Tag: planning

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Development News Transportation

Cincinnati to examine bus rapid transit as part of expanding transit network

As Cincinnati moves forward with the development of the Midwest’s first modern streetcar system, a political leader is pushing for even greater transit improvements that would compliment an increasingly diverse collection of alternative forms of transport.

Cincinnati Vice Mayor Roxanne Qualls is proposing a robust network of bus rapid transit (BRT) that would connect the region’s commuters with major employment centers like Uptown and Downtown. Qualls believes BRT is a cost-effective and innovative transit strategy.

“Bus rapid transit incorporates many of the advantages of light rail, but is cheaper and can be implemented quickly,” Qualls said in a prepared statement. “Cities around the world and the country are giving commuters a great transit option now with rapid transit.”

Many cities around the United States and internationally are beginning to look at BRT more closely as a cheaper alternative to building dedicated rail transit systems. After first being popularized in Bogotá, Columbia, bus rapid transit now exists in 33 cities throughout the world with an additional 22 systems planned.

What differentiates BRT routes from other bus routes is the dedicated lanes they use. These dedicated corridors are often complimented by signal prioritization and timing that allows for faster travel times over long distances.

“Cities are looking to rapid transit to meet increased commuter demand and to spur development,” Qualls stated. “Because the conversion to rapid transit is faster and cheaper than developing light rail, it is an important interim step that helps build transit ridership and provides a great service in the near term.”

While some transit experts agree that BRT can serve as an integral part of an overall transit system, others believe that BRT can be compromised when pitched as an inexpensive alternative to light rail.

“If you look at Oakland, who was studying BRT, they’ve been working on the project for a long time and recently had the City of Berkeley decline to even study dedicated lanes even though that was the plan all along,” explained Jeff Wood, Chief Cartographer, Reconnecting America.  “They felt like they could do it cheaper than light rail, but now they aren’t even going to get any of the benefits of bus rapid transit.”

As part of Vice Mayor Qualls’ motion, BRT would be a portion of a larger multi-modal transit plan that would include the streetcar and light rail according to Cincinnati’s existing rail plan. Major corridors would include I-75, I-71, Queen City Avenue, Harrison Avenue, Vine Street, Reading Road, Madison Road, and Martin Luther King Drive. Qualls suggested the city aggressively pursue state and federal funds to pay for the development of bus rapid transit.

Those interested in learning more about bus rapid transit have the opportunity to meet with BRT expert Jack Gonsalves at the OKI Regional Council of Governments Board Room (map) on Monday, December 6 at 1pm.  Gonsalves will be joined by a variety of local leaders to discuss BRT and how it might be developed in Cincinnati.

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Business Development News

Construction begins on $47.3M redevelopment of Washington Park

After years of planning, discussion and debate, construction that will renovate and expand Washington Park will officially begin today in historic Over-the-Rhine. The initial work will include excavation on the north end of the park that will eventually house a 450-space underground parking garage.

Project officials say that the underground garage is what sets the stage for the two-acre park expansion to the north. This expanded park area will include, above the garage, will include a 37,000-square-foot lawn, public plaza, and performance space for programming activities.

“We’re dedicated to returning the park to its original stature as a beautiful, public, green space with a variety of features for all neighborhood residents as well as visitors to enjoy,” said 3CDC President & CEO Stephen Leeper in a prepared release. “Creating great civic spaces like Washington Park and Fountain Square is one of 3CDC’s most important goals. They attract residents, businesses and visitors and truly define the character of a neighborhood.”

Over the past several months citizens have also had input on the design and process in which the renovations take place. One of the primary concerns has been around the disruption to the park itself and how nearby residents might be able to avoid total access denial. To address those issues, 3CDC in partnership with Turner Construction Company and Megen Construction Company have developed a plan that will keep the southern half of Washington Park open during the initial construction phase.

“Creating great civic spaces like Washington Park and Fountain Square is one of 3CDC’s most important goals,” Leeper continued. “They attract residents, businesses and visitors and truly define the character of a neighborhood.”

The project start is a realization of a plan first laid out in 2002 by residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in the historic neighborhood. That plan specifically called for the redevelopment of Washington Park, and the addition of a parking structure that could serve future business and residential growth nearby.

Project officials say that additional park renovations will proceed once the garage site is excavated, and that they anticipate the entire project to be complete by late spring 2012.

Categories
Development News Transportation

Public gets first chance to see modern streetcars in Cincinnati

This past week Cincinnatians were given a chance to tour a modern streetcar similar to those that will operate here beginning in 2013. The particular streetcar on display was manufactured by United Streetcar in Clackamas, OR and has been in testing on Portland’s streetcar tracks since it was built in 2009.

The streetcar is a near clone of the Czech-built Skoda streetcars that have been in operation there since 2001. After a tour of other cities considering streetcar systems, it will return to Portland and enter revenue service there next year. United Streetcar is currently building six new streetcars for Portland’s system expansion and seven streetcars for a new system in Tuscon, Arizona.

The streetcar displayed in Cincinnati can be viewed in action on Portland’s tracks on United Streetcar’s website, or by visiting it in person at 5th and Race streets (map) until Wednesday, November 10.  Below is a video from the first day this modern streetcar was on display in Cincinnati.  Mayor Mallory, business leaders, residents, and visitors gathered to get a look at the vehicle that will soon be running on Cincinnati’s streets.

