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Cincinnati Christian Schools seeks zoning change to convert Tri County Baptist site into K–6 campus and athletic complex
Summary
At a June 10 public hearing, West Chester Township trustees heard a proposal for a major change to the Beckett Ridge PUD that would move Cincinnati Christian Schools’ elementary campus to a 28‑acre Tri County Baptist property, add athletic fields and later a career‑tech building; trustees will vote in two weeks.
West Chester Township trustees opened a public hearing June 10 on a major‑change application that would allow Cincinnati Christian Schools to convert the Tri County Baptist Church property at Beckett and Smith roads into an elementary campus and multi‑phase athletic complex.
Township planning staff presented the proposal as a five‑phase plan for the 28‑acre site that would renovate the existing church for pre‑K through sixth grade and add playgrounds, circulation upgrades and later athletic fields, additional classrooms and a possible 75,000‑square‑foot career‑technical building. Planning staff said the preliminary plans identify about 90,800 square feet of floor area and 176,676 square feet of impervious surface; final engineering, stormwater and traffic requirements will be addressed at the final development plan stage.
"The site contains an existing church facility with parking and recreational fields," Mr. Dawson (planning staff) told the board. "At this time, the trustees may approve, approve with modification, or deny the submitted zoning map amendment and preliminary development plan."
Ray Coaches, superintendent of Cincinnati Christian Schools, described the proposal as a way to house and expand the school’s elementary program and to provide local athletic fields. "By acquiring this property and developing it into our elementary school and athletic complex, it will allow CCS to continue our long history of educating students and making a positive impact in our community," Coaches said. He estimated the project would cost roughly $18 million to $20 million and said CCS hopes to occupy the renovated elementary campus for the 2026–27 school year, with athletic fields to follow "within a year or two as funds allow." (Ray Coaches is the name used in the record.)
An engineer for the applicant, Josh Shaw of the Klinegers Group, said a traffic‑impact study is underway and described multiple on‑site drop‑off loops and options for turn lanes. "We have a ton of queuing length, which is great," Shaw said, noting the design aims to avoid cars backing onto public roads.
Tri County Baptist’s lead pastor, Bridal McManus, and several local residents spoke in favor of the proposal, citing community benefits, stewardship of the existing property and economic activity for nearby businesses. "It gives us joy to have a like‑minded organization . . . carry on the legacy of loving their community," Bridal McManus said.
Trustees and staff exchanged questions about required road improvements, school‑zone designations, and stormwater management. Mr. Dawson noted that Butler County engineer, county floodplain manager and the West Chester Fire Department have provided requirements that will be addressed at the final plan stage.
No final vote was taken; Mr. Dawson read a resolution containing 13 preliminary conditions, and the board closed the hearing. The trustees scheduled the formal vote on the major‑change resolution for their next regular meeting in two weeks.
Provenance: The board opened the public hearing at the start of the zoning presentation (transcript SEG 1086–1093) and closed it after the applicant and public comments and the staff summary (transcript SEG 2024–2034).
