subocincy

Yeah, COAST will think they died and went to heaven--remember how they ranted about the streetcar being no more than an "expensive amusement ride"? Just wait until both COAST and WLW-700 grab on to this one!

The idea for a gondola-ride has been tossed around for quite a while--and it's certainly a provocative one! Several considerations, though... First, wouldn't the actual vertical ascent of the Cincinnati gondola be less than that of the Portland tram? Thus, the horizontal distance would need to be longer, wouldn't it? Not because our city is necessarily less scenic than Portland, but because riders are going want their money's worth if we're talking about $4-5/ride. The downside anchor somewhere around Arnold's seems fine, but what about a starting point even farther inward--ever so gradually rising in the ascent? Second, I foresee the hilltop community, itself, resisting such a venture--and the reason is hardly a secret. Let's just label it "NIMBY" (and for a justifiable reason). Traditionally, Mt. Adams has been a hilltop enclave all to itself (isolated, to a large extent, by its' height and distance from the downtown core--even though both the old incline and the auto enabled many new faces to venture up there). Even the venerable Metro #1 bus (long ago nicknamed the "Zoo-Eden" bus) travels there only infrequently and thus presents no real threat of introducing unwanted visitors from the CBD. But a gondola full of all kinds of people, disgorging them throughout the day and night, would be a legitimate threat to the residents, wouldn't it? I really don't know. Certainly the retail would improve for everyone on the hill, but what would the residents say about so many more bodies wandering about their hilltop stronghold? Like I say, I don't know; after all I would just be another visitor myself.

So, this is good to hear! Next advice for first time to "the Gorge"--if possible, get a really early start from Cincinnati; carry sufficient GatorAid, trail mix, and lemon-drops; wear the most comfortable hiking boots; and hike the trails when nobody else is around, got it? Enjoy.

^ Agreed, jeremyck01--but (as Clevelander17 has already suggested) why aren't OHIO companies (based in Cleveland or Youngstown) in charge of these operations (and not those in Texas)? Yes, I realize both my naivete and lack of business acumen (among other things) are at play here--but why, exactly, are Texans traversing OHIO's shale-oil fields?

Red River Gorge! Although my experiences there were "many moons ago," I can still attest to the area for your outdoor adventure--a place far removed from civilization, yet still a reasonable drive from Cincinnati. Several suggestions, though... (1) Not knowing how old you are or your sex or your "athletic prowess," I would hope you would venture into "the Gorge" with companions. It's not a place for single-minded fun--accidents can happen. Here, I'm not even THINKING about the human predators--a la "Deliverance"--who might be lurking there, just the terrain; (2) Not knowing what your physical-temperament is (weather and temperature-wise) I can make only ONE strong suggestion! Do NOT go to Red River Gorge in either the warm/hot months (seriously!) You'll regret it! If you do, prepare to "take a number" for any and every trail, fight all kinds of insects, and perspire profusely--you HAVE been warned! (heh heh); (3) Not knowing how serious or well-versed you are about "outdoor adventure," I would ask you to enter 'the Gorge" with the same level of knowledge, competence, and respect that one would enter the canyonlands of the West--that is, bone up on your backpacking skills and day-trip needs through knowledgeable friends, magazines such as "Backpacker and "Outdoors," and personal physical fitness. Lecture over. Trust me (whoever you are), the trails there are immensely enjoyable and challenging, but NOT with a herd of other hikers or in warm, humid weather. (Think December-March)

It looks like my reading/viewing material for the next few hours is right here in your links, jjakucyk (Reply #902). Thanks so much for this valuable information!

Thank you, ink, for taking us through this town that probably most of us never knew existed. Not because it was never important, but that it was never important to us. Maybe I should speak just for myself by mentioning that my knowledge about such locales is minuscule, and that I am really surprised (as was the poster above) to walk through such an impressive place. Most interesting!

^ Although what you say is partially true, jbcmh81, the entire picture of Ohio vs. Texas is simply more complex. As you've already emphasized, we needn't idolize Houston, Dallas, SA, or Austin--but, like detectives or scientists, we in Ohio can dissect them and determine what makes them so successful.

^Thanks for sharing this information, unusualfire. Needless to say I was glad to see that: (1) the article WASN'T just another dumb Forbes ranking; (2) Cincinnati placed well in the large metro category; and (3) several other Ohio cities (especially Dayton) made the list. One major question, however-- (half in earnest/half in jest)--and that is: just how do we learn to cozy up to Houston? That is, forge closer business ties with this North American juggernaut? (I hate to admit it, but the article about Houston, alone, was worth reading.)

If I remember correctly, that restaurant and cinema were on the Skywalk just before it crossed Race, between 5th & 6th Sts., into the hotels. (the last movie I watched there being Steven King's "Pet Cemetery") And, BTW, even though I'm an old codger myself, I simply abhor it over on CityData when one of their "regulars" initiates another nostalgia-laden post (like "Do you remember Reading Rd. when..."), then another ten or fifteen oldsters chime in. Seldom do you see that on either the Cleveland or Columbus C-D threads; their posters seem more concerned about topical city issues and new developments.

^ I hope this indoor bike-storage idea catches on here, but isn't Cincinnati's hilly topography a real turnoff to would-be cyclists (at least on a mass scale)? Obviously, Chicago's utter flatness is a distinct advantage (as would be the topographies of cities like Columbus and Indianapolis). Please don't misunderstand--even though I'm a senior citizen, I simply drool with envy when I view European and Asian cities with huge bike populations. For example, think Copenhagen--but once again it's another flat city.

