Soapbox

As local transit officials struggle to do more with less, leaders at the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) are examining how they might be able to restructure the Metro bus system to better serve Cincinnatians.  The changes may mean that the decades old hub-and-spoke model may finally be on its way out of style.

"The hub-and-spoke model in Cincinnati is broken," exclaimed Colin Groth, Government Relations Director, Metro. "Right now, if you're trying to go from say Hyde Park to Westwood, you have to go Downtown first.  This is a problem."

The problem is especially pronounced in Cincinnati due to its neighborhood orientation which lends itself to more hub-to-hub trips, rather than spokes leading to a singular hub.  According to transportation experts, the solution seems to lie in an option that moves people from neighborhood hub to neighborhood hub.

The beginning of such a neighborhood hub bus system in Cincinnati will more than likely start by adding a second hub in Uptown, that will also serve as a facility for the Cincinnati Streetcar, followed by neighborhood hubs in Northside and Walnut Hills.

"We have worked with neighborhoods and Parsons Brinckerhoff to figure out where people wanted to see Metro grow, and better access to Uptown and improved crosstown service were at the top of the list," Groth said.

Officials say that the goal is to eventually develop a collection of Neighborhood Transit Hubs that will serve as transfer points in the restructured system.  The incremental changes will mean better service for riders within the city as they move from neighborhood to neighborhood, but it will also mean improved service for those traveling in traditional commuter patterns into Downtown and Uptown as buses will be able to travel in a more direct fashion.

What transit officials need now is money.  The Uptown Neighborhood Transit Hub alone is estimated to cost approximately $6.2 million, but Metro officials are currently working with the Uptown Consortium and the Cincinnati Streetcar Development Partners to come up with the best plan for implementation.  Design and engineering work is already underway and is expected to be complete within the next year, and construction will begin as funds are available.

In June, Metro received $11.77 million from the OKI Regional Council of Governments through their allocations of two federal transportation programs.  Some of this money will go towards the replacement of aging buses, but another chunk of the money will go toward this Neighborhood Transit Hub vision.

"The money is to develop the capital infrastructure to support both existing service as well as creating the building blocks for a more robust system down the road," Groth explained.  "With more neighborhood hubs you can really facilitate center-to-center and neighborhood-to-neighborhood transportation - that's when you really begin to change the system."

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Tiffani Fisher
Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

Downtown Cincinnati has another new destination for nightlife entertainment with the opening of Passage Lounge at 6th and Main Street.  The new 5,302 square-foot club is looking to capitalize on the consolidating nightlife district in downtown called the Backstage District.

Passage Lounge General Manager says that the excitement of a nightlife district in downtown Cincinnati is there, and that Passage Lounge looks to offer up something that both compliments what is already there, while also adding value of its own.

"Our number one commitment is to be a service-based venue and we have trained our staff to provide our downtown Cincinnati community patrons with a full, pleasurable and exciting experience," Bond explained.  "We pride ourselves on a return to the basics of hospitality and customer service."

Passage has a large, circular bar that is situated in the center of an open floor plan to serve patrons at night - customers can talk with the bartenders and see the dictionary-thick book they had to study before Passage opened for business.  Visit the new establishment during its daylight hours to try something from its tapas menu.

Inside customers are also treated to one of the most heavily themed and designed interior spaces in Cincinnati.  A secret passage way guarded by a sharply dressed man leads to the VIP lounge.  Whimsical designs cover the walls around the club and even inside the restrooms.  An elevated DJ platform overlooks the entire first-floor space and dance floor.

Ownership says that future expansions could be in the works that would include opening up the basement vaults once used by the bank for which the building was originally built in 1920.  And early discussions with Passage management revealed the possibility of eventually creating a large rooftop bar area that would be the first of its kind in downtown Cincinnati, and one of the largest in town.

Passage Lounge (map) is open Wednesday through Friday from 4pm to 2:30am and Saturdays from 7pm to 2:30am.  Weekday happy hours will include drink specials, live entertainment, and a tapas menu.  For more information, or to make table reservations, contact VIP Manager Ramsey Houston at (513) 720-9946 or vip@passagelounge.com.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Tiffani Fisher
Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

Regency Cafe & Coffee has opened in the heart of downtown Covington in the Wedding Mall.  The new establishment fills the space at 630 Madison Avenue formerly occupied by Proverbs Cafe.

