moonloop

There's no glory in maintenance, but the whole project does sound interesting. The new buildings I'm sure will cause a stir. They will probably fall under the faux-historic category.

That is a provoking article. Every 100+ social service agencies should be emailed this story. UO has gone round and round with this topic. Is helping a few people worth devastating a historic section of the city that could/should be a nice economic engine?

This is what I'm thinking too. Nearly all Mr. Redmonds posts seem to be alluding to some sort of plot or conspiracy without spelling it out. There's something bigger going on here? Is Ms. Qualls the pointman on this? The boardrooms of Cincy's business are putting their foot down. This streetcar business has gone on long enough. Despite what seems to be a well thought-out, organized, studied, and research plan, suddenly requires even more questions and reasearch to be done? On top of that this occurs days before what I thought was pretty much just a ceremonious meeting of final approval.

I guess this puts the Finance Committee streetcar hearing on Feb. 25th (1pm) in doubt? It seemed that this thing was so close to being sign, sealed and delivered. This is a real curve ball. I know there's a ton of maps on this thread, but was there a mockup done for DT to Uptown?

This is all I found online. It's dated 2-20-08. At work we get copies, but the bean counters get first dips. The Queen City Builds Higher as Demand Slows By Maura Webber Sadovi Word Count: 535 | Companies Featured in This Article: Macy's The Cincinnati region, home to more Fortune 500 companies per capita than either the New York or Washington, D.C., markets, is expecting to see construction begin this year on what is slated to be Cincinnati's tallest tower. It comes as an 11% surge in office construction is expected to add 1.8 million square feet to the area's inventory this year. To read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120348245679779583.html

Whoa! New streetcar plan avoids OTR BY JANE PRENDERGAST | [email protected] The much-talked-about plan to bring streetcars to Cincinnati could be delayed by a new proposal that asks more financial questions and endorses a line from Downtown to Uptown, rather than a loop through Over-the-Rhine. Written by Councilwoman Roxanne Qualls and supported by five other council members, a majority, the motion is expected to be introduced at or before Monday’s Finance Committee meeting, which has been set aside for a discussion about the $100 million streetcar proposal. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080220/NEWS01/302200123

I was surprised to see this article about a winery on the Westside. So this is what the good catholics do in their basement. ;-) I just posted the Cincy references. The link at the bottom has the full article. Urban wineries include everything but the vineyard By Jerry Shriver, USA TODAY CINCINNATI — The 1880s-era two-story frame building where Joe and Joan Henke greet thirsty customers six days and nights a week has always pumped lifeblood into the quiet Westwood residential neighborhood that surrounds it. But seldom has the heartbeat been this strong. See link for article: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2008-02-07-urban-wineries_N.htm

I'm a bit concern about the funding. From CityBeat - "An early version of the financing plan relied heavily on tax increment financing (TIF) revenues -- taxes generated by new development along the streetcar route. The plan called for $25 million to come from TIF funds and the city's capital project budget; $11 million from the sale of Blue Ash Airport, which was owned by Cincinnati; $10 million from state grants; and $31 million from private contributions from area corporations." The last part seems kind of shaky. But I just read about Gov. Strickland State of the State speech - "The plan also would invest $200 million in a program to revitalize downtown neighborhoods and $400 million in the Clean Ohio fund to clean up abandoned factory sites." http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080206/NEWS01/302060088 I would think the city could tap into this $200m or is that part of the state grants? I'm sure Cleveland would give up their share. :-) Of course the article doesn't explain where Strickland is getting $1.7b for his entire plan.

