OCtoCincy

It does look a bit silly now, since it goes: Road, sidewalk, 1 ft of dirt/hay, ~6 feet of asphalt, dirt/construction... Eventually I'm sure it will look better. I'm an irregular biker, but I've done my fair share of long rides, and asphalt is better than cement. I'm sure they'll paint bike symbols etc.

Earlier in this thread we had a discussion about a massive parkinglot being paved at race and 14th - That didn't end up happening, BUT a massive parkinglot filled the large area between Republic and vine just south of 14th. It's VERY strange looking. Asphalt going right up to all the buildings. Kind of hideous actually.. I'm guessing it will be partially used for residents and partially for people shopping at the new storefronts under parvis... but I do hope that they make the lot look closer to the vine and 12th lot-- planters, trees, open walkways... Currently the asphalt goes right up to the backs of the unsuable, half demolished Smitty's buildings.. it looks bizarre. Take a look if you can and help me figure out what they were thinking! (Additionally, the 14 and vine corner gated lot (small, maybe 15 cars max) is for Parvis tenants).

^ Not sure, but the interiors were fairly basic and matched the affordability of the apartments. Bamboo floors, similar grey paint schemes. Accent paint in the ktichen of either a neon blue or yellow. Good appliances!!! (best asset) all have a washer dryer- I'd say these really offer a new level in the gateway quarter. They are MUCH less fancy (at least the two buildings that they were letting people tour as of early november) than most Gateway Quarter developments. More streamlined, less little details. No exposed brick walls, window frames all painted white, no usable or exposed brick fireplaces. They bring a nice, but affordable level into a neighborhood currently mixed with section 8 and ~$200,000 condos. I'm all for mixed income neighborhoods, so I think once parvis fills with 32 apartments- a gap in the neighborhood will be filled.

^ Agreed!!! And yes, in the end there will be more trees at Washington park. Yes, many will be smaller, but in 20 years those smaller trees will be some big beautiful trees.

^ huh?

When reading that article, I got VERY impressed with Jeff Berding- and found it hilarious that the union was so taken-aback by Council's attitude after the Fire union made asses of themselves implying that ending the streetcar could fix the budget. One thing Cecil says is right.. The union's current contract was approved by council, and while it is bloated, it could have been addressed before it was approved... So, it's council's fault for not dealing with the problem then (in the past year and a half, correct?). At the same time, I'm happy to see they are finally getting tough on this situtation. It's just too bad they hadn't done this at the negotiating table and now have to do it as post contractual concessions.

^ I'm sure they will put some landscaping around it, possibly paint lanes, etc.

Hey guys-- In a few months we're gonna have to become very very vocal. The new ODOT will be entirely pro-road and anti-transit. Under Strickland, Ohio seemed to have the most pro-tranist DOT in over 50 years but that'll all be gone soon. I hope that money can't be cancelled. I want construction to start ASAP! and I want to make sure we help out the 6 council members who are going to viciously be targeted by C-ASS (Citizens against Streetcar Swindle) in the next election cycle.

I like the look of the Hotel. Almost seems to have some hints of Art Deco on the highest point of the right side. The garage needs help! John Schneider, do whatever you can on the planning committee to make sure it is better looking. One of the best above ground garage's downtown is 5/3 buildings garage (above cadillac ranch). So many people don't even realize it's a parking garage! At the same time, that garage is much smaller than a full, block sized garage...

^ good point- Does this need the governors approval? and when would it be finalized if so.

Hey Guys- any new word on the streetcar or on utility relocation? Duke moved a whole bunch of utility access points off of vine between mcmillan and Thrill street right before thanksgiving. All of the access points were relocated onto the sidewalk. Any updates regarding sewer access relocation?

^ Very Interesting--- I didn't realize that the next phase wouldn't start until May 23. 2013. That seems kind of ridiculous. Considering the final details of "the next phase" still have some wiggle room, it sounds like Carter-Dawson could just ensure that the next phase isn't anything too over the top due to the sped up schedule. If the phase they are currently doing is going to be finished in April of 2011, it's crazy to think NOTHING will move forward at the banks for a full two years after that... The Idea of the Banks becoming an Island with only a few things there is very realistic if two years go by with no additional progress... Very interesting...

