I have an opinion on the closing of alleys, but I just have a few questions:

 

- Are alleys in OTR public ROWs or do property lines extend to alley centerlines?

- If so, who pays for the expensive new gating systems?

- If so, who decides which alleys receive the safety treatment?

 

Just curious..

Just took a virtual walk in the Gateway Quarter to see if Google's streetview shows any of the gated alleys, as I haven't even noticed them when I've been down there. It does, take a look at the following alleys to see what people are talking about: Doerr Alley at 12th, Rodney Alley at 12th, and Baldwin Alley at 12th (on the north side of the street, could be a private drive).

 

They're really nothing too fancy, but they are tastefully done. I think Maximillian does have a good point, but the fact remains there are still alot of shady characters in OTR. The closing of alleys permits these areas to regenerate more quickly.  In the future I would imagine they would come back down, but in the meantime I think it's a good step.

 

 

Listen, the honest to god problem with Centennial right now is it's proximity to both the bar on Race St and Washington Park.  Until the police step up to curb crime and loitering in those areas, nobody is going to use the park or buy a condo on Race St.  Crime is high in those areas due to their proximity to the Drop In Center. 

 

I see an ambulance and fire truck at those locations AT LEAST three times a day.  The same can't be said for police and the enforcement of public intox, drug dealing, and the rest.  Until the city and police take ownership of the park (instead of throwing their hands in the air), you will continue to see this activity all along Race and throughout the immediate neighborhood. 

 

 

 

 

Another thing to ponder. I look  at the gates as a fire protection hinderance. We all know that OTR is dense and burns quickly if a fire occurs.  What if the rear building is in flames and the owner/s happen to be on vacation.  Sure the fire department has a copy of the keys..... :roll:

 

There is no way a blocked alley for a residence etc,  would ever revert back to an open alley. The city would love to do away with an alleys maintenance, I know someone  who personally bought part of an alley from the city and a house now fills where the alley ROW was.

 

Alleys in OTR are a unique alternative transportation network that we shouldn't take for granted.

^^ Yeah, I wondered what was up with all the ambulances and fire trucks at Washington Park...

I was involved in the Baldwin alley gate.  I didn't want to do it, but the criminal activity back there was unbearable.  After the gate, life is much better for people who have windows/doors facing that direction. 

 

It took many steps to get the gates put in.  First all the property owners must sign an agreement.  Then council must approve a revocable permit to install a gate on public ROW.  Then fire department and police etc must approve.  Then someone must pay for it and built it, and maintain it.  And like I said, if the Fire Department has to get back there, they will smash it, and the owners must repair it. 

 

I think Baldwin can be much more successful as gated, because now the tenants, which probably number over 100, which have access to it through their back doors are not afraid to got back there.  However, now the city does not go there either to cut weeds, remove litter etc.. and that must be done by owners.

 

It would be hard to exaggerate the crime that was occuring back there before.  Neighbors saw all kinds of bad shit go down, from shootings to defication and everything in between.

It would be hard to exaggerate the crime that was occuring back there before.  Neighbors saw all kinds of bad sh!t go down, from shootings to defication and everything in between.

 

So that explains why all that sh!t is occuring in open view in Washington Park now.  :wink:

now the city does not go there either to cut weeds, remove litter etc.. and that must be done by owners.

 

People today rely to heavily on the government (City) to take care of everything. People should feel a sense of ownership and take pride in that. Picking up trash and pulling some weeds is just like mowing your lawn it is something you should do.

Seicer im not against gating the alleys.  All I'm saying is two drug dealers will less likely use an alley if more people were walking through it, not being scared and walking around.  You have to remember, An alley isn't the cause of druggies doing their thing..the darkness IS.  But hey the more gated and decorative alleys there are, the better too!

Max,

I resent the fact I have to lock the doors of my home but the criminal element down here dictates that I do.  We do a lot of things that we wish we didn't have to because of the lack of respect of both laws and private property by a few.  This is the reality that we are faced with down here and if we want it to ever change so that we can get more people down in these buildings and more people on the streets (suburbanites or otherwise) then certain actions must be taken.  OTR is a big tent, and I want any law abiding resident or visitor here in our community of OTR and less of the law breaking, often non residents--that is why we have Mt. Auburn. :wink:

What if the rear building is in flames and the owner/s happen to be on vacation.

That is probably why the city has to have unanimous consent from both sides of an alley way before they will allow it to be turned over.  The owner is responsible for their actions and probably feel that a fire truck couldn't make it down the alley to begin with.

 

Listen, the honest to god problem with Centennial right now is it's proximity to both the bar on Race St and Washington Park.