I took these pictures back in Dec 06 and March 07. I guess I never posted them due to a certain College/$Pro$ team laying a monumental egg on national TV back in Jan 07. ;-) The first batch are from a NFL game between the Cards and Broncos. The next batch are from a large mix-used development called Westgate City Center, http://www.westgateaz.com/. Prior to Westgate this area was mostly warehouses and started to be transformed when the Jobing.com Arena was built, which is pretty well hidden within Westgate, then the Cardinals Stadium came online. I think this is at least one example of arenas and stadiums spurring additional development. Also in 2009 the Dodgers and White Sox will be moving their Spring Training facilities here. I'm somewhat amazed how many people live in what I always considered to be small towns, (Mesa - 447,541, Glendale - 246,531, Chandler - 240,595, Scottsdale - 231,127, Gilbert - 191,517, Tempe - 169,712), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_in_Arizona_(by_population). Go Giants! Can I buy a vowel please? Where in the heck is gate W? Gate 1, Gate 1 . . .dammit I don't see it. Westgate Here's a few random shots from Scottsdale, AZ Dec 2007 Developers are finally allowed to built up. I believe there was a lot of resistance, but the local gov. finally allowed it. There is a small park celebrating Frank Lloyd Wright. This crown was meant for a unbuilt skyscraper. It's now a beacon near one of many shopping and dining areas that seem to be on every major corner in Scottsdale.

"Witness the incredible legacy of a people who struggled to survive in the Verde Valley 1,000 years ago. This cliff dwelling has five-stories and 20-rooms." http://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm I risked my life getting these pictures. ;-)

Looks like the Phoenix area is having problems with their rail line. The powers that be in Cincy better have perfect execution or the "trolley" critics will be out in force. "The Valley's light-rail starter line has broken in nearly a dozen places including this break in Tempe, near 3rd Street and Ash Avenue . In mid-December, workers discovered 11 breaks in the line, running from First Avenue and Fillmore in Phoenix to Apache Boulevard and Martin Lane in Tempe. The gaps range in size from half an inch to 7 inches, and have been found primarily around storm drains that Metro built into the line. - Charlie Leight/The Arizona Republic" I hope to get some pics when I'm out there in March and, even better, ride it from the airport when it's up and running in December 2008.

Bringing both teams together will make for a stronger Urban Ohio. ;-) Indians pitching Goodyear as home to players Jessica Coomes, The Arizona Republic Jan. 18, 2008 10:29 AM Reds: The other Ohio team In other baseball news, Cincinnati Reds officials were in the city this week for a tour of Goodyear with Mayor Jim Cavanaugh and Interim City Manager Brian Dalke. Five Reds representatives were in town Wednesday, including Chief Executive Officer Bob Castellini and former Chief Operating Officer John Allen, the city confirmed. The Reds are considering moving the club's spring training base from Sarasota, Fla. And Goodyear has been trying to attract a second team to share its soon-to-be-built ballpark with the Indians. Land near the ballpark will be reserved for a second player development complex until February 2009, Dalke said. To read more: http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/0118swv-indians0119.html

The closest Broadway Commons came to be developed in years was when the casino ballot issue came up in 2006. Even the owner of that vast parking lot make an appearance and said if it passes, we have plans to built a casino here. Of course the ballot issue failed miserably and I can't see anything being built there anytime soon. The parking revenue is too lucrative and from what I understand trying to built housing there just won't work. There's an Ohio Casino thread on UO that might be worth reading. Good Luck

Here's some nifty images of the new stadium in Goodyear, AZ. Everyone on this forum should support this developement, two words - Mixed Use. "The ballpark will be the centerpiece of Ballpark Village at Wood Corporate Campus, a $1 billion, 240-acre mixed-use development of office, retail, housing and hospitality. The ballpark’s ground-level concourse is being planned to integrate with the surrounding restaurants, offices and a hotel/conference center". "In a twist, the suites will feature freestanding tables, not fixed seats."