Directly located along Madison Avenue, the Regency boasts views of passing street life through large floor-to-ceiling windows complemented by the space's open layout.

Co-owners Earl Hughes and John Sinica say that the new cafe & coffeehop is public-oriented where customers can expect to come in and meet new people daily.  They also say that the daily menu offers a little something for everyone including breakfast items like English muffins, bagels and pastries that compliment the cafe's assortment of coffees, teas, and hot chocolate.  For lunch customers are treated to soups, salads, sandwiches and daily lunch specials that cost between $3 to $7. Coffees cost $1 for a small house blend to $1.75 for a large specialty roast.

Regency Cafe & Coffee (map) is open Monday through Friday from 7am to 5pm, and Saturday from 9am to 4pm.  Delivery and catering options are available to those in the local area, and space can be reserved within the cafe for private meetings by contacting regencycafecoffee@yahoo.com.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Tiffani Fisher
Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

Thanks to a $1 million investment by Duke Energy, an urban development fund in Northern Kentucky is now well on its way towards reaching a goal of raising $10 million to invest in development projects in Ludlow, Dayton, Bellevue, Newport and Covington.

The fund is the result of Vision 2015, a Northern Kentucky initiative which focuses on growth, opportunity, culture, and prosperity.  When the initiative's leaders began discussing these priorities, it became evidently clear that part of that focus had to be on the five urban cities located along the Ohio River.  After studying "best practices" from around the country, local leaders determined that creation of the Catalytic Development Corporation was necessary.

"We noticed that many successful urban areas around the country were utilizing development funds that are privately funded and used to assist real estate developments," said Jeanne Schroer, Executive Director of the Catalytic Development Fund of Northern Kentucky.

The $1 million investment from Duke adds to the $1 million investments made by the Bank of Kentucky and Corporex Companies which jump started the fund in late 2008.  According to Schroer, the contributions made by the three companies thus far are long-term investments that will be paid back over time.  The benefit arises from the fact that the companies do not have to underwrite individual projects, and developers can utilize the money as gap financing for projects that might not otherwise garner interest from such large companies.

"We can take this money to close the gaps on projects that need our help.  This will make more projects happen more quickly, and will serve as a catalyst to the other funds involved," Schroer said.

Schroer believes that the remaining $7 million can be raised within the next 12 months to meet the urban development fund's ultimate goal of $10 million.  She says that there are "a lot" of proposals outstanding, and that these interested parties could help make the goal a reality.  In the mean time, the Catalytic Development Corporation is very pleased with its current investors.

"Duke is very focused on regional economic development, and a healthy downtown area is important to the health of the larger region," Schroer said.  "Urban revitalization is very important to long-term economic health as it serves as important factor for companies and young talent who look for vibrant urban areas."

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Tiffani Fisher
Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

The Corporation for Findlay Market has announced a new program that will allow individuals utilizing the food stamp program to shop for healthy, local produce at the farmer's market portion of Findlay Market. Called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Plus, this innovative program encourages urban agriculture and healthy eating for low-income residents often plagued with unhealthy food options.

The food stamp program with Hamilton County's Job & Family Services currently uses an electronic EBT card to make purchases. This is an upgrade from the old paper system, but farmer's markets only operate using cash, and as a result a portion of Findlay Market's consumers have not necessarily had the opportunity to purchase locally harvested produce, dairy, and other artisanal products offered by vendors. SNAP Plus solves this dilemma: those currently using the EBT food stamp card can now go to the Findlay Market office and purchase tokens in $5 increments for the program.  The tokens are only good at the various farmer's market stands, and the vendors later trade them for cash.

Fran Amatulli, Ohio State University Extension Program Assistant with the Family Nutrition Program, is one of the partners in the SNAP Plus program. Amatulli teaches nutrition classes around the city, and states that anyone interested in learning more about healthy eating can sign up for a free class. She has worked with various refugee programs in the city, teaching basic cooking skills and quality eating habits.

