Three Cincinnati Interim Development Control Overlay Districts (IDCs) got preliminary approval for nine-month extensions by the City Planning Commission on Friday.
The extensions, which must be approved by City Council, would provide additional time for planning activities in Pleasant Ridge, Madisonville, and along the Wasson Way railroad corridor.
IDCs regulate the establishment of uses, the construction of new buildings, or the demolition or alteration of existing structures within a defined area. Any changes within the IDC are subject to review by Department of City Planning and Buildings staff and the City Planning Commission before permits can be issued.
Reasons for the development controls vary:
- In Pleasant Ridge, Walgreens had expressed a desire to purchase buildings at the corner of Ridge and Montgomery roads for demolition and construction of a new store, which would have displaced long-time businesses Everybody's Records and the Gas Light Café. Everybody's Records signed a three-year lease last month, meaning that the Walgreens proposal is likely off the table.
- In Madisonville, the Madisonville Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation is ramping up to a late October charrette to implement form-based codes in the neighborhood. The group wants an additional check on incompatible uses within its Madison/Whetsel business district to make sure that any redevelopment fits into the neighborhood's future plans.
- Along the Wasson Way railroad corridor – from the Avondale/Evanston neighborhood boundary to the eastern corporation limits – a land use study is underway to inform future planning for commuter rail or a hike-bike trail.
City Council's Livable Communities Committee's next meeting is on September 11, and the full Council meets next on September 19.
Previous reading on BC:
Three overlays to control development for 90 days (6/25/12)
Casino area development controls extended 9 months (4/23/12)
Catalytic 'Madison Square' gets $200K in TIF funding (4/23/12)
