Salon Weekly
A Weekly Email Publication of The Lloyd House
Circulation: c. 450
Growing out of the Monday Night Salon
For info about the Salon, see the bottom of this email
Join us at the Lloyd House every Monday of the year at 5:45 for pot luck and discussion.
3901 Clifton Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio
To: Friends on our Pot Luck Salon list.
(to unsubscribe see below, bottom of page).
Friday 8 July, 2005
At the table Monday July 4: David Rosenberg, Atya Huff, Welcome Attya!, Steve Sunderland, John Kelly, Mara Helmuth, Mira Rodwan, Gerry Kraus, Neil Anderson, Marvin Kraus, Cherri Ann Forest, Judy Cirillo, Mike Murphy, Elizabeth Motter, Robyn Repasky, Lynn Haber, Ellen Bierhorst.
The Northside fourth of July parade was sensational, as usual, and Gerry Kraus for Council had a nice little contingent in the parade. At the Salokn table we talked about the parade, America, Democracy. It was sweet.
Black American poet Nikki Giovanni who grew up in Lockland was in town for the funeral of her mother. We proud, Nikki.
Marvin talked about how warm and wonderful the parade was, and how it made him feel good bout Cincinnati. Many people on the street called out an waved to them. People are so decent. The message: you CAN be successful in community activism, and it makes a difference.
Steve Sunderland told about how years ago he would routinely refuse to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance because of all the injustice in our country. Then a friend, a Black man changed his mind. This man had been jailed for helping the United Auto Workers get started in Detroit. Later, went to law school, eventually became a judge, a Detroit city council member, eventually a Federal Circuit Court judge. He said, "It's MY country too. Too many of us have died for justice. We are not going to surrender this country and it's flag to the repressive, unjust elements." So then we all said the Pledge of Allegiance together.
Elizabeth Motter talked about what a great community Northside is. The community council meetings are actually exciting.
Cherri believes that our city is going to play a pivotal role in turning the country around towards the values we share.
Gerry spoke about the Declaration of Independence and how it says that the power of the government rests on the consent of the people, who may, therefore, withdraw their consent and render that government illegitimate. We need to return more power to the people, to neighborhoods. She supports Mallory, Smitherman, Damon Lynch for city government, and of course, herself.
Many wonderful things said... Lynn Haber, Mira Rodwan, David Rosenberg, Marvin Kraus... Robyn said how can we have a representative democracy when less than half the eligible voters vote. We have a power oligarchy. He grew up in Youngstown, OH, where a progressive professor was gong to run for office, but then decided against it when some Guido called on him with $10,000 in cash in a paper bag. A buy out. The prof. didn't want to play ball that way.
Steve talked about people being afraid, and our fear immobilizing us politically. We need to revive our sense of confidence in our lives.
I said that the idea that the mass of people can govern ourselves is still unproven, and many don't believe it at all today. "The people are stupid." My own father, God help him, said, quite often, "I have the utmost respect for the stupidity of my fellow American." But I choose to believe it. We certainly need to revolutionize our educational system, so that on graduating from high school young people are equiped to participate intelligently in society, understanding the kinds of issues that impact their lives, and understanding the power of the electorate to affect those decisions. But as bad as things are, I still believe that there is wisdom in the people, in the group. The salon itself is a faith-builder for me. We are celebrating the fourth birthday of the salon. It's been a wonderful ride! This weekend I will be presenting a little dialogue session on "Do it yourself salon" at the Earth Spirit Rising conference. Mly only regret is that I won't be able to attend David Rosenberg's prersentation, or Steve Sunderland's on Peace Village.
10:00 pm. Just getting home from the opening session of Earth Spirit Rising Conference over at XU. Saw Steve Sunderland... Cathy Roma, Mira Rodwan, Cherri Ann Forest, David Rosenberg and many more. First keynote speaker was Winonah LaDuke, the Ojibway woman who was Ralph Nader's presidential running mate in 96 and also 2000. What a powerhouse she is! And exotic looking. Talked about the corruption of Indian sacred sites all over the continent and the sometimes successful efforts of the indigenous people, the Indians, to save them from the golf courses, the telescopes, the malls. Talked about the Ojibway people's wild rice crop on the lakes of northern Minnesota and how they have been hurt economicaly by the "wild" rice cultivation in paddys using machinery and how they are asking for that product not to be called "wild rice". Talked about the nuclear power plant in Portsmouth OH where they are gearing up to make enriched uranium or something like that. Need to find out more about that. She isn't very old...has teenage children, looks about 45. We'll be hearing more from this gal. Her book: All our Relations: Native struggles for land and life.
Too late for me. Please come to the salon Monday and help console m e for my 65th birthday, (born 7/11/40). I am finding sixty five almost as intimidating as sixty. Come celebrate.
