By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

CLIFTON - A Cincinnati City Council member is wading into a heated development battle in this neighborhood.

Councilman Christopher Smitherman has asked the city to look into applying a special protective designation to the Anderson, Baiter and Sahnd Funeral home on Clifton Avenue and areas around the home.

That would restrict development to ensure it keeps to neighborhood standards and does not diminish the area, explained Margaret Wuerstle, Cincinnati's chief planner.

Smitherman says he got involved because he wants to preserve Clifton's business district, which is known for unique boutiques, restaurants and a movie house.

"The initial plan for that corner was to put a Starbucks Coffee or some type of chain there," he said. "That really sent the community up in arms."

Developer Jack Brand upset some in this community of about 9,000 residents when he proposed tearing down the 100-year-old building and putting in businesses with a drive-through.

In light of the uproar, he withdrew that plan and now proposes building a four-story structure with retail stores, a restaurant and housing. The city has issued a demolition permit for the funeral home.

Clifton is known for its epic six-year battle in the 1980s that blocked a Wendy's restaurant from opening in the old Esquire Theatre on Ludlow Avenue.

Some feel Clifton is being put to the test again. A group of about 50 residents and business owners are working on a plan to acquire the building and reuse it and the 51-spot parking lot.

E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com.