The project, called the Fields at Southpointe, will consist of 194 dwelling units with a mix of single-, two-, and multi-family structures and on site recreational amenities, with the development going across a 37-acre site. Overseeing the project is Trinitas Development, based in Lafayette, Ind.
Councilman Steve Snyder pointed out that before Oxford annexed that land in 2007, that land was zoned agricultural. In 2004, Butler County rezoned the property for commercial/office/residential purposes, and that zoning was maintained through 2013.
“Decisions were made a decade ago to eliminate this area south of Oxford for consideration as green space, or banning any type of development. Once these decisions were made, it was only a matter of time before development would occur,” he said.
Last year, council decided to rezone that area to residential, which would allow for the type of multi-unit development that will be built there now. Some council members said they regretted that rezoning, but once it was in place, that cleared the way for Trinitas to pitch its housing project.
“During deliberations (in 2014), council was assured the rezoning would not result in additional student housing. Many of us on council were hoping for the opportunity to pursue adult or senior housing in that area. That didn’t work out,” Snyder said. “I regret my voting for that rezoning at that time. I’d like a do-over, but that isn’t going to happen.”
Vice Mayor Kate Rousmaniere pointed out that Fairfield was involved in a similar controversy last month, when council first rejected a proposed senior housing project, then reversed their decision after a lawsuit was filed.
“It’s another example of how zoning is law and when the zoning code sets out that something can be built there, it doesn’t matter whether we don’t like whatever it is we don’t like,” she said.
Councilman Richard Keebler said the Trinitas project is much more suitable now than in its original form. When it was first proposed, it called for 239 units, accommodating more than 800 beds. Keebler said the mediation brought about by the lawsuit worked out in the city’s favor.
“I think there was give and take on both the developer’s part and on the city’s part to make this a better development,” he said.
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