^ Thanks! I can't believe Bortz has to recuse from all of this. It's so frustrating.

Anyone know what the vote was?! (5-4, etc.) Is COAST gonna protest this?

Ya-- I'm really shocked with this "absurd route" statement... The route makes pretty good sense... If you walk around those areas a lot you realize it's a totally great route. The statement that Portland didn't have any other option is a bit strange... That route was chosen because they considered it the best option out of many... just like ours was! Please correct me if anyone knows that there were no other considerations in portland, I could be mistaken. Our route follows the people, the places & the development potential. Everything is within a couple block walk of it. I feel like Duke Energy Center is the only major event center that is not within 2.5-3 block radius of the streetcar and even then, it's a .3 mile walk (5-7 minutes).

I'm pretty sure there was only one major streetcar accident that resulted in many deaths (i think the number was 7) and it was again, in the 20's or something. I could be wrong though...

hahah- so good.

Alright- It was worth a small discussion- :) In other news, I think it will be interesting to see what happens to the development on Vine- I'm guessing there will be no stops (maybe one) between W Clifton & Vine and Vine & McMillan because of the hill (as John mentioned), but that street does need some help. There are at least 6 good sized vacant lots and more than a few completely abandoned buildings. The view from the rooftops of any of those places would be wonderful. I could see the streetcar boosting development between Vine & McMicken and Vine & W Clifton. The buildings are gorgeous in that area, and most are abandoned. This is one of my favorite buildings: http://tinyurl.com/2eftycq And it doesn't have really have a nearby lot to put cars in- With the streetcar stop that will surely end up in this area, buildings like this one could be revived. Thanks to the city's new rules regarding parking space requirements, the developer could simply provide a small lot for 3 or so cars and could charge a premium for them.

^ I agree that in downtown, etc.(any part of the grid) the speed won't be a problem. I don't know anyone who can drive around downtown at more that 15-20 miles per hour (red lights, pedestrians, traffic, etc)- But Vine street is a long stretch, up hill, that people do frequently drive the speed limit of 35mph. I've read all the published reports and there is a strong implication that the grade on Vine will limit the speed of the streetcar dramatically. (I love the portland system, and am a complete supporter of our system, but realistically, there is nothing (that I've traveled on ~2006) on the Portland track that comes close to the Vine St. hill) Personally, I'd wish that the street parking along the "up" side of Vine would be removed and, the road widened about 2 feet (it's possible, especially along much of the park!) and the Streetcar going up in the right lane, and auto traffic in the left (some people will still need to drive, as always). On the down traffic, it can stay as is, and everyone can share one lane. I doubt this will happen- It's way too expensive and shouldn't entirely be paid for out of the Streetcar Budget if it helps auto traffic, but if the streetcar can't go up Vine at more than 15mph it will be going less than half of the posted speed limit on a one lane road and will certainly cause congestion on an already busy street.

The only area that I see the speed of the streetcar being a problem is up Vine- In Downtown and over the rhine it will be fine, but I go up and down Vine daily and I and many of the other people drive 30-35 miles up the hill (the posted speed limit is 35). If the streetcar is going to be going 10 mph up the hill, that is one place where I could see people getting pissed about it. Even busses go in the +20mph range up vine. Anyone have any word on this? Vine isn't wide enough for the streetcar to be in the right lane (removing the street parking) and have cars be in the left lane. Please correct me if I'm wrong. This seems to be the one spot where the streetcar will certainly cause congestion.

farthest away I've seen it is Erlanger KY- I was on 75/71 and you could just see the top of it for a minute or so between the hills

In the Enquirer, the announcement that construction would start was titled "1500 parking spaces to disappear" Really?? Not, thousands of jobs to be created! or, new development could revive pendelton! Nope- just how parking spaces will be lost.

^ Just a heads up- Tom Callinan was the best editor at the paper and the only Democrat on the editorial board. His departure will ensure that the paper leans farther right.

^ Thanks!

Where did you see early 2011??