subocincy

^ Thanks for this update, bearcat21. Even though locale UO posters have already expressed disappointment and concern over this new development, it certainly helps to view such a graphic and panoramic representation of how it eventually might look. Meanwhile, all that earth-moving machinery up behind Target just keeps on churning away...

^ Yes, it sure looks like this treacherous politician is lining himself up to ride the wave once again. Needless to say, I'm sure that most Cincinnati urban lovers were both saddened and aghast upon waking up and discovering such a prominent article on the front page of the Enquirer--but then again, fanning the flames and selling papers at any cost is the Enquirer's ingrained specialty. And Cranley and Smitherman share so much in common.

^ Yeah, SA's the "Venice of Texas," alright--i.e., if all of Houston's industrial canals are discounted. But, in all fairness, SA has created a truly scenic waterway attraction right in their city's center--maybe Covington or Newport could follow suit by diverting the Licking River through the center of their towns... :laugh:

^ Really promising news, Jake--oh, if this could only happen soon...

^ LOL. And, BTW, why not 14-lanes each way? That should alleviate congestion until at least 2055 AD. :wink:

Agree with jdm00. The Enquirer's figures were good news which now can be added to the great news about Cincinnati being ranked #17 in national job-growth. No need to muddle up such positive information with extraneous data from questionable sources that detract from our city's growing success.

Glad to see more good news for Dayton--thanks, ColDayMan!

^ If all the negative comments on the Enquirer this morning concerning the looming budget crisis are indicative of public opinion, we might as well brace ourselves for more of Smitherman's destructive grandstanding. (as previously mentioned by both RockyMountainHigh and FakeCinEnquirer) Even though the majority of this commentary came from either people outside the city or COAST diehards, it nevertheless will serve as the groundswell that will propel Smitherman and his cohorts back into the public eye. What is there not to understand about this politician; he is a cancer who will not fade away.

Totally agree with this consensus! As Sherman pointed out, just look at the Walgreen's on the corner of Montgomery & Sherman Aves. in Norwood to preview what's coming to Pleasant Ridge--how awful!

If there was ever an esoteric comment about Cincinnatians, this has to be one of 'em. Don't know whether to agree or disagree, or both... :?

Yes, I noticed that yesterday--i.e., a ton of kids running the labyrinth and ruining it for adults. But try explaining the idea of a labyrinth to any of those parents...

Cincinnati's original streetcar plan (connecting the CBD with the Uptown business district) was tremendously crippled when Governor Kasich canceled the funding for this vital link. While the streetcars will certainly be a boon to the downtown (especially in their connection to The Banks), it's the extension up into thriving Uptown that will enable the entire system to soar. In comparison, the link between Columbus' CBD and OSU (as was previously pointed out by KJP and Walker Evans) is obviously a major selling point for a streetcar connection that may come sooner than expected. Wouldn't the ridership promise to become almost phenomenal, and therefore just the catalyst needed for extensions in all other directions?

I took a brief look at Smale Park and the Asian festival yesterday, and still have mixed impressions. First, I agree with oakiehigh on the height of the water jets; they seem to be safely aimed at protecting the hundreds of playful children (and some parents) who were enjoying running through them, rather than launching them all into orbit. Second, the Lager House was absolutely jammed early in the afternoon; it's truly a showplace and a riverfront magnet. Third, the lower park can be seen as either a water glass half-full or half-empty--the development has come so far, but yet so much needs to be done. And the 'little things" count--like the fact that there are few drinking fountains on either level; I guess we're all supposed to rush into the Lager House to quench our thirsts, eh? Lastly, my observations of The Banks/Phase I needn't be elaborated on--mainly because so many other disappointed people have already expressed similar feelings. The entire place resembles a Potemkin Village, cheaply done, and unreal. And the lack of shade or trees or public benches is greatly felt--although I realize that, in several years, these issues will no doubt be corrected.

It's no secret that Cincinnati consistently places high on these lists, considering both its large Hamilton County/University of Cincinnati Library system, its reading public, and its swath of Corporate 500 communities to the northeast and east. In these comparisons, the city ranks with cities like Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, and Seattle.

I travel by the ongoing construction almost daily (either by the #4 Metro on Reading Rd. or the #11 Metro on Gilbert Ave.), and I, too, can attest to how much a part of downtown this new casino really is. Yes, it DOES sit uncomfortably near the Hamilton County Jail, but so what? What are all the inmates gonna do--break out and rob casino patrons? That's really a non-issue.

