Nov. 29, 2011--As Upper Arlington's economic spine, Lane Avenue is vital to the suburb. But a boom there is fraying the nerves of some of its cross-street residents.

First, it was a debate over spillover traffic and parking from the Wine Bistro near Brandon and Chester roads.

Then came the establishment of a Commercial Entertainment District, to create new liquor licenses that would attract restaurants.

Last night, the Upper Arlington City Council voted unanimously to uphold a decision by the planning and zoning board to permit plans for the city's first hotel, along with upscale housing and more retail, on Lane Avenue.

The potential benefit that the Cambria Suites would bring to the city's finances requires an aggressive posture, officials said.

"We all realize that it's a very emotional issue," said Frank Ciotola, council president. "And when you're talking about people's homes and where they live -- that is paramount in their lives."

The city stands to gain about $135,000 a year in bed taxes alone from the hotel, based on an average 60 percent occupancy. It's planned for the site of the Lane Avenue Baptist Church at Lane Avenue and Wellesley.

"With the bulk of the site currently occupied by a church, the increase in property tax generation would be sizable," City Manager Ted Staton told residents on the city's website.

He added that it would generate "more than $711,000 (a year) in new property taxes benefiting the schools, Franklin County, the city and the (Upper Arlington) library."

The windfall is small consolation to Mallory and Simon Fraser, who, with twin 2-year-olds, moved into their new home on Mount Holyoke Road this summer, five homes north of the proposed 3.5-acre site.

"Devastated" is how Mrs. Fraser said she felt after last night's final vote. "I'm sad mostly for the safety of our children and our privacy. It's ruined why we moved to Arlington."

Peter Whitehouse of Westmont Boulevard represented neighbors in arguing that the complex is too much.

"I think it will be busting at the seams and overflowing into residential areas," Whitehouse said, citing extra noise, lights and traffic among the concerns. "It is an unwelcome intrusion in a solidly residential area."

After their vote, council members urged city staff members to monitor growth.

The city has a poor record of responding to the traffic and parking concerns of residents, Ciotola said.

"They probably don't have a lot of confidence that we're going to get the job done," he said. "I would share their concerns."

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