Amatulli also emphasized the importance of getting the word out to people who can benefit from this program. "It's so easy to sign up and do. The important thing is to let people know about this exciting new program."

Program participants have to opportunity to earn bonus tokens by attending cooking demonstrations conducted by chefs from the Midwest Culinary Institute, and classes on healthy eating supported offered through Hamilton County Job & Family Services, Cooperative Extension, the Nutrition Council, the Center for Closing the Health Gap, on-site agencies like senior centers or Head Start locations, and at Findlay Market as well. There is a series of eight classes offered and each class attended earns $10 in farmer's market coupons.  Attending four or eight classes earns additional bonus coupons, with a total possibility of $120 in matching EBT benefits available.

"This is a project I'm very much behind," stated Chef John Kinsella, President and CEO of Smart Chefs LLC, one of Findlay Market's partners. "They say that CHEF stands for Cooking Healthy, Edible Food, and the SNAP program is one step closer to that goal."

Writer: Jennifer Kessler
Photography by Jennifer Kessler
Stay connected by following Jenny on Twitter @JenLKessler

A week after Cincinnati was named a Hub of Innovation & Opportunity in Consumer Marketing, an additional effort is now underway that would further focus state investments around existing assets like universities, medical districts, and other areas of research and development.

"The basic idea is to have state resources focused around existing resources and assets," Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) said about his proposed legislation.  "This would go one step above the state's Hubs of Innovation & Opportunity, and better take advantage of these proven job creators."

As proposed by Senator Kearney, Senate Bill 284 would create "Centers of Development" that would become areas of focus for state investment.  The idea behind the focused investment approach is to leverage private investment and create a "catalyst for development and job creation."

Centers of Development would be determined by place-based institutions that are permanently rooted in specific locations.  The institutions would be further examined for their ability to generate jobs, create local business opportunities, and contribute to human, social and cultural capital. Kearney believes that such an approach will result in the best return on investment for Ohio taxpayers by leveraging assets that are proven job creators

"This legislation will support and enhance the good work being done by Governor Strickland and the Ohio Department of Development," said Senator Kearney.  "The hub zones will become more attractive for private investment due to the level of activity taking place there when it comes to job creation, business activity and infrastructure investments."

An area that meets one of the following three criteria would be eligible to be designated a Center of Development by the State of Ohio:

1. Designation as a Hub of Innovation & Opportunity by the Ohio Department of Development
2. Designation as a Center of Excellence by the Ohio Board of Regents
3. Medical complex employing more than 5,000 employees that provides in-patient care and conducts medical research and education

After receiving the new designation, business and residential developers within two miles of an anchor institution would receive additional consideration for various incentive programs.  Those developers would have to first be asked to show how their projects link to the anchor institutions.

"Cincinnati is full of locations that could be named Centers of Development," Senator Kearney explained. "Institutions like UC and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, or research giants like Procter & Gamble would be at the top of the list for designation.  A two-mile zone around any of these assets would accelerate investment within the city."

Senator Kearney says that the legislation would not involve any new money, but rather provide a new policy approach towards allocating state resources.  The legislation could be approved as early as November 2010 after it is further developed by the related state agencies.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Tiffani Fisher
Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

The National Trust for Historic Preservation chose Cincinnati as the location for its Advanced Preservation Leadership Training session that began Saturday. The week-long training session is bringing together preservation professionals from Cincinnati and around the nation to focus on adaptive reuses for four historic properties in Over-the-Rhine.

"A lot of these buildings were made for uses that no longer apply like St. John's Church on Elm Street which will probably never be used as a church again," said Paul Muller, Interim Executive Director, Cincinnati Preservation Association which is sponsoring the session locally with the Over-the-Rhine Foundation.  "New uses for these buildings makes them economically viable again, and helps to make the city a vibrant place."

The preservationists involved in the week-long training session were split into four groups and toured the buildings on Sunday, July 18.  Over the course of the week the groups will put together a report for their respective buildings that will include proposals for the structures.  The reports will then be presented at a public meeting on Saturday, July 24 at Memorial Hall (map).

"We're happy that the National Trust for Historic Preservation followed up on this after naming Over-the-Rhine one of the most endangered historic districts in 2006," Muller said.  "They only do a few of these trainings each year, and it is an honor they chose Cincinnati."

