oneglove

hard to argue with a city that has an exclamation point in its name

^ We haven't heard any rumblings of that

I agree that it would be deplorable of the city to about face on the rate increase based solely on the addition of streetcar funds, and even as a someone who would love to see more transit options in the city, I would not agree with those means no matter the ends. To me, this appears to have taken place in a larger negotiation process, one that seems reasonable, and with a compromise that makes sense for reasons stated earlier. I don't have a problem with the back door tax argument per se, but by the same logic any programs funded after rate increases would essentially be defined as a tax and to imply that all of these programs should require a popular vote is ridiculous by any standards, I count 5 different programs addressed specifically in the article, and I imagine there are several more which may have increased or decreased funding after the rate hike. It seems simplistic to draw such a 1:1 parallel between a community development grant and a rate increase. The rate increase does not exist to fund the grant. I guess we're just talking in circles of a philosophical difference, but to suggest that I want a streetcar by any means is untrue. I just happen to think that this was an appropriate venue for this grant as it related to both Duke's and Cincinnati's missions.

and best of luck. I'm excited to hear that 70% of the cost is covered. That's pretty exciting huh?

Why do you continue to ignore all the components of this agreement? I'm not going to walk you through them again because I know you know what they are, it's just easier for you to make your argument if they're ignored I have no idea what you do for a living but if it involves making sound arguments or persuading others you should maybe consider a new career.

Strange, when one proposal isn't accepted the company modifies it by lowering their request and adding additional incentives. There were several factors which made the deal better for the city and its residents including a lower rate, increased services to the poor, new street lights and funding for the streetcar. All the included items relate to Duke's purpose as a company and Cincinnati's responsibility to its citizens, which makes the deal ethical. You seem to have a moral dilemma with negotiation.

One side says that it is appropriate for negotiations with Duke to involve programs and policies in Duke's sphere of influence. The other says Duke is unethical to be involved in programs related to the power system beyond direct power distribution. Why hasn't there been more outrage about those street lights? I mean, what are they thinking? I should be able to vote on whether or not I want new street lights!

will many people be happy about a rate increase? nope. i don't like it either. paying more money is a bummer. but i will say that i am happy that my local government at least negotiated more favorable terms for the deal. i do think people will like new street lights and new streetcars and some of them may not even mind keeping the poor from freezing to death or dying from heat in the summer. i understand that asking and selling price are different things, and maybe the city could have worked a better deal, i don't have the expertise to know that. all i know is that i don't recall much of a conversation at all in previous rate hikes so this is a nice improvement. which is really the point of all of this.

but if duke ever gave money to this or any project than you should be morally opposed because it will always be on the company's ledger sheet and rates are based on that ledger sheet. this is no more a tax than duke running the train display at christmas. trains don't grow on trees ya know.

i understand the point but as opposed to the 04 hike, this one involved a decrease in the rate request, funding for infrastructure improvements related to electric usage, and funding for electricity assistance programs. the combination of programs and lowered increase seems like an appropriate package for the city to support.

would you be ok with duke giving any money towards the streetcar? because the argument can be made that all duke users end up paying for any contribution they make to anything

giving big companies large chunks of money and agreeing to a lower rate with additional funding for programs related to a power company are different situations.

The time for action is past! Now is the time for senseless bickering!

just come back tomorrow. go ride a bike or watch a movie or something.

http://www.planningaccreditationboard.org/index.php?id=30 for the list of accredited programs http://planning.org/education/universities/tips.htm for advice on choosing a program (check out the rest of the site too since it's the main planning organization and will help give you a feel for what planners do, what they get paid, current job offerings, etc.) http://www.planetizen.com/topschools for the annual rankings (this costs money for the full guide, and this is only the 2nd year so the ranking criteria isn't well decided on or refined, so i've been told not to put too much weight on the rankings, though it gives you an idea)

^ Made bigger you say? Glad to tell you, plans are underway to fulfill all your wildest dreams!

Sienna Dance, dance Delicately down Twisting to the seasons song Dressed for the ball Softly you fall Keeping time ‘til winter’s waltz

It's funny how easy that is: Thank you for your inquiry into the Mehring Way Relocation project. The project is on-going and is scheduled to complete the eastern portion of the street relocation (east of the Suspension Bridge) in the first or second quarter of 2010 to coincide with the Banks Garage opening. The actually opening date is somewhat dependent upon coordination with construction of the Riverfront Park and various utilities (water, gas, electricity, etc). Construction of the western portion of Mehring Way is dependent upon meeting parking obligations to the sports teams and work will be phased and timed accordingly. This work is tentatively scheduled to be complete in 2011, but may be advance earlier if adequate replacement parking arrangements can be accommodated. Please feel free to contact me directly if you need additional information about the Banks project and the street grid work. Michael Moore

Has anyone heard anything about the moving of Mehring? Shouldn't that be happening with the park and phase 1?

It's good to hear about local leaders looking to see what other cities are doing well and coming away with ideas like: a comprehensive transpo plan, investing in education, getting the business community to invest in the arts and nonprofit, and creating a unique image of who we are Another thing I think Cincinnatians need to notice (from the additional comment box in the story): "I was impressed by the Minnesotans' self-esteem. They really seem to believe they are exceptional."

Twin Cities lessons In a branding capital, how do we sell ourselves? http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081019/COL01/810190355 What is the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky "story"? That was the question civic leaders were asking each other during a three-day trip to Minneapolis-St. Paul last week to study how that region is spurring a thriving economy. In the Twin Cities, the story line was clear: exceptionalism. Like Garrison Keillor says on public radio every week: It's a place where all the children are above average. More at above link.

soon...

I hope everyone got a chance to check this place out on the tour, it looks like it will be awesome. From the Glass House Lofts mailing list: We had a GREAT success at the 10th Annual Downtown Tour of Living. We were please to see over 1,000 people tour through the exciting new Glass House Lofts, full of great feedback, suggestions, and comments. We appreciate it. Please remember to mark your calenders for November 14th, when we will be having a complimentary wine and cheese opening event sponsored by PNC Mortgage. Be among the first to tour the completed model and common spaces and bring your friends! Thanks again for coming. Regards, Gregory L. Kiep & Cathy Frank Wine & Cheese Ribbon Cutting Please join Comey & Shepherd, Patrick Korb Design Consultants, Fat City Properties, and Ryan Kiefer at PNC Mortgage to launch this exciting project! Complimentary wine and cheese will be served while you tour the newly finished club room, atrium, and models! Don't miss it! Where & When 512 Reading Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 14 November 2008 5:00PM-8:00PM http://www.pendletonlofts.com/

i was thinking that was going to be the last of it, but honestly, i'm fascinated about this petition process

oh it's a joke from the other day. i think northside is a swell place. i'm thinking of naming my first born northside.