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West Chester Township trustees declare emergency moratorium on development in Union Center corridor
Summary
The Board of Trustees voted to declare Resolution 34-20-25 an emergency and adopted a limited moratorium on new development in the Cincinnati Inn/Union Center corridor, adding a provision limiting expansions of existing principal buildings to 60% cumulative square footage. Staff said the change responds to business-owner concerns and will be refined quickly.
The West Chester Township Board of Trustees voted on Dec. 2 to declare Resolution 34-20-25 an emergency and adopt a limited moratorium on new development in the Cincinnati Inn / Union Center corridor. Trustees said the measure is intended as a temporary step to allow staff to rescope development rules and address business-owner concerns about signage, tenant finishes and expansion limits.
Lisa Brown, the township staff member presenting the item, said the resolution adds a section allowing expansions of existing principal buildings no greater than 60% of cumulative square footage and that the extension is intended as a bridge between phases of planning for the Mill Creek District property. The contract work and any further renderings will be subject to the board’s review, she said.
Developer Chris Weinenberg of Schumacher Dugan Construction told trustees the moratorium as written is broad and risks restricting many property owners and businesses. "We hope that this can be expedited as soon as possible," Weinenberg said, urging the board to move faster so owners are not left unable to expand or use their properties.
Trustees responded that staff will expedite refinements. Trustee Becker said the corridor’s future development is important and expressed support for careful planning; another trustee said where zoning does not change, projects proceed through community development without board involvement, which can surprise residents and business owners.
After public comment and trustee discussion, the board moved, seconded and voted by roll call to declare Resolution 34-20-25 an emergency and to approve it as read. Trustees thanked the business community for its input and pledged to speed follow-up work. The resolution will be the subject of additional staff work and rescoping meetings if required.
Next steps: Staff will undertake rescoping and research as requested by the board; the township indicated it will aim to refine the moratorium language quickly and return with any necessary adjustments.
