Graves: Northside proposal likely too costly

Calling funding a "considerable issue", Department of City Planning Director Charles C. Graves III believes that a Northside community proposal for the Chase School site (BIRD'S EYE) is likely unworkable.

In late November, the Northside Community Council contacted Cincinnati City Council to request their help in working with Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) and the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) in relocating the new Chase School.

As part if its $1 billion facilities master plan, CPS plans to demolish the 30-year-old Chase School and replace it with a new $14 million building on the same site.

The site is commonly referred to by community residents as "the pit" or "the hole", and the neighborhood would like to see the school built in a more visible location - closer to Chase Avenue and the McKie Recreation Center - to create a community learning center that can be used by people of all ages.

To the NCC, putting an expensive new building in a site that they know doesn't work is a waste of taxpayer money.

But in a report to City Council, Graves says that money for the NCC's idea is probably not available.

"CPS has indicated that there is currently funding for only the replacement of Chase School," Graves said. "CRC has recently made some interior improvements to McKie Recreation Center, and does not have it scheduled for replacement in the near future."

The NCC has offered financial assistance, reaching an agreement with Duke Energy to have a nearby power substation decomissioned and the land deeded to CPS.

They also have an additional $500,000 donation in hand, but it appears that the City is not going to facilitate a deal.

CPS has not addressed the matter in any recent board meetings.

Chase School is scheduled to be demolished within the next six to twelve months.

Previous reading on BC:
Northside council wants CPS, CRC cooperation on Chase site (12/12/07)