Month: November 2008

Categories
News

Films That Matter, Cincinnati Bike/PAC

Cincinnati is playing host to two important events this evening that seemingly play upon different themes, but are wholly interrelated. Both events unfortunately begin at 7 P.M.

Rohs Street Café, at 245 W. McMillan Street (GoogleMap), is hosting Films That Matter 2008-2009 tonight from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., sponsored by Imago and Cincinnati Earth Institute. Films That Matter offers a series of documentaries about planet Earth, about the challenges and opportunities of our times, and about innovative ideas and inspiring people that are making a difference. Films That Matter showcases independent films and provides a space for people to gather, learn and discuss what matters.

For tonight, the Café is presenting “Al Gore: New Thinking on the Climate Crisis“, where Gore uses a slide show to present evidence that the pace of climate change may be worse than what scientists recently predicted. Acting upon that, Gore challenges citizens to act on this information by becoming engaged in debates and organizations. This film is a follow-up to Gore’s award winning film, “An Inconvenient Truth“, and is 30-minutes long which will be followed up by a discussion.

Elsewhere, Arnold’s at 216 East 8th Street (GoogleMap) is hosting the monthly Cincinnati Bike/PAC meeting at 7 P.M. on the second floor. This meeting is held for those wishing to find out more about the city’s bike initiatives and what they can do about it. Traditionally, Bike/PAC has not attracted a lot of interest from younger cyclists, and as was quite apparent from last month’s Transportation Subcommittee meeting, affordable, green transportation appeals most to those who have yet bought into the prevailing automobile culture of this region.

Categories
News

Planning for buildings, or planning for people?

This question is the premise of my senior thesis. I am asking the question of whether our current planning techniques are simply planning for the built environment and not necessarily for the people who inhabit that built environment.

This was never a problem until more recent times as places were built around people and the activities they perform. We are now building our environment to fit a financial model, corporate goal, or a well-intended comprehensive plan if we are so lucky. But even in the best example things like land use patterns seem to regulate on a non-living level. I tend to think we should be planning and regulating with the living in mind.

When we build subdivisions and neighborhoods is what we’re trying to set out to accomplish building setbacks, lot sizes and building heights? Or is what we’re really trying to accomplish a matter of livability and sense of place?

Casual interactions between people buying food from street vendor

It seems to be that different types of uses generate different types of activities (i.e. coffee shop vs. post office), and that different densities generate different levels of activities (i.e. downtown vs. suburban track housing). So I ask the question, should we be planning based on the premise of human interaction and activity instead of land use or form?

If a neighborhood wants to be quieter than a downtown then can’t we plan for lower densities so that lower levels of activities occur? If we want a variety of interactions to occur from an intimate conversation to a casual head nod should we actually be planning for a variety of the uses that promote such interactions?

People tend to follow the see and be seen theology where they like to see others while they also desire to be seen by others when out in public

The reason I ask is because as well as the planning process is thought out, it is as equally ill-delivered. People in the suburbs want a sense of place and a sense of belonging just as much as someone who lives in a brick walk-up. We need to start planning in a way that creates such an environment for the people living in our cities and towns, and not just hoping that things adjust to the way things are going now.

Categories
Development News Politics Transportation

Cincinnati Streetcar Update

While there hasn’t been a whole lot of big news relating to the Cincinnati Streetcar lately there have certainly been things going on. On November 5th the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to design, build, operate and maintain the Cincinnati Streetcar project was sent out.

As of 8:30pm November 16th there have been 21 companies to download the RFQ packet. Now this does not necessarily mean that all will submit bids for this project, but the range of companies goes from local companies like Glaserworks and DNK Architects to national companies like URS and Parsons Transportation Group. These companies have until the end of the workday on December 18th to submit their bids.

I also got in touch with City Architect Michael Moore and was informed that City Manager Milton Dohoney should be reporting back on financing in early 2009. This is important because since the Streetcar motion was passed by City Council in late April this has been the number one tast for Milton Dohoney – raising the necessary private contributions. If these contributions aren’t raised then the motion that was passed is no longer good and things will go back to square one. So far I have heard positive feedback about this fundraising process, but nothing specific outside the $3.5 million that Duke Energy has pledged to the project.

In addition to all this I decided to have a little fun with that streetcar congestion graphic I posted last week. That graphic was from almost 100 years ago, so I thought it might be interesting to give it a 100-year update. I attempted to keep the look/feel as close as possible, and with the help of Brad Thomas we calculated out numbers for the modern version.

Ford Taurus dimensions were used for average auto size with an average of 1.2 passengers. Skoda ST10 dimensions were used for average streetcar size with an average of 85 passengers. What was seen is an increase in both the average space taken up by streetcar passengers and auto passengers. Auto space saw a 142% increase which dwarfed the 26% increase for streetcar passengers.


Early 20th Century Graphic vs. New 21st Century Graphic
Categories
News

Cincinnati Hill Climb Series

The Cincinnati Hill Climb Series is mid-way through its 33rd annual series, and you can be part of the last two climbs if you’re up for the challenge. Described as “the most grueling sub-mile runs on the planet,” the Hill Climb Series features short sprints up some of Cincinnati’s steepest inclines.

The third climb takes place this Sunday, November 16th at 9am and will feature Hill Street in Mt. Adams. The climbs are sponsored by Hudy Delight and always provide plenty of liquids following the race. The Hill Street climb will end at neighborhood favorite Crowley’s for an awards ceremony.

The climbs require a $10 registration fee, or a $20 fee if you wish to receive a fashionable Hill Climb Series t-shirt. All proceeds, of the climbs, go to the Cincinnati Soap Box Derby. You can either register online, or find registration materials at Cincinnati area running stores.

The final climb of the year will be on Straight Street near the University of Cincinnati on November 23rd. So get registered soon so that you don’t miss out on this great tradition of climbing Cincinnati’s best hills and raising money for another great local cause.

Categories
News

Cincinnati Mills

Seemingly doomed from its start, Forest Fair Mall was completed in stages from 1988 to 1989, and featured nearly 200 stores and four anchors. Located in northwest Cincinnati, it was one of the state’s largest malls, and most impressive. That was one of its only positive highlights, however. The shopping center was completed for $50 million over budget and left the owner saddled with debt.

Not surprisingly, the builder, L.J. Hooker, declared bankruptcy only months after the complex was completed. In the years ahead, the mall was bought and sold, positioned and repositioned, and remodeled and shuttered. It was a high-end regional mall, and outlet center, and a retail and entertainment complex, although it it neither of those descriptors today. Today, it is known simply as Cincinnati Mills.

The mall struggles despite having several some successful outlots and several thriving stores, including Bass Pro Shops. For example, one of its last tenants in the eastern wing, Guitar Center, is departing. This leaves only two minor shops to fend for themselves in the most remote location of the shopping center, and it is doubtful that they will remain there for much longer.

What does the future hold for Cincinnati Mills? Not so much. It features two major tenants that are departing: Guitar Center and Steve and Berry’s, and one entire wing that will essentially become vacant. Major redevelopment is needed at this site, although with the ever struggling economy, this may prove to be a bit of a challenge.

For more information, including a historical overview and additional photographs, check out Cincinnati Mills at Abandoned.