An oversized, blank “report card” on neighborhood issues was next to John Cranley and David Pepper as they outlined their 10-point “neighborhood covenant” Thursday.

Councilman John Cranley introduces a 10-point plan to improve neighborhoods at a community center in Northside Thursday. Three other council members joined him. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

        In 100 days, they will fill it in with their accomplishments in cleaning up litter, removing blight and investing in neighborhoods.

        The two Democrats, joined by Republican Chris Monzel and Charterite Jim Tarbell, unveiled their platform to neighborhood leaders from around the city in Northside Thursday.

        They promise to:

        • Target drug dealers.

        • Equip police to improve their visibility and responsiveness.

        • Empower citizens to reduce crime.

        • Reform the Cincinnati Neighborhood Action Strategy to cut red tape.

        • Toughen litter laws.

        • Clean up business districts.

        • Crack down on blighted properties.

        • Reduce the number of abandoned cars.

        • Invest in business districts through tax-increment financing.

        • Commit the $50 million “windfall” to capital improvements.

        Many of the goals can be accomplished without additional money, through policy changes and by reforming city government, the councilmen said.

        But some improvements will take new money. The city has dozens of neighborhood plans that are in the works but lack funds.

        “I'd be willing to bet that every group in here has seen a neighborhood improvement plan for your neighborhood,” Mr. Cranley said. “And after it was drawn up was probably the last time you saw it.”
       

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