Condo residents voice asbestos, noise and parking concerns as committee approves 12-year tax abatement for downtown hotel

The Cincinnati Budget & Finance Committee approved a Community Reinvestment Area agreement for 33 West Fourth Street on a 12-year, 100% exemption of improvements, authorizing the conversion of the building into a 44-guestroom boutique hotel.

The measure, introduced by the Department of Community and Economic Development, lists the total estimated construction cost at $12,400,000. The approval came after residents of the adjacent McAlpin condominiums spoke during public comment to outline four specific concerns about the Blue Suede Hotel redevelopment at Fourth and Race.

“We're not opposed to the development. Just to paint a picture for you, the hotel development property is about 4 stories high. We have a fifth story deck that overlooks the roof of the new hotel. And, we have 4 concerns,” said Guy Kuchenberger, identifying himself as a resident of the McAlpin…