Thursday, May 06, 1999
Boone planners to consider two housing developments
BY KRISTINA GOETZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
BURLINGTON — Two significant development proposals have now worked their way to the Boone County Planning Commission for consideration.
One is a large residential development off Longbranch Road — the same development that previously ignited an annexation fight between Florence and Union — and the other is for a residential and retirement community near Interstate 75 and Mount Zion Road.
After a long battle with Union over who would control 367 acres of land off Longbranch Road, Florence has asked the planning commission for a zoning change request.
The city wants to build a subdivision called Longbranch Park at the location. It would hold a maximum of 954 homes ranging from $100,000 to $400,000.
“We're looking to add a quality single-family housing development in Florence,” said Mayor Diane Ewing Whalen. “We've got more than our fair share of apartments.”
The development would be phased in over 10 to 15 years.
Florence and Union had been fighting over the property in unincorporated Boone County since December until both cities came to an agreement in April.
Florence had approved an ordinance in December saying it intended to annex the acreage, but Union also passed ordinances to annex the land as part of a larger parcel, an hour before the Florence meeting.
Florence then sued Union in Boone Circuit Court asking that annexation rights be giv en to Florence because Union did not give proper notification of the meeting.
Boone County residents who wanted to be annexed also sued Union commission members.
The fate of the land is now in the hands of the planning commission. If the planning commission OKs Florence's request, Union commission members will have a chance to go before the Florence City Council before a final decision is made over use of the land.
“We will meet with them before any final acceptance of what comes from the planning commission,” Ms. Whalen said.
A public hearing on the issue is set for 7 p.m. June 30 at the Boone County administration building.
The planning commission also set a public hearing for 7 p.m. June 23 at the administration building on a proposed residential and retirement community on 67 acres of land near I-75 and Mount Zion Road.
The Indianapolis-based Lee & Urbahns Co. is making its second request for the community. The company withdrew its first request in December because of several concerns the commission had about commercial uses and density in the area.
This request asks for a zoning change that would allow condos, apartments, an assisted-living center and a medical clinic.
“The previous request also requested commercial,” said Kevin Costello, executive director of the Boone County Planning Commission, which included a bank and two restaurants. “That's the big difference with this one. None of the retail is proposed.”
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