jessehallum

I heard a rumor that Kaldi's bar/coffehouse was moving from their current location on Main St. to Findlay Market, as early as next month. Can anyone confirm this?

New restaurant, Lavomatic, joins Jean-Robert fold The latest restaurant to be operated by chef Jean-Robert de Cavel will include a rooftop terrace, a full-fledged wine bar and a name that conjures up dirty laundry. No link available.

I hear this sentiment quite often on this message board and I have never really understood it. It seems like every new development gets tagged with this 'pandering to the suburbs' label. Isn't the goal of this development to attract people and dollars away from the suburbs? If the development is not ideal, what is the better alternative? How can a redevelopment of the shopping center, one that includes a large grocery store, be 'more urban'? I lived in CUF for 3 years and I rarely shopped at that store because the quality of food is terrible. The meat looks old and the vegetables look like they are rotting half of the time. Seriously, you can't tell the difference between a steak that expires two weeks from now and one on the discount rack. They are both discolored and nasty. Also, the food selection is very strange. They try to stock products for both lower income people and college students, but the result is a limited selection for both. I am not going to eat food that I don't trust, no matter what the 'advertising and pop culture' have programmed me to do. I shop at Findlay Market, IGA, and even the OTR Kroger instead.

Speaking of Deters, I found this pretty interesting... Deters' tough talk stirs debate Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters' essay on what he believes is ailing Cincinnati, published in Cincinnati Gentlemen magazine, has created plenty of heated discussion this week. Asked to comment on the failure of November’s jail-tax issue, Deters wrote that the city has become far less safe in recent years and will only deteriorate unless a jail is built and police receive more support, regardless of economic development. Current policies will mean more criminals on the street, and “the result of more criminals on the street is more crime.” And he called the current streetcar proposal a “bad idea.” Some letters we received applauded Deters for focusing on what he called the city’s “spirit of lawlessness.” Others said his comments were misguided, self-serving or just plain wrong. And dozens posted comments to our online discussion board, where we posed the question, “Do harsh sentences and tough talk curb violence?” Some of these letters and responses appear below. Deters said Tuesday that he’s a “little surprised” by the fuss. “I’ve been saying this for three years.” What’s he trying to get across? “Job One is securing your city. Violence is simply not acceptable. I believe Cincinnati leaders need to understand that safety is so critical for economic development to work.” Citing Rudy Giuliani’s anti-crime initiatives in New York City, Deters said the city must adopt an attitude of “nothing short of zero tolerance … (and) outrage” toward violent crime. He said he believes we’ll get there, with the help of business owners and a “great” police force. “I think the environment is changing,” he said, “(and) I am very optimistic it will happen.” Yet some fear Deters’ essay could reinforce perceptions that help drive people away and keep new development from taking hold. Though they’re reluctant to criticize him, civic and political leaders, along with business-oriented groups such as Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), which is coordinating major development projects in downtown and Over-the-Rhine, clearly were not pleased. “The economic and civic investment that’s currently being made in downtown and Over-the-Rhine, especially by members of the business community, is unprecedented and vital to the success of our entire region,” said Kelly Leon, vice president of communications and community relations for 3CDC. “People are choosing to move downtown and into Over-the-Rhine. Vacant buildings are being renovated into condos and new businesses. That’s what our community needs to hear about.” What do you think the community needs to hear – and do? What’s the best approach to reducing crime and fostering economic growth? Join the discussion SAMPLING OF READERS' OPINIONS Thank you, Joe Deters, for saying exactly what so many of us have been thinking! Downtown has become a fun place for an evening out with new restaurants, bars and activities on Fountain Square, but not until we feel "safe" will this wonderful city thrive again. Deters mentioned City Council stepping aside and allowing Police Chief Tom Streicher to do his job. Better yet, how about a thank you from council and 100 percent backing? Lynne Merk, Delhi Township So, instead of actually trying to attract people to downtown we should just put armed checkpoints on Central Parkway, call the business district the green zone and treat Over-the-Rhine like Baghdad? That, of course, is the easy way out. There's no question that crime must be dealt with, but you do not help matters by instilling fear. The only way to make OTR safe is to revitalize it. The streetcar idea, though not perfect, is a step in the right direction. What ever happened to having a little hope? Matt Hueneman, Mount Washington Joe Deters may be a great prosecutor, but neither an economist nor sociologist is he. A streetcar can revitalize a community, and where economic and community growth exists crime is the natural victim. He is correct when he says that the community should "stay out of the way of him (Chief Streicher) and let him do his job." But, it is not necessarily a money issue for the police department. If the community would allow the talented and dedicated individuals on the police force to do the job they are very well trained to do without excess and unnecessary paper work, reviews and political interference, then we would be an even safer place to live and work. Fred Newman, Over the Rhine I don't think that his tactics will deter crime. Guns in the hands of the wrong people is way out of hand; we have laws now and they don't adhere to them. What needs to happen is that the gun laws are enforced and that parents, caregivers and community folks pray for this city and its youth, spend time with these young people and educate them. Cameron Foster, College Hill I've been told by assistant prosecutors that they are instructed not to plea bargain on crimes using a gun. Why not apply the same policy toward drug trafficking, illegal possession of a gun, and driving under a suspended license? They're all related. The answer is that the people do not want to support adequate jail and prison space nor intervention programs. Sleep well in the bed you make! Tom Strothers, College Hill It looks like the re-election campaign has begun. Cincinnati has a long history of law officials trying to influence areas not in their expertise. Sheriff Si Lies put Cincinnati on the art map. Now, we have honest Deters, as city planner, weighing into an arena with bravado. Joe wants to make his life easy, and he wants to do it by creating a military state in Cincinnati. Police and jails do not deter crime. Jobs, education and rehabilitation do. Isn't it time we solve this problem? Robert Barone, Oakley

Sorry about that guys. :| It won't happen again.

