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Development News Transportation

Cincinnati Streetcar project identified as regional priority by OKI

Cincinnati’s federally-mandated and federally-funded transportation policy-making organization, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI), approved $4 million for the Cincinnati Streetcar project in May 2010. Now, OKI has unveiled a new video that discusses the highlights of the modern streetcar system and why it was the recipient of the money.

The funds OKI approved came through the federal government’s Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) program. At that time, the Cincinnati Streetcar project was the highest scoring of 14 total transportation projects being considered for the money.

Within the video, OKI highlights the appeal of connecting the region’s two largest employment centers, encouring redevelopment of historic Over-the-Rhine and then further expanding the system so that it reaches other areas including Northern Kentucky.

Cincinnatians For Progress will be hosting a kick off party and fundraiser at Grammer’s (map) tonight from 5:30pm to 8pm. The event will feature happy hour specials all night and is expected to have a large turnout of those interested in learning about how they can support the Cincinnati Streetcar and potential light rail transit in the region.

Categories
Business News

City of Cincinnati begins rollout of complete website overhaul

Less than two years after starting the rollout of its new logo, the City of Cincinnati is rolling out a brand new website geared towards interaction and engagement. City officials say that the intent is to make the website friendlier and easier to find information, while also increasing the site’s functionality.

“We know that people may be interested in engaging with the city, but may not be able to do it during regular business hours,” explained Assistant to the City Manager/Communications Meg Olberding. “We hope to get to a place where that can happen more and more through technology, with the website anchoring that.”

Olberding says that the city is also working to incorporate additional maps, interactive forms and self-service features that will allow users to find the answers to their questions. The goal dovetails with Cincinnati’s new online service request system – 5916000.com. The new service system came in part due to recent budget cuts which impacted the number of staff at the city’s call center.

“While this is a difficult measure to take, the government is using this as an opportunity to move to other means of meeting customer service needs, namely through technology,” City Manager Milton Dohoney said in a prepared release.

Cincinnati tapped West End-based Topic Design to develop the new website design which incorporates much of the new design feel the new logo inspired in June 2009 when it was released.

The website redesign is still a work in progress as staff continues to build and update information. The new homepage launched on February 2 and, according to Olberding, the rest of the pages will be updated until fully compete by the end of the summer.

One of the striking new features of the city’s new approach to the web is its use of social media. Prominently displayed on the city’s main page is a Twitter stream of all the city departments using the social media tool. As a result, citizens can now find up-to-date information on snow removal, economic development, public safety and health.

“Sometimes it takes government a while to get there, but we are trying to use social media more to engage with citizens,” Olberding stated. “We hope to have mobile apps soon as well.”

Officials say that input on the new site design is greatly welcome and appreciated. To share your thoughts on how the city can improve the functionality or design of its website can do so by visiting the city’s comment section online.

Categories
Business Development News

2011 CitiRama to expand urban community in Bond Hill

The Home Builders Association and City of Cincinnati are celebrating a decade of urban living with this year’s CitiRama home show. The Villages of Daybreak, located in Bond Hill, is being developed by NorthPointe Group in a public faith venture with the Allen Temple Foundation and Tryed Stone Family and Community Development Center.

Located at the intersection of Langdon Farm Road and Rhode Island Avenue, the development will eventually include 196 single family homes and 102 townhouses and condos.

After the success of 2010’s CitiRama in Northside, the Home Builder’s Association looked to the newly designated NEP neighborhood of Bond Hill to continue the growth of urban home building.

“Bond Hill is strategically positioned to create an urban walkable community,” said Dr. Everett Gregory, President of the Bond Hill Community Council. “With the new Neighborhood Enhancement Program designation, we will be working together to improve Bond Hill. The Villages of Daybreak will be a part of that.”

The homes, built by both Drees and Potterhill Homes, have elements of new urbanism designed into the site plan. There are single family houses with driveways facing on the backside into an alley, with wide sidewalks and more houses on smaller lots. While not completely integrated into a walkable neighborhood with commercial infill, the development is located next to a shopping mall which is a parking lots’ walk away.

The 2011 CitiRama will be held September 17 through 25, 2011 at the Villages of Daybreak. There will be a poster contest in the coming months to showcase the work of local artists, and a kick off to celebrate both CitiRama and National Home Builder’s month in June.

