Gordon Bombay

I’m not sure of the layout / situation at Union Terminal — but this would’ve been a good selling point. Hell, stating what could be done with those funds in any specific matter probably would’ve helped their case. ”We’re going to take care of basics and work on a big project like _______ “ - Making plans for passenger rail - Capping FWW - More Shot Spotter - Making the Metro transit centers more functional - Pedestrian safety improvements - Expanding the streetcar (or at the very least, actually utilizing the signal optimization technology that’s already in place) - Affordable housing - Etc, etc, etc, insert example here Instead it was all vague “infrastructure” and the Enquirer shilling about “guard rails” with a wink and a nod about how you can definitely trust these politicians. Then it became vague threats about contaminated water (hilariously tone deaf given Norfolk Southern’s recent actions) and fire stations not being maintained. There was never any talk of: “hey, specifically, here’s what we’re gonna do with this money and it’s something big that helps the citizens.” While “infrastructure” and filling potholes is nice, politicians like Cranley proved those can often just be hollow buzz words. Ultimately, the “YES” side had an uphill battle and a complicated issue. Instead of undertaking a smart campaign to educate citizens on the specifics, we got more of John Cranley playing basketball ala that parks levy years ago.

So…uh… what’s the strategy of the homeowners buying on the wrong side of the flood wall? Prayers and insurance?

I disagree. When I worked for Cedar Fair, the big thing keeping Sandusky as the corporate headquarters was that the CEO, d**k Kinzel, lived near CP itself. Mainly because CP was the flagship park in the chain historically. Not just in terms of revenue and attractions, but established infrastructure such as office space, employees, etc. A lot of what was being done at the other parks could be handled from those offices. Cedar Fair itself, essentially grew out of the CP offices (starting first with the acquisition of Valleyfair (hence the name)). But then the chain got much larger with the Paramount acquisition. They didn't just acquire five parks, but five very popular and highly attended parks that are large operations. And they've since added even more. Cedar Point - for consumers - is still a very high regional draw with a loyal season pass base much like Kings Island, Wonderland, Carowinds, etc. Their primary consumer base comes from "locals" with passes. All the regional/seasonal parks are like that. CP, however, is (was, probably still is) a pretty big destination park. If you're a family looking for a fun Midwest vacation, Cedar Point is a great bet with all levels of lodging for your budget. But, if you're an executive working in a chain that now has parks all over the nation and you need to get a design team on several flights to do offseason work - it helps to have a more "central" location. I.E. Instead of hopping from Sandusky to Cleveland Hopkins and then possibly transferring again... Charlotte's airport is a hub, etc. I'm sure Charlotte also has lucrative tax breaks, yadda yadda. It's also worth noting that when Cedar Fair took over the Paramount chain... Carowinds, Canada's Wonderland, and Kings Dominion were initially kind of viewed as "mid-tier" in terms of performance. Cedar Fair very quickly realized those parks were not being used to their full potential by Paramount and they've since turned all three into even bigger successes. It's been a long time since I've worked in that industry, but I'm personally very skeptical of this merger. Cedar Fair had this great culture turnaround circa 2018 and really started making some good moves. Six Flags is... well... not the best.

They still had their Canadian version.

Don’t forget Australia’s Wonderland! AKA the one Paramount didn’t want.

To be fair, SF merger or not, Cedar Fair has been steadily relocating numerous executive roles to Charlotte since 2008 or so due to Carowinds’ continued growth, its bigger airport (the former CEO utilized a private jet from Sandusky to Cleveland regularly), etc. Charlotte was previously the headquarters of Paramount Parks.

Good evening from streetcar vehicle 1177 just a few feet past the Sixth and Main station. Currently blocked by a car, but pulled up far enough that the streetcar operator can’t open the doors and let people walk. Real-time sign not working and the app is all sorts of wrong. Walked down here cause it said “two minutes,” but forgot that you have to tap into the route to see where the train is actually at so it was ten minutes. Seven years in. 🙄

It does, but what he’s really saying is: “that new arena should be build right near the existing real estate interests I already have in order to benefit my friends and I.” In reality, the guy still can’t tell us what concerts we’re supposedly missing out on and the events that he can point out would be good, but not game changing. - March Madness? Sure, some early rounds would be nice, but the big games are now played in indoor NFL stadiums. - Political Convention? Even if you get both big parties, you’re likely to only get each once once in an arena’s lifetime. The whole “it could have 200-300 events a year” quote from that Enquirer article is a bit disingenuous and way over-ambitious in my opinion. Even if you did hit a massive number like that, how much of that is lightly attended minor league hockey games? Realistically, the most practical development of a new arena would be with/connected to the convention center (preferably on the southern side so that its crowds can benefit the still struggling Banks), or, on the East side of downtown where there’s a sea of parking lots. Something constructed with a larger role, overall plan in mind rather than just the goal of benefitting whatever restaurant chains Berding and Co. lease for The Banks/Newport on the Levee West End edition. But this guy really, really wants it where it’s gonna benefit him most (not saying that’s some big evil secret, but he’s gonna push “WEST END” like crazy). Look at the “limited concourses” nonsense they proposed for the West End site. One of Heritage’s biggest issues is its terribly small concourses. Why repeat that? Even in a “limited” capacity. Seems like it would only need “limited” concourses at one specific site. Also love his Taylor Swift reference. We currently have an old, outdated 1970s arena yet we still got her tour for two nights because she’s playing NFL stadiums. Have a feeling her next tour will be like that too and whether or not this “West End Arena” is built—it won’t have an effect on rare, massive, major acts like hers. I agree Heritage Bank Arena is bad and I think there’s a legitimate case for a major city to have a good indoor arena/facility, but the way everyone just takes Berding at his word is nauseating. Not to sound like @Lazarus, but how many times are people gonna fall for his snake oil?

