By Sheila McLaughlin
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Development is to begin at the historic White Pillars mansion after activists dismissed lawsuits holding up the sale of the property. The Cincinnati Enquirer/LEIGH PATTON

LOVELAND - Development at historic White Pillars is ready to move forward after residents and the city settled two lawsuits that were holding up sale of the property.

Activist David Miller and Councilman Paul Elliott dismissed their lawsuits Wednesday in exchange for the city's promises to deny any commercial development at White Pillars, to withdraw its demand for attorney fees, and to stop saying publicly that a November zoning referendum did not apply to White Pillars.

In exchange, Miller and Elliott - who mobilized citizens to stop a campus-style office park and retail stores at the city-owned 85-acre site off Ohio 48 - agreed not to take any legal action or file further ballot issues that would interfere with the development.

As part of the deal, the city will pay $11,800 for attorney fees and expenses that Miller and Elliott incurred in a court battle with the city to allow the referendum.

The remaining lawsuits, filed in Hamilton and Clermont counties, accused the city of failing to follow proper zoning procedures.

Miller said Thursday that he and Elliott made no concessions.

Developers Hines-Griffin and Parrott & Strawser received permission last month to add 51 more condominiums to replace the commercial project that voters rejected in November. More than 200 homes are now slated for White Pillars, the former home of Loveland's first settler, Col. Thomas Paxton.

"We think it's in the best interest of the taxpayers," Mayor Brad Greenberg said of the settlement. "Clearly, I view this as a major step forward for Loveland. We are looking forward to a premium residential-only development."

He said he expects the $3.4 million sale of the White Pillars to close in July or August. The lawsuits had delayed closing because developers were unable to secure financing.

City officials are relying on the proceeds to pay off the $2.3 million owed on the property and to move ahead with other economic development projects.

E-mail smclaughlin@enquirer.com