Over-the-Rhine and the Streetcar
There has been considerable progress made in Over-the-Rhine over the past several years. Part 1 Crimes (serious crimes as defined by the FBI) have been rapidly decreasing. This year alone, crime is down 22.12% according to Cincinnati Police Department statistics. If this year’s decrease continues, crime will have fallen 49.48% from 2005-2009. This graph shows the downward trajectory of crime in Over-the-Rhine.
Recently, Walletpop.com called Over-the-Rhine the “most dangerous neighborhood in the country.” They used data “averaged across the most recent three years of non-preliminary (final) data available from the FBI (2005, 2006, and 2007).” Averaging 2005-2007 would be 1546 crimes per year on average. This year is on pace for only 932 crimes per year—a 39.71% decrease from the Walletpop.com data.
Over-the-Rhine is improving. Crime is going down. New business owners like Park + Vine, Market Wines, and World Food Bar are setting up shop and are committed to improving the neighborhood. Investing in a Streetcar will only help these trends and give those residents currently living in Over-the-Rhine new transportation options. The streetcar will attract more residents, transport over a million people a year through the neighborhood, and increase the number of eyes on the street, further reducing crime. By reducing the amount of structured parking needed for new developments, the streetcar will allow more affordable housing options and preserve more of Over-the-Rhine’s unique and irreplaceable housing stock.
The benefits for the rest of the city will be considerable. A cleaner, safer Over-the-Rhine means more public resources can be used elsewhere. New residents, business, and rehabilitated buildings will result in new tax revenues that can be spent in all 52 neighborhoods. And revitalized, historic neighborhood will drive tourism and create jobs in Cincinnati. There has been great progress made in Over-the-Rhine so far, building the Streetcar will accelerate and enhance the efforts the revitalize this great neighborhood. Support Over-the-Rhine—Build the Streetcar.
August 13, 2009 at 10:14 am
that’s a beautiful picture @ the bottom of this post – and a view i would venture to say most have never seen… myself included
August 13, 2009 at 11:33 am
The observation deck of Carew Tower is a gem. Definitely worth a visit on a nice day
August 13, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Over-the-Rhine and the Streetcar…
There has been considerable progress made in OTR over the past several years. This year alone, crime is down 22.12% according to CPD statistics. If this year’s decrease continues, crime will have fallen 49.48% from 2005-2009….
August 13, 2009 at 2:12 pm
That is by far the best, most logical reasoning I have heard yet for the streetcar. We have made tremendous progress and will continue to, but with all of the efforts and money to help bolster the CBD and OTR, the streetcar is a way to help insure that this investment not only grows, but is protected. This is absolutely the right message and tone. This is the message that is indisputable and will resonate with those not only inside the urban core, but those in the outer lying communities as well. The streetcar is a protection of an investment that has already been made and is already paying off to all of Cincinnati.
August 13, 2009 at 4:54 pm
I want to reiterate Michael’s statement about how clear, concise and on message this post is. Especially about linking a better OTR means a better cincinnati. Don’t forget, increased public funds for all 52 neighborhoods means more police too. A safe OTR means a safer Cincinnati.
August 14, 2009 at 9:09 am
People see that WalletPop study and take it to mean that all of over-the-rhine was the most dangerous area. If you look at the map of the neighborhood in the study, it draws lines around Vine, Liberty, McMicken, and Central Parkway. That’s still concerning, but thats just one part of the entire OTR area.
None of the other “divisions” of OTR made the top 25.