BY TERRY FLYNN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
NEWPORT -- Retiree Ray Rogers wouldn't mind eventually selling his house on Second Street. He realizes that encroaching development will some day need his little piece of property.
But he also doesn't want to relinquish his home without getting what he considers the right price. That's a sore spot for others along this portion of the riverfront that was once a neglected area of the city.
The riverfront development, highlighted by the under-construction Oceanic Adventures at Newport Aquarium between Second and Third Streets along the floodwall, is the lifeblood of Newport's revitalization efforts.
"I know eventually (developers) will want these two houses," Mr. Rogers said, referring to his house at 230 E. Second St. and that of his next-door neighbor, Larry Engel, at 228 E. Second St.
"I'm not opposed to selling my house," he continued, while sitting on his shaded front porch with a view of a large empty lot and a portion of the floodwall. "But I have an idea of what it's worth, and I think the city and the developers will have a different idea."
The city recently concluded a deal with Steiner and Associates of Columbus, Ohio, the developer of the aquarium and the Newport on the Levee entertainment complex, to sell the land where the aquarium is being built and property on Second Street.
Steiner and Associates has the right to deal with property owners along Second Street for purchase of land east of the L&N Bridge, which will also be developed in the near future.
Bill Ahlbrand, who owns Miss Catie's Saloon at 201 E. Second Street, said he had been assured that the developer would negotiate with him on his property.
"I was told I would be contacted within two weeks, and it has been well over two weeks," he said Friday.
Mr. Ahlbrand said he has no desire to sell the three-story building and a lot where his bar and restaurant are located, preferring to increase the size of his operation to coincide with the anticipated additional business from the aquarium, which opens in May 1999.
"I've put a lot of money into this place in the last few years, and I have a good business," he said. "I want to be a part of the development. I was planning on spending another $50,000 to $100,000 on new kitchen equipment, new sidewalks and other items, but now I don't know what to do."
He said he was also given assurance by city leaders and representatives from Steiner that if his property was needed for a specific purpose, the developer would build another restaurant for him within the development area.
Attempts to reach someone from Steiner were unsuccessful.
"I think this development, especially the aquarium, is the best thing that has ever happened to Newport, and I've lived here all my life," the 51-year-old Mr. Ahlbrand said. "But this business is my retirement. I'm not going to give it away."