Muller explained that following Saturday's report presentations at Memorial Hall, the National Trust for Historic Preservation will follow-up with additional efforts down the road, but he emphasized the importance of this work even if nothing comes from it immediately.

"Other cities have historic districts that would only make up a corner of Over-the-Rhine.  Seeing a collection of historic buildings this large through outside eyes is really inspiring, and so far the participants have been amazed by the city and its rich historic assets."

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Tiffani Fisher
Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

Final details have been released on the $4 million Moerlein Lager House that will include seating for approximately 1,100 people inside the brewpub and outdoors in its biergartens.  Once complete in August 2011, visitors will be treated to a variety of items often found on the menus of Over-the-Rhine's 19th Century biergartens, the largest collection of Cincinnati craft brews, a unique setting on Cincinnati's central riverfront, while also learning a little about Cincinnati's rich brewing heritage.

"We're trying to put Cincinnati beer and its brewing heritage on the map, and we're well on our way thanks to a lot of community and civic support," said Greg Hardman, President & CEO of Christian Moerlein Brewing Company.  "Without the support of a lot of people, we would not be bringing this great establishment to Cincinnati's riverfront."

The Moerlein Lager House is expected to produce 5,000 barrels of beer annually. Hops and barley, critical ingredients in the beer making process, will also be grown in the Hop Garden outside where guests will be able to sit around a fire pit while overlooking Cincinnati Riverfront Park, the Ohio River, Roebling Suspension Bridge and other riverfront landmarks.

Hardman also says that the Moerlein Lager House will be connected to historic Over-the-Rhine through the Cincinnati Streetcar which is scheduled to start construction in fall 2010 and begin operations approximately one year after the brewpub opens.

"The streetcar is a great vehicle that will enhance development and link us to Over-the-Rhine and Uptown," Hardman said.  "When you can hook up a world-class park with the University of Cincinnati, and everything in between, it will be a great economic driver.  While the streetcar was not the only factor in our decision making process, it was certainly one of the reasons we wanted to locate in both of these areas."

Inside the Moerlein Lager House, guests will be treated to rooms themed around Cincinnati's past breweries that will include information about where the breweries were located and the beer barons responsible for the product.  Hardman hopes that once people tour the rooms inside the Moerlein Lager House they will want to see the real thing in Over-the-Rhine's Brewery District, including Christian Moerlein's new brewery facility on pace to begin beer production in early 2011.

The interior of the brewpub will feature a two-story brick wall that uses reclaimed bricks from some of those historic local breweries in Over-the-Rhine.  Even utilizing historic materials, the new brewpub is expected to achieve LEED certification and include a geothermal heating and cooling system

"The design of the Moerlein Lager House and future brewery is to link Cincinnati's brewing heritage to the riverfront and vice versa," Hardman explained. 

The 15,000 square-foot Moerlein Lager House will be open Sunday through Wednesday from 11am to midnight, and 11am to 2am Thursday through Saturday.  The brewpub will feature the largest collection of heritage Cincinnati beers anywhere including Hudepohl, Shoenling, Burger, Moerlein and others.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Images Provided
Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

Cincinnati's west side neighborhoods have a new independent coffee shop thanks to a group of passionate westsiders who wanted to give something back to their community.  Refuge Coffee Bar is located in West Price Hill and focuses on bringing together the community as much as it celebrates the barista art.

"We decided we wanted to do something good for the community," said Nate Reed, General Manager.  "The building owner was tired of bar tenants inside the space, and wanted something better in that part of the neighborhood."

That neighborhood - Covedale - is part of West Price Hill and while it could boast a strong community presence, it didn't have anything like Refuge Coffee Bar that could serve as a gathering space for the community.  Reed says that Refuge is helping to do that with its long hours of operation and inviting interior space.

"This is a place where you will want to stick around, and a space where people can gather," Reed explained.  "The best part is that the money generated from the business either goes back into the coffee bar or the community."

Refuge's three baristas have over 31 years of experience.  Most evenings guests are treated to the latte art of Rob Hoos, and customers can always try out specialties like Refuge's Orange Mocha drink  - orange peel shavings infused with Refuge Coffee Bar's own blend of espresso.

