Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Wrecking Cincinnati: 6607 Madison Rd

NEIGHBORHOOD: Madisonville
YEAR BUILT: 1894
USE: Single-family dwelling
OWNER: Woeste Investments Ltd
ASSESSED VALUE: $88,330
ORDERS: --
CONDEMNED: --
HAZARD: --
REASON RAZED: Apparently demolished for the expansion of Volvo of Cincinnati at Tmacs.


Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Brown supports bipartisan brownfields bill

Earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) outlined his support for the Brownfields Utilization, Investment, and Local Development Act of 2013 (BUILD Act), new legislation that would provide additional tools and resources to communities working to redevelop brownfields.

Redevelopment of these abandoned industrial and commercial sites can be problematic due to complications and additional costs arising from hazardous substances, pollutants, or other contaminants that must be remediated before reinvestment can occur.

County website aims to make building process smoother

Hamilton County has launched a new website to help guide prospective developers through the county's permitting and building process.

Building Hamilton County features step-by-step directions for common projects, answers to frequently asked questions, and links to permit applications.

ODOT accepting public comment on Lytle Tunnel project through Aug. 6

The --> --> --> and the Federal Highway Administration presented plans for a $22.1 million improvement project during an open house held last Tuesday at the Guilford Institute.

The two-phased project, scheduled to begin next April and to be completed in late 2016, is needed to bring the tunnel up to current fire codes and design standards.

Wrecking Cincinnati: 1077 Richwood Ave

NEIGHBORHOOD: Mount Lookout
YEAR BUILT: 1952
USE: Single-family dwelling
OWNER: ‎Black Diamond Construction Company
ASSESSED VALUE: $193,540
ORDERS: --
CONDEMNED: --
HAZARD: --
REASON RAZED: Demolished for the construction of a new four-bedroom single-family home, currently on the market for $699,000 and listed as "sale pending".


Monday, July 29, 2013

High-impact Covington projects represent 'longer view' of financing

Two high-impact development projects around Covington's Pike Street corridor were highlighted last Tuesday at the Artisans Enterprise Center.

The rehabilitation of the Pike Star Building at into commercial and residential space and a building at into the 15-unit Market Lofts are the first two projects to utilize funding committed by the Catalytic Development Funding Corp. of Northern Kentucky (Catalytic Fund).

Wrecking Cincinnati: 3201 McHenry Ave

NEIGHBORHOOD: Westwood
YEAR BUILT: 1911
USE: Single-family dwelling
OWNER: Equity Trust Company (Elyria, OH)
ASSESSED VALUE: $6,000
ORDERS: Ordered vacated and barricaded following a two-alarm fire on January 24, 2013, causing an estimated $50,000 in fire damage to the house's first floor and extensive smoke damage throughout. Two adults and three children were displaced, and one of the adults suffered minor injuries.
CONDEMNED: --
HAZARD: --
REASON RAZED: Demolished by the owner to close out orders.


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Wrecking Cincinnati: 5604 Colerain Ave

NEIGHBORHOOD: Mount Airy
YEAR BUILT: 1939
USE: Single-family dwelling
OWNER: Anthony V. Costa
ASSESSED VALUE: $20,000
ORDERS: --
CONDEMNED: December 2012, following a one-alarm fire that caused an estimated $50,000 in damage to the roof decking, shingles, rafters, gutters and downspouts, cornice, siding, and windows, plus interior damage to the plaster walls and ceilings, wall framing, and floor joists. The first floor collapsed into the basement. Utility service and mechanical systems were compromised. A civil fine was issued in February 2013.
HAZARD: April 2013.
REASON RAZED: Declared a public nuisance and entered into the City's hazard abatement program. Demolished using Moving Ohio Forward program funding. Smashed to the earth in front of dozens, in the rain, to close out Mt. Airy's Neighborhood Enhancement Program.