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Business Development News Transportation

Kenton County Planning Commission votes to adopt Roebling Point Plan

Last week, the Kenton County Planning Commission voted 11-5 in favor of adopting Covington’s Roebling Point Plan into the county’s comprehensive plan. Roebling Point, located at the foot of the historic Roebling Suspension Bridge, is home to such local favorites as Molly Malone’s and Keystone Bar & Grill.

Given that most view the comprehensive plan as a guide for the region, the vote was seen as a big step forward for the City of Covington as it hopes to redevelop one of its most important gateways into a more pedestrian friendly and generally more livable bar/restaurant district.

“Incorporating the plan will allow for a smoother zoning transition when new commercial moves in, streamlining zoning decisions to quicken the process for developers,” explained Covington Assistant City Manager Larisa Sims.

If the land use recommendations in the plan are followed, the new commercial development will consist of mixed-use design that complements, but does not copy the existing historic infrastructure. Sims points out that Roebling Point’s geography is unique in that it has the possibility of bringing together a variety of aesthetics.

“The area is on the verge of success,” Sims says. “It’s located between high density office use to the west and the historic Licking Riverside District to the east. The area highlights the importance of, and creates a balance between, new mixed-use development and historic preservation.”

Last week planners also outlined the specific elements of the Roebling Point Plan for four key areas:

  1. West side of Scott Street between 3rd and 4th (Gateway Building): No significant change is proposed for the Gateway Building. The plan states that the structure is an appropriate size and it incorporates well designed features for pedestrian scale. Uses encouraged in this building are retail or office on the ground floor, with office above.
  2. Southwest corner of Scott and 4th Street: This block is part of the Times Star Commons Public Space Plan. The plan focuses on the preservation of the existing historic buildings, specifically the Times Star Building. The plan also calls for the redevelopment of the J&R auto repair that is on the corner of E. 4th Street and Electric Alley.
  3. 4th Street, Tobacco Alley, and Scott to Greenup Street: The plan calls for general reinvestment and rehabilitation in this section of the study area.
  4. East side of Greenup Street, from 3rd to Tobacco Alley: The plan indicates that the mix and scale of the development here is generally appropriate.

Land Use, growth, and redevelopment
While there are many land use recommendations within the district plan, the possible reuse or demolition of the county offices and county jail at 303 Court Street is one of the most intriguing. Currently, the County is discussing whether this building will be needed once the new jail is fully functional. If the offices are also eventually moved out of this building, the plan would recommend two alternatives.

First, if the building is not demolished, the plan would prefer changes be made to the facade of the building, and that the addition on the west side of the building be removed to create more pedestrian friendly space. The recommended use of this building would be residential or office.

Second, if the building were to be razed, the design of the building should be creative, and incorporate opportunities for open spaces and pedestrian amenities mid-block. The recommended use of this building is residential, or office, with retail opportunities on the first floor.

Transportation & Urban Design
One of the main transportation recommendations in the plan involves an area called ‘The Yoke’ which is a small green space with a police memorial located next to The Ascent. Currently there are two traffic ramps that separate two small islands of green space from the police memorial. The plan recommends the elimination of these ramps in order to provide safer access to this underutilized public amenity.

The plan also recommends, among other things, to identify locations and preferred methods for streetscape enhancements and pedestrian amenities. It specifically suggests making use of the local alleys in the surrounding neighborhoods for walking, biking, and safe vehicular traffic. The plan also outlines identifying areas for new public spaces and utilizing urban design methods for enhancing safety and cleanliness.

The plan’s architectural design objectives include protecting the community’s historic architecture, while allowing flexibility for appropriate new development. In order to accomplish this, the plan lists two main specific recommendations.

  1. Keep the Historic Preservation Overlay zone in place in order to facilitate historically appropriate and compatible design.
  2. Update and amend the Historic Covington Design Guidelines to codify flexibility and consistent interpretation.

The first implementation committee meeting for the plan will be held November 15th at 6pm, the public is welcome. The meeting will outline and give a more detailed prioritization of the action items within the plan. Initial plans are already underway to meet with the owner of the Keystone Bar & Grill to discuss sidewalk expansion along Park and Greenup. These sidewalk improvements are scheduled to begin in the spring.

Additionally, funds are currently being raised for the improvements to the Yoke/Police Memorial and changes to the Yoke parking lot have already been made to try to increase usage. Additional recommendations in the plan will continue to be evaluated.

“Long term implementation will largely depend on the interest and activity from property owners and developers specifically related to land use and redevelopment of each block,” Sims stated. “The City will continue to promote its incentives and work as a facilitator to make this vision a reality.”

Categories
News Transportation

Modern streetcar to be on display in downtown Cincinnati through 11/10

If you have not been one of the hundreds of Cincinnatians to make the trip to Portland to see modern streetcars in action, or visit one of the many global cities with them in operation, then tomorrow is a great chance to see one up close and in person.

City officials sent out a message late Thursday stating that the first modern streetcar made in America since the 1930’s will be on display at 5th and Walnut streets in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, November 5 from 1pm to 7pm. Those who are unable to check it out for themselves on Friday will have another chance from 11am to 7pm daily through Wednesday, November 10.

“This is a perfect opportunity to pierce the veil of misunderstanding about what our city is trying to do with this project,” streetcar supporter John Schneider stated in an email.

City officials do note that while the Cincinnati Streetcar may end up being this particular model, the final decision on that has yet to be made, but they say that it will give a great idea for what to expect once Cincinnati’s modern streetcar system is operating in 2013.

The mayor is expected to hold a news conference at 1pm on Friday to discuss the project and this type of streetcar model. After the streetcar leaves Cincinnati it will make its way to Portland to join their existing streetcar fleet.