Cincinnati Urban Issue Blogs

The University of Cincinnati recently created a map of the more prominent blogs currently discussing urban issues in Cincinnati. On this chart are a number of prominent architecture and real estate blogs including Cincinnati Living Online. As a local Realtor I think it is important to follow the conversations taking place that involve our market.

Click on the image to visit the interactive URL and see how each of these blogs interact and the nature of their content.

Symmes Township Establishes a Community Reinvestment Area

In order to attract more business development Symmes Township has established two community reinvestment areas to attract new businesses and construction projects.  The commercial/industrial CRA property tax abatement is up to 10 years for new construction or renovation, with up to a  50 % exemption and a minimum $5,000 in costs.  The residential remodeling and new construction CRA property tax abatement has a term of 10 years, with 50% exemption, and a market value cap of $100,000 on the improvement value.  There is a minimum of $2.500 in costs for single family residences and a minimum of $5,000 in costs for 2-4 unit structures.

The CRA should bring new businesses to the township which will add additional economic diversity to the area.  At the moment there are three business taking advantage of the program: ‘All About Kids’, Grand Sands, and Cornell Crossing. Apply for the Symmes Township CRA by following the link and completing the application.

Cincinnati Stops Yard Waste Collection

Most residents do not know it, but it is against the lay to throw your yard waste into the garbage.  It is an Ohio State law enacted because yard waste takes up almost 20% of the landfill space statewide.

With fall clean up creeping up on us, everyone should be thinking about alternate places to take their fallen tree branches and all of their leaves.  Individual townships have cleanup days where they collect yard waste as well. Check you local township calendars for information. The City haws arranges free drop off locations for fall yard waste.

Drop Off Locations:

3320 Millcreek Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45223

Bzak Landscaping
3295 Turpin Lane (off Rt. 32),
Anderson Township

(Bzak Landscaping is also open during the week from 7:30 am – 5 pm but will be closed Labor Day.)

Kuliga Park
6717 Bridgetown Road,
Green Township

Rumpke Landfill
Struble Road and Colerain Avenue
Colerain Township

HOURS:
March 28 – November 22, 2009
Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Ohio Wins Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup

08topmetroschartThe state of Ohio won Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s cup for the third year in a row. Leading the effort was Cincinnati, which was named the 4th most active metro for companies  with 124 active investment development projects.

The Ohio Department Of Development  has funded more than 3,600 economic and community development projects assisting in the creation of more than 53,000 jobs and retaining  195,000 jobs. Currently, about 800 economic development projects are in the pipeline,  which could leverage an $15 billion in private investments, creating an additional 30,000 jobs and retaining an additional 50,000.

Cincinnati leads the state in these projects with 124, and is #4 across the country. The economic development projects include big name developments such as the banks, and smaller community based efforts. Cincinnati has succeeded in attracting investment because of its educated population, high quality of life and low cost of living.

Connecting Tenants and Landlords Online

One of the most common challenges of being a land lord is maintaining good communication with the tenants so that you are aware of any problems with the property. There is a very interesting online tool recently released called Neighbo that allows landlords and tenants to connect more effectively and efficiently.

The system allows property managers to post documents online, and it gives renters a direct channel to report issues. From a real estate management point of view the tool can help keep properties in the best possible condition and their residents happy. In Cincinnati where there are many multi-family buildings this system is an exceptional asset for both individual owners and property managers alike.

Ohio’s Public Education is 8th Best in the Country

The State of Ohio has the 8th best public education system in the US, tied with Maine, according to US News and World Report. The rankings are based upon the percentage of Gold, Silver, and Bronze rated schools. Locally Walnut Hills High School was ranked the 36th best public school, Wyoming High School was ranked #50.

Having a solid public school system makes Cincinnati an attractive city to relocate to. Relocated families with children are often concerned about the quality of education that their children will receive.  We have a list of information about the various Cincinnati area school systems on our site for those moving into the Cincinnati area.

Downtown Cincinnati Events

I received an update from David Ginsburg and wanted to share it with all of the readers here. There are a few events as well as some ongoing activities that you must experience.

MACY’S SEMI-ANNUAL MEN’S CLOTHING SALE – OCT 30 – NOV 5

Advance selection for Macy’s Semi-Annual Men’s Clothing Sale begins October 30 through November 5. Savings are from 40% – 60% off original prices, with Macy’s special savings pass. Come in or call for an appointment (513) 361-4256, or call and Macy’s will bring the sale to you! Macy’s Fountain Place is located at 505 Vine Street.


BOOKS BY THE BANKS FREE BOOK FESTIVAL – NOV 1
Love books? Then head to Books by the Banks this Saturday, November 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Duke Energy Convention Center for the 2nd Annual event. Books by the Banks is a free book festival featuring more than 90 regional and national authors. Attend panel discussions, author readings and visit the Target Kids’ Corner. Admission is free and there’s something for everyone. The Duke Energy Convention Center is located at the corner of Sixth and Elm streets. Visit http://www.booksbythebanks.org or call (513) 369-6947 for more.

