UrbanCincy readers are excited about streetcars

The June poll results are in...and it was a clear/decisive victory for streetcars (YouTube video about modern streetcars). The question was, "what are you most excited about over the next few years?" And phase 1 of the proposed streetcar system (141 votes) nearly tripled the amount of votes casted for the second place finisher (The Banks phase 1a - 53 votes), and tallied one more vote than the other four options combine.

I voted for the streetcar option for a pretty simple reason. It is something that helps make many of those other options (i.e. The Banks, OTR progress) more feasible and helps to spur more good things to come (i.e. future Queen City Squares). It's like the gift that keeps on giving.

So, why did the other 279 voters vote the way they did, and most importantly, what are you going to do to help make them happen?

Image from Dewi's Trains, Trams & Trolleys

Welcome newbies!

The poll for May indicates that the majority of readers, on UrbanCincy, are relative newcomers (less than 3 months). Nearly 50% of the 151 respondents selected this as their response. The next largest group (25%) were those that have been reading roughly from the beginning (9-12 months).

As UrbanCincy enters its second year of existence I expect this number of newcomers to continue to rise and the level of regular readers also to rise. These are high expectations, but things have been good thus far. Keep reading...we'll keep writing.

Christian Moerlein favorite local beer

Well the results of April's poll aren't even close. UrbanCincy readers clearly favor Christian Moerlein which claimed 62% (146 total) of the votes. Mt. Carmel took second place with 17% (41 total) with Sam Adams, Hudy Delight, and 'Nati Light rounding out the list.

I voted for Christian Moerlein but this certainly pained me because I absolutely love Mt. Carmel. The connections with Over-the-Rhine are what eventually put Christian Moerlein over the top for me.

Of the locals I rank my top three beers as:
1. Mt. Carmel Copper
2. Christian Moerlein OTR Ale
3. Christian Moerlein Barbarossa
4. Mt. Carmel Stout (honorable mention)

startriding*METRO

As you have probably seen, the results for March's poll are in...and they are clearly skewed towards one end of the spectrum. Of the 125 total votes 64% of the respondents said that they only ride Metro a few times a month or never at all.

Due to what I thought was the readership of this site, I found this somewhat surprising, but then after further thought not so much. For full disclosure I must say that I selected the 'couple times a week' option. Once I move though that response will most certainly change to a daily ridership as I plan to get rid of my car entirely.

So what's your story...do you ride often or not so much. And in either case, what's the rationale? Is it an inconvenience, not your style, or do you really love and/or hate riding the bus? Do tell.

New meets old at UrbanCincy

The results of February's poll are in...and they are decidedly split (sounds familiar). The two run away selections were individuals that have lived in Cincy for less than 5 years and those who have lived here their whole life.

So if you have been here your whole life, what has kept you here? If you are new to the area, what is it that brought you here? What can be better and what is it that makes this region so special? Tell all...we could have some good discussions with this one.

Downtown/OTR top living destination(s) - Reader's Choice

In what turned out to be the most active poll to date, Downtown/OTR ran away with the selection as being the top living destination as per the readers of UrbanCincy. The Downtown/OTR selection accounted for 45% of the overall vote...way ahead of the second place finisher (Mt. Adams) which finished with 12% of the vote.

Some complained that it isn't necessarily correct to group places like Downtown and OTR, as well as, places like Hyde Park and Oakley. The goal was not to lump the places together, but rather group them together for their geographic relationship to one another.

So like always, please do tell why you voted the way you did...if you voted for Downtown/OTR did you prefer one over the other?

Kenwood/Other top holiday shopping destinations - Reader's Choice

For some reason when I created this poll I thought that Kenwood would be a runaway winner, and it was kind of. But the 'Other' category actually registered the most votes. So I'm wondering, if you voted 'Other' where is it you did most of your holiday shopping?

Did you go Downtown for most of your needs, random stores here and there, or did you even do most of it online? I guess looking back I could have structured the poll a little better, but by the time complaints started rolling in about not listing Downtown as an option it was too late. I would have lost all of the results that had been recorded up until that time.

So let me have it, and share where you did your holiday shopping...and most importantly why.

Streetcars/Transit should be #1 priority for Cincinnati - Reader's Choice

Your votes have been cast and have spoken loud and clear. By a wide margin the readers of UrbanCincy have stated that streetcars and/or other rail transit should be the #1 priority for Cincinnati.

The poll had a 162 total votes with 50% (81) voting for the rail transit option. Redevelopment of OTR and completion of The Banks finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. Interestingly enough public education received the least amount of votes (even behind public safety). So anyone want to elaborate on why they voted for what they did?

BTW, if you would like to receive regular emails regarding what's happening with rail transit in Cincinnati sign up for the listserv. All you have to do is send an email HERE expressing your interest to be included on the listserv, and presto magico you've got hot off the presses emails regarding transit in Cincinnati.

www.cincystreetcar.com
www.citystreetcar.net
www.pro-transit.com

Downtown is the best nightspot in Cincinnati - Reader's Choice

So the results are in...and from the extremely scientific polling methods of UrbanCincy it appears that Downtown is the favorite nightlife area in Cincinnati. There was essentially a tie for second between Mt. Adams and Northside; with Newport on the Levee, Mainstrasse and Main Street (OTR) bringing up the rear.

I must say that I am pleasantly surprised with the results. I did not think that Downtown would finish first even though I think it is a great spot for nightlife. I was expecting Mt. Adams, but it should be interesting to hear the explanations from everyone on how they voted the way they did.

I personally voted for Mt. Adams, because I think it is the best spot to bar hop in the city. Although the area is lacking some night clubs, the bars there are second to none.

Photo Credit:
www.wkrq.zipscene.com