Monday, December 21, 2009

Vernon Manor parking agreements authorized

Two agreements that would help provide parking for the $37 million redevelopment of the former Vernon Manor Hotel have been authorized by Cincinnati City Council.

The agreements authorize the sale of property on the southeast corner of Burnet and E University avenues from developer Vernon Manor Offices, LLC (Al. Neyer, Inc.) to the City of Cincinnati for the construction of a 440-space public parking garage, then the lease and management of the garage and property by Al. Neyer for a period of 25 years.

Xavier approves new 535-bed residence hall

Xavier University's board of trustees took steps to address its growing enrollment during its quarterly meeting on December 11.

The board approved the construction of a new 240,000-square-foot residence hall and dining complex, which can accommodate housing units for approximately 535 sophomores.

City's first ReStore to open in Bond Hill this spring

Cincinnati's first ReStore will open this spring in a 35,000-square-foot building in Bond Hill, Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity announced last week.

The non-profit has signed a lease – with an option to buy – for the building at 4910 Para Drive, which will house the retail space, warehouse and training space, and offices.

Ohio land banking bill passes House, moves to Senate

Ohio House Bill 313, which could give 28 counties land banking powers, has been passed out of the Ohio House and will now move on to the Ohio Senate.

Senate Bill 188, a companion bill sponsored by state senators Mark Wagoner (R-2nd) and Teresa Fedor (D-11th), already has had two public hearings and is believed to have bipartisan support.

Wrecking Cincinnati, 12/21/09

3211 Riverside Drive, East End
Two-family
DOB: 1895
Died: May 2009
Cause of death: Heavy damage from a three-alarm fire in May 2008.

The building had been vacant for several years, but appeared to be undergoing renovations. A criminal case was filed against the owner, but was later dropped for want of prosecution and an inability to service the summons.

The house was condemned shortly after the fire and declared a public nuisance in December 2008. It was razed by the City following asbestos abatement.

Remembering Cincinnati, 12/21/09

One year ago:

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Two ordinances could lead to 440-space Vernon Manor garage

Cincinnati City Council is considering two ordinances that would help developer Vernon Manor Offices, LLC (Al. Neyer, Inc.) turn the former Vernon Manor Hotel into a modern office space for 600 Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) back office employees.

The first ordinance would execute an installment agreement with the developer, allowing the City to expend funds from the Corryville tax increment financing (TIF) district to purchase property for a $10.4 million, 440-space public parking garage at the corner of Burnet and E University avenues.

Ohio rail groups propose $32 million for safer crossings

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Ohio Rail Development Coalition (ORDC) have proposed designating $32 million of its federal economic stimulus funding request to make safety improvements to 270 roadway-rail crossings throughout the state.

The funding is part of $564 million requested in October for the 3C Corridor "Quick Start" passenger rail service that would connect Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Cleveland along existing rail lines.

Park Hills recommends Dixie study for countywide plan

Park Hills City Council has adopted the Park Hills Dixie Study, a small area study recently completed by the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission.

The study, which looked at a half-mile strip of Dixie Highway, now will be recommended to the Kenton County Planning Commission for incorporation into the county comprehensive plan, required by law to be updated in 2011.

Cincinnati tax liens would help recover $607K in NSP funds

Cincinnati City Council soon will consider an ordinance to place tax liens on 52 properties in an effort to recoup money spent on demolitions through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

The buildings, located in ten Cincinnati neighborhoods and identified as being in "high need" of removal, represent more than $607,000 in expenditures.

Limited-edition screen print to help Contact Center for sale Saturday

Your opportunity to help Over-the-Rhine's Contact Center by purchasing a unique piece of art happens this Saturday with a reception at MiCA 12/v, 1201 Vine Street.

VisuaLingual, the multi-disciplinary design studio of Maya Drozdz and Michael Stout, has created a limited-edition screen print depicting the block of Vine Street between 12th and 13th streets, which captures the unique character of the center and its surrounding buildings.

