By Sheila McLaughlin
The Cincinnati Enquirer

INDIAN HILL - Most of Indian Hill's last undeveloped 1-acre lots will become part of a subdivision on land that once was part of the Emery family's historic Peterloon estate.

The sites are proposed as part of a 46-home project by Hannibal Development Co. that recently received an initial nod from planning commissioners.

The development, on 158 acres off Remington Road near the Montgomery city line, will be called Twin Fences at Peterloon Farms. It will include a mix of 1-, 3- and 5-acre lots, with more than half of the homes on 1-acre lots.

Hannibal official Addison Lanier, whose grandparents once owned the land, said home prices probably will start at about $1.5 million.

He said he's already seeing a lot of interest from builders about the smaller lots.

"People are very interested in being able to live in Indian Hill and not have to buy 3 or 5 acres," Lanier said. The land's other drawing points are its natural beauty and convenience to shopping areas, as well as the Interstate 71.

Under the plan, Hannibal will preserve slightly more than 4 acres for green space. Other land would be set aside for a bridle trail.

The first phase of the project, which will include 12 single-acre lots and three homes on 5 acres, could begin in early summer, Lanier said, if the proposal passes two more reviews by the city planning commission.

The economy will decide when the remainder will be built.

"Until we see how this phase goes, we will continue to farm the rest of the land and keep the forested part as it is," he said.

Assistant City Manager David Couch said the development will be unique to Indian Hill because it involves zoning for three sizes of lots. While nearby residents have expressed concern about traffic and storm-water runoff, Couch said, those issues will be addressed during upcoming planning reviews.

Several other subdivisions already are built or under construction on the former Peterloon estate, built in 1930 by John Emery.

E-mail smclaughlin@enquirer.com