The Crescent Springs City Council voted against a proposed 17-unit rental housing complex on October 30, 2023. The council’s decision was driven by concerns surrounding increased traffic, water retention issues, and potential impacts on property values. The final vote concluded with a tally of 4 to 2 against the development plan.
Brian Fullenkamp, a partner at Legacy Management, the firm behind the proposed project, expressed disappointment after the meeting. “They voted no,” he stated, adding, “We don’t have anything else to do, as of right now.”
The Kenton County Planning Commission had previously approved the concept plan in September, prompting Council Member Jeannine Bell Smith to appeal for additional council consideration. During an October meeting, attorney Thomas Breitenstein, representing landowner David Heidrich, requested that three council members recuse themselves due to their expressed concerns about the development during the planning commission’s review.
In the final vote, Council Members Bell Smith, Jeff Smith, Don Kiely, and Mark Wurtenberger opposed the plan, while Council Members Bob Mueller and Carol McGowan supported it, despite initial skepticism. The proposed site spans approximately one acre at the northeast corner of Ireland Avenue and Harris Street, near a mix of residential and commercial developments, including a nearby Panera Bread.
Historically, this land has been the subject of multiple development attempts since 2007. The original owner, JACS Property, submitted plans for 32 townhomes, but only part of the area was developed before falling into receivership. The county later sold the remaining property, effectively splitting the land rights.
In 2017, Ireland Properties acquired the remaining land but faced challenges in developing it. The company subsequently partnered with Legacy Management to revise the original plan, which proposed two buildings containing 17 rental units. The plan included variances for reduced setbacks from the street, with the first building designed to have a 15-foot setback and the second a 12-foot setback from the adjacent commercial lot.
Concerns about water management and traffic remained prominent throughout the council discussions. Bell Smith and McGowan voiced frustration over the request for recusal, with McGowan arguing that it was inappropriate to limit council discussions. During the meeting, resident Dawn Johnson raised concerns about existing water drainage issues, fearing that additional development would exacerbate problems, particularly during icy conditions.
Despite attempts by the developers and their engineer, Don Stegman, to address the council’s concerns, the objections from residents prevailed. Only one council member, Mueller, recognized the developers’ efforts but ultimately sided with the majority against the proposal.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Mike Daugherty called for a motion, which resulted in the council voting against the development. This decision reflects ongoing community tensions regarding development in Crescent Springs, as officials and residents continue to navigate local housing needs against the backdrop of planning and environmental concerns.
As the council moves forward, the future of this site remains uncertain, with the potential for further proposals likely to arise in response to ongoing housing demands in the region.
