OCtoCincy

^ I think everyone is just writing their own individual letters. sorry!

Thanks!

Grrrrr!!!! I can't stand this back and forth! Is everyone sending letters/emails to TRAC/ODOT that politely say they support the streetcar?

I wonder if anyone will develop the old warehouse. Do you think it still has the floor with springs in it? 3CDC has had an "entertainment space available" sign there for about a year. I'm sure once Mercer commons is opening the demand will be much higher in the area and those three buildings may get developed.

^ I don't disagree with you. But while 1500 other vacant buildings sit in OTR and collapse or burn down, many preservationists would rather get stuck in court with Rock Ventures, 3CDC or CPS instead of start buying these abandoned properties at $2000 or $3000 a piece and fixing them up. OTR Foundation put itself into a lot of debt to fight CPS. I agree with the cause completely, but we have finite resources and can't afford the legal fees (as OTR foundation proved). Additionally- Yes it is the purple buildings, three smaller buildings along the alley, two of which do not look like livable structures (they may have been garages/add ons) and it's unclear about the corner of 14 and mercer. some images show it existing, others look like it will be replaced. Very interesting.

A lot of preservationists are going crazy about this building and it drives me nuts. In the time it takes for them to sue 3CDC, get stuck in court, and potentially delay the project, it's likely that another 4 or 5 abandoned buildings (with absentee landlords) will burn down from neglect and homeless people living in them. Yes- It is always sad when a building comes down- but I'll never get why the preservationist community doesn't help OTR ADOPT more, or try to buy up buildings that are condemned and have absentee landlords where there is no multi-million dollar company to sue. If 3CDC tears down one relatively not attractive, not highly useable building (it did used to be a dance club, big open space inside) in order to renovate 19 others (many of which are gorgeous), I'll still sleep at night. I wish preservationists would stop suing CPS, Rock Ventures (it's being discussed) and 3CDC and start going after buildings on the cities 28 most vulnerable list- many of which have absentee landlords who would sign the building over for a couple thousand dollars at max. In other news: March is 3CDC's goal for ground breaking.

This is so frustrating. There is a massive lot across the street from where this building was demolished.

The official stance of the Anna Louise Inn is that they are not for sale and they are not going to quit doing what they do, where they do it. This $2.4 million grant funds a long discussed renovation. Unless some new drama happens fast, it won't be purchased- Of course it can technically be purchased... but it won't be- since only one side is saying they are interested in a deal.

City Council voted 8-1 last week to give the $2.4 million grant from the Federal government to the Anna Louise Inn, effectively ending any speculation about the Inn's transformation to a high-end condominium complex.

^ 3CDC's official stance is neutral- Although they would clearly benefit from it as most of their landbanking that has yet to be developed between Elm and Race.

I also agree that Kevin Flynn will probably be chosen.

^ ha! Either way, it won't happen and would take some major reconstruction of the RTC. but neat idea. Is there any news on the triangle parking lot that Rock Ventures wants to turn into an open green site.

^ While I agree with what you're saying- I HATE the word boondoggle. The banks was delayed, but it's currently under construction and is looking great! In 5 years will be one of the cities great neighborhoods.

but back to the streetcar... Did everyone see the newest streetcar article at Cincinnati.com? http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110126/NEWS01/101270333/Streetcar-fans-fight-ballot-drive If this ballot language passes, if gas prices in 2016 hit $6 a gallon, Cincinnati won't be able to spend a penny on rail infrastructure.

unfortunately, I don't think many people do. I met a girl the other day, 27 or so, who was born and raised in Cincinnati and had never been to Chicago... That blows my mind. It's only 4 hours away!

I just wrote one myself- I talked about the positives, how many of the "facts" used by the opposition are wrong (Vine is not 12% grade! It's closer to 8% at it's max) and how I support their original decision. Remember, they already recommended funding it. We just have to say, you were right, we support you. Everyone on here should have sent a letter by now. (email or both)

^ Yup-- They started this several days ago-- The official "Public Comment" period ends February 11th. Everyone who reads this blog should ALSO email both of those people, but put "Support Cincinnati Streetcar" or something very similar in the Subject line of your email so it's clear that there are vocal supporters on our side.

In November, someone mentioned a January start date-- any word on that? Thanks

What suprised me most, is that the "for sale" areas of Mercer commons are almost entirely new structures. There will be three renovated buildings in the for sale area. The for rent area, however, gets about 13 renovated historic buildings. I wonder where they will place the low-income apartments. Immediately across from Mercer along Walnut are low income housing- It'll be interesting to see how they mix the neighborhood up.

I just FB searched Citizens against streetcar swindle.

wow-- I just viewed their FB Page... those people are craaazzy. Not just what they're saying. but the way they're speaking.. so over the top- As if they were attending a sporting event and cheering for one team over the other. It's like it's all a big game and they don't want to lose

I sent a letter to the same email addresses provided- Let's use something like Support Cincinnati Streetcar in the Subject line so our letters are all noticed together. Please, everyone, take 5 minutes and write a letter in support. It will make a difference.

Can we organize pro-streetcar letters to the same people?

Does bill cunningham live in the city??

That was bad! I'd LOVE to know what neighborhood they live in.. If they even live in the city.