Hugs,
ellen
(for Articles: see below. First, the "Announcements" section.)...
Don't miss the way cool article you want to read in blue section. It might be one of these:
-
- Nancy Dawley's letter to Todd Portune re. the Eastern Corridor Project
- Todd Portune, County Commissioner good guy, responds to my letter re. Eastern Corridor
- Mike Fremont responds to Todd's response
•
Announcements:
Our Mara Helmuth, CCM composer/prof sends:
Ellen and all,
The performance with dance and percussion/computer music with Allen
Otte (percussionist composer) and myself is 3098 Madison Road (in
Oakley), at the new De La Arts Place's opening from 6-9pm Saturday
night.(July 9).
Mellipse 2, a collaborative composition for metal instruments
and computer, will happen around 6:30 or 7pm I think.
Mara
Important Activism Needed on
Selection of new Health Commissioner
Upcoming Meeting July 13
7/8
Wednesday July 13 at Cincinnati Health Dept, 3101 Burnet Ave, first floor auditorium. Want to send comments? Send to June Rotundo, Clerk of the Board of Health, 3101 Burnet Ave, 45229. Or Call her 357-7282. Or email: June.Rotundo@cincinnati-oh.gov.
Environmental Local Activist (and salonista) Karen Arnet
urges you to participate in the selection
of the New County Health Commissioner
June 30, 2005
Ellen,
. I've written up a very brief synopsis of this week's board of health meeting , which included on its agenda a time for "community input on the selection process for the health commissioner". Note that a special meeting has been scheduled. I encourage you to attend and give the board your perspective on public health or environmental concerns that you feel the new health commissioner should address. ( This meeting has been scheduled for July 13 at 6:30. )For more information on the meeting, or on testimonies presented to the board last Tuesday night, see the links on the ECO website at http://www.env-comm.org.
Karen Arnet
Synopsis of the community input on health commissioner at June 28th Board of Health meeting.
The Cincinnati Board of Health at its June 28th, 2005 meeting, listened to the testimony of numerous community members who addressed concerns about the process of selecting the next health commissioner. The board recognized that the selection of the health commissioner is perhaps the single most important decision that the board members may take in their tenure on the board of health. The assembled citizens pointed out repeatedly that they would like to see a health commissioner who will guide the health department to have a strong focus on prevention, and a strengthened focus on public and environmental health concerns.
Among those attending to give input to the board:
-a former two-term chair of the board of health,
-representatives from community groups -
- as well as individual citizens.
- National Technical Association/NAACP,
- Ohio Citizen Action,
- Environmental Community Organization (ECO),
- Communities United For Action,
- Sierra Club,
- Greater Cincinnati Occupational Health Center
The speakers¹ main requests:
1. a separate public meeting dedicated solely to this topic, for fuller input from the Cincinnati citizenry,
2. broadening the search process to include local public health experts
3. that formal public health training be a prerequisite for the next health commissioner
The board and the public shared the opinion that there had been inadequate notice to the public about the topic being on the agenda.
The board agreed to schedule a separate public meeting to hear community input on the health commissioner selection process. This meeting has been scheduled for July 13 at 6:30.
The meeting will be aired several times over the next two weeks through CitiCable. See the city's website : http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cmgr/pages/-7502-/ or call 352-5308 for air times.
Tri-State Treasures
Sincerely, Jim
~~~~~~~~~~Tri-State Treasures:
Woman¹s City Club Community Conversations [2-part event on Thursdays 7 & 14 July @ 4-7 PM both days]: Now is your chance to talk with young people in a new & creative forum. This 6-hour program will build relationships between youth & adults; a chance to listen & to be heard. Join in ³A Small Group² process designed by Peter Block & facilitated by A Small Group members. A Small Group is a volunteer group that is working to increase the quality of civic engagement. Bring a friend or two, 12 & older. RSVP at 513.751.0100. Co-sponsored by Woman¹s City Club & the Ethics Center. At the HUC-UC Ethics Center, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, 3101 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, Cincinnati, OH 45220. Free parking @ HUC behind Ethics Center. More info @ 513.751.0100, wcc@womanscityclub.org, www.womanscityclub.org, & www.asmallgroup.net.
Pleasant Ridge Library Used Book Sale [Saturday 9 July]: Please help raise money for the Pleasant Ridge community library by donating your gently used books, CDs, & DVDs. Proceeds will be used for library projects at the PR Library. Collection locations in Pleasant Ridge are at Gil's Barber Shop, Kennedy Heights Arts Center, Nativity Church, Pleasant Perk, PR Presbyterian Church, & PR Recreation Center. Working together to keep the library a permanent fixture in the community. More info @ 513.531.3491 & prcc@pleasantridge.org.
