Dear John

January 11, 2008

John Cranley
City of Cincinnati
Chair, Finance Committee
801 Plum Street Rm. 356
Cincinnati, OH 45202-1979

RE: Streetcar

Councilman Cranley:

As a resident of Over-the-Rhine and an employee of a downtown business, I was pleased by Council’s vote in October in favor of proceeding with plans for a downtown and Over-the-Rhine streetcar after earlier approval from the Economic Development Committee. I understand that the plan is now in front of the Finance Committee and I urge you and the committee to resolve the financing issues and approve the streetcar plan.

It is my opinion that the streetcar is now the most important link and next step in the further development of downtown and Over-the-Rhine. It is now more important than the Banks, Fountain Square, Broadway Commons, Main Street, Gateway Quarter, Washington Park, or Findlay Market as it is the one key that literally ties all the pieces together. The future success of these individual projects improves when the streetcar enables residents and patrons to easily and effectively circulate in the business district and beyond. The streetcar condenses our ‘Basin’ to create an even more manageable and livable city. And it is proven in other cities to spur further development and increase density, both required to increase our tax base and grow inward.

Over the holidays I was having dinner on Fountain Square. The Square and restaurant seem particularly crowded with families and young people. I quickly learned that many were enjoying downtown because the Nutcracker was playing at the Aronoff just a block away. The synergy between Fountain Square and the Aronoff was electric that evening. Consider, however, the Nutcracker (and other events for that matter) at Music Hall and the ability of the streetcar to transport people quickly between Fountain Square and the Washington Park area and grow that synergy beyond just one or two blocks. I content that the future success of all projects in Downtown and Over-the-Rhine are tied and linked with the streetcar. It is the vehicle in which all projects can succeed.

I understand that the outlay of capital is great and other projects in all neighborhoods, including Downtown and Over-the-Rhine, may have to be delayed. But this is bigger than downtown. This is bigger than any one project. Make no mistake, the health and quality of our city (and I content the region) is ultimately tied to the health and quality of our downtown. Please move the streetcar proposal forward and work towards its implementation and completion.

Sincerely,

Dan
Queen City Survey

Copy:
Mayor Mark Mallory
Vice Mayor David Crowley
Jeff Berding
Chris Bortz
Laketa Cole
Leslie Ghiz
Chris Monzel
Roxanne Qualls
Cecil Thomas