Cincinnati Magazine
March 12, 2021
Bob Castellini called it a “mud pit” and “dust bin.” Mark Mallory called it a “bunch of nothingness” and “pile of dirt.” The Cincinnati Reds owner and the former mayor were describing what downtown Cincinnati’s riverfront was like about 15 years ago. Two expensive new stadiums had been erected, with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center situated between, but surrounding them was a lot of dirt and acres of parking lots.
In the 1990s, what we know as The Banks was mostly home to parking lots and warehouses.
Photograph courtesy of Kenton County Public Library
Today, of course, nothing less than an utter transformation of the riverfront has taken place, as the mud pit became The Banks a $2 billion-plus 200-acre playground of pro sports, restaurants, bars, green space, walking paths, a carousel, and (sometimes) a giant Ferris wheel. It’s the most ambitious civic project ever undertaken here, requiring unprecedented tea
Additional liquor licenses could be coming to Portsmouth
By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com
The Portsmouth Brewing Company is among local businesses with liquor licenses, who could be joined by others depending on an assessment by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control. Photo by Patrick Keck.
PORTSMOUTH Among his few proposals discussed during Monday’s City Managers session, 5th Ward Councilman Edwin Martell briefed Portsmouth City Council on the possibility of the city coming into possession of additional liquor licenses.
Through contact with the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control, Martell said Portsmouth could carry these licenses and then distribute to varying individuals throughout the city.
DAVE
independent editor
Van Wert City Council learned about a new program that could bring more foot traffic to the downtown area, while also hearing about some economic development positives during its meeting Monday evening.
This map shows the proposed DORA (Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area) district.
MSVW map
First off, Main Street Van Wert Executive Director Mitch Price made a presentation on the DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) program planned for the downtown area.
The state program consists of a district within the downtown area where A and D alcohol permit holders can sell alcohol, by the cup, to patrons, who would be able to walk or dine within the boundaries set up by the program. DORA was first created in 2017 for communities with populations of fewer than 35,000 people and a maximum district size of 150 acres.
MSVW proposes Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area to Council timesbulletin.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from timesbulletin.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Council hires officer to respond to junk car complaints
By Sam Shriver - sshriver@limanews.com
LIMA The City of Lima will soon have an officer dedicated to the enforcement of junk vehicle violations and other vehicle violations.
Lima council, on its first reading, approved legislation establishing the position of a part-time Vehicle Enforcement Officer. That position will be filled by an Ohio certified peace officer. The officer will work around 20 hours a week for up to 38 weeks for a total of 760 hours per year. He or she will be employed between March 15 and Dec. 31 and be paid up to $19,650.