“We’re excited and very confident that our 10th CItiRAMA at the Villages of Daybreak will once again showcase the region,” said HBA President Dan Dressman. “We will show that the city of Cincinnati is truly a great place to live.”

Villages of Daybreak site plan photograph by UrbanCincy contributor Thadd Fiala.

Categories
News Politics Transportation

New express bus routes fall victim to Kasich’s $70M transit cut

Ohio Governor John Kasich (R) was quick to give away a $400 million federal investment in Ohio for high speed rail to California and Florida. And now it seems as if his opposition to transport extends beyond high speed rail and includes all forms of transit.

Last week Kasich announced he would reduce transit funding by $70 million. The original three-year, $150 million pledge made by former Governor Ted Strickland (D), in part, included $1.3 million to establish express bus service that would connect Westwood (Glenway Crossing) and Butler County (Liberty Township/West Chester) with Uptown and the University of Cincinnati.

“It’s too early to know the long-term impact on our funding,” said Metro’s Chief Public Affairs Officer, Sallie L. Hilvers. “The immediate loss is the Innovative Services grant for express service to Uptown which was in the planning stage.”

The idea was to invest $10 million into transit systems around the state in a way that would connect people with important job centers and education hubs like Uptown.

In Columbus, $3.2 million would have gone to connect Ohio State University, Columbus State, Franklin University and the Capital Law School with regional hospitals. Nearby, Dayton had received $534,000 to pursue similar transit goals.

This move, combined with the return of $400 million for high speed rail and consideration of pulling $50 million in state funding for the Cincinnati Streetcar, appears to point to a dramatic policy shift from Strickland to Kasich, and one that does not favor the state’s transport network.

When asked about this striking policy shift and what it might mean for Metro, Hilvers said, “We really can’t comment until we have more facts. There just isn’t enough information yet to really know what the future impacts will be.”

Categories
Arts & Entertainment News

Get connected with the 2011 rendition of Bockfest

In a little less than three weeks, Bockfest will take over historic Over-the-Rhine for a full weekend beginning with the annual parade on Friday, March 4. While the Bockfest weekend is a popular weekend for many locals, it is so much more than just a few days on the first weekend of March. There are many events leading up to the weekend, and a bevy of ways to get involved with the festival that make it that can make it much more engaging.

One of the highlights is the crowning of the annual Sausage Queen which occurs this year on Saturday, March 5. There are however five preliminary rounds leading up to the finals that night continuing this Friday night at Washington Platform and then every other evening until February 26 at Milton’s Prospect Hill Tavern. The full schedule and rules of engagement can be found online.

There are three other events leading up to the weekend as well. Nothin’ But Bock Teaze Happy Hour will take place at Milton’s on February 23 where folks will have their first chance to pick up the 2011 Bockfest shirt at the discounted price of $15. A drawing for the Ultimate Bockfest Weekend, including a suite at Garfield Place and $250 in vouchers, will be held at Cafe Martin on February 24. Tickets, for that event, can be purchased online ahead of the event for just $10.

And finally, on the Sunday before Bockfest the annual Precipitation Retaliation event will be held at Grammers. The event will include, among other things, the burning of a snowman in effigy for hopes of good weather at Bockfest – a tradition born after the 2008 Bockfest dealt with one of the worst blizzards in a decade.

While the events leading up to Bockfest help make it more engaging, the best way to feel connected to the event is to volunteer during Bockfest weekend itself. Speaking as someone who has volunteered during the 2009 and 2010 events (and is signed up again this year) it definitely adds to the weekend in a very positive way.

There are two main things for which you can volunteer: Bockfest Hall or The Prohibition Resistance Tours. Bockfest Hall duties include selling and pouring beer, selling merchandise, checking IDs at the door, and general help. Volunteering for the tours is a little more intensive as you also have to commit to a training session, but it is rewarding and actually quite simple. Aside from the training there is a script provided so that you can easily relay the history of the breweries and show off the lagering cellars and tunnels with ease.

I have to say that as a volunteer for the tours it really helps one gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Cincinnati’s rich brewing heritage. All volunteer opportunities are available online. Stay connected with UrbanCincy to get our custom guide to enjoy the annual festival as it draws nearer.