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

$3B Kasich transportation proposal would speed up MLK, I-75 projects

Ohio Gov. John Kasich has unveiled a $3 billion plan to improve the state's transportation infrastructure, which could remove delays in getting more than three dozen projects built, including a new and the expansion of I-75.

Under Kasich's Jobs and Transportation Plan, the funding would be spread out over six years. Half of the funding would come from bonds backed by toll revenues, which would be applied to projects in northern Ohio – freeing up other funding for projects in other parts of the state.

Area home sales up for 24th straight month

Cincinnati area home sales over the first six months of 2013 increased by 21 percent compared to the first six months of 2012, and June 2013 sales are up 21.5 percent compared to June 2012, according to new numbers from the ‎Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors (CABR).

Home sales are also up 2.3 percent compared to last month's, making June the 24th consecutive month of increased sales. Nationally, seasonally adjusted home sales declined by 1.2 percent, largely due to the effects of rising mortgage rates in some of the country's more expensive markets.

City gathering input on Central Parkway cycle tracks

Cincinnati's Department of Transportation and Engineering (DOTE) is exploring bikeways along Central Parkway and is soliciting – or a "no build" option – throughout the summer.

The options, which would be installed next year along the four miles of roadway between Elm Street and Ludlow Avenue, include a two-way cycle track on the west side of the street, a one-way cycle track on each side of the street, and a one-way bike lane on each side of the street.

Wrecking Cincinnati: 1923 Riverside Dr

NEIGHBORHOOD: East End
YEAR BUILT: 1890
USE: Single-family dwelling
OWNER: Gerald R. Burns, trustee
ASSESSED VALUE: $87,870
ORDERS: August 2006, for exterior doors, broken windows, exterior paint, siding, and gutters and downspouts. Orders reissued in April 2007 for exterior doors, windows, exterior paing, and siding. Compliance was achieved in September 2007. Orders reissued in May 2010 for siding, guardrails, windows, exterior paint, electric service entrance, gutters and downspouts, chimney, flashing, roof, and retaining wall. Closed with compliance in August 2012.
CONDEMNED: --
HAZARD: --
REASON RAZED: Razed to continue the development of Mark Greene Construction's single-family home project (unconfirmed), with three homes sold for between $643,000 and $743,000.


Monday, July 22, 2013

Camp Washington first CDC to acquire land banked property, buyer identified

The Camp Washington Community Board is the first community development corporation to acquire a property through the ‎Hamilton County Land Reutilization Corporation's land bank program, according to a media release issued Friday.

The nonprofit has acquired the two-family dwelling at , which has been abandoned since 2008 and was tied up in foreclosure. It plans to rehabilitate and sell the house, and a prospective family already has been lined up to help design and purchase it.

Duke grants $10K to Southbank to convert culvert to park

Duke Energy has awarded a $10,000 grant to for the Taylor Creek Overlook, a $1.8 million park project that will eventually become part of the larger hike-bike trail system.

The new park is being developed on land on the Newport-Bellevue line and will feature sculptures, benches, and telescopes, along with trees and other landscaping.

Cranewoods' upscale Woodland Vistas its latest 'fix'

An unfinished development project with commanding views is closer to new life as an upscale townhome community.

On Thursday, Cranewoods Development got approval from the on a major adjustment to a planned multiple residence district to redevelop the former Gatewood Gardens condominium development into the $12 million, 16-unit Woodland Vistas, which will feature units of between 2,900 and 3,300 square feet and priced between $500,000 and $800,000.

Department of Community Development wins statewide award

The City of Cincinnati Department of Community Development (DCD) has been named Community Development Department of the Year by the Ohio Conference of Community Development, Inc. (OCCD), an association of more than 160 community and economic development professionals across the state.

DCD was among five winners in the OCCD's inaugural Member Awards. DCD's director, Michael Cervay, also was named as a co-winner in the Community Development Professional of the Year category.

Knox Hill: Zahn Row demolition would be 'counterproductive'

A plan is in place to restore the historic Alber Zahn Row in South Fairmount, but the Moving Ohio Forward demolition program may stand in its way.

