By Erica Solvig
Enquirer staff writer

MASON - City Council rezoned four parcels of land Monday night but held off a rezoning request for nearly 77 acres that would allow for more housing.

Representatives of developers and the owners of the property along Ohio 741 just north of Bethany Road argued the soil conditions will limit what can go on the site. They say the soil will affect items such as the types of roads, making the land appropriate for a subdivision but not an industrial site that would see such traffic as heavy trucks.

Council wants the city to rezone the land from light industrial to a residential planned-unit development. Planning commission and city staff both recommended the council deny the request.

City Engineer Richard Fair and some council members expressed concerns about turning the land into the proposed 78-lot subdivision because that is not consistent with the city's vision for that area, which calls for business development.

The city staff is going to look at soil studies and report back to the council next month.

In accordance with the city's master land-use plan, the council:

• Rezoned 0.09 acres at 109 N. East St. from residential use to a central business district. The small area is going to be part of a parking lot for the former municipal building, which HiFive Development Services of Mason is remodeling into a restaurant and office space.

• Rezoned 0.125 acres at 201 W. Church St. from a residential zone to a central business district. James Ferrell, who lives there, says there are no immediate plans to sell the property.

• Rezoned 11.12 acres at Tylersville Road and the future Snider Road extension into a business planned-unit development, with the condition that certain uses, such as a gas station or convenience food store, are not allowed.

• Rezoned 6.5 acres at 4291 Ohio 741 from an industrial district to a business planned-unit development. Larry Hayes of Suburban Oil, who requested the change, will present site plans later.

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com