Steven A. Brun, 36, a lifelong resident, said officials seem too focused on wealthy newcomers, at the expense of longtime residents: "It's just the way it comes off," he said. "It may not be the way it is, but that's how it seems."

Incumbents say they are working to make sure new developments blend with the community. And there is little the city can do when a private owner sells land to a developer, they said. They also noted the additional taxes from developments will help the city and schools provide better services to residents.

Brenda Guidugli, 44, the ex-wife of incumbent Stephen R. Guidugli, decided to run for two main reasons: The city's limited parking, and the amount of development.

Also, "Residents that live below Fairfield (Avenue), there has not been a lot of communication with those individuals" about the riverfront developments in their area, she said.

Allen Ramsey, 33, an official write-in candidate with signs across town, joined the race after he and his Lake Street neighbors learned about the demise of one of the city's oldest houses when they saw the dilapidated building bulldozed, he said. A related development has blocked their Cincinnati view.

Also challenging is Terry W. Hatton.

The six incumbents are Tom W. Ratterman, Tom Quirk, Stephen Guidugli, Victor G. Camm, Cindy L. Losey and Edward M. Riehl. Council posts pay $2,000 per year.

E-mail mrutledge@enquirer.com