Today I took another look into the interior of the promised Goessling"s Market on Ludlow. Absolutely nothing happening. Its website said that there was a conflict about flooring and refrigeration, but this sounds pretty suspect. Needless to say, hundreds of nearby residents are disappointed and angry. Meanwhile, the Corryville Kroger is still fully functional.

You've used this "food desert" statement to describe north of Norwood (Pleasant Ridge) before. You know there's a Bigg's and Aldi about 500 feet outside the Pleasant Ridge border, right? And that the Meijer and (soon to be) Target with a grocery are just down Ridge at the Center of Cincinnati--certainly closer and easier to access to much of Pleasant Ridge than the Norwood Kroger? And don't forget the Blue Ash Kroger--folks down Ridge toward Amberley have very easy access to that store. I agree that there's not a lot in the way of grocery stores in Evanston/Avondale etc., but to keep claiming that Pleasant Ridge is somehow in a "food desert"...I just don't see it. In no way did I mean to malign Pleasant Ridge by labeling it a "food desert." Having grown up there myself, though, I must mention that there was once an IGA store on Montgomery across from Kincaid, and a Kennedy Heights Kroger store on Montgomery at Kennedy Ave. And even though the area is served by both Biggs and Aldi's, like you said, these two stores aren't even in Pleasant Ridge and neither are really convenient to people who don't own cars. Same for Target and Meijer in Oakley--try routinely shopping for groceries there, then hopping on a Metro #4 Ridge Rd. bus back to Montgomery and Colonial Ridge Court or Lawndale. And although the Blue Ash Kroger is truly a great store, it's really only convenient for the car culture (a la Amberley Village). Please realize how many economically disadvantaged people live within Pleasant Ridge south of Montgomery and Lester. Many of these folks (whether by car or bus) routinely food shop at Surrey Square. Whether or not they consider "The Ridge" a food desert, I don't know.

^OHSnap, just a quick followup on your questions about both the Norwood Kroger and the Ludlow Ave. grocery... (1) Yes, the Surrey Square Kroger store definitely services the "food deserts" south (and north) of it; it's simply one busy store (which recently surpassed the Hyde Park store in sales). And it's really a decent, huge store; (2) No, the much-hyped and long-awaited "Goessling's Market" on Ludlow still isn't open and everyone is worried why! Two weeks ago I looked through the window of the store and was shocked to see an absolutely empty interior (when a Jan-Feb opening was expected). Coincidentally, I'll be over there today to again look around--but needless to say, I'm pessimistic about what I'll discover. Anyone who frequented the old and beloved Keller's IGA (as I, among so many, once did) knows what a thriving "local grocery" could be--so, what the heck is happening here?

^ No need to brand yourself a heretic, OHsnap, for being glad that the rubble heap is gradually being transformed into "something." Yeah, the developers of the new complex ought to be shot like dogs--but the car culture people will flock there like they always do to any car culture complex--and, as you said, mindlessly and satisfied. The present lineup of big box stores at that location is absolutely appalling, isn't it--but raise your hand if you can say that you've refused to shop in any of them. I can't--and I hate myself for it.

An absolutely incredible (in fact, mesmerizing!) panorama, C-Dawg! Thanks for bringing this stunning photograph out of the archives and adding such an astute commentary. No matter about the lack of skyscrapers then; Toledo appears densely populated, fulled with energy and potential, and (as you mentioned) almost European. God, I'll bet there were beer steins being raised everywhere in the CBD when shifts ended--I only wish the tremendous vitality witnessed in this panorama was that of today.

A very impressive urban development. Looks really good!

Thanks for bringing this link our way, YtownNewsandViews--considering how much bad news that we, elsewhere in Ohio, have viewed about Youngstown, this is some very good news! Please--more pix, when available!

^ I'll join ColDayMan--what a handsome, beautiful gem of a school! Thanks, Sherman!

^ Over on CityData a current debate (centering on the streetcar's relevance or irrelevance) suggests that, even when its route extends past UC, few students will actually ride it. Since this thread has been mostly a discussion of the physical developments around University Square, maybe this isn't the appropriate place to discuss this controversial, volatile issue. My question is: has the controversy of UC student ridership already been addressed in either the long and involved "Streetcar" thread or elsewhere on U/O?

^ Thanks, Robert, for sharing this unusual information--who would have thought that such restorations were still possible?

I'm wondering what (if anything) will happen to the Springboro Kroger store on Rt.73 (Central Ave) not too far south of Austin Landing? That store services both Springboro and Franklin/Carlisle. While it isn't a new store, it does decent business.

In my dreams, I've envisioned Covington and Newport to one day resemble the lost development of Newport's "Ovation," but on a grander scale that would rival Cincinnati's skyline (minus the sports venues). That is, 35-45 story office and residential towers, etc. Can you just imagine cruising down the Ohio River between a canyon of buildings on both sides? (Yeah--maybe in 2085, maybe in 2125, maybe never--who knows?)

Thanks, Columbo, for the link to the COTA slide-show! It was a real education, both in transportation modes and what Columbus will probably do with BRT!

Shhhhh. If you listen closely, you can hear the crying of Bill Cunningham, Chris Smitherman, Charlie Winburn, Tom Luken, Mark Miller, Chris Finney, Chris Monzel, Leslie Ghiz, Doc Thompson, Marc Amazon, Darryl Parks, Brian Thomas, Eric Deters, and Mary Kuhl blowing in the wind. HAHAHAHA! (I hear it loud & clear!) BTW--by chance, will Chris Smitherman be there? ( after all, there will be many cameras present...) :wave: