Batavia Village Council Considers Nearly 800-Home Development Project for First Time

BATAVIA, Ohio — Nearly 30 people waited outside the gates of the village of Batavia in the rain for more than an hour before a council meeting began Monday.

Some people brought chairs with them in anticipation of a long wait to ensure they had the chance to share their thoughts on a 794-home development proposed for land right next to Clermont County Airport on Clough Pike.

Lauren Webb and her daughter, Leela, arrived early to ensure they got in after being among dozens locked outside when a zoning meeting reached fire code capacity last week.

“We wanted to talk,” Lauren said.

#NOW:It’s a packed house again at the Village of Batavia. Many are upset that the village is moving forward with a project along Taylor Rd. to add nearly 800 tax-reduced homes to the area.Previous @WCPO: https://t.co/5zzzxL9pAL pic.twitter.com/jo2CGfX6T7

— Sean DeLancey (@SeanDeLanceyTV) September 23, 2024

Leela attends Batavia Elementary School and said she fears an influx of development will increase class sizes at her small school.

“I love it, it’s so small. I love that feeling of knowing everyone in my class, and I love that my principals know everyone in the school,” she said.

Leela said she had written the speech she read to the council.

“In a representative democracy, your job is to represent the people,” she told council members.

Lauren was concerned that the potential 15-year tax abatement provided to new residents of the project would add students to the school district without providing additional resources to the district.

“Because of the tax cut, there is no money to hire new teachers or build more buildings,” she said. “It’s not a safe environment for our children.”

Speaking to the crowd before public comment, Councilmember David Pryor said he was setting the record straight and agreed with many in the crowd that the population density of the development was a problem.

“800 homes is insane,” Pryor said.

On the other hand, Pryor said there had been a massive “telephone game” in the area, and he rebuked the idea that the council was imposing plans without listening to people in the area.

“It’s just a matter of brushing the issue aside because that’s how we feel. It’s wrong. It’s not true,” Pryor said.

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After defending the plan as is at the last meeting, developer representative Jeff Hayes said there was room for maneuver from the developer’s perspective on the sheer number of homes to be built.

“We’re not saying it’s a take-it-or-leave-it thing,” he said.

At the end of public comment, Pryor suggested that developers meet with staff to address any concerns raised during the meeting, including security, traffic and more.

He said the developer would have to present a revised plan to council by its next meeting on Oct. 15 for the considerations to be given first reading.