Reed says that they are currently supporting the Covedale Garden District's monthly litter pick-up, but that they are also interested in partnering with Price Hill Will and various mentoring groups nearby.

"I've been to the fields where coffee is grown and I think it is important to get these farmers a fair wage, so Refuge Coffee Bar supports fair trade products," Reed said.  "And to help support local mentoring programs we offer buy one, get one free coffee deals so that the mentors have a safe, comfortable place to come without incurring an extra expense."

Refuge Coffee Bar (map) is open Tuesday through Thursday from 7am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 7am to Midnight, and Sunday from 2pm to 7pm.  On Friday and Saturday nights they host live music from 8pm until about 10 or 11pm depending on the artists.  Those interested in staying connected with Refuge Coffee Bar can do so by following them on Twitter @RefugeCoffeeBar, or on their Facebook Page.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Tiffani Fisher
Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

Early last fall, Potterhill Homes announced its newest housing endeavor, a community in Northside called Northwind.  Now, just nine months later, and a month since the ribbon-cutting on the community, over one-third of the Northwind lots have been sold. And each is LEED certified, adding a dense cluster of modern, progressive planning to a historic neighborhood that has enjoyed a reputation for beautifully timeless housing stock.

The Northwind models were touted for offering options including solar and geothermal energy systems, and, according to Potterhills' Northwind representative Vicki Painter, every buyer has taken advantage of those opportunities.  "All of them have opted to go LEED certified," she says. "[These homes] were built to LEED standards so, for 1500 to fill out the paperwork you save 30,000."

Beyond the savings, Potterhill president Carolyn Rolfes suggests that the people interested in Northwind are just involved, forward-thinking people, period. "It's such a mix. And it's people who are excited to move back to the city."

While Northwind means adding fresh blood and a new wrinkle to Northside, Rolfes says that being mindful of the existing neighborhood is always part of the Potterhill mission. "That's always our goal: to try to complement what's already there," she explains. "We've always tried to mimic the older architecture."  Painter points to design elements in the Northwind units such as big front porches, as an effort to connect back to the feel of the rest of the area. "We have that craftsman look," she says. "So we blend in well."

If the idea of a multi-lot development might seem out of place alongside the stately older homes that have been Northside's architectural calling card, it bears noting that the community's location between Kirby and Hamilton Avenues sits slightly adjacent to Northside's historic core to the south.  And the homes -- which range in price from $150,000 to just over $170,000 -- are small enough to fit comfortably into an urban neighborhood.

Moreover, there is no denying that Northwind is meeting an obvious demand, with nine of twenty-five lots selling within weeks of the June 15th ribbon-cutting. "People want to live in Northside," Painter says. "We've never had an opening w/ such impact."

Writer: Jeremy Mosher
Photography by Jeremy Mosher

On a long sunny curve of Colerain Avenue sits a tidy, two-story brick shotgun house that announces itself with an ornate metal sign: "THE NORTHSIDE HOUSE, EST. 1880." Inside the building last Friday, two men put the finishing touches on a brand new contemporary art gallery, The Northside House, which will open this Friday in the 130-year old building.

"This is the growing, creative area of the city," marketing and design director Jonathan Sears said. "Artists live here and work here and eat here, and they should be able to see and show art here too."

Last Friday, abstract paintings by Chicago-based artist Steve Amos and wall installations by Northside resident Alice Pixley Young filled the upstairs rooms. Their work will be joined next week by that of Ellington Robinson of Washington D.C. and Jon Payne of Dayton, OH, to complete the show "Inauguration." An exhibition of African ceremonial art titled "Life" will be on display in the gallery's entry room.

Chris Hoeting and Doug Hafner, director and owner respectively, are Sears' partners in opening The Northside House. Hoeting is a University of Dayton art teacher, and Hafner is chef and co-owner of Honey Restaurant. All three are artists.

Like many new galleries around the country, The Northside House is eschewing the traditional sterile, white gallery look and instead embracing the homely nature of its aged, charming quarters: the main gallery room has an old woodstove, openings will be catered by Hafners' local-centric restaurant Honey and the sign outside implies the organization is 130 years older than it really is.