I am sitting here with the person who has feedback from every person ever shown Centenial Row and she is telling me that those problems, 1132 Bar and Wash. Park were more problems for Duncanson and the alley is the number one issue of concern for prospects as they typically use the Central route to go to Centenial as they leave Gateway I.  Those two are certainly detractors from Centenial but the image of a person defecating in the alley during a showing turns out is a negative...who knew?

^ My main problem with Centenial Row is you cannot get a couch, coffee table and a regular TV across from each other in the width of the living area in the first floor units.  :)

Perhaps I could interest you in Trinity Flats then.

^ My main problem with Centenial Row is you cannot get a couch, coffee table and a regular TV across from each other in the width of the living area in the first floor units. :)

 

Yeah I never toured them but from the pictures, they look really narrow.  Plus, I'm not huge on Murphy Beds.  From the outside though, they have a really cool row house look.

You know,  you guys are right I walked around OTR for an hour or so and took some pics along the way of some Gated alleys.  These should be all over OTR, blocking every Alley.

^Take it easy...this isn't as big of an issue as it's being made out to be.  If developers and buyers want them there then should we really hold up the redevelopment of a historic gem so that alley cut throughs can be preserved?  I think there are more pressing things to advocate/fight for.

Take it easy...this isn't as big of an issue as it's being made out to be.  If developers and buyers want them there then should we really hold up the redevelopment of a historic gem so that alley cut throughs can be preserved?  I think there are more pressing things to advocate/fight for.

 

Sorry but someones got to stick up for the little guys (Alleys/Stairways)  :wink:

Otherwise alley ROW's will be blocked off and sold for your Mom's SUV parking.

 

Do you really want me to post pics of Hust Alley where even the police recruits two years ago refused to help clean up due to the bio hazard from needles? Bottom line is, we are being successful in cleaning up OTR. The tactics that are used can be debated, but the results are undeniable.

Do you really want me to post pics of Hust Alley where even the police recruits two years ago refused to help clean up due to the bio hazard from needles?

Hust alley!  one of my faves.  :-D I did get a flat tire riding it once though..

 

IMO Those police recruits should not become police if they can't deal with that.  I find needles and condoms on Boal st,  should it be shut down?

 

Back on topic.

Who ever branded the name "The Gateway" is a genius. It is starting to live up to it's name,  check out this nice new shiney Gate going up on Vine today.

I find needles and condoms on Boal st, should it be shut down

And do you pick them up? Why so negative? Like the way that picture once looked at 12th and Vine? Like the images that we can find of Republic as it was just a year or two ago? Like the nonstop negative reporting that helped define OTR for 40 plus years? I am proud of OTR today. I am proud of the pictures above showing new buildings, and new life in a once wasteland of crime. Put your money in a building in the Q and you can assure that no gates, no fences, no security, and ultimately no sales goes into that building. Be proud people have been smart enough to take actions that has turned OTR and the GATEWAY Quarter into one of the best selling projects in the city and breathed new life into a one time ghetto--fences and all.

And do you pick them up?

  Yes, with a couple of sticks  I put them into a nearby 40 OZ bottle and cap it.

 

Like the nonstop negative reporting that helped define OTR for 40 plus years?

Please stop telling people OTR is downtown.  :wink:

I am going to start calling it uptown just for you...no, no....middletown...like that do ya!?! :wink2:

Blogger Tour of Living for various OTR projects...all details here:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,17206.msg321177.html#msg321177

Blogger Tour of Living for various OTR projects...all details here:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,17206.msg321177.html#msg321177

Gateway Quarter retail spaces filling up

http://www.urbancincy.com/2008/09/gateway-quarter-retail-spaces-filling.html

 

The new residential units, in the Gateway Quarter, boast exposed brick walls, original support beams, hardwood floors (in some cases original), very unique floor plans, and a prime location in the heart of what will soon be Cincinnati's premier neighborhood. Well guess what, the retail spaces have all that too, and they are filling up quite nicely right along with their residential counterparts.

 

The area already has 11 unique retail establishments, the most notable being Park + Vine (a 'green' general store) and Lavomatic (urban wine bar by Jean Robert). Many of them have been there for over a year and are now about ready to be joined by three new additions.

 

The Little Mahatma (513-723-1287) is relocating its jewelry, art and artifacts store from its previous location, on Main Street behind the Aronoff Center, to 1205 Vine Street and will also be celebrating its 20th year in business. The Little Mahatma will be open M-F 11am-7pm, Saturday 11am-6pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm.

