Councilman Mann: Neighborhoods must have a say in FC stadium site

As concerns bubble up in two Cincinnati neighborhoods about what a Major League Soccer stadium would mean, Councilman David Mann wants to set some ground rules.

He has introduced a motion that says any incentive package for an FC Cincinnati stadium must include an enforceable community benefits agreement drawn up after "significant community input."

There's already been talk of such an agreement, but this motion would make it mandatory.

The motion will likely be discussed Monday during Council's Budget and Finance Committee.

"We need to be very intentional about ensuring neighborhood benefit," Mann said. "My goal is to make clear that we must have a process that includes impacted neighborhoods in the discussions as major city support for a stadium is considered. In this way we can achieve a win-win for the team, the neighborhoods and the city."

The ordinance lists requirements like minimizing displacements, residential parking permits, noise control, stadium design and historic preservation that is in character with the neighborhood.

FCC President and General Manager Jeff Berding told The Enquirer Friday he expects such an agreement would be part of any deal.

"I am interested in hearing from residents, business owners and stakeholders like Cincinnati Public Schools and the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority," Berding said. "I want to know what we can do to benefit the community."

The team has already partnered with schools on a variety of youth soccer programs. And the club last week hired former Mayor Mark Mallory to be a community liaison, bringing to the club what neighborhoods are concerned about and talking with citizens about how the club can benefit neighborhoods.

FC Cincinnati is hoping to land a Major League Soccer expansion team, news which could come any day. In the meantime, the team is vetting three possible stadium sites: Oakley, West End and Newport.

Council has already approved an incentive package for Oakley, but over the last two weeks the soccer club has dropped hints that it's seriously considering the West End.

It has an option to buy land to build in the West End and reached out to the Cincinnati Public Schools Board for a discussion.

In Oakley, residents are concerned about already congested streets. And residents in the West End last week attended two public meetings, expressing concern about gentrification and how a stadium would impact schools.