The tide could be turning. Yes! I will bet they just found out they wouldn't have to drop $9m to move to Goodyear like in that other town. Don't worry, I'll take plenty of pics, it be like your there your self. :-) Thursday, January 17, 2008 Allen on Goodyear Just talked to John Allen about the Goodyear field trip. It sounds likes the Reds were impressed. Bob Castellini was there for part of the tour. “It was great,” Allen said. “It was very informative. They have a good plan.” The group also went to Surprise, where the Rangers and Royals share a facility, to check out how the two-team thing works. “Basically, you have a game at stadium everyday. The Royals and Rangers play each other four times, so you don’t have to worry about overexposure.” To read more: http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/redsinsider/

I was being sarcastic. Turfway is 5 minutes away from where I work. I gamble, I bet on sports, I play the lottery, I'm in a football pool at work. I do it for one reason, it's a lot fun. It's just another way of spending my entertainment dollar. People seem to hold gamblers to a different standard than the drinkers, gun nuts, wife beaters. The end is near if you gamble. Casinos in Ohio was probably the only way to get Broadway Commons developed.

Has Jacobs Field changed names or something? Soon to be Progressive Field. It sounds like PBS Stadium days are numbered too.

One letter-to-editor asked why smaller buses aren't use or bought. I agree, most buses seem to be 2/3 empty except maybe during rush hour. I would like to see them go the hybrid route.

Boy, I'm so glad the people and state of Ohio has taken the high road on this insidious entertainment option.

Terrible late breaking news . . . :x Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. Deal could keep Reds in Sarasota By CAROL E. LEE, [email protected] SARASOTA — And they’re back. City residents who thought the Cincinnati Reds would leave town after voters rejected a property tax increase to help fund a refurbished spring training facility for the team should, well, think again. The city, the county and the Reds have devised yet another scaled back stadium project to keep the Reds in Sarasota for 30 more years. City and county commissioners will vote on a the “alternative stadium plan concept” at separate meetings next week. If it is approved, the city, the county and the Reds have 45 days to come up with a finalized agreement. The new plan is a to rebuild Ed Smith Stadium at a cost of $41 million, instead of $54 million as proposed before. To read more: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080115/BREAKING01/56201600

Here's a pic of the new and improve training facility Sarasota officials want to build. Keep in mind $53m can buy a lot of wheelchairs, walkers, meals on wheels, and drugs for the citizens of Sarasota whose average age is like 75+. :lol:

M u s t n o t g i v e u p h o p e , the Reds need to move beyond the geriatric set. Sarasota still wants Reds BY JOHN FAY | [email protected] As former Reds chief operating officer John Allen prepares to tour a possible new spring training home for the team today in Goodyear, Ariz., officials in Sarasota are renewing their efforts to keep the club in Florida. Pat Calhoon, the facility manager for Ed Smith Stadium in Sarosota, said Tuesday he expects that Sarasota government officials will consider a proposal next Tuesday to fund impovements to the stadium, which the Reds say are necessary if they are to stay. To read more: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080115/SPT04/301150009

Arizona looking to woo Reds to new spring-training home Carrie Watters, Jessica Coomes and Tony Lombardo The Arizona Republic, Nov. 13, 2007 12:00 AM Voters in Sarasota, Fla., recently rejected paying for renovations to the Cincinnati Reds' training stadium, which leaves the team looking for a new spring home - and Arizona wondering if it could snare another Florida team. Eyes are on Tucson, where the Chicago White Sox need to find a replacement team to get out of their lease and move to the Valley. The Sox plan to team up with the Los Angeles Dodgers in a spring-training ballpark that Glendale hopes to open in 2009. "We would love to have the Reds in the Cactus League. The logical place, considering the dynamics, would be Tucson Electric Park," said Brad Wright, an Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority board member who heads the Cactus League committee. "The first priority is a commitment to Tucson and the White Sox to make sure they can meet their obligation there." To read more: http://www.ci.goodyear.az.us/Archive.asp?ADID=1590

Are maybe some small wind turbines to help generate some juice for the LEDs. There always seems to be a breeze going. Not on the Suspension Bridge of course. http://www.newenglandbreeze.com/hull.shtml

Not to jump in between neighbors but is the non-profit co. your eluding to, the Red Cross? Aren't they building new in Hyde Park? http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=333.msg240901#msg240901