when it was unveiled Tuesday in a meeting of Tiffany and Four Bridges residents.

"This is a very good deal," said Tom Farrell, president of the Four Bridges Homeowners Association. "It's everything we were asking for and more.

"This will protect not only the residents of Four Bridges, but also the integrity of Liberty Township."

The residents had proposed extensive mounding and heavy landscaping to protect them from the interchange and mass development expected with it. The overlay district incorporates many of those original requests.

One item, a 10-foot-wide landscaping easement, has been removed because it was unenforceable by the township, Tiffany said.

Last summer, Four Bridges neighbors were upset to learn from the Enquirer of plans for the eastward interchange.

Plans call for it to run about a quarter of a mile east from where the highway now ends to link with an extended Cox Road. Cox Road would extend five lanes wide behind their homes to Ohio 63 in Monroe.

The overlay district still has to go before the county and township's zoning commissions and then to the township trustees for final approval, and may undergo some changes.

"This is a perfect example of the community and township working together to have an outcome that is beneficial to both parties," Trustee Bob Shelley said.

"This will have a more orderly impact on Liberty's growth."

E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com