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)

Reds, CRC may build youth baseball complex at Oskamp Field

Site plan by GBBN Architects: Click to enlarge

The City is considering allowing the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) to enter into an agreement with the Reds Community Fund to build a youth baseball complex at Oskamp Field in Westwood.

An ordinance authorizing the agreement is currently in Council's Education, Health and Recreation Committee.

The complex would include four baseball fields, a "Miracle League" field, and a new restroom/concessions facility.

The Miracle League field is made of a synthetic rubber surface that increases safety and access for children with disabilites.

The $4 million project will be built in two phases. Part of the price tag will fund an endowment for the CRC, which will own and maintain the complex.

Construction is expected to begin in October and will be completed by June 30, 2007.

The Reds Community Fund has been holding a fundraising effort for the project since last year.

The project was designed by GBBN Architects.


Close-up of Miracle Field by GBBN Architects: Click to enlarge

WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW
GOOGLE AERIAL MAP

Avondale aquatic center approved

City Council voted unanimously to accept funds that would allow it to build a new aquatic center in Avondale.

Passage of the ordinance authorizes the City to execute a restrictive covenant with the trustee of the Otto Armleder Memorial Trust, National City Bank, to develop the Otto Armleder Memorial Family Aquatics Center.

The City will also enter into a disbursement agreement with the bank to receive up to $1.9 million for the complex, which would be built at 3630 Reading Road, adjacent to the Hirsch Recreation Center.

A new City construction project account will receive $200,000 for design work as soon as it is established by the City's Finance Committee. Funds to fulfill construction contracts will be disbursed when the City provides the trustee with architectural drawings, its "Invitation to Bid" package, and the final award documents of the winning bidder.

The project has not yet been put out to bid.

The CRC currently operates one Otto Armleder Aquatics Center at 226 Stark Street in Over-the-Rhine. A second will open in 2008 at the Dunham Recreation Center in Price Hill.

WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW (looking east)
GOOGLE AERIAL MAP