The property, which is located at , consists of four attached Italianate, shotgun-style row houses. The houses were built as an investment in 1886 by Russian immigrant and Cincinnati merchant Alber Zahn and were later occupied by workers of the nearby Lunkenheimer Valve Company and Cincinnati Midwest Textile Company.

Wrecking Cincinnati: 2280 Harrison Ave

NEIGHBORHOOD: Westwood
YEAR BUILT: 1960
USE: Multi-family dwelling (36 units)
OWNER: Hopewell Holdings LLC (Sheffield Lake, OH)
ASSESSED VALUE: $83,500
ORDERS: August 2007, for a non-functioning toilet and exterior doors. A civil fine was issued in December 2007. In January 2008, orders were issued for litter, insect and rodent infestation, a defective water heater and no hot water, paint and wallpaper, smoke detectors, and exterior doors. One month later, it was discovered that tenants were using space heaters for heat. Some tenants were relocated that April. Orders were issued for exterior doors and windows in August 2008. In February 2009, another civil fine was issued. The buildings were ordered vacated and barricaded in June 2009, adding electrical damage and missing downspouts. Orders were reissued to a new owner in April 2010.
CONDEMNED: June 2010. A criminal case was filed in November 2010, and diversion was granted nine months later. Some work was done. In June 2012, the owner told City inspectors that the property was "rock solid" but that financial markets were tight, so a full rehabilitation would have to wait.
HAZARD: February 2013, due to missing and vandalized mechanical systems, severe interior vandalism, missing downspouts, exterior paint, missing and broken windows, high weeds and litter. Tax delinquent.
REASON RAZED: Declared a public nuisance and entered into the City's hazard abatement program. Demolished using Moving Ohio Forward program funding.


Friday, July 19, 2013

Pichlers' gift will support water features at Smale

The most recent in a string of gifts to the Cincinnati Parks Foundation will support the construction of new fountains and water features at Smale Riverfront Park.

The Cincinnati Park Board announced on Tuesday the donation from Joe and Susan Pichler. The amount of the gift was not disclosed.

St. Leger, scene of crime and violence, makes way for St. Ambrose

On Wednesday morning, the community of Evanston celebrated new beginnings with the demolition of the St. Leger Apartments, a property that has long been a symbol of crime, violence, and hopelessness in the neighborhood.

In its place will rise the St. Ambrose Apartments, a 26-unit combination of affordable townhouses and flats being developed by the Model Group.

Wrecking Cincinnati: 956 Mansion Ave

NEIGHBORHOOD: East Price Hill
YEAR BUILT: 1885
USE: Single-family dwelling
OWNER: David R. Muenchen
ASSESSED VALUE: $30,100
ORDERS: --
CONDEMNED: July 2010, for missing mortar joints and loose brick, a deteriorated chimney, gutters, cornice, and deck. By September 2011, the owner was attempting to sell the property through a short sale. A criminal case was filed in March 2012.
HAZARD: July 2012. Tax delinquent.
REASON RAZED: Declared a public nuisance and entered into the City's hazard abatement program.


You can name Cincinnati's newest street

The City of Cincinnati is giving you the chance to name its newest street through an .

The new street, which is being created as part of the $35 million Kennedy Connector project, will help tie the new section of Kennedy Avenue into I-71 southbound and the Norwood Lateral. It will also link to Ridge and Alamo avenues, providing highway access for both of those streets.

Kenton Co commission approves draft goals of new comprehensive plan

The Kenton County Planning Commission (KCPC) unanimously approved a new statement of goals and objectives in the draft Direction 2030 comprehensive plan, and its approval now rests with the county's 20 local jurisdictions.

The jurisdictions now have 90 days to take action on the recommended language. A failure to act within 90 days will be considered approval.

City signs contract for streetcar construction

The City of Cincinnati has signed a contract for $71.4 million for the construction of the first phase of its streetcar project and has set an anticipated opening date of September 15, 2016.