Their gallery will give local artists a place to show work alongside nationally recognized artists, and also host museum-like exhibitions from private collections. Hoeting said they hope to collaborate with Prairie, an existing Northside gallery, to bolster Northside's artist community and ultimately foster a fine-arts component that will grow with the booming bar and restaurant scene there.

After its first six-month series of four shows, the gallery will begin moving towards a future goal: to become a community-based arts group that can offer classes, host artist groups or start public art initiatives. In the meantime they will keep regular weekday hours and be open on Mondays in their attempt to be more than just a gallery, Sears said.

The grand opening reception will run from 7 to 11 p.m. this Saturday, July 17 at The Northside House, 4034 Colerain Ave.

Writer: Henry Sweets
Photography by Scott Beseler

Cincinnatians began coworking in November 2009 in the Over-the-Rhine.  From those early beginnings, the group of full-time coworkers and those interested in the concept have grown.  After expanding coworking operations in OTR in February 2010, Cincy Coworks is now celebrating a much anticipated move into a permanent space in East Walnut Hills.

The new 800 square-foot space at 2714 Woodburn Avenue (map) has been a work in progress according to Cincy Coworks co-founder Gerard Sychay.  In addition to the permanence of the East Walnut Hills location, coworkers can now utilize the space 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a full-time monthly membership that costs $200.

"We love the new location," said Sychay.  "We've got great food options within a couple of blocks and a big free parking lot for those who need it."

In addition to access, monthly membership also guarantees a dedicated desk, the ability to reserve space for evening and weekend events, and other amenities that Sychay says are still to come.  The space also boast an lounge area and outdoor space for those looking to get a bit of fresh air.

Joining Cincy Coworks is a second coworking operation called Working Side by Side.  Located in Woodlawn, Working Side by Side has 1,200 square feet of space, five full-time members and presently operates from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday.

"I heard of the coworking concept before and thought it would work here.  The financial and social benefits were both appealing to us," said Brian Mueller who is one of the creative minds behind the Woodlawn coworking space.  "We have learned a lot from the Cincy Coworks people, and we have learned that it's a pretty close knit community."

Mueller went on to say that the close knit community of coworkers is working on potential collaborative efforts between the two spaces Mueller for their members.  If things work out for his group of coworkers from Jasco Engineering & Sales and Precision Cincinnati, the Working Side by Side space may expand into adjacent space where a recreation room or conference rooms could be added.

Like Working Side by Side, Cincy Coworks is also planning for a future expansion that could bring its footprint to 2,000 square feet and more than double the amount of space for its members and drop-in users.

"We stuck to a zero-sum, pay-as-you-go approach, so we opened up operations in the black," Sychay explained.  "If there is enough interest we would love to grow our operations and get an even bigger space somewhere in the neighborhood."

Stay up-to-date by following Cincinnati's coworking spaces on Twitter @CincyCoworks and @WorkingSBS.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

Thursday, July 8, 2010 might go down in history as the day that the long-planned Cincinnati Streetcar project finally became reality.  While no construction has begun, city officials did successfully land $25 million through the federal government's Urban Circulators grant program.  The additional money means that the project now has $114.5 million of the total $128 million needed, making it approximately 90 percent funded.

The grant was announced by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood who said that Cincinnati's recent $64 million commitment was a large factor in the project getting the maximum award through the program.  The Cincinnati Streetcar was one of only six urban circulator proposals awarded money nationally out of 65 applications that totaled more than $1 billion in requests.  The other five projects are located in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Ft. Worth, and St. Louis.

"This announcement illustrates the broad-based support for the streetcar at all levels of government," said Brad Thomas, Founder, CincyStreetcar.com. "Transportation experts at the city, regional, state and federal level have all examined the Cincinnati Streetcar and have come to the same conclusion - it is a worthwhile project that they support."

The news has also seemingly quieted an intense battle between those in favor of the project and those against.

"The Cincinnati Streetcar represents the triumph of a huge grassroots effort of concerned Cincinnatians," Thomas continued.  "This success of this project was truly the result of countless ordinary citizens standing up and working to make their city a better place to live."