Wrecking Cincinnati, 12/16/09

2526 St. Leo Place, South Fairmount
Single-family
DOB: 1920
Died: May 2009
Cause of death: A rotted rear wall missing sheathing and siding, a failing foundation wall, a defective front porch, and a failing roof and gutter system. The structure was open to trespassers and required numerous City barricades.

The house was condemned in April 2007 and declared a public nuisance in June 2008. It was razed by the City.

A criminal case is pending.

Remembering Cincinnati, 12/16/09

One year ago:

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Wrecking Cincinnati, 12/15/09

1819 Forbus Street, South Fairmount
Single-family
DOB: 1887
Died: May 2009
Cause of death: Defects to the gutters, siding, windows, and chimney causing water damage. The house had been vacant since at least 2004.

The elderly owner was in poor health and was unable to attend pre-prosecution hearings. He eventually lost the house to foreclosure.

The house was condemned in September 2006 and declared a public nuisance in September 2007. It was razed by the City following asbestos abatement.

Remembering Cincinnati, 12/15/09

One year ago:

Monday, December 14, 2009

Three OTR projects win $7.1M in state tax credits

Three Over-the-Rhine projects have been awarded Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits (OHPTC), part of a dozen awardees in the latest round of the Ohio Department of Development program.

The local awardees include:

  • Mercer Commons, Mercer Street between Walnut and Vine streets, will receive $4.2 million in tax credits for an $18.2 million restoration of 19 historic buildings, construction of three new mixed-use buildings, 13 townhouses, and a four-level, 240-space parking garage. At buildout, the project will include 153 residential units and nearly 15,000-square-feet of first floor retail and commercial space.
  • Germania Hall, 1311-1313 Vine Street, will receive $1.7 million in tax credits for a $7 million project that is expected to create 189 full-time jobs.
  • The Cincinnati Color Building, 1400 Vine Street, will receive $1.25 million in tax credits for a $14.1 million project that will move the Model Group's national headquarters from Walnut Hills.

ODOT analysis says 3C 'Quick Start' within 10 miles of 220K college students

More than 220,000 college and university students live within 10 miles of the Ohio's proposed "Quick Start" passenger rail service, according to an analysis by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).

The 250-mile rail corridor, which would connect Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus and Cleveland via existing rail lines, would run near 40 of the state's colleges and universities, including The Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati, the state's two largest with more than 89,000 students.

Ohio county land banking passes House committee

The Ohio House Local Government Committee has passed House Bill 313 (HB 313) out of committee by a 10-1 vote, bringing land banking authority for 28 Ohio counties closer to reality.

The legislation now goes to the full House for consideration.

CFP celebrates, plans to continue

Members of Cincinnatians for Progress, who helped defeat Issue 9 on November 3, gathered last week at City Cellars to celebrate their accomplishments and to plan for the future.

Originally intended to disband following the election, committee co-chairs Joe Sprengard and Bobby Maly said that the group will continue to exist in some form, citing the groundswell of creativity and support that it was able to muster in a few short months.

Wrecking Cincinnati, 12/14/09

1646 Otte Avenue, Northside
Single-family
DOB: 1895
Died: April 2009
Cause of death: Failing brick on left side of building, decaying lintels, roof leaks, missing windows and siding. According to City inspectors, it was in imminent danger of collapse.

The house was condemned in December 2007 and was declared a public nuisance in June 2008. It was razed by the City following asbestos abatement.

A criminal case against the owners is pending.

Remembering Cincinnati, 12/14/09

Two years ago:

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Peebles Corner rejuvenation could begin early next year

Walnut Hills community and business leaders hope to get moving on rejuvenating its E McMillan Street/Peebles Corner business district by the end of the first quarter of next year, a project that's been more than four years in the making.

The redevelopment project dates back to March 2005, when Walnut Hills received a $1 million windfall from Cincinnati City Council Anthem funds.

Cincinnati recommends one-year renewal of CAGIS agreement

Cincinnati City administration recommends extending the Cincinnati Area Geographic Information System (CAGIS) agreement for one more year, giving the participating parties time to evaluate the system.

Developed in 1995, CAGIS is a contractual agreement between the Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and Cincinnati Gas & Electric (now Duke Energy) to develop and manage a shared database of geographic and infrastructure data.