The contract with the joint venture of Messer Construction, Prus Construction and Delta Railroad Construction, Inc. means that it now can begin preparation for construction of the tracks, maintenance and operations facility, power system, and station stops.

Wrecking Cincinnati: 1262 Rutledge Ave

NEIGHBORHOOD: West Price Hill
YEAR BUILT: 1929
USE: Two-family dwelling
OWNER: Rutledge Management Inc.
ASSESSED VALUE: $84,780
ORDERS: October 2008, ordered vacated and barricaded due to interior vandalism, significant moisture damage, a failing rear deck structure, and litter. All of the building's copper and heating equipment had been stolen.
CONDEMNED: May 2010, adding gutters and downspouts, porch guard rails, defective masonry, broken windows and doors, deteriorated paint, and electrical service entrance. A criminal case was filed in June 2010, but was dismissed one month later for want of prosecution.
HAZARD: May 2012, adding high weeds.
REASON RAZED: Declared a public nuisance and entered into the City's hazard abatement program.


Thursday, July 18, 2013

Planning Commission Friday: Corryville and Northside residential projects

Six items appear on the agenda of the Cincinnati City Planning Commission's next meeting, to be held tomorrow morning at 9 A.M. on the seventh floor of Centennial Two, located Downtown at .

The agenda includes reports and recommendations on:

Wrecking Cincinnati: 4528 Hamilton Ave

NEIGHBORHOOD: Northside
YEAR BUILT: 1963
USE: Multi-family dwelling (25 units)
OWNER: Hamilton County Land Reutilization Corporation
ASSESSED VALUE: $438,060
ORDERS: July 2001, for paint and wallpaper, plaster, fire separations and fire doors. No heat or water at various points in 2002. Added water leaks and damage and roof in December 2002. In March 2004, the property was cited for defective plumbing. A month later, the property was cited for defective plumbing, sinks, paint and wallpaper, water leaks and damage, plaster, and broken windows in Apt. 7. It also was cited for plaster, closet doors, smoke detectors, baths and showers, paint and wallpaper, and water leaks and damage in Apt. 2 and Apt. 14. Cited in May 2004 for unsafe floor surfaces, unsecured cabinets, paint and wallpaper, water leaks and damage, plaster, smoke detectors, and roof. Cited again in August 2004 for fire separations and water leaks and damage, resulting in mold. Apt. 24 was ordered vacated in August 2004, citing paint and wallpaper, plaster, fire separations, fire doors, and a collapsed roof. Apt. 27 was cited for sink, bath/shower, toilet, roof, and water leaks and damage. In June 2005, Apt. 16 was cited for doors, heating, and fire doors, and the owners were cited for a faulty retaining wall. Retaining wall orders issued to new owner in December 2005, after the building went into receivership. Reissued to yet another new owner in May 2006. Ordered vacated and barricaded in August 2007, with broken out windows, no utilities, and heavy vandalism. A criminal case was filed in October 2008, and housing diversion was granted in February 2009.
CONDEMNED: October 2008, signs of attempted arson.
HAZARD: April 2009, but restored to Vacant Building Maintenance License (VBML) compliance and removed from the list in May 2009. The owner alerted the City that she was having financial issues and, facing constant vandalism to the property, decided not to rehabilitate it. Condemned again in March 2012, citing broken and missing windows and doors, a failing retaining wall, missing and vandalized mechanical systems, no utilities, high weeds, litter, and graffiti. Declared a public nuisance again in October 2012. Acquired by the Land Bank in February 2013.
REASON RAZED: Demolished by the Hamilton County Land Reutilization Corp. to close out orders.