City officials are now working on the next phases of the project which include environmental assessments, utility relocation, and preliminary construction which is expected to begin this fall.  Once under construction, the project should take approximately two-and-a-half years to complete, with the first passengers riding in spring 2013.

In the interim, local leaders are reveling in the success and progress that has been achieved thus far.

"This is great news for Cincinnati.  Having the federal government come in as a partner on our streetcar shows that we have one of the best plans in the country," Mayor Mark Mallory said.  "This is why it is important to go out and engage decision makers directly.  Secretary LaHood told me that we got this grant because of the leadership that we showed in pursuing this money."

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

One year ago Findlay Market began its Cultivating Healthy Environments for Farmers (CHEF) program.  The program was seen as an opportunity to recruit and train new urban growers while also complimenting the city's Urban Gardening Program.

Since then the program's reach has grown and so has its impact.  As a result additional resources are needed to help support an ongoing program that produces over 30 different produce offerings at four locations throughout the city, including a new two-thirds of an acre plot in OTR and then sold at Findlay Market.  The program focuses on low-income residents and has dozens of apprentices from Over-the-Rhine, the West End, College Hill and St. Leo's Catholic Parish.

In April 2010, Ken Stern, Urban Farm Manager for Findlay Market, explained that once the initial grant money ran out from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, they intended to keep the program going.  To help out, local culinary rock stars including Julie Francis from Nectar, Jean-Robert de Cavel from the Midwest Culinary Institute, and Joanne Drilling from Murphin Ridge Inn have stepped up to support the 2010 Findlay Fund Drive.

"Last year the project trained and equipped four low income urban growers, who farmed on four vacant lots near the market and sold produce at the farmers market," Stern explained.  "In 2010, more than two dozen urban farmers will grow food on over three acres of vacant land in the city of Cincinnati. Their work will create supplemental income for their families, increase the availability of nutritious local food at Findlay Market’s farmers markets, and benefit our environment by creating green space and reducing the carbon footprint of the food we eat."

The growing program also compliments the growth at Findlay's farmers market.  Since 2005, Findlay Market has seen its market operations increase from once a week with 17 participating farmers, to three days a week with more than 50 participating farmers.

With this success the market has decided to make it a more formal endeavor called Findlay Market Farms, and donations to the fund will buy tools, seeds, water, and training for the urban growers.

Tax deductible donations can be made online to the Findlay Market Fund, or by calling (513) 665-4839.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

A recent analysis of Newport, Kentucky's use of the federal government's HOPE VI program shows that the historic river city may be one of the best success stories in America.  The use of the program in combination with a strategic economic development effort has caused what a report by the University of Louisville's Center for Sustainable Urban Neighborhoods describes as a transition from "vice to nice, and from hips to hip."

In past decades Newport struggled with a large criminal element that include gangster and mob activity, prostitution, and gambling.  But now thousands of visitors to Newport on the Levee each year might never know it if not for the large walking groups led by tour guides dressed playfully as the gangsters..

The report details that much of the improvement has come from the deconcentration of poor residents who were once housed in urban renewal housing developed during the post-war period in and around downtown Newport.  The concentrated low-income housing has been replaced by mixed-income developments through the HOPE VI program which encourages social mobility and provides self-sufficiency services to residents of the community through both local government and non-profit agencies.

The most recent, and prominent example of this deconcentration is seen on the western edge of downtown Newport where the Licking River and the Ohio River meet.  Once a large low-income housing project, the site is now slated to become an $800 million mixed-use development that will create more residences, offices, retail, entertainment and lodging in Newport's downtown.

What the Center for Sustainable Urban Neighborhoods recognized as most significant was the success Neighborhood Foundations was able to achieve for its size.  The housing authority is the smallest housing authority in the nation to win a HOPE VI grant, and it was recognized as the best housing authority in Kentucky by the Department of Housing & Urban Development in 2009.

The organization is now turning its focus to smaller pockets of Newport like Hamlet Street.  Just south of Newport's East Row Historic District, Hamlet Street represents what was once one of the worst blocks in Newport.  The completed program on the 900 block of Hamlet Street (map) will renovate three properties and construct five new homes in a development called Hamlet Row.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy