They are talking about the banks on WLW700 right now.  They are taking calls from people soon as well.

I don't understand the first caller who opposes the banks.  He said that they need to start from scratch again and include casino's at the banks.  If I understand correctly, gambling was on ballot and the people of cincinnati voted it down.  The caller made it sound like city council voted it down, when in reallity the citizens voted it down.

I don't understand the first caller who opposes the banks.  He said that they need to start from scratch again and include casino's at the banks.  If I understand correctly, gambling was on ballot and the people of cincinnati voted it down.  The caller made it sound like city council voted it down, when in reallity the citizens voted it down.

 

The casino issue on the ballot back in November would not have allowed for casinos in Cincinnati.  The original proposal did include a casino in Broadway Commons, but successful lobbying by Argosy's parent company basically squashed that.  So even if this issue had passed, we still would not have been able to put casinos in the Banks.  Plus, this issue was one for the whole state, not just Cincinnati.

 

It sounds like the first caller has no clue what he is talking about. 

Surprised that every caller so far has been against the banks.  Their seems to be such a division between people who support downtown and people who would rather just see downtown never progress and fail.  I've lived here for 4 years now and the single fact that so many people are divided really makes me wonder if the citizens of the area as a whole will ever embrace the city.

I tried calling, but appearantly my support for the project automatically denies me getting in.

Surprised that every caller so far has been against the banks.  Their seems to be such a division between people who support downtown and people who would rather just see downtown never progress and fail.  I've lived here for 4 years now and the single fact that so many people are divided really makes me wonder if the citizens of the area as a whole will ever embrace the city.

 

Cincinnati:  The city we love to hate!

I tried calling, but appearantly my support for the project automatically denies me getting in.

 

I can see that, I think that segment of 700 with Willy and Darly Parks really are against any downtown progress, at least untill the new jail is built.

I noticed a big divide about downtown also. I read this story on cooltownstudio.com and they talked about a study that was done. Pretty much what they said is places like Mason can't sell Mason to the world. Even though they are Mason they need to sell Fountain Square. So $100 invested in Mason returns them $100. But $100 invested downtown returns all the suburbs $120. I need to hunt that study down.

It always sounds to me like people are haters becasue it will never be like it was when they were young so they would rather downtown just die and go away.

We all need to email\call Daryl Park on 700 WLW on tell him we care if the banks if built.  He keeps saying that he hasn't heard anyone who cares if the banks is built.

Are those four floors of parking just the garages that will be under the entire site?  Or additional parking above that?  I'm envisioning the unsightly parking at One Riverfront Place in Newport (just across Washington Ave from NOTL), and I'd hate to see anything like that in The Banks.  Just trying to figure out if "floor one" will be at the current ground level or the post construction street level, I suppose.

 

There are the underground parking structures that will in essence be owned by Hamilton County.  Additionally there will be some parking above grade in the form of above ground parking garages.  These will have separate access points and be used more so by the actual development, rather than event/overflow/misc parking.  Only some of the underground parking will be set aside for the development...some of it is also meant to replace the parking that exists there now and provide for event parking/general cash parking.

 

You will not see anything similar to that nonsense in Newport that was mentioned earlier.  What you'll see is nothing...it will be disguised so that the garages fit into the development without impact the urban environment.

We all need to email\call Daryl Park on 700 WLW on tell him we care if the banks if built.  He keeps saying that he hasn't heard anyone who cares if the banks is built.

 

I don't waste my time on those clowns or the trash talk that accompanies it.

Daryl Clark's segment on WLW700 has ended and not a single POSITIVE supporter of the banks was on the air.  Daryl also kept on bringing up the point that we voted down casinos in Cincinnati.  What a goof.

What a bunch of idiots ... they have got to be the worst radio-station in the world.

Pact reached on Banks project

By Joe Wessels, Post contributor, October 23, 2007

 

The Banks Working Group has reached an agreement in principle on a development pact that could get the long-delayed Banks riverfront project off the ground by the first quarter of 2008.

 

At a meeting this morning at Great American Ball Park, the seven-member group issued a recommendation to city and county officials to endorse an agreement with Atlanta-based Carter-Dawson to develop the project...

 

May I ask what the arguments against the Banks are that were expressed on the radio?  Is it simply the $$ or they don't like the idea of that land being developed?  These people that are against these projects really confuse me.  I can understand a project that will disrupt a neighborhood or create a nuisance or even create excess traffic but I don't see any of these problems with the Bnaks.  What is their main concern?

