EDC to consider Incline Square zoning

Tomorrow at noon, Cincinnati City Council's Economic Development Committee will consider a rezoning that could facilitate the development of the $50 million Incline Square development in East Price Hill.

City Lights Development/Incline Square, LLC is seeking the creation of a planned development district (PD-53) for 6.03 acres it owns near the Queens Tower and Olden View Park, where they hope to build a mixed-use project of condominiums, townhomes, restaurants, general offices and a medical office building.

The development would also include a revamped park and promenade, and the remains of the Price Hill Incline will be exposed and lit to be visible from the City basin.

Current zoning within the project site includes SF-4 Single Family, RMX Residential Mixed Multi-Family and RM-0.7 Residential Multi-Family.

Planned development districts are generally established for large project sites with multiple zoning classifications to encourage a more efficient, coordinated development than would normally be available through developing each parcel individually.

In a letter accompanying their rezoning request, Incline Square, LLC John McLinden calls Incline Square "a new urban center for East Price Hill and the west side".

Greater Cincinnati Associated Physicians (GCAP) and the Health Alliance have been signed as anchor tenants.

Construction of GCAP's office building, at the northwest corner of Mount Hope and Price Avenues, is expected to begin in July.

McLinden estimates that construction on the other buildings will begin by November, with completion in the second quarter of 2010.

"We believe that this project will be a landmark addition to Cincinnati and will provide an exciting gathering point for the community to receive healthcare services, work, and play," he wrote.

The rezoning was recommended by the City Planning Commission in early May.

In related news, the Department of City Planning is working with the East Price Hill Improvement Association's Housing and Development Committee to clearly define the boundaries and assets of the Incline District.

Legislation will be forwarded to City Council once the Incline District map has been approved by the City Planning Commission.

In March, City Council adopted a motion to formally recognize the Incline District on all City maps and planning documents.

Previous reading on BC:
PC to consider Incline Square rezoning tomorrow (5/1/08)
Hearing on Incline Square rezoning Wednesday (4/22/08)
City moves to recognize Incline District (3/26/08)