I have been to spring training in Sarasota. It is an awesome town and a very good time. I hope that the powers that be can figure out a way to keep the Reds there. I will never go to a spring training in Arizona, but I would love to go back to Ed Smith Stadium!

Wesley Willis was a mentally unstable man from Chicago. He produced some bad music. Here is his most well known work entitled Rock N' Roll MacDonalds. I saw him live at Bernie's in Columbus Ohio in 2001. He is since deceased. He left a legacy that was, well, his own. http://youtube.com/watch?v=IliRi29maOw Another nominee, the classic band AC with their short but sweet ditty: "You're Pregnant, So I Kicked You In The Stomach" ... and of course, who could forget Billy Ray Cyrus, who provided us with this classic. I apologize if this is not the right song or video, but I couldn't even make it through the first 15 seconds without tasting bile in my mouth. Enjoy! http://youtube.com/watch?v=3EebObs-vC0

^ I would think that the proposed Nascar track would be even worse!

The gamblers are already going out of state to spend their money.. or they just use the internet. People already have options. We may already be seeing the 'negative' impact of gambling without getting any of the benefits.

Their proposal is a pipe dream. Legalized Gambling must be approved by voters. Their proposal is less likely to pass than the last two gambling initiatives because of its restrictive scope. Also, they may need to have 2-3 issues pass on the ballot, making it less likely to succeed.

Its alright, ColDayMan. I am white and I didn't like the whites blacks people at McFadden's either. That bar was like a yuppie frat party without free beer.

Being an aficionado of hole-in-the-wall bars, I would like to have a beer at this joint.

That would be amazing. I have never been there, but I hear that they have the best bar (physically speaking) in town. Do you know if it is just the bar that is re-opening? Every time I pass that building, I think about the amazing German food that was probably served there in the past. I would love me some Sauerbraten in OTR!

Addendum to the above article How city gave land to Freedom Center 2000: Cincinnati gives the Freedom Center property and development rights for the block that the museum is built on, 50 E. Freedom Way. The agreement was amended in 2001. May 2001: Hamilton County enters into an agreement with the Freedom Center (finalized in 2002) under which the county builds the Freedom Center's parking garage and gives the Freedom Center development rights for the block in question, located just south of the museum. The agreement says the land could only be used for a park and when the Freedom Center is ready to build it will transfer the land to the Freedom Center. 2002: Freedom Center breaks ground. August 2004: Freedom Center opens.

Banks hits new snag County, city upset at Freedom Center's request for $1 million for rights to develop lawn it owns BY JESSICA BROWN | [email protected] The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center wants $1 million from the city and county for development rights to build part of The Banks - but local officials are balking. The dispute about the price for the grassy area, directly south of the Freedom Center, could throw a wrench into The Banks plans if it isn't resolved... Staff writer Jane Prendergast contributed.

Over-the-Rhine Timelapse

I agree with Bortz 100%. The drunks who hang out in Washington Park have no inherent right to our money and the basin's largest and most historical park. Pandering by the city to the drop inn center was the standard through the eighties and nineties, but that policy has not worked. I cannot see how the drop in center has improved the lives of the average poor person in OTR. If anything, it allowed a group of drunks and degenerates to essentially live right next door to an elementary school. It is a shame that the drop inn center has been so politically powerful, especailly when you consider the disproportionately high level of sex crime convicts who list the drop inn center as their official address. I have no real problem with recovery/rehab institutions in the area because those people are trying to recover from illness. They deserve our sympathy and help. If the people want to be drunk and homeless, that is their business, but the shelter should be held accountable. We are funding this institution and we should have some say as to how operates and fits into our neighborhoods. -edited for grammar-

This thread pretty much covers everything streetcar related: Cincinnati streetcars and light rail **Edited to be more concise**

Big win tonight for the bearcats: Cincinnati 74, Syracuse 66 They have 2 Big East wins in three games this season. The bearcats won 2 conference games all of last year.

^ Boy, I hope the reds don't go after Josh Fogg. He has always been a junk pitcher and he will fare terribly as a Red. Because of the dimensions of Great American Ballpark, only only strikeout pitchers will be successful. Both Bronson Arroyo (one K per 1.1 inning) and Aaron Harrang (nearly one k per inning) prove this point. In this career, Fogg strikes out one batter every two innings. He has a career 4.90 ERA and a .286 Batting Average Against. I don't see the appeal. I'd rather have Matt Maloney or Johnny Cueto out there. Granted, I don't know who Maloney or Cueto are but at least they wouldn't be wasting payroll money!

Yes. The streetcar will run down 12th St. from Main to Elm. The Gateway Quarter is centered at 12th and Vine. In fact, I don't think that the streetcar would even be considered if it were not for the 'Q'. Street Car Route Gateway Quarter

What's coming to Main St. By summer, Main Street will be home to at least four new bars and restaurants. They will join Kaldi’s Coffeehouse at 1202-1204 Main St. and Courtyard Café at 1211 Main St., which already serve food. --Harry’s Pizza at 1207 Main St. will open this spring as a casual restaurant and bar, said Paul Yankie, an Over-the-Rhine resident for a decade and a member of the Maven Group, which operates other venues along Main Street. Link

OTR's Main Street has new plan BY STEPFANIE ROMINE AND LISA BERNARD | [email protected]; [email protected] Two years ago, if someone wanted to open a business on Main Street, a pulse would have been sufficient, says Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce president Brian Tiffany. Today, Tiffany says, the group can afford to be more discerning. Linky

KJP, 79 mph is very high speed when compared to the 30-35MPH amtrak system that currently exists.