Wrecking Cincinnati: 2617 W Eighth St

NEIGHBORHOOD: East Price Hill
YEAR BUILT: 1924
USE: Two-family dwelling
OWNER: Justin A. Maiden
ASSESSED VALUE: $23,000
ORDERS: March 2008, for front porch and hazardous entry. A criminal case was filed in October 2009. The owner said that the building was in foreclosure. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail, suspended, plus one year of probation and court costs. The property was ordered vacated in October 2010. In January 2011, it was found to be occupied by at least six tenants.
CONDEMNED: May 2011, to new and current owner, adding broken and missing windows and doors, soffits, hazardous garage, high weeds, and litter. A civil fine was issued in September 2011.
HAZARD: November 2011, adding gutters and downspouts.
REASON RAZED: Declared a public nuisance and entered into the City's hazard abatement program.


Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Wrecking Cincinnati: 1931 Seymour Ave

NEIGHBORHOOD: Bond Hill
YEAR BUILT: 1956
USE: Retail/restaurant
OWNER: Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority
ASSESSED VALUE: $119,890
ORDERS:
CONDEMNED:
HAZARD:
REASON RAZED: Demolished for redevelopment of the 23-acre Jordan Crossing site, an estimated $75 million project that will include office, retail, and residential uses. The redevelopment also could include a hotel.


Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Historic Oakley train station meets its fate

A historic passenger rail depot in Oakley has been demolished after attempts to move it failed.

Cincinnati Preservation Association (CPA) acquired the property in 2011 as the community sought a new site and end user for the 960-square-foot structure, which was built in 1871* by the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad and later became a major stop along the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.

Voluntary safe student housing inspections begin

A voluntary program meant to highlight fire-safe rental properties launched on July 2 in Corryville.

The began inspecting properties as part of the Cincinnati Safe Student Housing program, a list of off-campus housing properties for college students that meet existing fire safety codes.

Cincinnati riverfront continues to win awards

Cincinnati's riverfront efforts continue to garner national and international attention, picking up two more awards over the past month.

On June 28, the International Parking Institute honored the Central Riverfront Garage with its Award of Excellence for having the best design of a parking facility with more than 800 spaces.

College Hill selected for 2014 CitiRama

A plot of land in College Hill has been selected as the site of the twelfth CitiRama home show, scheduled for September 2014.

Developers T.J. Ackermann and the Meierjohan Building Group plan 24 new homes on the 7.5-acre site, which is located behind current owner Renew Community Church and is accessible .

Wrecking Cincinnati: 15 Juergens Ave

NEIGHBORHOOD: Clifton
YEAR BUILT: 1880
USE: Two-family dwelling
OWNER: 2358 Harrison Ave LLC
ASSESSED VALUE: $4,000
ORDERS: --
CONDEMNED: March 2012, vacant and deteriorated and cited for foundation failure, sill rot, rotten exterior wall framing and holes, broken and missing windows and doors, gutters and downspouts, soffit, litter, and signs of interior vandalism and water damage.
HAZARD: October 2012, adding cornice and roof. Tax delinquent. A civil fine was issued in August 2012. In December 2012, a potential buyer was informed of the building's condition and told that the owner's permission would be needed to get inside for an inspection. Property acquired by current owner in January 2013.
REASON RAZED: Declared a public nuisance and entered into the City's hazard abatement program.


Monday, July 15, 2013

9 projects, including Bartlett and SCPA, win state tax credits

On June 27, nine Cincinnati projects were awarded more than $9 million to move their developments forward as part of the tenth round of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit (OHPTC) program.

The bi-annual OHPTC program provides 25 percent of qualified rehabilitation expenditures to owners or lessees of buildings located on the National Register of Historic Places or within a National Register Historic District, a U.S. National Park Service certified historic district, a Certified Local Government historic district, or listed as a local landmark by a Certified Local Government.

$54M University Station has financing, is set to go

Site work is scheduled to begin soon at the $54 million University Station development, a mixed-use project straddling the Cincinnati-Norwood line near Xavier University.

Co-developers Ackermann Group and Messer Construction Co. have announced that funding has been secured for the 20-acre project through a lead loan from U.S. Bank and federal New Markets Tax Credits. Tax increment financing (TIF) funds from the City of Norwood will pay for public improvements in and around the site.

