CINCINNATI — The city’s Equitable Growth and Housing committee passed the Connected Communities zoning overhaul 6-3 Tuesday afternoon. The vote is the second of three votes needed before the legislation becomes law. The plan is aimed at increasing housing supply near business districts and along major bus routes.
The goal is to cut red tape so developers can build more "middle housing," units like duplexes, townhomes and small mixed-use apartment buildings. The plan could change neighborhoods over time should developers choose to build. Nothing will happen overnight.
RELATED | What is 'Connected Communities'? Key vote for Cincinnati zoning overhaul Supporters believe it’s a necessary step to support the city’s overall economic growth. While the city’s population is increasing, housing supply is stagnant. Opponents believe the plan is a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t take each unique neighborhood’s characteristics into account.
Council members Scotty Johnson, Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney and Victoria Parks voted no. "I’m all for development, but not with displacement," Johnson said. "There are a lot of good things here, but we can make it great if we mandate affordable housing in this city.
" Johnson and Kearney are proposing a council task force to address "concerns" with the legislation’s approach to affordable housing, infrastructure needs, architectural design guidelines and green spaces. Council member Reggie Harris is one of the sponsors of the Con.