A local law firm has expressed concerns over a difference between the Banks' planned development district (PD-43) and the master development agreement, both of which were approved by City Council earlier this month.

Joseph Trauth Jr. of Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL has sent a letter to City Planning Commission Chairman Caleb Faux stating that, while the signed by the City, Hamilton County and project developers Riverbanks Renaissance, LLC imposes a height limit of 20 leasable floors and four floors of parking, the approved PD-43 still allows for a height limit of 30 stories.

The letter was also sent to all City Planning Commission members, the entire City Council, and Mayor Mark Mallory.

Planned Development Districts usually are established to simplify the development process of a large area of land containing multiple parcels. The establishment of a PD gives the City Planning Commission and City Council the right to approve or to deny all concept and final development plans.

PD districts also establish the zoning for the site and become part of the Cincinnati Zoning Code.

Trauth believes that PD-43 should be amended, which would require an act of City Council. Legislation to do so would have to go through the typical City Planning Commission-Economic Development Committee-City Council channels.

A report from City Manager Milton Dohoney is expected by mid-December.

Previous reading on BC:
Dumbest opinion piece ever (11/12/07)
Banks agreements online (11/7/07)
OTR Foundation: Why it is the wrong time for the Banks (11/6/07)
The Banks, block by block (11/5/07)
A witty editorial (9/6/07)