Planning Commissioners' Procedures Manual - Hamilton County, Ohio

CONCEPTUAL PLANS
Two (2) conceptual plans were presented to the Ohio Riverfront Land Use Committee on
October 10, 2001. Each plan represented a different balance and configuration of land uses
including commercial, industrial, and residential along with open space. The concepts also
illustrated locations for amenities associated with land use including potential additional bike
trail overlooks, conference center locations, river edge restaurants, and marina/boat launch
facilities.
PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
Conference Center
The Committee discussed issues relevant to a potential conference center and agreed
that though the current surrounding entertainment draws are at present seasonal, the close
proximity to I-275 and the Ohio River views are desirable for this use. It w as also noted that a
non-seasonal attraction such as riverboat gambling (if made legal state-wide) could
become an even greater, year-round economic driver for a conference center if
approved in the future. It was understood, however, that the Committee was neither
endorsing nor objecting to riverboat gambling. It was discussed in the context of having a
potential impact on future land use, should it become a reality state-wide and in Anderson
Township.
Office Park/Campus
The Committee agreed that Anderson Township would benefit from the increase in tax
base an office park/campus would generate. Access and location of this use were
considered primary issues and a campus style facility responding to the natural
environment while preserving the character of the study area was considered most
appropriate. The Committee felt that an office campus could potentially become another
key driver for economic development in the study area. The prime location for this use is
opposite Coney Island/River Downs east of Sutton along Kellogg Avenue. As part of that
potential, the Committee agreed that the site of the existing Saint Joseph's Orphanage
could potentially be an integral part of that type of development. However, the
Committee is not encouraging the discontinuance of the current Orphanage operation.
Industrial Uses
Current industrial uses and potential future industrial uses along the Riverfront were
discussed. The Committee agreed that industrial activity should not be a primary focus of
the overall land use plan for the Riverfront based on Anderson Township’s current plans for
industrial expansion in the northeast part of the Township north of State Route 32 (known as
the Ancor area). The Committee did not want the Riverfront to compete with these efforts.
The importance of river commerce was recognized, however, and appropriately located
and proportioned commercial facilities along the Riverfront were considered desirable. The
Hilltop Basic Resources and Cargill properties near the Five Mile/Kellogg Avenue
interchange were considered appropriate locations for commercial/industrial uses
involving barge transportation.
Commercial Uses
Coney Island, Riverbend, and River Downs are regional attractions located at the western
edge of the study area. These attractions are primarily seasonal with the exception of River
Downs, which operates year-round but at a reduced level in winter months. Commercial
uses that could compliment these attractions, such as restaurants and retailers, were
discussed and deemed even more viable if there were more “year-round” attractions to
support them.
ANDERSON TOWNSHIP OHIO RIVERFRONT AREA LAND USE PLAN
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