May I ask what the arguments against the Banks are that were expressed on the radio?  Is it simply the $$ or they don't like the idea of that land being developed?  These people that are against these projects really confuse me.  I can understand a project that will disrupt a neighborhood or create a nuisance or even create excess traffic but I don't see any of these problems with the Bnaks.  What is their main concern?

 

Some arguments where against what they were putting down their.  One caller stated that it's stupid that they are putting in office spaces.

Another caller stated that casinos should be placed at the banks.

Another caller stated that most people don't care because they won't be around in 25 years when it's completed.

One caller made the comment "who is going to go down to the banks"? and that it's going to be a waste land even with all the stuff down their.

And the radio host kept saying something similar to the tune of "who really cares about the banks project"

"Another caller stated that most people don't care because they won't be around in 25 years when it's completed."

 

I've heard that excuse so many times for other development projects. When Pullman Square was developed in Huntington, W.Va., people were saying that they would miss the massive parking lot that was rapidly deteriorating (like it was ever pleasant). Or they would miss Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant, which was suburban styled and went out of business nationally shortly after the company, Metropolitan Partners, purchased the lot for an excessive sum. Others said it would fail because "no one visits downtown anymore." And etc.

 

It's just the same people rehashing the same crap on-air. Ignore them, and while they won't visit The Banks when it is complete, many others will.

I guess the only thing that made sense that the host said was "they are rushing to pass the bank project because elections are coming up"  I can see city council doing this as a positive and negative action.

i bet it is the same people that complained spending money on Fountain Square was a waste. Downotwn is never coming back and nothing Cincinnati does can will ever change it. blah,blah,blah. Look how that turned out.

I hope it doesn't bring any more people downtown, lets start doing stuff for people that already live here. Its going to attract people from other cities and states, so what do we care what someone who lives in Loveland thinks?

Insert the following keywords when speaking against urban development:

 

Riot, crime, blacks, drugs, alcohol, parking, distance, dirt, people, scary, African-Americans, baggy pants, thug, gold, silver, night, dark, gun, knife

exactly seicer, downtown is way too scary for anyone to come down and watch a Bengals game on Fountain Square. And since everyone knows you'll get shot by drug dealers on the square no one will ever walk around the banks.

 

Yes. Those same people who think urban/downtown is "scary" are the same people who said casino's will bring crime, hookers, drug dealer, etc....and now look how successfull places like Lawrenceburgh, IN is.

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071023/NEWS01/310230041/-1/CINCI

The Banks, mass transit, it really doesn't matter -- the average person is completely, totally misinformed.

 

Glad to hear that there might be groundbreaking soon, and glad that it's not all being built at once.  I think once the first building is in place and people get a taste of it there will be an about-face. 

The same people who are opposed to The Banks (for whatever reason) are the same people who were against the Fountain Square renovation, the streetcar project and essentially anything new happening within the city.  However at the same time these are also the people who say Cincinnati needs to start doing things to "keep up" with Nky.  To these individuals Cincinnati is damned if they do and damned if they don't...it's a lose, lose situation.  This is why reasonable thinking people need to be heard over those who just shout the loudest.

I've heard several people make the comment that it's rediculous how long the banks project is suppose to take until it's finished.  Well I would like to say to those people that I think it's smart the way they are doing it in phases.  Once one phase is done it will attract people and build "hype" and then when the second, third, etc...phases are completed, those phases will naturally be succesfull.  Rather then building it all at once and expect to fill all the spaces at once is a setup for failure.

I agree with the last two three posts. The 'naysayers' are busy running their mouths to be heard while the 'doers' are busy with economic development.

 

I say, "We'll see who has the last laugh"

 

 

I've heard several people make the comment that it's rediculous how long the banks project is suppose to take until it's finished.

 

When you compare the time line of this to typical suburban time lines it is not all that different.  For example a typical subdivision that consists of a couple hundred units usually is spread out into 2 phases (sometimes more) and can last 3-5 years until final build out in many instances.  In contrast the first phase of The Banks will consist of 300+ units, retail space and office space.  Plus the engineering behind it is much more complex.  I don't think the time line is all that unreasonable, but then again remember when I said something about "reasonable thinking people?"  We need more of those.

I say, "We'll see who has the last laugh."

 

Unfortunately, these people will never change their minds, regardless of what success a project may bring. There will always be something to complain about.

I can't believe people on this board listen to "The Big Juan" Trash Talk 700 WLW "The Racist Station", Formerly known as "The Big One" News Talk 700 WLW "The Nations Station"

BTW, here is a much more in-depth article about what has just transpired...