BROOMBALL LEAGUE SIGN UPS BEGAN MONDAY – NOW

Team registration for the 2009 Fountain Square Broomball League (FSBL), the third season for Broomball on Fountain Square. began this past Monday and closes Friday, November 14 at 5 p.m. Simply download the registration form at http://www.myfountainsquare.com. The 2009 FSBL will include 32 teams (16 Advanced and 16 Beginner) and teams can include up to 12 players. The 32 teams will be selected by lottery and announced before Thanksgiving.

DOWNTOWN SPECIAL AT ARTHUR MURRAY DANCE STUDIO – NOW
The Arthur Murray Dance Studio, teaching Cincinnatians how to waltz, salsa and samba for the past 70 years, is now offering five lessons for just $99, a $200 value. This special offer expires December 31 so hustle on over to 128 E. Sixth Street to sign up today. Call (513) 241-7308 to learn more.

ONGOING……
The Blue Wisp
Join Smooth Jazz WCIN 1480AM DJ Phil Tucker for Friday Happy Hour at the Blue Wisp, at 318 E. Eighth Street. He’ll spin records and give away prizes. For more information call (513) 241-WISP or visit http://www.thebluewisp.com

Jazz at The Phoenix Restaurant
Live music every Wednesday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Phoenix at 812 Race Street. Call (513) 721-8901. http://thephx.com.

T.G.I.T. Wine Tastings at City Cellars
$8 every Tuesday at City Cellars at 908 Race Street. http://www.citycellars.biz.
Nicholson’s Quiz Night
Bring your team and your wits and check out Nicholson’s Quiz Night every Monday night from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 625 Walnut Street. Call 513) 564-9111. http://www.tavernrestaurantgroup.com/nicholsons.html

City Talk with 55 KRC
Listen live on Sundays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. as Michael Sweeney and Tom Hodges discuss issues and happenings throughout Cincinnati. http://www.citytalk550.com (513) 749 -5500.

Jazz of the Month Club at Main Library
On select Saturdays at 2 p.m., well-known jazz artists will perform in the Main Library’s Atrium located at 800 Vine Street. November 15 – The Coltrane Legacy with The Pat Kelly Quartet. Call (513) 369-6900 or visit http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org

44 Lunchtime Series at the CAC
The Contemporary Arts Center, located at 44 E. Sixth Street, offers a free, ongoing lunch series known as 44 every Monday from noon to 2 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.contemporaryartscenter.org/44 .

Afternoon Tea at Orchid’s
Orchids at Palm Court, located at 35 West Fifth Street, is now hosting Saturday afternoon tea from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. For reservations email sean.garner@hilton.com or call (513) 421-9100. It’s $27 for adults and $19 for children.

Fountain Square and Soapbox – Sign Up
Sign up today for the Fountain Square newsletter at http://www.myfountainsquare.com
Also, sign up for Soapbox Media’s online weekly news at http://www.soapboxmedia.com.

Cincinnati Real Estate Pricing Competition

We will be hosting the Comey and Shepherd Price Me Now real estate pricing competition. Price 

Me Now compares your home value estimates with those of other players and the actual List and Sale price. You earn points depending on how closely your estimates are to the rest of the players. The closer you are to the community average the more points you earn and the higher your Real Estate IQ.

It is an one of a kind system that helps community members and Cincinnati area real estate agents better understand trends in the local markets and how home values change over time. Register for the competition today, as it will be running the entire month of October.  We will be giving away some very nice gift certificates to those who have the top three Real Estate IQ’s. 

Lose Your House – Lose Your Vote

There is a surprising development in Michigan. Apparently homeowners who are inthe process of foreclosure proceedings will be denied the rght to vote. As reported in the Michigan Messenger GOP party chairman James Carabell in emphatic thati” We will have a list of foreclosed homes and will make sure people aren’t voting from those addresses.” In short the GOP party is trying to prevent citizens who are in foreclosure from being allowed to vote. 

 In Ohio, Doug Preisse, director of elections in Franklin County (around the city of Columbus) and the chair of the local GOP, told The Columbus Dispatch that he has not ruled out challenging voters before the election due to foreclosure-related address issues. 

Your Neighborhood Crime Statistics

Posted on Sep 03 in Community Building
Tagged: , ,

We received a number of comments about the recent post ‘Does a Felon Live in Your Neighborhood‘ and wanted to follow that up with some additional local Cincinnati crime information. It seems that Snopes.com has raised some questions about the veracity of the web page we were sending our readers to, and so we wanted to get a more reliable source for our readers.

crimereports.com is a site that takes in agency provided crime reports, geo-codes them, and places incidents on a map. The site is as accurate as local police reporting is. The map function allows users to zero in on a specific address, and it also provides those who register daily crime updates if they wish. Cincinnati Police Department participates so you can see the most recent reported crime activity in your area. Moreover here is a great resource to the 2008 Cincinnati crime statistics provided by Cincinnati PD.