Council Observation

The council meeting I viewed was the Major Transportation and Infrastructure projects sub-committee on 2/1/11. The topic of this discourse was the update about Bridging Broadway. "Bridging Broadway is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to maximize the new casino’s positive effect on Greater Cincinnati. We achieve this mission by connecting stakeholders, sharing concerns, and promoting opportunities."

This discourse went over some of the aspects re the vision statement. Here are some general key points that are factored into the vision statement: pedestrian oriented; mixed use, residential, retail and arts; mixed incomes, not completely gentrified; economic development; connecting surrounding neighborhoods; Be an entertainment district.

The idea is to maintain what is there, connect to historic districts, have good neighbourhood policy, and create a green infrastructure for the development.

A lot of the conversation involved the 6 month research process and updates. The update was by Stephen Samuels, giving his Phase 1 update. He said it is in tandem with Leah’s team, 6 month scope of work, still in the research phase. 1^st half has been defining the study area, proposing primary corridors, looking at base line metrics and demographics, the 3 community dialogues, get the input (for qualitative data to go with the quantitative), to create the policy of: live, work, play. The data comes from every facet that will factor into the casino districts.

A lot of the discussion has been with the 5 surrounding neighbourhoods, Pendleton, central business district, OTR, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Auburn. Working with the community organizations, committees, and property owners. Another aspect has been looking at crime trends, doing a 4 year study. The idea is to look where the crime has moved. 

A lot of the conversation was on the visual ascetics of the surrounding areas, be that the physical infrastructure, lighting, safety, etc. Which is fascinating, because of the criteria in which they were rating the areas, because Art was not a factor. The reason for all of this is how to design routes and structures to accommodate the expected foot traffic around this new corridor.

About 45 minutes into the conversation they mention a little about the "Arts experience." No clue what that means. 

It seems like the overall point of this entertainment district is to overcome the barriers to entry of consumers to downtown. 

What do people get for participating? That is a powerful statement, and one that could be applied to the arts as a whole, not just this project.