AndrewN

^ If a new dorm gets built, it will be paid for with revenue bonds from room rates---not money from the university capital budget. Now whether the university has the debt capacity to float those bonds, I have no idea.

^the old queensgate jail???

Ate there today. Great burgers and fries---beats any fast food joint easily.

I understand Five Guys will open June 15th.

Rhodes Isle in Greece has beautiful beaches. Costs to travel there can be lower than you might expect depending on the season.

The new UC Medical Science Building has a gym in it. So I don't know that there is a market for a second gym. Who knows.

I have heard it is a go.

All----UC employees (staff/faculty) have to pay a membership fee to use the Campus Rec. So there might be a market for LA fitness.

I am hearing rumors that Hamburger Mary's is coming back to Cincinnati, but I don't know where they are locating. Any ideas?

^what does this guy do with all those plants?

There is one opening in Grove City near Columbus---I don't know which will open first.

Enough already---break the news!!! LOL. I am tired of reading about who will break the news and when it will break! This is becoming worse than American Idol results night!

^ US playing card is building a new facility in Northern Kentucky to replace their outdated facility in Norwood.

When was the last time you were in this building? I didn't find anything about the interior beautiful when it was Spurs. This is why I think the current building is better.

It is a totally new building, Jimmy James.

Agreed! But that doesn't mean it won't be successful. And I would say malls and outlet malls are different beasts, you don't see a lot of out of business outlet malls. Actually, I have seen many outlets malls go out of business. The Kansas City area alone had 4 different attempts at outlet malls--all failed. All were well positioned between Kansas City and other population areas off I-70. I can think of at least 5 other failed outlet centers in the Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas part of the country. All strategically placed for sucess and failed.

The Freestore COOKS! center would "fit in" better out in Westchester next to IKEA.

Do I have to remind you all that this was once a large parking lot with a couple of builings along Race and 12th???? SCPA, while not perfect, is a VAST improvement over it previous use.

Sherman: I clarified by response about crime----that was for the entire west end neighborhood. I can honestly say that most crime against homeowners are minor---and we do keep a good watch out for each other. The biggest complaints from homeowners are trash getting blown around (result of being near fields and an elementary school) and kids running around without their parents watching them. As far as building---Drees is currently building a unit out in my building. Some buildings still have shell units in them---Drees won't build new buildings until those units are sold. There are only a few left which is a good thing. This is not unusual---especially in this market. As for maintenance, the exterior of the older units (before Drees) just got repainted and the HOA is working to address some landscaping issues with the older units.

I am going to assume you mean the City West Homeowners Association. The asssociation board is still under the power of the developer (Drees)and declarant (CMHA) until more of the homes are built and sold. This is not unusual. The Association president is a homeowner. Last November after a serving several terms, the president moved which means a new president was elected. The transition was rather sudden and some important history was lost. The new president is doing a great job pulling things back together. We have monthly meetings ( 4th Thursday of the month) at the Regal Manor. The last meeting had the neighborhood liaison from the Cincinnati Police. GOOD NEWS---crime has dropped for the 1st quarter significantly for the entire West End neighborhood. She is having discussions with the board to make some neighborhood improvements that will ad more value to our homes. Additionally, she is forming committess to work on projects, a welcoming committee, and a social committee. A monthly newsletter is now going out (this started in March). So I would say things are getting better after a bumpy transition---more residents are starting to get involved. I haven't heard much from the West End Neighborhood Association lately---and I am unsure of the City West Resident Council for the renters. I will see what I can find out. The first year I live here, I wasn't able to truly enjoy my surroundings for health reasons. I am now walking to fountain square, qateway quarter, and coffee emporium regularly. I love the fact I live in what would be a "suburban" house layout in the middle of the city.

It is more difficult to make career changes in this market. You are competing against people who are already trained in the career field. Many employers will higher the person with experience in the field because it is less risky. It is definitely and employer's market right now---even in Cincinnati. Everyday, I am hearing of yet another friend who was laid off in a variety of industries.

^ I have gone to Great Clips and Supercuts many times. Both places have failed repeatedly to give me a decent haircut at $12.00. Some have suggested other places, but I have a hard time justifying paying $25-30 (or more in some cases) for a men's haircut. I am very willing to pay $20.00 for great service and a good haircut. I also liked the fact I can walk to Incredible Creations to get my haircut. I have to drive to get to Great Clips.

I went Incredible Creations Barber and Salon today in GQ. I have to say, I WILL be a repeat customer. Everyone was friendly and the barber who trimmed my hair did a fantastic job. It had been a long time since I had anyone go to such detail on making sure my cut was perfect. At $20.00 it was well worth it.

Has that era ended yet?

This is not surprising---Between Kingsgate, the new Springhill suites ---which will serve part a large part of the Vernon Manor market, and the planned Hampton Inn, the Vernon Manor would not be able to compete adequately in the future. I think it will be mothballed for awhile. There just isn't the demand for condos or apartments in its location--YET. Give the market a few years---this should allow plenty of good planning time to developed the building appropriately.