It seems as though Delhi Pike might be headed for some redevelopment in the semi-near future.  The business strip/district is beginning to fall apart, but township officials are focusing their effort on saving/reinventing this very important corridor for Delhi Township.

 

I brought this idea up to my professor (Menelaos Triantifillou) at UC at the end of last quarter.  He has his own private firm which does work, on top of the student guided efforts during his winter quarter studios.  I thought this might be a good project for next years Urban Planning students.  Next thing I know there is a major article in the Enquirer about this whole thing with quotes from my professor.

There is no concrete project yet, so this moves to City Discussions.

Delhi's business strip is hard to figure out. It's such a mix-mash of buildings that they lack any cohesiveness. You got fast food restaurants 2 feet from the street, then there are businesses set so far back you wouldn't know they're even there. The comment about the incomes of people is interesting. There are certainly fixed income types, but every new house or condo being built seem to be selling in the 200K+ range. Delhi seems to be the king of auto repair shops, there's one on every corner. The new Walgreens is moving in front of the old Thirftway building, but it's still down in a hole. I wonder if they will try to elevate it.

 

On a somewhat related note, I noticed trees have been cleared out for what I think is the big box development on River Rd. I still can't figure out who they plan to attract with the development. But if big box goes down there, it certainly won't be coming to Delhi Pike.

Delhi has a really practical business district though. Well...they did.  A few businesses left, I think Walmart and Big Lots.

^Quite a few businesses have left or have been shuffling around for some time now.  I used to live in delhi about 10-12 years ago and remember this same kind of thing happening.  Restaurants would close...middle range businesses would close down for hole-in-the-wall joints. 

 

Delhi has just been struggling overall.  They had to shut down 2 of their 3 fire stations due to a lack of funding (now reopened), they couldnt afford to bring dirt in to help level off land for a soccer/football field, their roads are in disrepair, etc.

 

I would very much like to see Delhi returned to its glory of being a 'Floral Paradise'.  Turn Delhi Pike into a mass of greenhouses and floral stores.  Festivals and other gatherings could celebrate this unique attraction for Delhi.

Didn't some big businesses or corporations based in Delhi, leave to another part of the metro area?

^Quite a few businesses have left or have been shuffling around for some time now.  I used to live in delhi about 10-12 years ago and remember this same kind of thing happening.  Restaurants would close...middle range businesses would close down for hole-in-the-wall joints. 

 

Delhi has just been struggling overall.  They had to shut down 2 of their 3 fire stations due to a lack of funding (now reopened), they couldnt afford to bring dirt in to help level off land for a soccer/football field, their roads are in disrepair, etc.

 

I would very much like to see Delhi returned to its glory of being a 'Floral Paradise'.  Turn Delhi Pike into a mass of greenhouses and floral stores.  Festivals and other gatherings could celebrate this unique attraction for Delhi.

 

You make Delhi sound like its in serous financial trouble, but it's really not.  The fire stations where shut down as a scare tactic by the trustees to pass a huge levy increase after the previous one failed.  The residents were not taking issue with the police and fire departments, but with the township itself.  We feel that we are not being listened to and the trustees are just there to push their own adgenda.

 

The park board, which does not get their money from the township general fund, decided to ask for donations of fill dirt, instead of buying it.  I think it was a pretty good move and saved the park board a substantial amount of money.

 

As for the Pike itself:  The business climate is really strange for some reason.  I think the township needs to look at the entire township and not just Delhi Pike to figure out whats going on and what would work there.  Delhi is made up of a lot of retirees and younger families, who have to go to Western Hills for the majority of their needs.

 

The biggest problem is that you have the river as to the south of the township, so the district can't pull from a 360 radius like Western Hills/Green Twp. can.

Didn't some big businesses or corporations based in Delhi, leave to another part of the metro area?

 

There are no big businesses based in Delhi.  The two biggest empty areas in the township are the old Big Lots and Thriftway.

 

Everything in the township is retail except for the few doctors offices and things like that.  There aren't any office buildings that I can think of.  The biggest think that is keeping office developement from happening, besides total lack of land, is that the township is just not that easy to get to.  It's a half hour to I-74, 15 minutes to I-75 and about 25 to downtown.  The best way to get there is by River Rd. but it is such a mess and will get even worse once they start work on the Wadvogle Viaduct.

