Over-the-Rhine groups make stab at master plan for neighborhood

Over-the-Rhine activists, developers and politicians are pushing their differences aside to plan for the future of the neighborhood. At least, they're trying.

The "Master Planning Steering Committee," a tentative coalition of historically waning factions, began meeting in September to figure out how to balance their agendas with growing development pressure. Some worry that gentrification will push poor residents out of their homes. Others want to build the economy around dot-coms and an arts campus, loftstyle apartments and renovated historic homes.

"It's a major thing. Things have radically changed in Over-theRhine in just the last few years, in terms of all of these groups cooperating," said John Hauck, an attorney and co-founder of the nonprofit Abandoned Buildings Co., which works to preserve historic structures.

The 27-member panel includes representatives of the...