CIncinnati's Defeat of Issue 48: One Step for The City; 2 Steps for The Region

You can tell me once and you can tell me twice; it has been far too land between posts. Its not like there has not been anything going on, but needless to say, the length between posts will not be nearly as far and few between moving forward.

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that Cincinnati just witnesses an upheaval in out City Council election this past November. Not to mention the defeat of Issue 48 which, if had passed, would have crippled the city from investing in an fixed rail operations for the next 10 years.

I helped a little with the campaign to do a way with this backwards issue and I wrote a small op-ed piece to show how bad it would be for the city if this issues was to pass.

Read the entire article here.

"The city of Cincinnati has long been seen as being several decades behind the times as quoted by the great American humorous Mark Twain. This sentiment is yet again being exemplified with the city's upcoming election where Issue 48 is up for vote. The passage of Issue 48 would eliminate the city's ability to develop transportation plans and other economic development projects for the next 10 years. In a time of economic turmoil and with uncertainty of how high gas prices will rise, the passage of this Issues in the Nov 2011 Election could be a detrimental blow for the City of Cincinnati.

Many who are in favor of the issue fear that if passenger rail, in the form of a street car, is allowed, it would take money away from other city initiatives like paying city police and fire fighters. This is definitely not true, The city of Cincinnati have procured allotted funds to develop passenger rail, and these funds are only ear marked for this purpose and this purpose only. If Issue 48 is passed, these earmarked monies will go to another region of the United States.

Though Issue 48 is not just about the development of a street car, the City of Cincinnati has proposed an initial street car route which connects the city's Downtown Business District with its uptown neighbor, home to The University of Cincinnati, University Hospital and a plethora of other city attractions; winding through the city's historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. All with the hopes that Issue 48 does not pass. Studies have shown that there has been considerable economic development on and around street car routes installed in other parts of the United States and Over-the-Rhine, with its historic construct and multitude of vacant buildings prime for development; should be no exception."

Read the entire article here.

The Power of Social Services and Big Business

Social services work directly with people in need, often in small groups and on an individual level. They are often organizations like the Boys/Girls Clubs, Cincinnati Community Action Agency, Mercy Housing and other community centers that collaborate with youth, families and the elderly to create and carry out recreation, service, arts and learning projects. These projects identify and nurture unique gifts and talents of each of the participants, and assist individually and collectively to find and grow their power.

At least that's how it's supposed to happen.

The Horseshoe Casino should take note. I know that, like most business owners, the main goal of the casino is to make a profit and to fatten the pockets of the owners. I understand that and I don't fault them for it. Who wouldn't want to get a large return for a multi-million dollar investment?

But there is something said about a business being a good and responsible neighbor. If you are in the position to aid in the support of your neighbors who are in need, I feel that you have some obligation to give back to the community. Not only will it better your own profits, but you will be doing a great thing for the community in which you reside.

Over-the-Rhine Says Goodbye to Fork Heart Knife

Ever since Cincinnati’s casino was set in stone to be planted in the heart of Over-the-Rhine, developers and entrepreneurs have been falling hand over fist trying to lay a claim in the area surrounding the new gambling spot. Eateries and drinkeries like Mixx Ultra Lounge, Neon’s Unplugged and Joe’s Diner opened its door in anticipation of the coming one-hand bandits.

Despite the fact that the casino is well over a year way from throwing out its first set of dice, one local favorite eating hole is closing its doors in just a few weeks.



Fork Heart Knife, the local eatery at the corner of Liberty and Main Streets opened its small but cozy space on May 5, 2010; planning only to deluge their fine, inexpensive cuisine only in the capacity of a catering kitchen and only swing open its doors to fed the masses with their excess food. With its appeal as a creating outlet for culinary delight, coupled with the resurgence of interest of the area, FHK’s popularity greatly surmounted all of their expectations. “I wouldn’t necessarily call them American or French,” says one local resident who has frequented the small and quant restaurant and stood in line along with dozens of others this past weekend just to sample one last taste of their cooking. “They are simply amazing!”