^There is another accessibility issue besides the river to the south.  There is no access to the township really at all.  There is no highway (which we all no rules society), bus routes are not widely used, there is a lack of a direct connection to anywhere outside of Delhi.  Major thourofares are chopped up and sometimes confusing to navigate in and out of Delhi.  There is River Rd. (US 50), but this runs directly through the industrial stomping grounds of Cincinnati and is not a pleasant drive for anyone.

 

As for the economic situation:  I may have made it out to be worse than what it is, but by no stretch of the imagination is Delhi in good shape.  They like any other aging suburb is facing many issues that are hurting hurting Delhi's bottom line.  You could consider this to be an inner-ring/first suburb of Cincy and is now facing the strain of both the inner-city/CBD and the outlying suburbs (Green Twp, Colerain Twp, etc) competing, with better assests than Delhi, for new businesses and residents.

^ I compleatly agree with you on both your points.

 

The question is now, how does the township get an infusion of new blood/money?  It's almost completely built out so they can't compete with areas that offer bigger and newer places to live.  Is the next thing to do, start doing tear-downs along Whittmore and around Delshire and build huge new houses?

It's hard to get anywhere on the west side, not just Delhi. 74 sucks, it's always from from anywhere I need to go on the west side period.  It's all mountainous near the freeway, whereas 75 and 71, everything is built up right near it.

It's hard to get anywhere on the west side, not just Delhi. 74 sucks, it's always from from anywhere I need to go on the west side period.  It's all mountainous near the freeway, whereas 75 and 71, everything is built up right near it.

 

This is another quality reason for light rail in Cincinnati.  There was the light rail line along I-74 and the commuter rail line along the river (near US 50 if I remember correctly).

Bank, stores may replace garden center

BY HEIDI FALLON | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER

 

A disappointment but not a disaster is the view of Trustee Mike Davis on the announced July 16 closing of Delhi Flower and Garden Center.  Bob Maddux, owner of the business which opened in the township in 1960, said in a letter that his "decision to close the original location (was) extremely difficult."

 

"We have outlived the greenhouse structure and the market is not conducive to rebuilding on the existing site."  He added that he "will continue to pursue possible locations in the area on a small scale and continue to be involved in community activities and organization to promote and support the Delhi community."

 

Read full article here:

http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060628/NEWS01/606280433/1002/RSS01

Well I have felt that Delhi's hope for revitalization laid in the hands of a niche market for the township.  That niche market would have been the florist/greenhouse market.  Delhi had once been well known for having so many of these that they could have rekindled this spirit and turned around their struggling business district.  It would be a wine country of sorts that they could have created....hoasting different floral events and activities.  However, officials have managed to let their marque anchor (Delhi Garden Center) slip away in favor of a bank and some more crappy retail that already occupies the depressed Delhi Pike. :?

This is really sad.  I can't think of any greenhouse except for Robin's Florist on Pedretti that hasn't undergone a major change in the last 10 years.  The others have either drastically downsized, selling their land for condo development or something else, or have completely closed. 

 

Uncle, I never really thought about Delhi becomeing a floral destination again, but I think that would be really neat.  I sometimes wonder if the trustees really know whats going on.  I think they are stuck on the fact that is an old township that doesn't have much room to grow, and who's citizens are empty nesters on fixed incomes.  But as moonloop pointed out earlier, there are many homes selling in the 200K range.  These people could support a business district if it was more than just fast-food restarunts, garauges, dollar stores, and super markets.

 

I am not happy at all that the garden center is being razed for another strip mall.  Delhi has a 28% vacancy rate for God's Sake!!!  How about we spend some money to upgrade and fill the current empty store fronts before we destroy a viable part of the townships history!

Delhi studies options

Trustees asked to commit money for business study

BY HEIDI FALLON | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER

 

Trustees are being asked to commit an estimated $14,500 to pay for a business district study.  The request is coming from the Delhi Township Business Task Force, a group formed earlier this year after residents brought concerns about recent business closings to trustees.

 

Residents and business owners volunteered to be on the task force to look at the cause and effect of those business closings.  Attorney Chip Brigham, a resident whose office is in the midst of the central business district on Delhi Road, is the facilitator of the task force.  He told trustees Aug. 9 that the business district study would be done by University of Cincinnati School of Planning students.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060816/NEWS01/608160411/1002/RSS01

I brought this idea up to my professor (Menelaos Triantifillou) at UC at the end of last quarter.  He has his own private firm which does work' date=' on top of the student guided efforts during his winter quarter studios.  I thought this might be a good project for next years Urban Planning students.  Next thing I know there is a major article in the Enquirer about this whole thing with quotes from my professor.[/quote']

 

I feel like I am making a difference!!!

