Bortz resolves to de-concentrate social services

A resolution by Cincinnati Councilmember Chris Bortz to de-concentrate the City's social service agencies passed out of council's Economic Development Committee last week, but has not been scheduled for the council agenda.

The resolution asks the City administration to adhere to a policy that social service agencies and porgramming shall not be concentrated in a single geographic area, and shall not locate in an area that is deemed impacted.

The specific targets of the legislation are Over-the-Rhine and the West End - the site of the proposed CityLink project.

Bortz believes that with the City's 27 percent poverty rate, the concentration of these facilities hurts the ability of the City to provide economic opportunity, workforce development, and jobs.

"It does a disservice to the community by isolating disadvantaged people, both physically and socially, from mainstream society and the majority of available employment opportunities," Bortz writes.

The proposed CityLink site, at the former Club Chef property at 800 Bank Street, is zoned MG Manufacturing General.

The 98,000-square-foot facility would include long-term transitional housing, a jobs center, a health center, a gym, a cafe, a day care and a barber/beauty salon.

Bortz says that not only does the City's zoning code not allow uses that may "inhibit industrial growth" within MG zones, but that community service facilities, special assistance shelters and places of religious assembly are also disallowed.

"The challenge for both the West End and the Over-the-Rhine communities is to support and develop the economic infrastructure and housing that will enhance the quality of life and create an economically and racially diverse community that can be sustained over the long term," Bortz writes.

But last month, the City lost its two-year battle to stop the project when the Ohio Supreme Court refused to hear arguments on the case.

CityLink officials now say that the $10 million to $15 million renovation of the former Club Chef property could begin by the end of this year and should take about two years to complete.

Mayor Mark Mallory has said that he wants more time to discuss the resolution in order to avoid possible litigation.

A report from the Office of the City Manager is due before City Council next Tuesday.

Previous reading on BC:
CityLink legislation could lead to zoning changes (1/28/08)
Burke defends CityLink (12/27/08)