Tuesday, December 07, 1999
Compromise struck on The Banks
Parties to share responsibility
BY ROBERT ANGLEN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The $248 million Banks riverfront development project will be left in the hands of the city — and developers.
An advisory board that was fearful of losing control of the project and council members who were afraid of giving too much control away reached a compromise Monday.
After a flurry of proposals and letters last week, a motion to share responsibility of the project and start implementing changes sought by the Riverfront Advisors Commission was approved by the Community Development committee.
The motion will go before council Wednesday.
“We just wanted to make sure the long-range organizational structure was in place,” said riverfront commission chair Jack Rouse. “Something's got to follow us.”
Mr. Rouse said he wanted to ensure that the development did not get lost in the process, “but we didn't expect (The Banks) to happen with the snap of fingers.”
Two weeks ago, Cincinnati City Council put off voting on The Banks until members could discuss concerns about turning over too much of the project to private developers.
The Banks proposal, as envisioned by the riverfront commission, would link the two new sports stadiums with parks, shops, restaurants and waterfront residences.
But when the motion to move forward with develop ment plans was first presented, some council members said it left too much in the hands of private developers. Other council members argued that was the way it should be.
In Monday's proposal, the riverfront commission will work with city officials to prepare a request for proposals, develop a financial plan and in selecting developers.
The commission will also help create an organization structure to guide development and will “further advise the city manager regarding the principles for economic inclusion ... in all other future development projects.”
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