WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH) – The city of Whitehall is weighing tax breaks for a hotly debated high-end development, and citizens are expected to attend the hearing in force. Dubbed Fairway Cliffs, the upscale development and community park could benefit from city tax incentives, depending on the ou tcome of Tuesday's city council meeting. Citizens have been pushing back against tax breaks for the nearly 50-unit townhome project since Whitehall announced the possibility more than a year ago. Watch: J.D. Vance fumbles Buckeyes' championship trophy Whitehall anticipates so many speakers that it is providing color-coded wristbands to accommodate overflow attendees. Learning from standing-room-only Fairway Cliff hearings in the past, participants will be rotated in and out of the hearing room so everyone can testify without violating fire codes. Councilmembers were going to vote on the tax incentives earlier this year but tabled the vote until April 15 to ensure enough time for consideration and public feedback. “The city of Whitehall has taken the time needed to ensure members of Whitehall City Council have the information they need, as council continues to consider this resolution,” Whitehall spokesperson Alison Emery said. Councilmembers are weighing possible incentives for Fairway Cliffs, including a 15-year break on property taxes. If council members approve all possible tax breaks Tuesday, the development will collect taxes separately to fund a city-backed HOA and pay for Fairway Cliffs' upkeep for 45 years. This tax increment financing incentive would also give payments to developers, the city and Whitehall schools. Holly Stein, a city council candidate who lives next to the proposed development, has been against Fairway Cliffs since October 2023. Stein is one of many residents who oppose financial support for the private development. What does a 'yes' or 'no' vote mean for Issue 2? “If this is a for-profit developer, they should be taking on the entirety of the risk to do this. This is a two-parcel land where currently one home exists," Stein said. "They want to put 50-plus townhomes on this, and it's just egregious for the community.” Citizens like Stein have spoken openly against the proposal for nearly a year and a half. Stein feels Fairway Cliffs would change the character of the street and even alleges the proposal violates city zoning laws. City representatives were asked twice about these zoning concerns but did not address NBC4's question. Emery did not offer an official city position on Fairway Cliffs, but Stein, who does not represent the city, still believes officials are in favor of the proposal because it remains under consideration. According to city plans, the project would increase property values in the neighborhood, offer new green space and provide additional single-family homes. Stein said 150 residents have gathered at community feedback meetings opposing Fairway Cliffs but said discussions with the city have not been fruitful. She said residents are not against development, but they want it to be done more responsibly. “A group of community residents got together and we did our own proposal of what Fairway Cliffs development could look like, and we even presented it to the city council, and we got no feedback on it,” Stein said. Questions around Columbus council candidate's campaign mailers Stein shared the group's proposal with NBC4. She and other community members suggested fewer buildings laid out more spaciously for Fairway Cliffs instead of the tight line of homes developers intend on. Stein said the city is willing to go to "extreme lengths" to support the development despite resident concerns. She believes her public opposition to the development spurred Councilwoman Lori Elmore and the city of Whitehall to challenge her candidacy for council. “Why does this city of Whitehall expend so much of their resources to go against something that the community clearly doesn't want, at least in this form? We would like to get to the bottom of that answer as well," Stein said. "We just cannot get answers from them as to why. If you have been listening to the community, there would be no reason why you would support this.” "With any project, you receive varying views and perspectives, and the city of Whitehall welcomes that engagement," Emery said. The Whitehall City Council meeting and public hearing on Fairway Cliffs will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday at 360 S. Yearling Road. City and community organizers recommend getting there early, although all attendees will be granted wristbands. ...read more read less