Tour homes, shop independent during Bellevue extravaganza

Celebrate a Victorian-style holiday season along luminary-lit Fairfield Avenue during Bellevue's Tour of Homes and Shopping Extravaganza this Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Bellevue Renaissance and the Bellevue Neighborhood Association are partnering to present the event, which will feature tours of four homes: 235 and 251 Berry Avenue, 271 Ward Avenue, and 254 Van Voast Avenue.

Wrecking Cincinnati, 12/9/09

6071 Hillside Avenue, Sayler Park
Single-family
DOB: 1959
Died: June 2009
Cause of death: Severe structural damage due to fire, missing windows, rotting debris.

The house was condemned in August 2007 and declared a public nuisance in June 2008. It was razed by the City.

Remembering Cincinnati, 12/9/09

Four years ago:


One year ago:
* Hover over the slideshow to bring up the controls. You may stop the slideshow by clicking on the square "stop" button, allowing you to scroll through the photos at your own leisure. To get a better view, click on each image to enlarge to 800 x 600. Photos will open in a new browser window.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

$17M in HOPE VI funding sought for Jacob Price redevelopment

The Housing Authority of Covington (HAC) has submitted an application for $17 million in funding through the federal HOPE VI program for the redevelopment of the Jacob Price Homes housing project in the city's Eastside neighborhood.

The redevelopment would redesign the 1930s-era, 6-acre superblock into a mixed-income community of 97 rental units, including 77 two-story townhouses, 8 single-story senior cottages, and 12 flats above 9,600 square feet of retail space.

Construction on Blue Ash's 'central park' unlikely until 2012-2013

Construction on Blue Ash's new "central park" is scheduled to begin in 2012-2013, but the city will begin work on preliminary planning and citizen engagement in the meantime.

To help fund the purchase of 130 acres of the Blue Ash Airport from the City of Cincinnati for a new performing arts and conference center, pedestrian plaza, walking trails and golf course, city voters passed Issue 15, a 0.25 percent earnings tax increase, by a 2-to-1 margin in November 2006.

OHFA launches affordable housing office

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) has launched it Office of Affordable Housing Research to help form and implement affordable housing policy and initiatives throughout the state.

The office will engage in several initiatives to utilize research-based data to prioritize statewide housing needs, inform policy, and ensure safe and decent accommodations for Ohio's low- and moderate-income families.

Wrecking Cincinnati, 12/8/09

4313 Colerain Avenue, Northside
Commercial
DOB: 1924
Died: June 2009
Cause of death: Razed as part of the Colerain/Virginia/West Fork intersection improvement project. The tire business was relocated to a building a couple hundred yards away on West Fork Road.

Remembering Cincinnati, 12/8/09

One year ago:

Monday, December 7, 2009

Opinions vary on Kenton hillside development

More than 120 people gave their opinions on how Kenton County's hillsides should be developed – or left pristine – Wednesday evening at Notre Dame Academy, the first of several planned public meetings for the Hills Project.

Using keypads to answer a series of multiple-choice questions, attendees were part of the beginning of an 18-month process to brainstorm ideas that will inform the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission (NKAPC) as it updates the county's comprehensive plan, which by law must be updated in 2011.

State rail agencies studying development around six 'Quick Start' stations

The initial six proposed stops for Ohio's "Quick Start" passenger rail service could become booming transportation and activity hubs, according to the Ohio Rail Development Coalition (ORDC) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).

Planners for both agencies have been studying the growth of multi-modal transit centers and transit-oriented development around stops on existing passenger rail lines.

State grants could improve safety on three Cincinnati corridors

Grants totaling $60,000 could help the City of Cincinnati's Department of Transportation and Engineering study impediments to traffic flow and safety at three "hot spot" accident locations.

An ordinance currently before council would allow the City to accept and appropriate the grants, administered through the Ohio Department of Public Safety, to take a look at Reading Road between Clinton Springs Avenue and Paddock Road, Reading Road between Avon Drive and the Norwood Lateral, and Glenway Avenue between Cleves Warsaw Pike and Ferguson Road.

