JYP

3CDC had some interest in redeveloping this lot pre-COVID. It would be great if it could be revisited in this lens. It would also be great if they sold the Times-Star Building. It's begging to be a hotel conversion.

I didn’t say anything about fed policy. Local reform.

Dude, that is the scalpel.

One part of the problem is regulator. Eliminating Single-family exclusionary zoning allows for existing SFH but may also allow for townhomes, 2-4 unit buildings is fine. Communities don't regulate Multi-family well in due to the stigma of rental. The way I see it, its not about complete elimination of SFH, just allowing the development market to have more options. The other problem is market/developer driven. You can eliminate all density restrictions in a place but if there's no market and no developer interest, then nothing is going to happen that is outside the status quo. Yellow Springs Zoning Code allows for more density (townhomes and ADU's) but its biggest hurdle is lack of developable land. Aside from Glen Helen, they have a green belt around the village which prohibits development through ownership in a land trust. This means undeveloped land in the Village is marketed at a premium. Xenia does have some assets but no amenities or destinations for visitors. There are some signs that the City wants to evolve and I think they will get there.

Based on these renders the ground level leaves a lot to be desired. Its okay to not have retail but there's better ways to activate the ground besides garage entrances and a few windows.

It's the old Friar's Club.

Also just submitted some comments supporting Cardinal and Lake Shore service improvements!

This is correct. They are not self-propelled. Battery only engages when you peddle and even then its not like you take off like a rocket while peddling slowly. Only time I've gone over 20mph on a RedBike E-bike was going down one of the big hills.

In general, yes. We have 2.2 million people in our metro. We need more residential in the downtown basin. Our population is gradually reshuffling into core city neighborhoods (thinking Pleasant Ridge, Oakley, College Hill along with strong rental activity in Downtown/OTR) Residents spend differently than businesses and visitors. That is fine, we need both residents and visitors. Less of a focus on office for better or worse. Lunch activity is an issue that needs to be addressed. WFH could help if we can get people out of their residences during the day (maybe for meetings, 3rd places, etc.) West End is coming along between Bank and Liberty, especially around Baymiller and Dayton Street. On a walk a few weeks ago, I noticed a lot of construction activity and some Port related rehabs that have sold. This "district" is probably 5 years out, but its coming. Regarding the quote below: Following this logic, Vine Street is the obvious "spine" downtown however it is not well activated below Central Parkway or above Liberty Street...yet. Probably another thing at least 5 years away. Despite that, I think our downtown basin works well as smaller districts, connected mostly by a somewhat non-linear streetcar. We have interesting side streets to explore which adds a texture you do not get with linear corridor districts like High Street. It's a great street, but it's one long street. It works up and down but less east and west. I think our downtown has a stronger dynamic and stronger potential because of it. Actually, I think the stronger connection needs are between downtown and Covington and Newport. Connecting to those downtowns would be huge. The Southbank Shuttle is there but its not great to ride and not as reliable w/out the Roebling Bridge routing it once had. Regarding the FC development, it's fine. It will deliver residential density and would be a big contributor to Findlay Market and surrounding areas. There needs to be better pedestrian crossing infrastructure at Central Parkway and Liberty. Hopefully that comes through with the Parkway redo.

True and this is fine. Blue Ash needed to start somewhere to build something that would attract talent and allow the city to evolve as market demand changes. This development is a start for that push.

Does anyone have any idea what the orange "Entertainment Venue" by the garage is supposed to be? I am guessing that with the acquisitions on Bauer and Liberty this is a potential arena location.

From what I can tell, they got a permit in February to fix the roof of that building (the rear roof appears to have collapsed.) I am really hoping they can stabilize it.

It could run fast on Spring Grove, even giving it it's own lane then over to Blue Rock after the I-74 interchange, terminating at or near the Northside Transit Center.

Seems like a good time to revive the 2007/2008 plans mentioned here: A vision for Union Terminal Plan revitalizes, expands facility By Joe Wessels Post contributor Operators of Union Terminal, home of the Cincinnati Museum Center, are working on a multimillion-dollar plan to renovate and revitalize the historic building, expand the museums inside and create a multi-use retail, housing and greenspace development in what is now the center's parking lots. Museum Center leaders - who lease the 74-year-old building from the city of Cincinnati - have commissioned a highly detailed report, compiled by Philadelphia-based Hillier Architecture and Cincinnati-based Glaserworks, that outlines the plan. In it, the proposed "district master site plan" calls several new and improved features for the approximately 130-acre campus. I don't have the full plan but this was one of the illustrations from then: https://architizer.com/projects/cincinnati-museum-center-at-union-terminal/

So I just ran it through Chat GPT: Welcome to the West End of Cincinnati, Ohio! This unique property offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history. The former inner city school is located in a low-income, disadvantaged neighborhood, providing an opportunity for community development and revitalization. The property sits on a large lot, providing ample space for parking, outdoor recreation, and potential expansion. The main building features a sturdy brick exterior and multiple floors, with a mix of classrooms, offices, and common areas. The property also includes a playground and basketball courts, making it a perfect spot for community events and gatherings. Despite its age, the property has been well-maintained and is ready for its next chapter. With a little TLC, this property has the potential to be transformed into a community center, charter school, or even a mixed-use development. The West End of Cincinnati is a diverse and vibrant community, with a rich history and a bright future. This property is an exciting opportunity for a visionary developer or investor to make a difference and leave a lasting impact. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity – call today to schedule a showing!

And they picked up the permit! https://cagis.hamilton-co.org/opal/apd.aspx?entcode=cinc&ezstdadrtag=1617||ELM|ST||||CINC|CINC|01330003014301617E|013300030143|013300030143|CINCINNATI&APD=2021P03243

I think the plan is to close Woodward and Yukon Streets to expand the park.

The project architect from KZF said that they are still leaving room open for potential overbuild. This concept was developed to align City, County and Chamber priorities to get funding to study the concept more. I would expect a community engagement component of some kind for the feasibility study if they get funding.

At the presser Mayor Aftab mentioned that he has been to the White House 6 times since being elected to office. It's no coincidence. Also he mentioned the City is applying for Reconnecting Communities funds to study ways to reconnect Evanston to Hyde Park over I-71.

It may be Ean Siemer according to the city’s database. https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/noncms/digs/commission/index.cfm?action=main.detail&id=180185

Yes.

For a business district you need at least 10 feet of sidewalk but its recommended to have 15 feet. Removing on-street parking is going to be a real sticking point for many NBD's because that is convenience parking and a pedestrian buffer. If you remove the parking lane there needs to be something along the curb to emulate that effect. Bollards, trees, light poles, are helpful. To Brad's point I looked at Indy's Red Line BRT where parts of the system share a single center travel lane. Even on those streets the curb-to-curb distance is 40+ feet. For true BRT in this city, there will be sacrifices. I don't see the willpower from supporters and Metro to do the heavy lifting needed to build underground tunnels or any of that stuff for gold level BRT.

The Bond Hill Business District on Reading already does not have on-street parking.

Moved Main Street crime discussion to Cincinnati: Crime & Safety Discussion.