A recent report from Richard Florida in the Atlantic Cities highlights the success of cities that have dense urban cores. As Cincinnati’s downtown core shows signs of progress with The Banks, Washington Park, and other projects, the city seems poised to be on the path of economic success. More from Atlantic Cities:
Economic growth and development, according to several key measures, is higher in metros that are not just dense, but where density is more concentrated. This is true for productivity, measured as economic output per person, as well as both income and wages.
Talent levels are also higher where density is more concentrated. This holds for both the share of college grads and the share of knowledge, professional, and creative workers. Conversely, working class jobs are more likely to be found in metros that are less densely concentrated.
The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Shaun Donovan, is in Cincinnati today to celebrate the completion of the newly redeveloped housing project called the Villages at Roll Hill. The project, which was once known as Fay Apartments, is being heralded as the largest green renovation, affordable housing project in the country.
Redevelopment of the long-stalled neighborhood had begun in earnest in 2010 after years of setbacks and delays. As disclosed by UrbanCincy in 2010, developers were able to tap a variety of funding sources to get the project off the ground including a $32 million loan from HUD and a $3.2 grant from City HOME. The City of Cincinnati also granted an eight-year tax abatement on the renovated units.
The rehabilitation included the demolition of 17 buildings on site and reduced the number of housing units to 703. The upgrades also include landscaping, security, tree installation, a new playground and other improvements.
The Villages of Roll Hill is located along Baltimore Avenue on the west side of Cincinnati. The housing development debuted in 1962 as a promising new city neighborhood with over 1,025 market rate apartments. The development was owned and operated by HUD but was bought by the City in 1982.
By 1986, the City sold the struggling development to Stern-Hendy due to promises to invest millions in rehabilitating and repairing the complex. By 2005, however, there were only 112 market rate apartments left, 650 were rented to Housing Choice Voucher recipients (Section 8) and 128 were rehabilitative housing operated by Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA).
The holiday season is in full effect, but we hope you take some time out of your busy schedule to join us at the Moerlein Lager House Tuesday, December 4 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm for our monthly URBANexchange event.
We will once again be gathering in the biergarten that overlooks the Ohio River, Roebling Suspension Bridge and Smale Riverfront Park. And please keep in mind that a portion of all sales at the Moerlein Lager House go to support the operations of Cincinnati’s new central riverfront park where it is located.
Those who have not yet been to an URBANexchange can expect a casual, laid-back atmosphere with others who are interested in what’s happening in our city, and cities elsewhere. The UrbanCincy team hopes that you come and share your thoughts about cities with the others in attendance, and discuss the current issues facing Cincinnati.
The event is not something that includes a formal presentation or discussion. What URBANexchange is all about is creating a monthly outlet where fellow urbanists can socialize, share their ideas with one another, and expand their social and professional network with like-minded individuals.
As always, December’s URBANexchange is free and open to the public. Please feel free to come and go anytime during the event. It is highly recommended that you bring a business card or come prepared to swap contact information with others as this is an event that tries to foster networking.