CPA announces preservation award winners

The Cincinnati Preservation Association (CPA) has announced the winners of its 2009 Preservation Awards, presented last month at its annual meeting.

A Rehabilitation Award was presented for the renovation of "Les Tours", on Keys Crescent in East Walnut Hills. The five-year remodeling project removed much of the 1950s-era "updates", restoring the house to the elegance it enjoyed in the 1860s when it was built for haberdasher and gold mine heir Otto Luedeking and his wife Catherine.

Wrecking Cincinnati, 12/7/09

3922 River Road, Riverside
Multi-family
DOB: 1882
Died: May 2009
Cause of death: Damage from a 2004 fire, missing windows and siding, lack of utilities, trash and debris. The property required City barricading on several occasions.

Vacated by the City in 2005, it appears that some work was done to fix the fire damage, but work eventually stalled. The utilities were never hooked up. The listed owner was a no-show for pre-prosecution hearings, and a criminal case was never filed due to the inability to find him.

It was condemned in February 2007 and declared a public nuisance in October of the same year. The building was razed by the City.

Remembering Cincinnati, 12/7/09

Four years ago:


Two years ago:
* Hover over the slideshow to bring up the controls. You may stop the slideshow by clicking on the square "stop" button, allowing you to scroll through the photos at your own leisure. To get a better view, click on each image to enlarge to 800 x 600. Photos will open in a new browser window.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Avondale senior project seeking LEED tax break

Forest Square Apartments Limited Partnership (the Model Group) is seeking a Community Reinvestment Area LEED tax exemption agreement for the 21-unit Forest Square Senior Apartments, an infill project at the corner of Harvey and Rockdale avenues in Avondale.

The agreement would reduce the property tax liability of the $4.2 million project by approximately $898,000 over fifteen years.

DCD develops action plan for GO Cincinnati report

Cincinnati's Department of Community Development (DCD) has developed an action plan to implement GO Cincinnati, a plan for targeted, place-based development, workforce development, and transportation investments in the City.

Published in January 2008 following a year of planning, the plan has been used as a framework for informing some City policy decisions, but never has been adopted formally as an economic development strategy and has lacked the measurable metrics to ensure its success.

CRA agreement could aid in expansion of South Fairmount labs

Cincinnati City Council is considering the approval of a Community Reinvestment Area tax exemption agreement with MTK, Inc. for the expansion of Q Laboratories, Inc., a chemistry and microbiology product analysis and research firm located in South Fairmount.

The agreement would allow the company to construct a two-story, 9,000-square-foot building adjacent to its current headquarters at 1400 Harrison Avenue, nearly doubling its office and laboratory space.

CPA holiday trolley tours this Saturday

Cincinnati Preservation Association's (CPA) Architreks "Building Holidays Trolley Tour" takes place this Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Winding through Downtown and Over-the-Rhine, the tour utilizes architectural sites and historical information on Cincinnati institutions to illustrate the history of America's holiday traditions, including Jewish and Christian holiday customs and the contributions of the many ethnic groups that made Cincinnati home.

Wrecking Cincinnati, 12/3/09

2515 Beekman Avenue, South Fairmount
Two-family
DOB: 1873
Died: June 2009
Cause of death: A deteriorated rear of the building due to neglect and insect damage, collapsing exterior steps and front porch, and deteriorated or missing cornices, gutters and downspouts. The building required numerous calls to the City for barricading.

It was condemned in March 2005 and declared a public nuisance in August 2007, going through three ownership changes during that time. A criminal case was filed against the owner, but it was dismissed after he was entered into a diversion program. The property was subsequently purchased by an investor for $3,108.

In November 2007, it was condemned again. The City razed the structure following asbestos abatement.

Remembering Cincinnati, 12/3/09

Two years ago:

One year ago:

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

State rail group recommends DMUs for 3C 'Quick Start'

The Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) has recommended the use of diesel multiple unit (DMU) vehicles for the 3C Corridor "Quick Start" plan.

Last week, ORDC passed a motion asking its staff, and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), to explore the use of DMUs, and to have an equipment plan ready for when the state gets word on its application for $564 million in federal economic stimulus funding.

