Two years ago, Hermitage commissioners turned down a request by Michael Ristvey to build four houses next to the Hunter's Woods development.

At the time, Ristvey said Hermitage Planning Commission Chairman Randy Coleman acted "unethically" in handling his request, and called for Coleman's firing.

To Ristvey, the issue is not dead.

Although negotiations with city officials have continued, and commissioners believe they have found a way to resolve the issue, Ristvey said nothing will happen until Coleman is gone.

"It's been two years and you haven't solved this problem," Ristvey told commissioners Thursday. "You've got to solve this problem."

Commissioners killed the project by turning down three subdivision and land-development waiver requests about traffic and access roads.

The Hunter's Woods and Ridgewood developments are connected by a single road and have 67 residences served by Ridgewood Drive. A newer subdivision ordinance calls for having a second access road when there are more than 50 residences.

According to Ristvey, Coleman "misrepresented" facts by saying that what Ristvey really wanted was 24 lots for development, not just four. Through the comment, Coleman was able to "swing the vote," Ristvey said.

Coleman said Ristvey had previously asked for permission to build on 24 lots on the 23-acre property, and it was turned down prior to his becoming a member of the commission. Then, Ristvey came back with the four-lot request.

By agreeing to allow building on the four lots, the city would open the door for the rest of the property to be developed, Coleman said, adding that Ridgewood Drive is "at or above capacity."

"We intend to stick to the rules as close as we can," he said. "For some cases, you have to make an exception."

Ristvey said that, while Coleman has to go, "I get the feeling he was just a point man and was told to torpedo this project."

Commissioner James "Pat" White said his concern was access to the site, and Commissioner Sylvia Stull said she never talked to Coleman about the project and does not want to tell the commission what to do.

"I really don't think there was any conspiracy as you allege," said city solicitor Thomas W. Kuster.

Commissioners said they have tried to work with Ristvey, who wants to build homes for himself, his two sons and possibly a nephew, and thought they had worked out an agreement.

"Every time we suggested something it hasn't done any good," Kuster said.

Ristvey said the problem with the city's suggestions is they require him going before the planning commission.

"I'm not going back through this man," Ristvey said.

Coleman said he has nothing against Ristvey and would welcome any submissions he makes to the city.

"We'll continue to treat him with respect and courtesy, as we do everybody," Coleman said, adding that he voted in favor of a later proposal that Ristvey ended up withdrawing. "I would love to have a resolution to this, but I want the resolution to be compliant with the planning code."