Go UC School of Planning...this is your chance to get some real publicity/notoriety...make us proud!

Delhi Road business study OK'd by trustees

BY HEIDI FALLON | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER

 

The Delhi Road business district is going back to school.  Trustees agreed Aug. 30 to pay for a business district study by the University of Cincinnati School of Planning.  Some 20 students will be making the township their class project starting in January.

 

The township will pay an estimated $16,000 for the study, which includes providing marketing, demographic and business trend information.  The Delhi Business Association has donated $1,500 toward the cost.  The Business District Task Force, made up of business and business district property owners, recommended the study to trustees earlier this month.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060906/NEWS01/609060399/1002/RSS01

As has been said already, Delhi's problem is that it lacks a main thoroughfare in and out of the heart of the township.  If it had increased traffic flow from people cutting through it, it would spur business growth and create the customer base needed to sustain new development. 

 

I lived in Delhi for 14 years, and I've always thought that as far fetched as it may sound, the whole west side of Cincinnati would benefit greatly if they would build a bridge at Anderson Ferry, with a direct link up over the Kentucky hillside to the airport.  That would spur traffic flow along Anderson Ferry Road, and likewise onto Delhi Pike, which would give the township the visibility it would need to make it a more attractive location to build offices and retail.  Not only that, it would cut a heck of a lot of time off the commute to the airport for people on the west side of town.

^How about some simple transit oriented development?  If the lightrail plan had gone through, or another mass transit plan.....then I would suggest that Delhi Pike turn into a completely new TOD.  Delhi is practically in the City of Cincinnati now, if they were to incorporate/annex, it would be to their benefit (much to their residents shegrin).

 

Delhi needs to start making some BOLD decisions in the near future, before its time has run up!

^How about some simple transit oriented development?  If the lightrail plan had gone through, or another mass transit plan.....then I would suggest that Delhi Pike turn into a completely new TOD.  Delhi is practically in the City of Cincinnati now, if they were to incorporate/annex, it would be to their benefit (much to their residents shegrin).

 

Delhi needs to start making some BOLD decisions in the near future, before its time has run up!

 

 

It just sucks that Delhi isn't very dense. If it was, people would be more likely to go for it. It is funny how people think Delhi is so suburban...and even when they refer to it as a suburb, you can detect a sense of pride in the way they say it. It's only like 3-4 miles from downtown.

^ Delhi is practically in the City of Cincinnati now, if they were to incorporate/annex, it would be to their benefit (much to their residents shegrin).

 

Delhi needs to start making some BOLD decisions in the near future, before its time has run up!

 

How would annexation benefit the township if the residents are chagrined?  Oh, I guess you must mean access to Cincinnati Public Schools?  Or maybe paying Cincinnati income tax so we in Delhi can contribute our fair share to fighting crime in OTR?  I will concede, that the city can have all of Delhi right up to Pedretti Ave!

 

Honestly, what we need is a regional Hamilton County Government so that the conservative suburbs can overcome the incompetent liberal city government.

 

http://www.subUrbanOhio.com

 

Suburban-minded elitism is the reason OTR/Avondale/West End/ Walnut Hills/etc are so saturated with crime.

 

How would annexation benefit the township if the residents are chagrined?  Oh, I guess you must mean access to Cincinnati Public Schools?  Or maybe paying Cincinnati income tax so we in Delhi can contribute our fair share to fighting crime in OTR?  I will concede, that the city can have all of Delhi right up to Pedretti Ave!

 

School districts are not legally aligned with jurisdiction boundaries (although they tend to follow them).  ie:  If Delhi were to be annexed it would not change over to Cincinnati Public, it would still stay part of Oak Hills Local (FYI some areas in Cincy proper are in Oak Hills Local).

 

Secondly, you don't have to live in the city to pay city income taxes.  You are actually just throwing your money away should you choose to work/pay taxes to one jurisdiction and not receive ANY return on investment.  I would venture to say that most people in Delhi currently pay Cincinnati income taxes, due to the lack of any major employment centers in Delhi.

 

Thirdly, if Cincy were to annex Delhi its immediate benefits would be:  free trash collection, reduced water bill (part of WaterWorks billing policy), a wide array of tax-incentives/credits at your disposal (see city's website).

 

In Summary:

All I'm saying is that Delhi is feeling all the negatives from the city (taxes, low-income housing, crime, lack of revenue)....but is receiving none of the benefits (some listed above).  Delhi can continue to be powerless in its fight against: CVG, low-income housing, lack of transit/access, deteriorating business districts and neighborhoods....or it could start to work with the city as a cohesive force.