 

Switch (513-721-8100) is opening up at 1207 Vine Street and will have lighting fixtures for your home and office highlighting current designs from North and South America, Europe and Scandinavia. Hours for Switch will be M-F 11am-7pm, Saturday 12pm-6pm and by appointment.

 

Incredible Creations (513-961-4111) is the third establishment that will be opening up with the other two this Fall, and will be located at 1209 Vine Street. This upscale barbershop and beauty salon will offer a host of services and will be the first service related business to the Gateway Quarter. Hours for Incredible Creations will be T-Th 9am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 8am-7pm, closed Sunday and Monday.

 

All three are excited about their new locations echoing similar comments of one another that the neighborhood is becoming a magnet for unique retail options and that they want to be a part of the urban renaissance that is occuring in Cincinnati.

 

The new shops plan to be o pen for the Downtown Tour of Living on September 27th where the Gateway Quarter will once again be prominently featured. Official grand openings will be coming later, after the Tour, but those attending the Tour will be able to go through and check out the new places.

Ooh, Switch sounds like fun.  I can't wait to get down there.  Is it just me or is 3CDC really hitting home? 

Now all we need is for the community organization in OTR to grow strong and include people from all areas within the neighborhood.  Take notes on Dudley Street (www.dsni.org)

OTR legally isn't "downtown" but in my opinion, and this goes with being in any city...as soon as you can walk around and see skyscrapers close to you...your downtown lol.

Try that logic in Houston

 

I see what you're saying though

59 East Clifton had a roof collapse today during the windstorm:

 

 

The metalwork blew off the church steeple at Race and West 15th.  Auditor shows the city owning it, but I've heard that 3CDC has purchased it or has plans for it.  I know Jskinner had posted a photo of the building in better times a while ago:

 

 

^The tarps on St. George's steeples looks like they had some damage today too but I didn't take a close look. 

Just some before photos, courtesy of StreetView --

 

59 East Clifton

 

Church

 

I noticed that St. George's tarp came undone on the west spire, but not much else.

Short video on OTR. This still doesn't change my opinion on the church regarding CITYLINK though.

 

http://www.crossroads.net/downloads/playVideo.php?idMedia=676

The market building itself didn't catch fire.  It was some old Italianates on the NW end.  The one that Leader Furniture is in, and five others around it.  The market is still open and will do just fine.  Not sure what'll happen with Leader Furniture.

Wow that storm must've been incredibly powerful.  (I'm half a world a way right now)

It was.  My friend and I were driving on 471 and literally saw a pipe flying through the air!  It was about the size of a baseball bat and missed his car by about 5 feet.  OTR should be ok.  Maybe this will spark people to clean even more crap up after this exposes them to abandoned places.

Cincinnati approves $187K for Meiner Flats stabilization agreement

 

Cincinnati City Council has approved an emergency ordinance authorizing the transfer of $187,000 to stabilize the Meiner Flats building at 1500-1502 Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine.

 

The transfer will create a new Meiner Flats capital account, with money taken from the OTR Arts District Home Buyers Loan account and several hazard abatement accounts.

 

The City will now draw up an agreement with 3CDC (OTR Holdings, LLC), who will contribute $200,000 of their own funding, to bring the structure up to code.

 

Built in 1875 by the Meiner family to advertise their skills as stonemasons, the building has been vacant for over 20 years.

 

A roof collapse, combined with bricks and pieces of cornice falling to the sidewalk below, forced the City to order an emergency demolition in March.

 

Although it has been removed from the hazard abatement program for the time being, the façade remains hazardous and the sidewalk below remains closed.

 

In May, it was acquired by Christopher Tucker from Big Dog Holdings by quit claim deed for $1,000, according to auditor records.

 

No plans for a full restoration have been released.

 

http://www.building-cincinnati.com/2008/09/cincinnati-approves-187k-for-meiner.html

 

 

Since they were talking about bringing cincy beer back on the map.  I think this building would make a very cool brewery.

Oh, thank God.  If that building came down, that whole block would be ruined.  Plus, the Gateway Quarter is only a block away now. 

Crunch time for the new retail in OTR if they want to be open by the DT tour of living.  I see people working up there all the time now, so it should be interesting to see if they can beat the clock. 

 

Incredible Creations looks to be doing a great job.  Their renovation looks amazing.  Hardwood and interesting pops of red color.

 

Mahatma put in some very conservative old school carpet and burgundy walls.  Still...their inventory will make up for the lack of interesting space.

 

Switch- looks like a whitewash interior...different.  Should be a really interesting store.

 

That's all from the "combat zone".

 

 

Crunch time for the new retail in OTR if they want to be open by the DT tour of living.  I see people working up there all the time now, so it should be interesting to see if they can beat the clock.

 

Urban Sites has been working around the clock as I am sure the rest of the Dev. are as well. 

Do these new places have websites up?

There is the Gateway site.  Do you mean a site for each building?  If you would like to see some of the pics you can find them on the various post from this past weekends blogger tour. 

Randy, did you fall asleep last night? :D

^Yes...here's the breaking news:

 

Segway store coming to Over-the-Rhine

http://www.urbancincy.com/2008/09/segway-store-coming-to-over-rhine.html

 

The Gateway Quarter has just signed their latest retail tenant. Segway will be opening up their 6th Ohio location and 2nd Cincinnati area store at 1150 Vine Street (directly across from Park+Vine).

 

The store will be selling the Segway Personal Transporter (PT) which generally cost around $5,000 - $6,000. The Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device (EPAMD) is a "self-balancing, non-tandem, two-wheeled device that can turn in place, transports only one person, with an electric propulsion system averaging less than one horsepower, and travels less than 12.5 miles per hour." The 'green' transporters produce zero emissions and can travel up to 24 miles on a single charge.

 

Segways are treated the same as pedestrians and bicyclists and should not be taken on the road with vehicular traffic. You can currently find several police forces around the area using these devices. They generally fit through doorways and are great urban transporters.

 

The OTR store could be open in as little as 30 days since minor finishes are needed in the new retail spaces created by the Gateway Building. The store will also be renting Segways and offering rent-to-own programs for those looking to buy a Segway. Segway also offers tours with one Cincinnati area tour (PDF) operating in Eden Park. The opening on this OTR store could be the jumpstart for a Segway tour through historic Over-the-Rhine and/or Downtown - stay tuned.

 

Also be sure to check them out during the Downtown Tour of Living as Segway will have Segway PTs on display and available for test runs at the Gateway Quarter parking lot at 12th & Vine.

 

"Segways are treated the same as pedestrians and bicyclists and should not be taken on the road with vehicular traffic."

 

Huh? Bicyclists cannot use the sidewalks.

 

This is a great addition to OTR, and a visible sign that critical mass is being achieved in the vicinity of 12th and Vine.

That's what the legal thing said on the Segway website.

I guess I ride my bicycle through backyards instead...

well this is great news.  I always thought that retail space would be difficult to fill up so I am glad to see that space occupied. 

"Segways are treated the same as pedestrians and bicyclists and should not be taken on the road with vehicular traffic."

 

Huh? Bicyclists cannot use the sidewalks.

 

This is a great addition to OTR, and a visible sign that critical mass is being achieved in the vicinity of 12th and Vine.

 

In ohio a segway is a "human portable mobility device" or something like that which is the equivilent of a wheelchair.  Also you can't get a DUI on a segway because it isn't a 'vehicle'

 

^Yes...here's the breaking news:

 

Segway store coming to Over-the-Rhine

http://www.urbancincy.com/2008/09/segway-store-coming-to-over-rhine.html

 

The Gateway Quarter has just signed their latest retail tenant. Segway will be opening up their 6th Ohio location and 2nd Cincinnati area store at 1150 Vine Street (directly across from Park+Vine).

 

The store will be selling the Segway Personal Transporter (PT) which generally cost around $5,000 - $6,000. The Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device (EPAMD) is a "self-balancing, non-tandem, two-wheeled device that can turn in place, transports only one person, with an electric propulsion system averaging less than one horsepower, and travels less than 12.5 miles per hour." The 'green' transporters produce zero emissions and can travel up to 24 miles on a single charge.

 

Segways are treated the same as pedestrians and bicyclists and should not be taken on the road with vehicular traffic. You can currently find several police forces around the area using these devices. They generally fit through doorways and are great urban transporters.

 

The OTR store could be open in as little as 30 days since minor finishes are needed in the new retail spaces created by the Gateway Building. The store will also be renting Segways and offering rent-to-own programs for those looking to buy a Segway. Segway also offers tours with one Cincinnati area tour (PDF) operating in Eden Park. The opening on this OTR store could be the jumpstart for a Segway tour through historic Over-the-Rhine and/or Downtown - stay tuned.

 

Also be sure to check them out during the Downtown Tour of Living as Segway will have Segway PTs on display and available for test runs at the Gateway Quarter parking lot at 12th & Vine.

 

 

I recomended that location to the store owner in columbus almost two years ago

Hey keep pushing for more retail farther and farther north down to Kroger and we won't have a crappy Vine st anymore;)