WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH) – It looks like a controversial tax abatement to allow for the construction of the Fairway Cliffs development will be going before voters.

Opponents of the upscale townhome development protested outside city hall before Tuesday’s meeting. The group passed petitions, hoping to get enough signatures to get the proposed development on the ballot in November.

The petitions were accepted, and council voted to send the proposed referendum to the elections commission.

Council has supported the Fairway Cliffs plan and previously approved a 100% tax abatement for the first 15 years.