This has been such an interesting local political topic to follow—it's not partisan, ultimately has an "upside" no matter how it lands, and each "side" has such an intriguing collection of personalities who wouldn't seem to normally mesh. I'm still undecided, though, even after pouring through the WVXU guide.

Save your “both sides” schtick. If your ilk truly cared about preventing abortions and unplanned pregnancies over the years, there were (and still are) ample opportunities to help out those in need. Yet, you’d all rather pull publicity stunts and demonstrate outside of planned parenthood rather than help in any meaningful way.

Jesus Christ, no one is doing this. I realize this thread is a bunch of men (many of whom masquerade as “both sides” concern trolls parroting republican propaganda), but you should try listening to women on this issue.

Writing whole novels just to say the quiet part out loud. Conservative policies aren’t popular so gotta do whatever you can to keep people from voting.

Love Charlotte's chutzpah on this, but Cincinnati should probably aim a little more realistically. We can't even build bike lanes as nice as Dayton's. Very great news on the tennis tournament (and I say that as someone with absolutely no interest in it). Now lets work out dedicated bus service to get out of town visitors in and out of there quickly.

Sorry for the double post, was trying to quote @KJP, but now I can’t edit it haha. Was gonna say, though: what about the Cincinnati Dinner Train! 😃

I'd also be curious to see how they handle loading/unloading/logistics at that West End/CET site. I live right by the Aronoff and when a show is moving in/out — it's a delicate dance of semi trucks and aggravated Sherrif's deputies.

The NHL is in such a weird position right now. Some franchises like Seattle and Las Vegas just absolutely doing big numbers while some of the legacy ones such as Detroit and Pittsburgh are always strong—yet, there’s a few franchises that seem to have no reason to keep existing at the moment. Less surprised that Miami’s still around, but really just amazed that Phoenix manages to survive and also got permission to play in a 5,000 seat (albeit very nice) arena. And there’s Quebec City with a brand new arena just begging for the NHL!

This is fair, I just see them as the main player if the arena goes into the West End as they have a lot of real estate and investment over that way with TQL and its current adjoining developments. Either way, though, what concerns me about that site is its proximity to historic buildings and numerous homes (how long until they come for those) and the "limited concourses" laid out the above early plans. Heritage Bank Center is certainly dated, but it has been able to host the main regular touring acts (wrestling, ice shows, circus, etc.) and even big concert draws (Chili Peppers, etc.). However, one of its biggest detriments is how even on a mildly attended Cyclones night - the concourses are awfully crowded. Hell, even TQL stadium from the get go has small concourses. I just think to make best use of an arena, it needs to remedy all issues with our existing one and it should also serve as an extension to the convention center. I feel like most of the listed locations (with maybe the exception of Longworth Hall) are better than the West End. All in all, this is an exciting development for the city.

Having once been very involved with that whole process, I can't stress enough how totally different that scenario was—in a much smaller league that was actively seeking expansion when this market quickly proved it could not only support it, but afford it (and also a league, as it turned out, already had plans at the ready to move Columbus' franchise to Austin). EDIT: Also to this specific point, @Brutus_buckeye (and to recognize your earlier one), if there was an local wealthy business owner who was going to go for NBA or NHL, I have no doubt that it'd be Carl Lindner III. My guess would be NBA over NHL, though. My overall point is, the dangling of an NHL or NBA franchise shouldn't be something seriously considered as a carrot, because at this time it's not just unlikely, it's HIGHLY unlikely. Like you said, could it happen some day? Sure. But the odds aren't good. And if a franchise isn't relocating... quickly ...then the arena is going to be "outdated" in terms of being a potential new home venue for any relocation team (see Memphis and its Pyramid only being temporary before the Fed Ex Forum, or, Kansas City's lack of contention in recent years). Also, if you're hoping to lure a major league tenant - having "limited concourses" isn't a great move. That being said, even without a top league tenant, there's still a case for an arena—but if one is going to be built it needs to make sense. Since we're not likely to lure the NBA or NHL, what does that arena need to accomplish? Does it need to complement the convention center? Does it need to be a catalyst to revitalize a section of town? Ultimately, those questions don't seem to matter at this moment— because it's pretty clear just from the latest news that they want the West End site (which conveniently just so happens to best benefit Berding and his existing investments). These are the same folks who keep saying we're passed up for concerts all the time due to our arena, but they can never tell you exactly what concerts those were.

Sure, but your key phrase here is “pipe dream.” Could the NBA or NHL come here? Sure. Is it likely? Not at all at the current time.

NBA and NHL aren’t coming to Cincinnati given the proximity of that league’s other teams in Columbus, Indy, and Cleveland + those league’s desire to expand into other markets that are much larger. I wonder what this feasibility study will find? A site that makes sense, or the one they’ve already been pushing which benefits Jeff Berding’s existing investments the most? hmm 🤔

So what you’re saying, @gildone, is that not only will 3C+D be a game changer for passenger rail in this state/country, but it’ll also have super affordable tickets? ;-) Seriously, what a cool thing to dig up.

I think it was street closures for Oktoberfest preparations. Definitely heavier than normal, but sadly this is a daily occurrence with the bus lane. No, I take that back. Usually there’s a few cars parked in it.

Cincinnati’s singular “bus only” lane in action today.

I didn't even get that far—the clickbait title and his face in the preview image pandering to the YouTube algorithm dissuaded me.

I believe that is so they can film 1990s style sitcoms there.