The planning commission's 5-1 vote has no direct impact on stadium decisions. Hamilton County and the Reds are forging a deal without input from the city.
But the endorsement, initiated by Council member Jeanette Cissell, who sits on the planning board, and Councilman Todd Portune, could foreshadow another city-county stadium showdown.
Mr. Portune offered no specifics but said it's time for city council to offer more than just ''lip service'' to Broadway Commons, at Broadway and Reading Road.
''I think it's incumbent on council to start taking some affirmative steps in regards to Broadway,'' he said.
Council voted last year to endorse Broadway over the other two options, a site next to The Crown known as Baseball on Main or the ''Wedge,'' or an extensive renovation of Cinergy Field.
Even so, the county and team are closing in on a deal for a $235 million ballpark at the Wedge site. For the site to work, the county needs land freed up by the city's overhaul of Fort Washington Way. The city would likely control the land.
Reds Managing Executive John Allen said he had an informal meeting with City Manager John Shirey, but no specifics were discussed. Asked whether the team would consider Broadway if the city made an attractive offer, he said, ''we're not negotiating with the city, we're negotiating with the county.''
Mr. Allen said he hopes the city won't hold land for the Wedge site hostage to leverage a move to Broadway.
''That would seem to be unfair to the baseball fans and the taxpayers of Hamilton County,'' he said.
Allen: Future at Broadway vague April 4, 1998
Economist disputes Reds' reasoning April 4, 1998
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