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Sunday, January 09, 2005 - 04:57 PM
Technology to diverse incomes, caution against gentrification
By Barry Gee
As City Council gets bogged down with infighting over whose budget is better and how much snow removal we really need, any hope for creative planning to turn the city around goes out the window. Fortunately, some communities are taking matters into their own hands, particularly Walnut Hills.
In November the community announced the launch of a WiFi network. The network utilizes existing sites used for the security cameras that the community council has installed over the last several years. The network is owned by a consortium of community groups and was built with no government dollars.
One frequent criticism of Creative Class theory is that it is geared toward and dependent on people that can afford the latest technology, therefore furthering the technological divide. This WiFi program addresses that by obtaining funds to provide free access to low-income residents. This network exemplifies a forward thinking approach to building community.
In addition to the WiFi network, Walnut Hills also home to several exciting redevelopment projects such as the Ford Factory on Lincoln, Essex Studios on E. McMillan, and countless housing projects.
Redevelopment is often a precursor to gentrification, but Walnut Hills is careful to address that issue. The Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation is reclaiming blighted spaces and turning them in to affordable housing. The Foundation currently manages over 100 units with more planned, including home ownership units.
Crime continues to be an issue in the area, a point driven home recently by a highly publicized, particularly brutal robbery of the Sun Discount store on Gilbert. Statistics on the Cincinnati Police Department’s website show that serious crime in Walnut Hills is holding near steady with a possible slight decline in 2004 versus 2003.
The community is also very active in addressing crime through the formation of a Community Problem Oriented Policing, or CPOP team in the community. These teams, born out of the Collaborative Agreement signed after the 2001 riots, seek to involve the residents more in the decisions related to crime prevention in the neighborhood. In addition, the Walnut Hills Area Council had security cameras installed through a pilot program of the city’s Safe and Clean Neighborhood Fund.
Active communities are essential if we are going to stop the exodus from the city. Walnut Hills fits that bill and is continuing to make improvements to the area. Walnut Hills is fortunate to have the Walnut Hills Area Council, Walnut Hills Redevelopment Fund and the Walnut Hills Business Association all working together to better the community. The Walnut Hills Area Council is headed by Kathy Atkinson, with whom I sit on the city’s Human Services Advisory Committee. I can attest that the community is in good hands, as Kathy is one of the leading community activists in town. I know she will help ensure continued improvements for her community.
For a taste of what the area is all about I recommend the following places:
Greenwich Tavern, 2440 Gilbert Ave. 221-1151 – An eclectic, diverse crowd attends a wide array of jazz, spoken word and open mic performances at the Greenwich. The open mics are on from 9PM to 9AM one weekend a month and always draw talented performers (including Councilmember Christopher Smitherman). The place even has an upstairs art gallery.
Andy’s Mediterranean, 906 Nassau St. 281-9791 – I’ve had many a great time and great meal here. We have been there on our After5 Walks and I can attest that Andy always makes it an experience, not just a meal. Be sure to smoke the hookah.
ZZ’s Pizza, 2401 Gilbert Ave. 559-0926 – A mainstay in the area, ZZ’s serves up gourmet pizzas as well as salads, hoagies and pasta. I’m going to also let out a secret. ZZ’s has the best pie in town, made fresh by the owner. I highly recommend the butterscotch.
Brew House, 1047 E. McMillan Ave. 961-9058 – Named Cincinnati’s Best Dive on a number of occasions, the Brew House has great bar food, killer juke box and a racially mixed crowd that has many neighborhood folks as well as outsiders who swear by the place. They also have music, including folk, rock and bluegrass. I get here at least at least once a month for the Cincy Blues Society meetings (every third Tuesday) and it is always a party atmosphere. Food and service are always good.
Essex Studios, corner of McMillan and Essex Place – Trent Heimann has turned an old manufacturing plant into a haven for artists, actors, photographers and other creative types. Now the American Sign Museum is open there.
American Sign Museum at Essex Studios 513-421-2050, ext. 336 or 513-258-4020 – Opened in October, with a grand opening set for April 28, 2005 the museum will restore and display those icons of advertising such as one of the giant Big Boys.
Ford Factory, 660 Lincoln – Drive by and admire this superior renovation of an old Ford Motor Co. Model T assembly plant. This development was recognized with an award from the Cincinnati Preservation Association. Those of us who drove by this building when it was in eyesore condition are amazed at the transformation. For more info, read this following article from the Business Courier.
Links
· Cincinnati Advance
· NeighborhoodWorks.net – The coalition of Walnut Hills area groups responsible for the WiFi network.
· Neighborhood Development Corporations Associations of Cincinnati (Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation)
· Community Problem Oriented Policing (CPOP)
· City of Cincinnati Human Services Advisory Committee
Contact Information
· barryg@queencityforum.com
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