 

Banks: 'Stalled dreams over'

BY JESSICA BROWN | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

October 23, 2007

 

DOWNTOWN - The Banks Working Group today rolled out the instruction manual for the Banks riverfront development project.

 

In a set of documents as thick as a phone book the Working Group – city-county panel charged with jump-starting the project -- made its recommendations on every aspect of the development from financing to square footage to parking.

 

After more than a decade of planning, today's announcement marks the farthest the proposed 18-acre riverfront development project has ever been to actually happening. It has often been delayed for financial or political reasons, spurring skepticism and disenchantment in the public about Cincinnati, Hamilton County and the governments’ ability to get anything done...

 

I don't figure to change their mind, as I don't have time for that. Because your right, they will always be complainees!  I'll just be laughing!!

 

I say, "We'll see who has the last laugh."

 

Unfortunately, these people will never change their minds, regardless of what success a project may bring. There will always be something to complain about.

While I mostly think the downtown critics are being weird about this, I do think there is some truth to the idea that it will fundamentally alter the balance of development downtown. A new split will likely develop between areas that look toward 2nd street and another that centers on Central Parkway. It really does make the need for the streetcar that much more so. I'm guessing build out will still take longer than predicted because of the larger market issues. I'd also like to see them land some new money in the form of a corporate hq's or a new federal building or something.

 

"Councilwoman Roxanne Qualls expressed concern at Cincinnati city council economic development committee meeting Tuesday that the Banks be truly an urban development, “not basically a suburban model imposed upon an urban center.” She hopes for architecture that inspires, she said, not bores. City Architect Michael Moore, secretary of the Urban Design Review Board, said board members have expressed similar concerns to him"

 

Does this mean the architectual plans we all saw in April will be redone?

I can't believe people on this board listen to "The Big Juan" Trash Talk 700 WLW "The Racist Station", Formerly known as "The Big One" News Talk 700 WLW "The Nations Station"

 

I'm glad we've stooped to mature name calling. At least they actually talk about current events in the city... and I actually think McConnell is hilarious some times. And I CERTAINLY don't always agree with him.... You shouldn't listen to people you will agree with all the time... dissent fosters intelligent discussion. And while on that station, you generally hear more right-leaning argument, you get plenty of left-leaning argument from mainstream TV and radio.

 

So I listen to it for balance.

Balance my ass. They have an agenda and they promote it.

Listening to one media outlet that's excessively left and one with a right-wing agenda doesn't provide balance.  It only provides two extremes.

I love lamp.

Neville, I agree that you learn much more from people that disagree with you. It would be refreshing to hear some valid concerns besides downtown is dead and no-one is coming back. most of the arguements I hear are the same ones they used for Fountain Square.

im still worried about the portion of the first phase fronting 2nd street.  from a new rendering it looks residential, but when you open the .pdf of the summary plan on enquirer.com, it looks like a blank wall or maybe even a wall to a parking garage.  bah!  anyone have insight?

Originally it was to have boutique offices, up to 200,000 square feet. Now they’re calling for 1 million (square feet.) What could happen is upper downtown could dry up and blow away and we will only have the Banks.

 

A bit over-dramatic, don't you think?

Just finished reading through recommendations.  It just hit me that Phase 1 might actually be done in 2010.  I know that I've heard that date before, but I always assumed it would be pushed back, like so many other dates involved in this project.  If The Banks and the streetcar both happen (and with all the projects currently underway), this city is going to be very different in just ~2 years.  Pretty amazing stuff.

 

Regarding the complaints about the time frame, I can understand where they're coming from.  The people that are excited about this project, want it finished yesterday.  I'm guilty of this myself.  I was 19 or 20 when the idea of The Banks was first announced, and I remember thinking "Wow, that'll be a fun place to go after ball games and on weekends".  And now I'm realizing that I'll be damn near 40 when this thing is finally done, assuming that it is finished on time!  The timeline is definitely realistic, given what is actually being done on this enormous project, but it's a little depressing to think that I'll probably be in a phase of life where I go to The Banks because my kids enjoy the park, not so that I can enjoy the bars.   :|  That said, I'm glad they're doing it in phases, because Phase 1 (finally) isn't that far off.  Great to see that this is moving forward!

I love lamp.

 

LincolnKennedy, are you simply looking at things in the room and saying you love them?

Originally it was to have boutique offices, up to 200,000 square feet. Now theyre calling for 1 million (square feet.) What could happen is upper downtown could dry up and blow away and we will only have the Banks.

