Neighbors of new OTR apartments worried about possible loss of park

CINCINNATI - Dozens of people attended a meeting held by the developer of a new apartment complex in Over-the-Rhine Wednesday to voice concerns about the possible loss of open space in the community.

The apartments are being built at the old School for Creative and Performing Arts at 1310 Sycamore in Pendleton.

Residents are concerned that the developer plans to use part of the open field in front of the school for a parking lot.

The space has been used as a park for the neighborhood for more than 100 years.

Developer John Watson said he held the meeting to listen to the concerns of residents and inform them of his plans.

Watson said he hopes the plan to use half of the land for a parking lot and the rest as an enhanced park will satisfy most residents.

He also hopes they will fall in love with the project and what it could do for the community, something he's already done.

"I came to Cincinnati thinking that this was a building that I might bid on. I didn't expect to find such an incredible building and I really have fallen in love with this project and I can't wait to do it," Watson said.

Construction on the apartments is set to start in July 2013.