By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

CLIFTON - Neighbors opposed to the demolition of the Anderson Baiter & Sahnd Funeral Home lost another round Friday in their fight to save the 100-year-old building.

The Cincinnati Planning Commission rejected a request to designate an area that included the Clifton Avenue business for special protection. The planning commission said the area didn't meet all the legal requirements.

Councilman Christopher Smitherman asked the city to look into forming the district after some residents asked him to intervene.

Clifton resident and developer Jack Brand wants to tear down the funeral home and build a four-story building with a restaurant on the first floor and 12 apartments on the rest. It's not economically viable to save the building, he says. Earlier this year, the city issued Brand a permit to demolish the building.

Brand first proposed putting in businesses with a drive-through in the area. But in April, he withdrew that idea.

More than 100 residents and business owners support efforts to raise money to buy the building.

The want to building to be turned into offices and apartments.

Residents and business owners have pledged about $15,000, according to resident Michael Ramundo.

Friday, several Clifton neighbors urged the commission for more time to raise money.

"The only way to preserve the scale and charm of Clifton in this area is to preserve the existing building," said Ellen Bierhorst, who has lived in Clifton since 1957.

But Brand insists his development will help, not hurt, the area.

The neighborhood association doesn't plan to protest, said Patrick Borders, the group's president.

Borders says Brand, a former Clifton Town Meeting president, is trying to work with the community.

E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com.