LEBANON, Ohio \u2014 Twenty new townhomes are now on the market in downtown Lebanon, carrying $499,000 price tags and drawing mixed reactions from longtime residents. <\/p>\n
The development, labeled Lebanon Landing, sits downtown in a city that has long prided itself on its small-town character. <\/p>\n
Beep McCarty has called Lebanon home since the third grade. He owns a property near the new townhomes and said he has mixed feelings about the new project.<\/p>\n
“It’s a small town, even though getting bigger than when I first came,” McCarty said.<\/p>\n
While he said he is eager for what it could mean for his property values, he is not entirely sure about the project or the price tags. <\/p>\n
WATCH: WCPO got a first look at the townhomes Wednesday<\/p>\n
New townhomes leave Lebanon residents divided<\/p>\n
“It’s a new development that might’ve outpriced the neighborhood, but it’s something that the city figured would be an improvement,” McCarty said. “They’re trying to make it something it’s not.”<\/p>\n
Residents who came out to WCPO’s ‘Let’s Talk’ event in Lebanon in December shared similar concerns. <\/p>\n
“It’s one subdivision after another,” one resident said at the event.<\/p>\n
We spoke to Lebanon City Manager Scott Brunka about the worries we’ve heard from residents. <\/p>\n
He said the city offered a 50% tax abatement to incentivize the project, with the goal of attracting more families and keeping up with housing demand in one of the fastest-growing counties in Ohio.<\/p>\n
The townhomes were built by Justin Doyle Homes, a Mason-based builder. Matt Terrell, the company’s director of sales, said the team took Lebanon’s historic feel into consideration while delivering modern features. <\/p>\n
“They wanted to challenge us to create a product that looks like historic downtown Lebanon, but also give you the new amenities that people want,” Terrell said.<\/p>\n
WCPO got a first look inside the homes Wednesday. The surrounding area is set to be transformed with a new dog park, green space for the community and dedicated parking for residents.<\/p>\n
Terrell said he believes the finished product will win over skeptical neighbors.<\/p>\n
“Once we’re finished, I think the neighbors are gonna love what we’ve done to this community. Keep that charm, but also bring a nice townhome to the community. Something new because the market right now needs more housing,” Terrell said.<\/p>\n
The first open house for the project is this weekend, and a grand opening is planned for June, when residents are expected to begin moving in.<\/p>\n