CRA tax exemption approved for new Medpace HQ

Cincinnati City Council has approved the execution of a Community Reinvestment Area LEED tax exemption agreement with RBM Development Company, LLC for the construction the new Medpace headquarters on the former site of the NuTone plant at Madison and Red Bank roads in Madisonville.

Following construction, Medpace will receive a 15-year, 100 percent property tax exemption from the increased assessed value of the 7.5-acre property in return for its purchase of the planned $15 million, 132,000-square-foot office building constructed to LEED standards.

City loan approved for Northside mixed-use project

Cincinnati City Council has passed an ordinance authorizing a forgivable loan of $140,000 to a Northside developer to rehabilitate a long-vacant mixed-use building.

MC3 Group, Ltd. plans to spend more than $661,000 to convert the 119-year-old building at 3925 Spring Grove Avenue, which once housed the Idle Hour Café, into four market-rate condominiums and approximately 1,695 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.

Statewide transit group gives Ohio grade of 'lump of coal'

Passenger rail and public transportation advocacy group All Aboard Ohio has surveyed Ohio's transportation landscape, and it doesn't like what it has found.

Last week, the group gave Ohio a holiday grade of "lump of coal" in its 2009 Ohio Transport Report Card (PDF), citing noticeable decreases in bus, train, and air travel options over the past 30 years.

Cincinnati on the hook for $352K in ineligible HOME expenditures

The City of Cincinnati will have to pay more than $350,000 for ineligible HOME program spending that was uncovered by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) audits.

The audits were part of HUD's administration of all programs utilizing federal HOME funds.

Bike lanes added to Dana Avenue

A recent resurfacing project has led to the addition of new bicycle lanes along a portion of Dana Avenue, part of the City of Cincinnati's attempts to create a more bike-friendly city.

Located between Madison Road and Grigg Avenue in Hyde Park, the new five-foot wide, striped lanes were created from the seven-lane roadway's right-of-way, reducing Dana Avenue to five vehicle lanes.

Preservation Ohio survey suggests better awareness, access to funding

Preservation Ohio, a statewide organization that works to preserve a sense of past and place in Ohio's downtowns, neighborhoods, and communities, has released some of the results of its 2009 fall survey.

Among the findings:

  • A lack of awareness of the benefits of historic preservation is considered the greatest threat to historic preservation and neighborhood revitalization in Ohio.
  • Revitalization of Ohio downtowns was the area of preservation of most interest to respondents.
  • Information on funding options is the primary service that a statewide preservation organization needs to address.

'Holidays at the Betts House' runs through January 6

Holiday festivities at Ohio's oldest brick house began last weekend, but there are plenty more opportunities to see it.

"Holidays at the Betts House", at 416 Clark Street in the West End, displays how five generations of the Betts family may have celebrated Christmas between the years 1804 and 1879.

Wrecking Cincinnati, 12/2/09

2650 Melrose Avenue, Walnut Hills
Two-family
DOB: 1910
Died: April 2009
Cause of death: Cracked and bulging concrete and masonry walls, broken lintels, and deterioration to the gutters, eves and downspouts.

It appears that the owner was deceased.

The building was condemned in February 2004 and declared a public nuisance in December 2006. It took two years to put together a demolition contract (possibly due to probate issues), but it was eventually razed by the City following asbestos abatement.

Remembering Cincinnati, 12/2/09

One year ago:

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Wrecking Cincinnati, 12/1/09

1977 Harrison Avenue, South Fairmount
Single-family
DOB: 1895
Died: July 2009
Cause of death: Deteriorated roof and gutters, cornice windows and stairs needing repair, half-boarded windows, water damage, severe concrete damage to the rear of the building, and no water or utilities. Heavy litter and high grass and weeds blighted the property.

The house was condemned in January 2007 and declared a public nuisance that May. Pre-prosecution hearings were underway, but a new owner emerged in late 2007, starting the entire process all over again.

It was razed by the City following asbestos abatement.

Remembering Cincinnati, 12/1/09

One year ago:

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