 

30,000 people (township status) don't have much weight in Cbus and DC, but 340,000 people (city status) has much more weight!  If you want to continue to deny the fact that Delhi is headed in a downward spiral (inner-ring suburb complex) then so be it.  But until these inner-ring suburbs wake up and realize that they need to collaborate and join forces with their respective cities....they and the cities will be in a heap of trouble against the new/shiny forces in the outlying areas.

 

Honestly, what we need is a regional Hamilton County Government so that the conservative suburbs can overcome the incompetent liberal city government.

 

^You must be kidding, I guess you must have missed the brilliant job the county gov't has done over the past couple of years see: Stadium/Riverfront fiasco, jail/lack of, deficit, gambling issue, etc (I decided not to go further back in time for the sake of longevity).

 

WAKE UP AND GET THE CONSERVATIVE STICK OUT OF YOUR A$$!!!!!

Im no expert but it seems like one of the biggest benefits would be the businesses that would come to Delhi if it were part of Cincinnati. I'm sure Cincinnati provides a lot of tax incentives for businesses...atleast a hell of a lot more than Delhi. Cincinnati may not be that big but the corporations give it so much economic power and generate so much tax revenue because of it.

 

P.S.

Randy you should run for mayor in the years ahead.

I'll be your campaign manager.

P.S.

Randy you should run for mayor in the years ahead.

I'll be your campaign manager.

 

Thank you very much, you know that is not the first time I have heard that (not sure if thats good or bad).

:]

Delhi is practically in the City of Cincinnati now, if they were to incorporate/annex, it would be to their benefit (much to their residents shegrin).

 

so they can be the next Price Hill?

^Yeah because Price Hill and Delhi are very similar  :drunk:  Just because the two areas are close to one another, does not mean that they will ultimately have the same fate/destination (see Mt. Adams & OTR, Silverton & Blue Ash, Mt. Lookout & East End)

I was typing that tongue in cheek (no smiley for that?)

 

However, crime is pressing Delhi Twp from the East, in fact some areas I would consider part of Delhi are actually in the City (Around Pedretti and Roebling Ave), but that's a non-sequitor..

 

Convince anyone from Delhi that they would be better off being annexed by Cincy...convince ME.

 

(BTW Silverton/Deer Park is a more apt comparison, not S'ton/Blue Ash)

^How about this.....I've already listed benefits for Delhi being annexed into the city.  Why don't you list the negatives (most of the negative 'city effects' are already being felt in Delhi), I just don't see how annexation would hurt the residents of Delhi.  Are they afraid that if they're annexed they might actually have dependable public services/infrastructure (see Delhi Twp. FD closings, crumbling roadways, lack of maintanence to public facilities).

 

I just don't know why people in Delhi think that they are soooo well off!?!?  Their finances are crap, services are sub-par, access is terrible, and building stock is dismal.  So please tell me what Delhi Twp residents have to lose from being annexed (please spare me the typical "crime will take over our community" BS, because we all know how criminals are boundary oriented and WILL NOT leave Cincy proper (I think its in their code of ethics).

Well a lot of the houses in Delhi are no better than ones in Price Hill and section 8 housing is pervading all the way into Bridgetown. Delhi is a step up from Price Hill but a lot of Delhi isn't much better off. It really depends on what part of Delhi you're refering to. Like I said, a lot of people in Delhi take pride in the fact that it is a suburb. They don't want t be associated with Cincinnati regardless of an economic benefit. They want that elitism...or atleast a false sense of it.

 

I agree though Randy, they should do it for various reasons.

I just don't know why people in Delhi think that they are soooo well off!?!? Their finances are crap, services are sub-par, access is terrible, and building stock is dismal. So please tell me what Delhi Twp residents have to lose from being annexed (please spare me the typical "crime will take over our community" BS, because we all know how criminals are boundary oriented and WILL NOT leave Cincy proper (I think its in their code of ethics).

 

I gotta defend poor rundown Delhi. When most people think of the rough areas, it really is Riverside, Sedamsville, Sayler Park and Price Hill that are the problem areas. As rule of thumb, the Delhi areas that are near the city proper and it's neighbors are part of the poorer areas so naturally a person from Delhi wouldn't want to have anything to do with the city since their experience with the city is nothing but these rundown shitholes. I do have a problem with some of the roads, some are nothing more than paved over country trails - narrow, hilly and absurd.