Wrecking Cincinnati: 3181 Saffer St

NEIGHBORHOOD: Westwood
YEAR BUILT: 1928
USE: Single-family dwelling
OWNER: Marilyn A. Jones
ASSESSED VALUE: $35,070
ORDERS: January 2011, ordered vacated and barricaded, citing gutters, soffit, and siding. A civil fine was issued in April 2012. The property was forfeited to the state in August 2012.
CONDEMNED: August 2012, citing vandalism, a deteriorated roof, gutters and downspouts, exterior paint, rotting floorboards on the front porch, missing and vandalized mechanicals, and a lack of utility service.
HAZARD: January 2013, adding broken and missing windows, high weeds, and litter. Tax delinquent.
REASON RAZED: Declared a public nuisance and entered into the City's hazard abatement program.


Urban Conservator hearings today on 24 properties; 18 buildings declared a public nuisance

The City of Cincinnati's Urban Conservator, Larry Harris, will hold a public hearing today at 9 A.M., Centennial Two, , Suite 720, to determine the historic significance of 24 buildings that have been condemned and/or declared a public nuisance and entered into the City's hazard abatement program.

All of the following buildings are more than 50 years old and subject to review under Section 1101-57.1(1) of the Cincinnati Municipal Code:

  • , Carthage (single-family, 1885)
  • , Carthage (single-family, 1905)
  • , Bond Hill (two-family, 1918)
  • , Mount Lookout (single-family, 1928)
  • , North Fairmount (single-family, 1900)

Friday, July 12, 2013

City will support 'parklets'

The City of Cincinnati will pursue a pilot "parklet" program, centered around Downtown and Over-the-Rhine.

Parklets are typically the temporary use of parking spaces, bus stops, or other spaces for parks, green space, or other occupation within the public right-of-way. The public spaces are privately maintained, and meter fees will continue to apply.

City provides $28K for neighborhood programs previously administered by Invest in Neighborhoods

On June 26, Cincinnati City Council authorized a payment of $28,027.77 to Invest In Neighborhoods (IIN) as a moral obligation to several community councils under the Neighborhood Support Program and the Neighborhood Business District Support Program.

The City has typically contracted with IIN to administer the programs, but decided to move administration of the programs into the Department of Community Development for fiscal year 2013.

Walker St retaining wall, landslide problem to be addressed

More than four years after the residents of Walker Street in Mount Auburn pushed for a retaining wall that would protect their properties, the City has finally found the funding to make it work.

A special assessment of $637,000 has been levied for the properties for more than 378 feet of frontage .

Wrecking Cincinnati: 2612 Knorr Ave

NEIGHBORHOOD: South Fairmount
YEAR BUILT: 1909
USE: Single-family dwelling
OWNER: Trishia Ethridge, trustee
ASSESSED VALUE: $19,540
ORDERS: December 2008, for defective siding and weather-tightness. Ordered vacated and barricaded in August 2009, having been open to trespassers and its mechanical systems missing or vandalized.
CONDEMNED: November 2009, adding a cracked and collapsing rear foundation wall, broken and missing downspouts, and litter and debris. A civil fine was issued in September 2011, and another in March 2012. No contact from owner, likely abandoned. No attempt to prosecute.
HAZARD: October 2012. Tax delinquent.
REASON RAZED: Declared a public nuisance and entered into the City's hazard abatement program.


City land sale to help Evanston nonprofit

Cincinnati City Council on June 26 agreed to sell a piece of property to an Evanston nonprofit for a planned expansion and parking lot project.

The City will sell 0.157 acres of vacant land at to Hope Offered to People Everywhere (HOPE) for $1, which will allow the affiliate of God's Greater Glory Apostolic Church to construct a new entrance to its building, a dedicated sanctuary, and an expansion that can accommodate its educational, child care, food pantry, and job training programs for children and families.