To add to its underground appeal, management of the small eatery has resisted growth and used the power of social media to announce their limited service hours and extraordinarily ever-changing menu; capitalizing on the pop-up restaurant craze that is all over parts of Europe and the Middle East.

In a desperate attempt to keep hold of their eccentric appeal, the restaurant which we all have grown to love will regrettably be closing its doors on May 5 of the this year, despite its current popularity and the coming economic boom; stating that growing to meet its current and future demand will dilute the quality of its fare.

Needles to say, as the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood begins to experience resurgence in economic prosperity and eclectic eccentricity, places like Fork Heart Knife are a rarity, and will be sorely missed.

The Queen City Takes A Bite Out Of The Economy

Cincinnati has been trying for a decade to recover from the mass Exodus of many entertainment establishments which began in the early 2000's and may have found hope in reinventing itself as an eclectic haven for food and festivals.

And this past weekend was a prime example.

Bock Fest Friday Night

The streets of Over-the-Rhine were filled with people celebrating Cincinnati's brewing heritage and the coming of spring. It's kickoff parade led thousands of people to Bock Fest hall located in the old Husman Factory located just north of Liberty; where several awards for parade entrants were handed out.

Joe's Diner Saturday

Joe's opened last year, bringing back traditional American fare at an affordable price. Its a perfect place to get a "morning-after" meal without breaking the bank.

Make Your Own Omelet

Sausage, Mushrooms, Onions and Smoked Gouda

&

Hash browns

Fork Heart Knife Sunday

Stepping up the culinary competition, Fork Heart Knife is a welcomed addition to the hum-drum normalcy that we have grown accustomed to here in The Queen City. It's intimate dinning area, affordable prices and ever changing menu only add to its appeal.

Biscuit with Sausage/Squash Gravy

&

Roasted Red Potatoes

I have to say that the casino will only add to the area's appeal and hopefully, more fuel will be added to the economic fire; using food and festival as fodder.

What's Your favorite Place to eat in Over-the-Rhine?

Go Behind The Scences at The Horseshoe Casino Ground-breaking

Unless you were lucky enough to be one of the hundred or so invitees to attend the ground breaking of the Horseshoe Casino earlier this month, there were few venues where you could get a first hand experience as to what occurred during the ground-breaking ceremony. Check it out here.

Affects of Casino Gaming on Local Economies: Revisited

Here is a study on the affects of Casino Gaming on local economies created about two decades ago. Man how things have changed.

Abstracts:

"Casino gaming has experienced dramatic growth in the United States during the past seven years. Because this growth has occurred recently, there have been a few systematic studies of its effects. This paper uses quasi-experimental control group methods to study sixties-eight counties where casinos were opened during the period of 1989 - 1993 and three multi-casino counties.

Results show that casino is adopted by economically struggling counties and that it can be a successful development strategy. The effects trickle down to other aspects of the economy, including recipients of income maintenance payments. On the downside, local governments and local workers do not appear to reap the lion's share of the benefits, as much of the income generated by casinos is disseminated through leakages outside the host counties.

Finally some casino types and locations are marginally better than others, but these factors are not prominent determinants of casino effects at this time."

Read the entire report here.

Bridging Broadway Blast! at The Drinkery

Just over a week ago, Bridging Broadway conducted its 2nd of 3 open community forums to solicit feedback to further their study of the 1/2 mile impact area surrounding Broadway Commons.

On the heels of this, the organization will be capitalizing on the official groundbreaking of the Casino this Friday, from 6pm to 8pm at The Drinkery located at the corner of 12th and Main Streets in OTR.

The $5 suggested donation gets you in to the event, FREE appetizers, a drink ticket and a chance to win a multitude of door prizes.

For more information, check out their website.

See you there!