Community brainstorms on Rothenberg engagement process

Photo courtesy of Urban Ohio

Now that Rothenberg School will apparently be saved as a neighborhood school and community learning center, Over-the-Rhine residents and stakeholders are beginning to brainstorm on how to jumpstart the community engagement process.

A working group is being assembled that includes assistance from the Community Building Institute, with the goal of bringing together neighborhood and community council representatives, school staff, Rothenberg partners, parents and students to decide what types of programs should be offered in a renovated facility.

As a gauge of the community's reaction, the group is considering holding a "pep rally" to get people excited and informed about the project.

At a recent meeting, they also discussed:

* How the design process can be reconciled with the Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) building "template"
* How to present information on the types of educational styles available and what would bring people back to the neighborhood school
* Whether or not surveys are a reliable way to gauge public opinion, given that many may be uninformed

The shift to a community-based facility will require residents and stakeholders to line up project partners to fund and implement the desired programs.

The working group and the resulting public meetings are a direct outgrowth the citizens' desire to save a neighborhood anchor.

The historic brick building at Main Street and Clifton Avenue (BIRD'S EYE) was originally scheduled for demolition and a rebuild, but CPS reconsidered after finding that the cost savings of such a move would be minimal.

The design process is scheduled to begin in April.

Renovation is expected to take about 18 months.

Previous reading on BC:
Peaslee to host meeting on Rothenberg (1/15/08)

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)