 

As for the business district, I could take it or leave. It's not like there aren't plenty of other places to shop. If the business district goes down the whole of Delhi isn't going with it.

 

What do I love about Delhi - a mere 10 minutes from DT, NKY and my place of employment a bit further away. Some may consider that a bad thing, but those areas are what make Cincy unique. It's what makes Delhi worth-whiled for me. And the fact you can see the top of the Crew Tower from Greenwell. ;-)

 

Nothings perfect, but the city and Hamilton need to get their ass in gear. From a suburb's mind a lot of neighborhoods are on the brink of failing if they aren't already. There was a rumor tha HUD was buying houses near Western Bowl, petitions were getting ready. I don't know what came of that.

 

Basically the decline of the neighborhoods are heading west. When people get out of the city, they move to Price Hill, folks from Price Hill head out to Delhi and "gasp" Green Township. Do you know where people of Delhi and Green Township are going?? INDIANA. I've lost count as to how may westsiders are moving, thinking about moving or wish they could move out there. If that's not a fucking wake up call to the county and city - all is lost.

 

Peace out.

^How about this.....I've already listed benefits for Delhi being annexed into the city.  Why don't you list the negatives (most of the negative 'city effects' are already being felt in Delhi), I just don't see how annexation would hurt the residents of Delhi.  Are they afraid that if they're annexed they might actually have dependable public services/infrastructure (see Delhi Twp. FD closings, crumbling roadways, lack of maintanence to public facilities).

 

I just don't know why people in Delhi think that they are soooo well off!?!?  Their finances are crap, services are sub-par, access is terrible, and building stock is dismal.  So please tell me what Delhi Twp residents have to lose from being annexed (please spare me the typical "crime will take over our community" BS, because we all know how criminals are boundary oriented and WILL NOT leave Cincy proper (I think its in their code of ethics).

(Note that I did NOT state that the crime wills top at the City boundary, and retracted my statement as tongue in cheek )

 

decreased safety oriented services as a result of merging the FD and PD with the Cinti PD and FD:

increased response time for FD runs and decreased police presence.

Loss of 'home' rule; esp in zoning matters.

And the stigma of being associated with being part of the City of Cincinnati (I'm not saying its justified --- but it is an issue)

 

I do take issue with you slamming Delhi:

-Finances crap? most recent aduit shows positive balance sheet  http://www.auditor.state.oh.us/auditsearch/Reports/2005/Delhi_Township_04_03-Hamilton.pdf (a side question - does anybody know what "Intergovernmental Special Assessments" are on the cash flow side?)

-Services subpar? All the same utilities as the City--yeah well maybe have to pay for garbage and leaf collection

-Access subpar? Well I gotta agree with you on that but being annexed by the City isn't going to fix that. Metro serves Delhi with the same adequate routes)

-Building stock subpar? there is a nice mix of ranches, 3-4 bedrooms etc in the Township

-Crumbling roads? thats an issue everywhere, since the Township is only responsible for their roads (e.g. subdivision streets), expect a decrease in the quality of the "once-county" roads after annexation since the County does a good job of road maintenance IMO.

 

I don't think the residents of Delhi think they are sooo well off (hey it ain't Montgomery) -- in fact they are used to being kicked around ; but they do like their community as it is. You won't be able to convince anybody that funds can only be gotten by being annexed by the City, ever hear of TIF's, Issue 2 and the like. I'm sure Delhi's position to get funding would improve by being part of the whole City, no doubt.

 

(btw the slams on Delhi, from first hand experience?)

I just don't see how annexation would hurt the residents of Delhi.  Are they afraid that if they're annexed they might actually have dependable public services/infrastructure (see Delhi Twp. FD closings, crumbling roadways, lack of maintanence to public facilities).

 

Why would the City of Cincinnati want to annex this bedroom community? There is little tax base (clearly), all they are gaining is population...what good is just population gain, without taxes?

Why would the City of Cincinnati want to annex this bedroom community? There is little tax base (clearly), all they are gaining is population...what good is just population gain, without taxes?

 

Federal funding!  Not to mention one less jurisdiction for Hamilton County.  We all talk about how a city-county uni-gov would be soo great, but it seems when something is on the table that would progress towards that goal...the same people seem to fade away into the sunset and perform the NIMBY routine.

 

decreased safety oriented services as a result of merging the FD and PD with the Cinti PD and FD:

increased response time for FD runs and decreased police presence.

Loss of 'home' rule; esp in zoning matters.

