By Perry Schaible
Enquirer contributor

LEBANON - The Shaker Run Golf Course could soon have new neighbors.

Warren County officials took the first step Thursday to approve a development that could bring 970 homes and 109 multifamily units to Turtlecreek Township.

The Warren County Regional Planning Commission approved a preliminary site plan and plat for the development with 31 conditions.

"This is definitely a signature project, there's no doubt about it," said Bob Craig, executive director of the Warren County Planning Commission.

The conditions include a 10-foot setback for structures from the outside boundary of two gas lines that cross the property, expanding and upgrading the water system, and completion of a traffic impact study.

Rhein Interests Inc. of Cincinnati is the developer of the property, on the south side of Greentree Road between Ohio 741 and Union Road.

The development will sit on about 300 acres that surround the Shaker Run Golf Course.

The project will be done in phases.

Planning commission member Jim Lukas said he can't remember a larger request during his seven years on the board.

"It's going to be an upscale development which is always a plus to have in your county," Lukas said.

Such a large project could also have some drawbacks, Lukas said, like stress on the school system.

Chris Thompson, the only planning commission member to vote against the project, said she is concerned about the long cul-de-sacs and limited accessibility for emergency workers.

Bob Garlock of Bayer Becker, project surveyor, said the developers are working to provide emergency access into the subdivision.

The site plan will now go before the Warren County commissioners.