The Cincinnati City Planning Commission on June 5 approved a proposal to redevelop the former Western Hills Sports Mall site in Westwood into 167 affordable housing units.
The commission signed off on rezoning about 4.3 acres at 2323 Ferguson Road to a planned development district, allowing multifamily housing and multiple buildings on a single lot.
Residents concerned about subsidized housing
Six of the seven members of the planning commission voted to approve zoning for the project. Commissioner John Eby abstained from that vote.
In a separate vote, all seven members voted to approved the final development plan after an hours-long meeting featuring commentary from a handful of local residents who raised concerns about the over-concentration of subsidized housing in the area, traffic and safety.
The West Price Hill Community Council raised similar concerns during the public review process before the planning commission meeting, while Westwood community groups supported the project.
Vacant, fire-damaged site to be cleared
The property has sat vacant since a June 2022 fire. Plans call for demolishing the existing structure and building four apartment buildings with parking, open space and resident amenities.
Developers plan to seek Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, which would require units to remain affordable to households earning up to 60% of the area median income, or about $52,000 a year, based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requirements.
Monthly apartment rents would range from $982 for a one-bedroom to $1,928 for a three-bedroom, according to the developers.
What’s next for Western Hill Sports Mall
With the commission’s recommendation in place, the project will move forward to Cincinnati City Council for approval in August.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Plan to turn Westwood site into 167 affordable apartments approved
Reporting by Randy Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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By Randy Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