City keeps Anthem in East Walnut Hills; Property investment will add 75 jobs

A Property Investment Reimbursement Agreement between the City and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ensures that the company will keep 325 jobs in East Walnut Hills and create at least 75 jobs within the next three years.

The agreement means that the City will provide a $300,000 forgivable loan up front and up to $1.25 million over five years, with the annual payments limited to 65 percent of the income tax revenue generated from the new jobs. In return, Anthem will invest $1.55 million into its facility at and agrees to retain the jobs on the site for at least 10 years.

Elm Street senior housing now pursuing LEED Silver

Cincinnati City Council on June 26 approved a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) LEED tax exemption agreement with Over-the-Rhine Community Housing affiliate Elm St. Senior Housing, Ltd. for its senior housing project, currently under construction at .

The $3.99 million project will convert the Over-the-Rhine building into 15 units of supportive housing for low-income elderly residents and will represent the first project of its kind in the neighborhood.

Wrecking Cincinnati: 958 Mansion Ave

NEIGHBORHOOD: East Price Hill
YEAR BUILT: 1885
USE: Single-family dwelling
OWNER: John P. Jones
ASSESSED VALUE: $39,850
ORDERS: May 2002, for defective plumbing lines, water leaks and damage, cabinets, electric fixtures, sink, roof, and cornice. Reissued in April 2007 for exterior paint, cornice, gutters and downspouts.
CONDEMNED: July 2010, for a bulged and leaning rear masonry wall, gutters, electric service entrance, cornice and soffits, guard rails, broken and open windows, and high weeds and litter. A civil fine was issued in August 2011, and the then-owner presented bankruptcy documents. A criminal case was filed in December 2011. Forfeited land sale.
HAZARD: November 2011.
REASON RAZED: Declared a public nuisance and entered into the City's hazard abatement program.


Thursday, July 11, 2013

Metro, Green Umbrella partner with parks to connect them by bus

Accessing park and recreation facilities in Cincinnati and Hamilton County via environmentally-friendly transit just became easier with Metro's new Guide to Green Fun.

The new brochure helps guide bus riders to 37 locations offering healthy and green activities. New, large bus stop signs will mark each attraction, much like the one installed yesterday morning at Washington Park.

State board approves $4.2M for I-71/MLK property acquisition

The Ohio Controlling Board on Monday approved $4.2 million for property appraisal and acquisition for the new interchange.

The funding, of which 80 percent comes from federal sources and 20 percent comes from state sources, will be split evenly between the firms of DLZ Ohio Inc. of Columbus, Heritage Land Services Inc. of Westerville, and O.R. Colan Associates of Florida LLC of Fairview Park.

Group hopes to slow state-funded demolitions, put properties in rehabber's hands

A group of a dozen preservation-minded Cincinnatians met Monday evening in the ‎MOTR Pub's Sword Room in Over-the-Rhine to try to slow what they feel is a program that lacks transparency and is actually doing more harm than good in many City neighborhoods.

At issue is the Moving Ohio Forward program, created last year by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine's office following a $25 billion settlement between the states and five of the nation's largest servicers regarding foreclosure abuses, fraud, and deceptive practices. Of the $330 million allocated to the state, $75 million was directed into the program to demolish abandoned, vacant, and blighted residential structures.

Wrecking Cincinnati: 3195 Gilbert Ave

NEIGHBORHOOD: Evanston
YEAR BUILT: 1910
USE: Single-family dwelling
OWNER: Peace and Quiet LLC (Mason, OH)
ASSESSED VALUE: $57,650
ORDERS: November 2008, for roof, porch, and exterior paint.
CONDEMNED: August 2009, adding collapsing interior ceilings due to water damage. The owner claimed he had no money to fix up the property. A civil fine was issued in January 2012, and a second was issued in March 2012. A criminal case was filed in August 2012.
HAZARD: October 2012, adding broken and missing windows, gutters and downspouts, and high weeds and litter.
REASON RAZED: Declared a public nuisance and entered into the City's hazard abatement program.


