The vote sets in motion three consecutive public hearings in the coming months where the plan will be reviewed by various boards and committees en route to final approval.
The purpose of the plan has been to provide the Bethany corridor — which stretches from Liberty One Drive to Princeton Road, along Cincinnati-Dayton Road — with a stronger identity through the birth of a downtown.
Once approved, it would be used as a road map to guide development along the stretch of residential and commercial properties as parcels change ownership and zoning requirements.
Some residents and business owners in the area voiced concerns when the ideas were presented almost three years ago as part of the township’s comprehensive plan, and again during an open house late last year.
Trustees have continued to reassure residents — most recently early this month — that the market alone will guide development, and that they have no intention of moving current residents out.
Officials said March 4 they had received some interest from developers and small businesses about the future of the Bethany corridor, and a group of residents is currently marketing five properties near the intersection of Cincinnati-Dayton and Princeton roads.
Plans include installing wider, more pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, relocating above-ground utilities, and allowing traffic to flow more freely with the use of connector streets and additional traffic lights.
Liberty’s zoning commission is set to hear the plan April 5, trustees have scheduled a public hearing for April 20, and the Butler County Planning Commission has set a public hearing for May 11. The plan will remain fluid through the process, said Township Zoning Director Jonathan West.
The plan is available at the township administration building, 6400 Princeton Road, and on the township’s Web site, www.liberty-township.com.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2112 or dgreber@coxohio.com.
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