Like Mr. Pence, I will unlikely be able to actually walk the streets of this fabulous and fabled mega-city, so I also took great pleasure in this revealing set of photos. To be really appreciated, Istanbul's immensity and density require two feet on the ground and a willingness to suspend disbelief. Judging from what's recently being said and written about the city, Istanbul seems to be on the rise as one of the world's premier urban jewels and tourist attractions. Your photos, mrnyc, show why.

^ Please explain what's starting to get so out of hand. MH has routinely and systematically challenges statistics about Columbus that too often portray the city as Ohio's "3-C Wunderkind," when it really isn't. In other words, he does his homework and comes back with succinct pictures of what's really going on. Just look at it this way--we're getting a free education when someone like MH digs deeply and thoughtfully enough into statistics that could otherwise lead to a befuddled acceptance of what simply isn't true. And while I won't deny that each of our "3-Cs" is a unique and good city, I think we're blind to act like like we're not all in competition. Sure, it's a pissing contest, but it's not between MH and JB, but between Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus.

Agreed. (Isn't W&S probably coveting this location for the city's next skyscraper?)

A couple of naive (but nevertheless serious) questions for you, mrnyc, concerning this fabulous, almost mythical bazaar... First, alcohol. Needless to say, I am an American with "American tastes," and endless serving of tea/coffee just don't get it. I realize that Istanbul is intricately connected to the Islamic world, but how does Islam affect those of us who want an alcoholic drink (especially in places like the bazaar)? Second, retailing. Yes, the bazaar complex attracts several hundred-thousand (+) visitors PER DAY--which is, by any shopper's standards, incredible! Yet so many merchants, selling similar merchandise, simply overwhelm even this number of buyers--that, at the end of each day, don't many sellers retreat with their pockets near empty? In other words, mrnyc, what's "the reality" of this fabled place? Is it real or is it a delusion? (how many working poor leave here daily, empty-handed?)

Absolutely fascinating, this bazaar complex! I guess it goes without saying that only a mega-city like Istanbul could support such a vast shopper's paradise. (Even the renowned Mall of American pales in comparison, does it not?) Thanks, mrnyc, for the guided tour!

Honest-to-gawd, I didn't know whether to laugh or just cry, watching this video. (should have been accompanied by Talking Heads' "Burning Down The House") BTW, I laughed and cried at the same time...

Clifton Heights near Vine Street. I am downtown almost daily and walk most places I go. I was asking CityBlights (he was who I quoted). He seems to think Cincinnati is out to get him. ...I was born and raised in Cincinnati and know more about the bad areas than you could dream up. I live in Europe and am fortunate to have been many places. That gives me perspective, and Cincinnati still feels less safe than most places around the world not at war. Work to change the city, don't deny what's been obvious to others for a long time. Cincinnati's decline isn't just tied to wartime and post-War city-making. The stagnation of the past 20 years has done a bunch to keep the City from competing on any level. I was in Cincinnati in 2011 and it still felt unsafe. Why do you think the success of the Streetcar and the Gateway Quarter is so critical? Because they look to reshape the worst slum the US had to offer. If you don't feel that way about the realities of Cincinnati's socioeconomic climate, I won't be surprised at all. As previously mentioned, this may not be the place to challenge your personal feelings of fear of Cincinnati. Nevertheless, one can wonder just what vantage point in Europe you're perceiving all this local violence from. I'll bet that it isn't from any urban setting like the backstreets of Naples, the Noailles of Marseille, or the Muslim-dominated districts of Berlin, Paris, Malmo, or Nottingham--i.e., dangerous urban enclaves where former European protections of cultural and ethnic homogeneity no longer apply. (Am I right?)

^ But, but, but, if...Richard Florida said it, I believe it, and that settles it! :roll:

What else can be said, except that the building will prove to be a significant addition to an already renowned hospital.

Oh...but I also recall that this U/O forum is a place where "statistics" are revered above almost all other things. It is here that the application of "statistics" can prove what our perceptions might deem otherwise. It is here, in fact, that "statistics" take on utmost importance in virtually ANY dispute--am I not correct? So, just what is it that makes this PARTICULAR list of stats so unacceptable? (It wouldn't be because Cincinnati was rated the most peaceful big city in Ohio...would it?)