Wrecking Cincinnati: 3124 Harvard Ave

NEIGHBORHOOD: Evanston
YEAR BUILT: 1910
USE: Single-family dwelling
OWNER: Yungubendo Makona Development Organization (Burke, VA)
ASSESSED VALUE: $10,688
ORDERS: November 2008, as bricks were falling from the chimney onto the neighboring property. Reissued to new owner in December 2009. Repairs completed in January 2011.
CONDEMNED: July 2011, for chimney, gutters and downspouts, broken and missing windows and doors, exterior paint, missing plumbing and wiring, and a basement sewage backup. The then-owner, who serves in the U.S. Army, was set to be deployed overseas the following month.
HAZARD: November 2012, adding a failing retaining wall, missing siding, and holes in the exterior walls. The property was acquired by the current owner on November 29, 2012.
REASON RAZED: Declared a public nuisance and entered into the City's hazard abatement program. Demolished using Moving Ohio Forward program funding.


Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Wrecking Cincinnati: 1823 Hewitt Ave

NEIGHBORHOOD: Evanston
YEAR BUILT: 1894
USE: Three-family dwelling
OWNER: Cheryl and David Lemons
ASSESSED VALUE: $78,320
ORDERS: --
CONDEMNED: August 2012, for collapsing porch steps, missing siding, deteriorated and missing downspouts, vandalism and missing copper, a defective chimney, exterior paint, open mortar joints in the foundation, and litter.
HAZARD: November 2012.
REASON RAZED: Demolished by the owners to close out orders, one week after a contract for demolition was received from the City's Purchasing Division.


Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Wrecking Cincinnati: 740 Oak St

NEIGHBORHOOD: Walnut Hills
YEAR BUILT: 1927
USE: Multi-family dwelling
OWNER: Wachman Properties LLC (San Francisco, CA)
ASSESSED VALUE: $866,560
ORDERS: December 2009, ordered vacated and barricaded due to squatters being found in the vacant building. A civil fine was issued in July 2011, and a second civil fine was issued in November 2011. A criminal case was filed in August 2012, but was dismissed within a month for want of prosecution.
CONDEMNED: August 2012, vacant, vandalized, and a magnet for criminal activity by local gangs. Mechanical systems had been damaged or removed, windows and doors were broken or missing, the weeds were high and the property was strewn with litter.
HAZARD: November 2012, adding a rotted roof and disconnected downspouts.
REASON RAZED: Declared a public nuisance and entered into the City's hazard abatement program.


Monday, July 8, 2013

Newport's 102-unit Monmouth Row breaks ground

A new upscale apartment development meant to appeal to young professionals and empty nesters broke ground June 26 at the in Newport.

The $10 million Monmouth Row is being developed by Towne Properties and Carlisle Enterprises on land owned by Wayne Carlisle, a Newport native who has been investing in the city since the late 1990s.

City to release mortgage on Mercer's second phase

Cincinnati has amended its funding agreement with Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) subsidiary Gateway II, LLC to release one of two mortgages it holds on the Mercer Commons project in Over-the-Rhine.

The mortgage, in the principal amount of $5.5 million, was to provide security for completion of the project's second phase. Because two independent entities are developing the residential and commercial components, two mortgages were executed and delivered to the City.

$12M City contribution allocated for Fourth and Race

On June 26, Cincinnati City Council approved the expenditure of $12 million in tax increment financing (TIF) funding to support a loan of the same amount to pay for a parking garage and other public improvements, moving forward the development of the $77.8 million, 30-story apartment tower.

The loan was approved by City Council on June 12 as part of a development and lease agreement with Flaherty & Collins Development affiliate F & C Development Inc.

City seeking input on Delta restriping

The City of Cincinnati will be restriping Delta Avenue early next year, and the Department of Transportation and Engineering on a proposed lane reconfiguration.

The segment of roadway currently has two travel lanes and one on-street parking lane in each direction.

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