A rumor has been circulating around Clifton Heights that Classen Park is for sale to developers.
The one-acre park, at the (BIRD'S EYE), abuts the University of Cincinnati, Old St. George Church and two redevelopment sites owned by the Clifton Heights Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation and the Uptown Consortium.
Both corporations have named Towne Properties as their preferred developers.
In a communication to Councilmember Laketa Cole, member of the CUF Neighborhood Association Board of Trustees Julie Murray says that the rumors make absolutely no sense when one considers the amount of still-undeveloped land that was taken by eminent domain.
"It is totally unacceptable to us in the CUF neighborhood association to think that the City Administration would even consider selling any of our green space or parks for more retail development," she writes. "This park is one of the gateways into the CUF neighborhood and is highly prized by all our residents."
Murray adds that the park is a popular spot for students from Corryville Catholic, who have no other place to play.
Last summer, City Council passed an ordinance creating a new parks and recreation (PR) zoning district for properties owned or maintained by the Cincinnati Park Board or the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, effectively stopping those lands from being developed without public hearings.
Classen Park is fully under the control of the Park Board.
A report on the rumor from the City Manager's office is expected before City Council in early May.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Is Classen Park for sale?
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6 comments:
I'll be honest...I rarely if ever see anyone using that greenspace. It is kind of ambiguous space on top of that. I really don't see an issue with developing that locale.
Could it be used to straighten Jefferson Ave? Which in turn could help the redevelopment of the Short Vine/Kroger area.
Jefferson/Calhoun is a odd intersection.
It's definitely not a pleasant place for a park. If it does get developed, I'd like to see something done in conjunction with Old St. George, though. I'd hate to see a drug store there or something!
Please use this land to fix the intersection with Calhoun and Jefferson so that Vine Street can be reconnected!
Hasn't anyone noticed that this little park over the past couple years has had someone or ones taking better care of it as if it was their own. They have planted a nice little variety of ornamental trees - small to start with which makes me think it is not the parkboard as they seem to plant nice big trees and then let them die by not watering them the first year. Whomever is responsible at Classen Park - it is appreciated. Maybe more parks/green space should be assigned to people who really care about them.
Paul Gallager, and the Clifton Heights Improvement Assoc, have taken the lead on upgrading the care at Classen Park. Bellview Park at the end of Ohio is also benefiting from CHIA's attention, with new landscaping at the NE corner of the Park.
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