And the stigma of being associated with being part of the City of Cincinnati (I'm not saying its justified --- but it is an issue)

 

I don't know why the public safety services would decline.  Its not like CPD/CFD would avoid servicing Delhi, they would simply use the SAME stuff currently there (change/streamline the operations into one government..not two).  The main difference would be that Cincinnati does not run the risk of shutting down FD/PD...Cincy has actually increased policing over the past few years....so to say that Delhi would experience decreased police presence/longer FD response times is ridiculous...there is NO backing to these statements you've made.

 

Yes, the association with Cincy is an issue, but like I said before, it seems to be unjustified for Delhi residents to think/feel that they are superior to Cincinnatians.  Sure it was an affluent community at one time...but it isn't anymore, just take a look around...ITS IN BAD SHAPE!!!!

 

And yes, I lived in Delhi for 9 years, and still have many friends/acquaintances that live there.

quote author=UncleRando link=topic=8181.msg124076#msg124076 date=1157738183]

Why would the City of Cincinnati want to annex this bedroom community? There is little tax base (clearly), all they are gaining is population...what good is just population gain, without taxes?

 

Federal funding!  Not to mention one less jurisdiction for Hamilton County.  We all talk about how a city-county uni-gov would be soo great, but it seems when something is on the table that would progress towards that goal...the same people seem to fade away into the sunset and perform the NIMBY routine.

 

 

I think we would want to know if the amount of Federal, State, or whatever $$$$ funding - if available at all - would offset the cost that Cincy would incur from annexing Delhi. 

 

I have several issues with what has been said here so far, so I am just going to list them:

 

 

I don't know why the public safety services would decline.  Its not like CPD/CFD would avoid servicing Delhi, they would simply use the SAME stuff currently there (change/streamline the operations into one government..not two).  The main difference would be that Cincinnati does not run the risk of shutting down FD/PD...Cincy has actually increased policing over the past few years....so to say that Delhi would experience decreased police presence/longer FD response times is ridiculous...there is NO backing to these statements you've made.

 

 

Two Points:

#1

The shut down of the Fire Dept was nothing more than political posturing by the township trustees to pass a levy that no one wanted.  I believe it added about $300 more in taxes for the owner of a $100,000 house.

#2

The city has done the same thing in the past, but they called them "rolling brown-outs".

 

Why would the City of Cincinnati want to annex this bedroom community? There is little tax base (clearly), all they are gaining is population...what good is just population gain, without taxes?

 

Property Taxes - Anyone have figures on home ownership in the township.  I'm sure it's fairly high.

 

 

And in general:

Holy Shit!  You people make it sound like Delhi is spiraling out of control into the 4 dimension of Hell.  It isn't that bad.  You still have outstanding schools, a vast number of homes well over the $150K mark, and residents that really do care about eachother.  It is a community with a lot more potential that you are giving it credit for.  It just needs some people in charge who can see that and strive to make it great.  I believe the trustees have sat on their laurels way too long, and its time for a major change.

 

/soap_box

Oh, okay, I'll go home tonight and ask my 14yo daughter to discuss the advantages/disadvantages of Delhi being annexed by the City of Cincinnati.  Give me a break, talk to me when you own some property whose value you want to protect.

 

You know what you're right......I must not know squat, but you must be in la-la land to think the property values in Delhi will be affected either way if annexed.  BTW, how are the values doing over there lately.....not so good (vast majority).

 

Just because someone's property is within a city limit...does not mean that their property value will suffer......WAKE UP!!!!!!!  Check out some other places outside of Delhi and you'll know what I mean.  Everyone in Delhi (my opinion....once again probably doesn't count since I don't own property in Delhi, but) seams to suffer from the Delhi/Westside of Cincinnati complex.

 

This is where they don't seem to want to leave their little bubble no matter what.  I know this is not everyone, but DAMN give me a break, Delhi is not what its residents make it out to be.  Sure it isn't the worst case scenario like at times I make it out to be, but if it continues onward with its township status.....it will not have the power neccessary to combat the problems that are already starting to face Delhi!  Simply incorporating as a city will not do the trick either.  This does not exclusively pertain to Delhi, but the same goes for places like Norwood, Cheviot, Green Twp, Silverton, St. Bernard, etc....These places must look towards annexation into Cincinnati for any kind of future clout in Cbus/DC....thats a fact!

 

 

But, once again, what do I know........I'm just some young twit that only knows how to type on a computer and change myself! :finger: 

It is a community with a lot more potential that you are giving it credit for.  It just needs some people in charge who can see that and strive to make it great.

 

Any solutions?????????  I have offered my solution to Delhi's situation, while the the rest of you have simply taken the usual stance without offering any real action steps that can occur: its fine, NIMBY, no more taxes, no change.

 

I have actually offered solutions with legitimacy and real feasibility, until you can do the same....my young/punk/twit ideas will stand until I hear a better option other than the unsuccessful status quo.

Property Taxes - Anyone have figures on home ownership in the township.  I'm sure it's fairly high.

 

When the UC School of Planning goes in to do their work, they will do an extensive demographic analysis.  I'll go ahead and post their presentation/data when they finish their initial study.

 

Just because someone's property is within a city limit...does not mean that their property value will suffer......WAKE UP!!!!!!!  Check out some other places outside of Delhi and you'll know what I mean.  Everyone in Delhi (my opinion....once again probably doesn't count since I don't own property in Delhi, but) seams to suffer from the Delhi/Westside of Cincinnati complex.

 

This is where they don't seem to want to leave their little bubble no matter what.  I know this is not everyone, but DAMN give me a break, Delhi is not what its residents make it out to be.  Sure it isn't the worst case scenario like at times I make it out to be, but if it continues onward with its township status.....it will not have the power necessary to combat the problems that are already starting to face Delhi!  Simply incorporating as a city will not do the trick either.  This does not exclusively pertain to Delhi, but the same goes for places like Norwood, Cheviot, Green Twp, Silverton, St. Bernard, etc....These places must look towards annexation into Cincinnati for any kind of future clout in Cbus/DC....thats a fact!

 

 

First, your going have the sell a higher payroll tax on the few people in Delhi that aren't on welfare and work for a living. And for what, free garbage pick up, snow removal and cincy cops? And if you live in a condo, which there are a lot, residents pay for that regardless. I would think most cincy residents aren't too impress with their local government either and I don't see how the city could help Delhi. The township receives grants and funding from the country and state for roads, police, etc.

 

Where's this rapid decline in Delhi? The business strip isn't in the best shape, of course, but that effects the average resident is nil. Crime isn't out control, there aren't drug dealers and hoes on every corner. The typical crimes involved punk teenagers and the boozers at the local bars. Good thing there isn't legal gambling, things would really go downhill. The one crime that made an impression on me was a guy walking late at night on Greewell and a car pulled over and a group a guys jump and beat him, why? for the case beer he was carrying under his arm.

 

I'm glad the levy for FD and PD failed the first go round. It got the local government in gear to try different things instead of just increasing taxes. They had to make changes. Delhi didn't burn down when there was only one firehouse open.

 

You must be getting Delhi/Westsiders mixed up with West Chester and Mason. I don't see residents being full of themselves and living in a bubble. Matter of fact, their bubble gets burst everytime they travel DT. They get to see the city's handy work on such wonderful streets as Westwood Northern, Harrison, QueenCity Ave., Glenway, and River Rd. As you get into the city limits these areas surely aren't a beacon of light.

It is a community with a lot more potential that you are giving it credit for.  It just needs some people in charge who can see that and strive to make it great.

 

Any solutions?????????  I have offered my solution to Delhi's situation, while the the rest of you have simply taken the usual stance without offering any real action steps that can occur: its fine, NIMBY, no more taxes, no change.

 

I have actually offered solutions with legitimacy and real feasibility, until you can do the same....my young/punk/twit ideas will stand until I hear a better option other than the unsuccessful status quo.

But your solution, while its has its merits, will never happen....not in a million years..there is no way in H-E double Hockey sticks that the residents of Delhi will vote 2/3's to annex into Cincinnati..I doubt that it would even be possible to pass a vote to incorporate as their own city

 

Part of being a public servant is proposing solutions that are remotely feasible ;-)

 

However, first suburbs around the country face the same problem -- they are ignored --

there is a movement to give the first suburbs more political clout etc, http://www.firstsuburbs.org/

this will help Delhi more than a proposed annexation into Cincy

 

  (Goes to library; picks up Hamilton County Data Book by Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission.)

 

  For the record:

 

  Delhi Township

 

  Populaton

  1970  25,785

  1980  29,078 +3293 +12.8%

  1990  30,394 +1316 +4.5%

  2000  30,104  -290  -0.45%

 

  1999 Number of single family housing units: 10,714

  1999 Average market value: $90,090

 

Moonloop,

 

The decline in the local business district affects twp residents more so than just places to shop, eat, etc.  Residential areas are known as being financially draining on communities.  They require more in services than what they put in to the system.  This is why it is very important for communities to have successful business/industry elements of their communities.  This allows for property taxes to stay low.

 

In summary,  should the business climate in Delhi continue to fail, expect property taxes to continue to rise.  It is no different from the situation that Liberty Twp faces.  Their lack of any businesses is what threatens them, the difference between Liberty and Delhi though....is that Liberty is NEW and has room for new business growth....Delhi does not!

 

Mr. Sparkle,

 

I know that resident of Delhi would never vote a 2/3 passing of being annexed.  This was my main point, Delhi residents actually should think about it in a different light than what they do.  It is not as bad of an option as what they make it out to be.  My point is that if Delhi continues on their current path....they will ultimatly suffer a fate that NO one would like to see (Cincy, Delhi, Westside, metro region).  I am simply suggesting an option that, I believe, would be in the best interests of Delhi.

 

Why wait until things hit the bottom, try to be proactive before its gets to the point past repair.  I'm not trying to smear Delhi....I want to make it better!

Delhi project aims to plant pride

By Cliff Radel, Cincinnati Enquirer | January 31, 2007

 

Ron Robben would rather plant flowers than curse the darkness of shuttered shops in the township’s troubled business district. He calls it: Planting Pride in Delhi.  “You hear a lot of negatives about the business district,” said the owner of Robben Florists & Greenhouses, a Delhi Township destination for 76 years.

 

“This project would put some color on Delhi Pike with flowers and give people some pride about where they live."  Delhi’s motto is ‘The Floral Paradise of Ohio.’  The "Planting Pride in Delhi" project initially calls for 22 large, charcoal gray plastic pots to be placed at strategic intersections along streets in the township’s business district.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070131/NEWS01/301310019

FYI...I will be having a meeting with Menelaos Triantifilou later today, and I plan on asking him about the project that he is heading for Delhi and where it stands/what is in mind for the struggling business district.

Volunteers hope to make Delhi bloom

By Cliff Radel, Cincinnati Enquirer | March 30, 2007

 

The pride they’re planting in Delhi should be in bloom by Mother’s Day.  “We hope this project starts a renovation of the whole area,” said Ron Robben, owner of Robben Florists & Greenhouses.  Planting Pride in Delhi is Robben’s baby. He dreamed it up in January. The project calls for placing and maintaining arrays of large flower pots filled with green things bursting in colorful blooms and situated at key Delhi intersections.

 

The project received the official blessing of the Delhi Township trustees this week.  “This is an excellent grassroots, pardon the pun, effort,” said Trustee Mike Davis. “The township needed to get on board officially with Planting Pride in Delhi. This project embraces our township’s theme as the Floral Paradise of Ohio.”

 

Read full article here:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070330/NEWS01/303300030/1056/COL02

What do you expect in the Floral Paradise of America? :]

UncleRando, were you involved with this?  This article appeared in the 3/9/07 Delhi Press:

 

 

UC students unveil Delhi business plan

BY HEIDI FALLON | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER

 

A town center, shuffling land use and capitalizing on its floral paradise heritage are all part of the recommendations from the University of Cincinnati School of Planning.  Trustees commissioned the business study after concerns were raised about declining retail along Delhi Road. The cost was $15,000 with $1,500 coming from the Delhi Business Association.

 

Students spent several months analyzing data, talking with residents and business owners as well as township officials in compiling the report. It was presented March 9 and will go before the Delhi Business Task Force and then to trustees for review.  "I'm really impressed with the work of the students and UC," said Trustee Al Duebber. "It challenges us to focus and look forward to see how we can implement their ideas."

 

Read full article here:

http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070309/NEWS01/703090451/1086/Local

Group not done

Trustees ask for one more discussion

BY HEIDI FALLON | [email protected]

 

They thought their work was done. They were wrong.  Members of the Delhi Township Business Task Force presented township trustees with their final report and recommendations July 12.  Chip Brigham, task force facilitator, submitted his group's report along with the 96-page study done by the University of Cincinnati planning and design school.

 

Following his report, Trustee Jerry Luebbers asked the group not to disband, but stay organized long enough to meet in an informal round-table discussion with township officials.  "I think it would help us get to the more important issues in your report," Luebbers said.  Many of the 14 members of the task force were present and agreed to the meeting. The group included representatives of the Delhi Business Association, business owners and residents.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/C2/20070712/NEWS01/707120331/