FC Cincinnati, West End residents being displaced reach agreement
WEST END, Ohio (WKRC) - FC Cincinnati came to an agreement Thursday with residents in Cincinnati’s West End who were facing eviction this weekend to make way for its new stadium facilities.
City Council Thursday originally held up a vote whether to allow a zoning variance that would give access to FC Cincinnati's stadium parking until FC Cincinnati came to an agreement with 17 residents who were scheduled for eviction this Saturday.
About 100 people showed up to the City Council meeting, all of them saying they are angry that FC Cincinnati had originally said no one would be displaced by the building of its new stadium. FC Cincinnati then turned around and purchased buildings where people lived and told them they had to leave to make way for stadium parking.
One of the people who showed up to speak to council said, "My understanding is that the tenants who stand to lose their housing are going to be evicted tomorrow? I'm sure you guys have heard all this, but, I mean, if that's the case, my question is are we going to let that slide and reward that behavior? Or are we going to hold people accountable?"
FC Cincinnati and the residents have agreed not to disclose the exact terms of their agreement. What they would say is:
- FC Cincinnati will provide substantial relocation assistance that includes paying for the residents’ move and additionally paying an inconvenience fee. Local 12 was told it was substantially more than the original $2,500 that had been offered.
- FC Cincinnati will extend the time the residents can stay in their current homes until new housing is available.
“The hand was forced, yes, I have to say,” said resident Ken Rhodes. “I didn’t want to move. Now I have to. I have no choice.”
But will Rhodes be happy in his new place?
“As long as it’s as good or better than what I have. That’s all I can say.”
FC Cincinnati believes the building schedule is back on track.
“We sure hope we are,” said Tom Tepe. “We hope we didn’t lose any time, and we look forward to moving forward and getting the stadium off the ground and looking forward to a win Saturday night!”
Local 12 was able to confirm with one of the residents that FC Cincinnati is finding him a new place to live and it will be in the West End.
Council did end up passing the zoning variance. So, it looks like the stadium should be ready for the 2021 season. It’s unclear whether those residents will be going to the games.
