Cincinnati council rescinds planned-development zoning for Hyde Park Square parcel after months of neighborhood protests

Cincinnati City Council on an emergency vote repealed the April ordinance that rezoned 2719 Erie Avenue in Hyde Park as a planned development, at the request of both neighborhood petitioners and the developer. Council members voted yes on the repeal during the meeting's business session, effectively returning the site to the underlying zoning while negotiations continue.

The repeal follows months of public pressure and an 18,000-signature petition from neighborhood groups opposing the developer's latest plans. Vicki Weber, a Hyde Park resident, told council: "We support development. We want more housing and a thriving business district. We are willing to accept 5 stories at 62 feet." Weber contrasted that compromise with the developer's proposal for a six-story, 75-foot building.

Mayor (unnamed) said the decision reflected a narrow role for council and urged parties to keep negotiating. He framed the dispute within a citywide housing shortage and said Cincinnati has been "steadily losing overall supply of housing," making it harder for renters and owners citywide.

Council members debated process and next steps. Councilmember Nolan urged completion of the neighborhood plan and creation of a standing subcommittee to bring stakeholders together early; he said the Community Investment Subcommittee under the Equitable Growth and Housing Committee will be used to address pipeline issues. Vice Mayor Kearney described the repeal as an opportunity for "developers and communities to work together," and Councilmember Owens said the council must "slow down" and listen to residents' concerns about affordability and neighborhood character.

Neighbors and civic groups who spoke at the meeting said they sought predictable, collaborative processes. Andrea Schenck, one of the petitioners, cited Plan Cincinnati and urged that community organizations be given a significant role in shaping development. Beth Shellenbarger, president of the Women's City Club of Greater Cincinnati, urged enforcement of the urban design overlay district and connected communities ordinance so future developments better reflect neighborhood character.

Council acted by repealing the PD ordinance (Ordinance No. 97-2025, passed April 23, 2025). The repeal passed on a roll-call vote with all present council members answering yes.

What happens next: the repeal removes the PD approval but does not prevent the developer from refiling under a different process. Council members and neighborhood leaders said they expect further negotiations, possible revision of the redevelopment plan, and work through the newly proposed subcommittee or related outreach to reach a compromise that produces housing while respecting neighborhood scale and design.

The council's action leaves standing disagreements about how to balance housing production and neighborhood character. Several speakers urged the city to reform engagement processes so that expectations for developers and neighborhood councils are clearer earlier in the review process.