Background Information
Who currently owns the property of the former Whitaker Elementary School?
The Finneytown School District.
Why is this project being proposed?
The Finneytown Board of Education has indicated a desire to develop the property to expand the tax base for the District.
What will happen to Warder Preserve?
The proposed project is only on the former Whitaker Elementary Site and will have no impact on the 42 acre Warder Nature Preserve. Warder Preserve will remain a Township amenity for the public to enjoy.
The Development Proposal
What is being proposed?
60 single-family (owner-occupied) condominiums (12 buildings with 5 units in each building).
Why are 60 condo units being proposed instead of a less dense development on the approximate 6.5 acres?
The District has expressed a need to generate a certain amount of property tax revenue to assist in their construction/remodel of the Finneytown Secondary Campus project. Less units would decrease the projected property tax revenue.
Who is the developer of the project?
The proposed developer is Rick Seitz of John Candle Homes (Website: https://www.johncandlehomes.com/). The proposed home builder is Drees Homes.
The Finneytown Board of Education, on September 16, 2024, unanimously voted to authorize the developer to make an application to the Township for the proposed development.
What type of condominiums are being proposed?
The proposed buildings are two-story, but the units themselves are single-story. Meaning, that while there may be stairs to get in to the second story unit, once the resident is inside, there are no steps. This style of living may appeal to an empty-nester or senior, but the development would be open to anyone of any age.
What will be the price range of the proposed condominiums?
The builder has stated that the starting price of these condominiums will be in the range of low $300,000, with the potential to climb to over $400,000 based on the buyers’ chosen customizations, such as countertops, material upgrades, and other finishes.
Is there a tax abatement being proposed for this development?
No. There will not be any tax abatement for this development.
Is there really a market for this type of residential product in the Township?
Yes! Springfield Township/Finneytown is a very desirable area for new residents given our ideal location in Hamilton County, natural amenities, and nearby attractions. Many current “empty-nester” residents have expressed a desire for this type of residence in order to stay in the community, but have less maintenance than a typical house. The builder has conducted market studies for the area and concluded that this type of residence is in high demand for the area.
Technical Questions / Infrastructure Impact
How will this impact traffic on Winton Road?
Winton Road is under the jurisdiction of the Hamilton County Engineer’s. The developer, at their expense, will have to conduct a traffic study on the impact of the development and submit it to the County Engineer’s for their review. The developer will also have to comply with whatever requirements the County Engineer’s Office requires to mitigate any potential impacts, if any, the development may have on traffic. Traffic estimates show that the 60 condos will generate fewer vehicular trips than the former elementary school.
Can local utilities handle the increased demand?
The developer will be required to comply with all requirements from the Cincinnati Water Works and the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati to ensure that current residents are not impacted by new users.
How long will construction last?
The builder anticipates that once development begins it should take approximately 3 years to complete. Buildings will be built as units are sold.
Will this make flooding or drainage issues worse?
The developer will have to prove to County permitting agencies, such as Hamilton County Public Works, MSD, etc. that this project can retain any new water runoff created by the project (new parking areas, any impervious surface, etc.) and not have any impact on any existing property.
If you have questions about this notice, please contact Kathleen Kennedy, Assistant Township Administrator at 513-728-4278 or by email at kkennedy@springfieldtwp.org.