By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer

FORT THOMAS - When Fort Thomas planners rejected plans for a new subdivision in January, they said the project would be reconsidered if it were reduced.

But plans resubmitted this week by Fischer Homes show that the Villa Grande of Fort Thomas project has grown.

The number of homes has increased from 107 to 116, and the developer has added more than 3 acres to the 49-acre development site that sits on a hillside along Chesapeake Avenue overlooking Interstate 471.

The site also abuts the tiny city of Woodlawn, with a population of less than 300, where much of the opposition has erupted.

Since the Fort Thomas Planning Commission rejected the plans, the developer has purchased another 3.27-acre tract, said Fischer vice president Larry Sprague.

"We added some additional property to improve the entrance off of Chesapeake," Sprague said Thursday. "It moves the entrance and swings the road further away from where it was. There is less impact on the people who live in the city of Woodlawn."

The revised plan saves a row of trees that was to be torn down. Under the new proposal, the trees would remain and provide a buffer between the subdivision and homes in Woodlawn along Water Works Road, Sprague said.

"Basically, we added some additional property," he said. "That's why we have additional lots. We're making these changes, lessening the impact and saving some trees the city believes were important to preserve."

The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on the project March 17 at 8 p.m. at the Fort Thomas City Building.

Woodlawn resident Terry Rasche, who has helped lead the opposition to the project, viewed the plans Thursday and said he still has concerns about traffic, water runoff and the elimination of trees.

"There is more of a buffer," Rasche acknowledged. "But they'll still have to cut down the trees on the new land they added. I don't think the plan is any better than the first one."

Sprague said the project would comply with all regulations mandated by the Northern Kentucky Water District and the Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky.

The homes will sell for "well over $250,000" and some will have views of downtown Cincinnati, Sprague said.

Fischer expects to sell 20 or more homes year, meaning it could take five years or more before the development is finished.

E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com