Today at noon, Cincinnati City Council's Economic Development Committee will consider the creation of a new Planned Development District (PD-57) for the redevelopment of the Gray Road Landfill, which has been a dump site for the last 24 years.

The new PD-57 would rezone 86 acres at from SF-6 Single-Family Residential and MA Manufacturing Residential to allow for the development of Graystone Business Park and The Willows at Spring Grove Pet Cemetery and Crematorium.

The Graystone Business Park is envisioned as a LEED-certified mixed-use project of 12-13 business lots, on two to three acres, and one-story buildings between 20,000 and 30,000 square feet.

Approved uses include light industrial, distribution, warehouse, office/flex, and research and development.

A market study by LRS Consultants determined that was the best use for the site.

The Willows at Spring Grove Pet Cemetery and Crematorium will consist of an 1,800-square-foot office and display room building, 40,000 burial plots, a half-mile walking trail, a reflection pond, prayer garden, crematorium, and surface parking for 20 vehicles.

To achieve LEED certification, the project would include stormwater collection for irrigation, energy-efficient HVAC, the use of recyclable materials, and bio-swales to divert runoffl

The City Planning Commission recommended the zoning change on June 19.

If approved by City Council, site preparation could begin by late this year, and construction of buildings could begin by the end of 2010.

The site would be sold by Gray Road Fill Inc. to The Willows at Spring Grove, Inc., who would own and operate the property.

If approved by Council, a more detailed final development plan must be approved by the City Planning Commission before building permits can be issued.

Previous reading on BC:
Gray Road landfill rezoned (10/29/08)
EDC to consider rezoning for Gray Road landfill (10/14/08)
How will Gray Road landfill be redeveloped? (6/23/08)