Bridging Broadway Transportation Sub-Committee Meeting

On February 1^st, Stephen Samuels headed a presentation at a meeting of the Major Transportation & Infrastructure Projects Sub-Committee at City Hall on the work of Bridging Broadway and the exploration of different ways to capitalize on the potential economic and social benefits of the casino for the surrounding community. One of the project's main goals is to ensure that steps are taken to improve the area both residentially and commercially, as well as increasing the use/exposure of art downtown.

Much of the presentation focused on data that was gathered as far as crime levels and the conditions of streets and sidewalks. This data is being used to evaluate possible “corridors” leading to/from the casino that could be improved or incorporated into a large-scale plan to increase the benefit of the casino to the downtown area. The areas studied include Pendleton, OTR, Central Business District, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Auburn.

I thought the presentation was extremely well-organized and well-presented. The data presented was compelling and interesting, and the fact that so many possibilities exist to take advantage of the new casino is really exciting. I know we've had many discussions in class about “branding” Cincinnati and finding ways to share its positive features so that it can grow and become a more diverse community – I hope that the developments surrounding the casino will be a jump-start in the right direction. The 3^rd and final community dialog for Bridging Broadway is being held this Saturday at the VLT Community Annex, and all members of the community are invited to attend.

http://bridgingbroadway.com/2011/03/new-bridging-broadway-dialogue-3/