NEWPORT — City commissioners Monday unanimously approved a development agreement with Neyer Properties Inc. for a combined retail and residential development on a hill near Interstate 471.

        The decision, which all four commissioners and Mayor Tom Guidugli agreed was difficult to make, came after the floor was opened to the public and several people said they did not wish to sell their homes to make way for the project.

        “I don't know how you can build your dreams on the ashes of mine,” said Lois Shield, who owns a house at 1012 Grand Ave. in the area that is to become the commercial part of the development.

        “I'm very upset that the city intends to force us to sell the house,” she said. “We're not interested in selling. I'm not opposed to change, but I'm opposed to change by force.”

        She was referring to the possibility that the city could use eminent domain to seize properties in the redevelopment district if owners refuse to sell.

        The project, called Newport Promenade, is to be built on 55 acres. . The development is bordered by 10th Street to the north, the intersection of Grand Avenue and Carothers Road to the south, I-471 to the east and Vine Street and Park Avenue to the west.

        The commercial portion, located at the bottom of the hill along Grand Avenue, reportedly could include a department store, restaurants and specialty shops. No tenants have officially been identified by Neyer so far.

        Many of the 100 or so residents who filled commission chambers Monday night voiced their approval of the project, most emphasizing that they were receiving more money from Neyer for their property than they would have expected on the open market.

        City Manager Phil Ciafardini said approximately 90 percent of the 55 acres has already been acquired by Neyer, including 66 of the 85 properties needed to start the development.

        In addition to the commercial center, the upper portion of the hill — which commands a dramatic view of the Cincinnati skyline — will be the location of some 40 condominiums expected to sell in

        the $250,000 and up range. The infrastructure work for the residential portion of the development will be completed before any work is begun on the commercial end, according to Mr. Ciafardini.

        Victoria Dunaway, whose house on the lower end of Park Avenue is in the footprint of the development, told commissioners she has been unable to find a new house for what the developer has offered to pay for her property.

        “I don't know what to do,” she said. “I'm not against the development, but I have nowhere to go. My husband died last year and I have no job. I can't afford to move to the house I want for what they are willing to pay me.”

        Commissioner Jerry Peluso assured residents who were opposed to the project or who were being displaced without sufficient means to move, that the city would work closely with them and with local agencies such as Brighton Center to “make sure no one falls through the cracks. We want everyone to be pleased with this project.”

        A number of people who have contracts pending on their homes said their concern was how quickly the developer could close on their property.

        “We need a development agreement with the city,” said Neyer director of development John Stevens. “With that in place, we can move ahead with our plans for purchasing the properties.”

        Commissioner Beth Fennell said she didn't like the project when it was first presented, but “it became clear that the majority of the property owners on the hill wanted this to move forward. I'm pleased that the developer was willing to make the changes suggested recently by commissioners and residents.”

        Commissioner Jan Knepshield said his vote in favor of the project “is probably the most difficult decision I've had to make as a commissioner. But I believe it's best for the entire city.”

        Mr. Ciafardini said the next step is for the city to adopt a redevelopment plan, similar to what was done when the Newport on the Levee project was started.

        Then the city will hire a consultant to look at the redevelopment plan, look at current conditions in the project area and determine if the development is in the best interest of the community. Public hearings will be held regarding the redevelopment plan.

        “We could complete the redevelopment plan by early 2002,” he said. “Work on the infrastructure of the residential portion could be completed by May.”

        Mr. Stevens said Neyer hoped to have the development completed and the commercial portion open for business in 2003.

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