 

A bit over-dramatic, don't you think?

 

Good point.  I would hope that the banks adds to downtown and not take away from downtown.  Wonder how that's going to play out.

The Banks will logically add to the natural development of downtown and the urban area.

*The buildings have, what... at 24 story cap on them now (or is it 20?). That keeps the "business district"'s signs and lights still shown for anyone looking towards the city from the river (the visual advertizement that they desire)

*Adds a fantastic park, similar to Louisville's Riverfront Park (but distinctly better and unique).

*Provides for multi-modal transportation.

*Adds 3,000 people living in the downtown area, along with the bars, resturants, and nightlife to keep the 3,000 and the soon-to-be 2.5 million in the region happy.

 

As for the WLW comments... that station is not a government owned station. Not only do they have the right to choose who can talk, but lets be real-- the people who listen to (and call into) that station have grown up in an anti-urban, anti-downtown culture. They will never support it, will never go downtown unless they absolutly have to, and will be dead in about 10-30 years. I dont really care what they have to say, but their ignorant comments do inspire me and re-affirm my beliefs. They enable us to have (as already stated) intellectual conversations that ultimatley re-affirm our desire for a more urban (as opposed to sub-urban) lifestyle to meet the demands of a post 9/11 - environmentally friendly - minority inclusive - american life.

Speaking of the park, when is the groundbreaking scheduled for? Is the park project considered part of phase 1 of the Banks or is it an exclusive project i.e. will this project commence construction even if by chance the Banks hits a snag over the next few months?

 

"Councilwoman Roxanne Qualls expressed concern at Cincinnati city council economic development committee meeting Tuesday that the Banks be truly an urban development, not basically a suburban model imposed upon an urban center. She hopes for architecture that inspires, she said, not bores. City Architect Michael Moore, secretary of the Urban Design Review Board, said board members have expressed similar concerns to him"

 

Does this mean the architectual plans we all saw in April will be redone?

 

Not sure but I think the firm Cooper Carry was teh one who did the images:

http://www.coopercarry.com/portfolio/loadDetailWip.aspx?id=&projectID=237&projectOrder=82&imageID=1

 

And while I am not a fan of all one architect or all one style, etc.  Cooper Carry did LAGA on Gilbert Ave. and it is probably one of my favorite new buildings in Cincinnati.  http://www.coopercarry.com/portfolio/loadDetail.aspx?id=6&projectID=35&projectOrder=24&imageID=1

So I willing to HOPE we will get some good design.  Although some of their stuff is pretty standard office building.

I'm hoping that the proximity to the Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Paul Brown Stadium will up the architectural ante a little.  I think that the Freedom Center has a very unique, incredibly interesting look to it, and PBS is on par with the best pro-sports facilities in the country, both aesthetically and functionally.  I'm not trying to leave GABP out in the cold here; it's a great ball park, but I genuinely think these other two are exceptional modern structures.  And that's to say nothing of the Suspension Bridge on the south side of the site, which is borderline iconic.  Hopefully when the architects view the site and see what will be framing The Banks, they'll realize that whatever they design has to be more than some vanilla, cookie-cutter development, because that would look awkward and totally out of place.

Speaking of the park, when is the groundbreaking scheduled for? Is the park project considered part of phase 1 of the Banks or is it an exclusive project i.e. will this project commence construction even if by chance the Banks hits a snag over the next few months?

 

The park is an exclusive project that is on just about the same time frame as phase 1 of The Banks.  If The Banks were to be delayed for any odd reason, the park would still move forward.  Park officials have said that they would like to be able to coincide the construction of the park with phase 1 of The Banks, but that it is not a must.

 

Keep in mind that the whole Central Riverfront Park is also a project that will happen in phases according to finances.  If they get the finances they need then it will progress more quickly.  But as of right now they essentially have what they need to do the first phase of the park.  That first phase will be the area closest to phase 1 of The Banks.  All in all the park, The Banks, and the streetcar are all on similar time tables and will benefit from a mutual construction timeline.  I would assume that they will build the streetcar lines (that run through The Banks) at the same time as they are finishing off those roadways/infrastructure.

 

I guess they were just trying to provide a frame of reference. But given the lower elevation of the floodplain and the difference in the height dynamics of the riverfront skyline isn't this a bit misleading?

 

indeed it is misleading.  it's simply data taken from emporis slapped on a stock photo.  there is no consideration of the elevation change whatsoever.