A Peace Vigil to End Genocide in Darfur [Sunday 10 July @ 3-5 PM]: Families in Darfur, Sudan, are suffering. An estimated 400,000 Sudanese have been killed & 2 million displaced since February 2003. The situation continues to deteriorate. In February & March, reports indicated that fighting had escalated & relief organizations, unable to protect their workers, pulled out of the region. As the rainy season approaches, getting food to the displaced Darfurians becomes more difficult & expensive. Currently 15,000 people die every month; if violence forces humanitarian agencies to pull out, deaths could rise to 100,000 per month. All Saints Episcopal Church in Pleasant Ridge will host a peace vigil to educate the public on the situation in Darfur, to pray for peace in the Sudan, & to help create the political will to end what the UN has called the ³worst humanitarian crisis in the world today.² The vigil will begin with a short film on the crisis in Darfur, continue with an interfaith prayer service, & conclude with the signing of petitions to send to elected officials. All Saints Episcopal Church, 6301 Parkman Place, Cincinnati, OH 45213. More info @ 513.531.6333, therevken@yahoo.com, & www.allsaintscincinnati.org.
Jesus & Nonviolence - a Film & Discussion Series [Sunday 10 July @ 7 PM]: This is the 6th and final film to illustrate how the nonviolent teachings & life of a first century Jew influenced the nonviolent actions of the 20th century, & how we can follow the path of nonviolent action. Each Sunday has featured one of the 30-minute films followed by discussion, & readings for the next week. The series tells one of humanity's most important & least understood stories - how, during a century of extreme violence, millions chose to battle brutality & oppression with nonviolent weapons - and won. "These are powerful stories, about truth overcoming lies, love dissolving evil, & life eclipsing death," said former president Jimmy Carter of the documentary. The films draw on stunning archival footage & interviews with witnesses, survivors, & unsung heroes who contributed to these century-changing events. The 6th & final film will feature the national protest days led by Chilean copper miners in 1983, which overcame a decade of paralyzing fear, showed that public opposition to the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet was possible, & signaled the start of a nonviolent democratic opposition. Free & open to all thoughts & ideas; local leaders from all faiths have been invited. At All Saints Episcopal Church, 6301 Parkman Place, Pleasant Ridge, Cincinnati, OH, 45213. More info & directions @ 513.531.6333, therevken@yahoo.com, www.allsaintscincinnati.org, & www.pbs.org/weta/forcemorepowerful/.
Six Sundays At Six Acres - Evening Concerts [Sunday 10 July @ 7 PM]: Firelytes Steel Drum Band is a fun, fiery, & entertaining ensemble of "pan players" who enjoy engaging audiences in an energetic "groove-explosion" of soca, calypso, reggae, jazz & more. The Six Acres B&B embraces history & elegance. It is owned & run by Kristin Kitchen & Laura Long who have spent 3 years rescuing & renovating this 6,500 square foot 1850s Colonial mansion built by Elon Strong, noted abolitionist & active participant in the Underground Railroad. Concerts are from the spacious outdoor patio for an audience seated on the lawn in a uniquely scenic, wooded & serene setting. Bring your lawn chairs & blankets as seating is limited. Smooth grooves, tasty treats, & a cool new musical experience in Cincinnati. $15 admission includes appetizers & drinks. Shuttle parking provided from Twin Towers Retirement Community @ 5343 Hamilton Avenue. Six Acres B&B is @ 5350 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45224. More info @ 513.541.0873, info@sixacresbb.com, & www.sixacresbb.com.
Day Camp Days at the Showboat [Monday-Friday 11-15 July]: Come aboard the historic Showboat Majestic for an afternoon of fun interactive theatre during Day Camp Days, an imaginative adventure for children of all ages. Day Camp Days is specially programmed for summer day camps & daycare centers. Groups come down to the riverfront on a pleasant summer afternoon to have lunch along the serpentine wall. Then board our own National Historic Landmark to enjoy the sing-along, dance-along hour of theatre. The Showboat themes the production so children are not only entertained but educated on a variety of issues such as African culture, Caribbean culture, International travel, & the Environment. Children are asked to participate as an audience & come on stage individually to be part of the show. More info at 513.241.6550, timperrino@covedalecenter.com, & www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.
Bastille Day Picnic [Friday 15 July @ 7 PM]: Start celebrating Bastille Day with the now traditional Bastille Day picnic. A 3-course dinner will be prepared by La Petite Pierre Restaurant. Whether you want to eat gourmet food, drink complimentary French wine, enjoy a French Cancan performance, or participate in the Pétanque tournament (French bowling lawn), there will be something for everyone. Register by Tuesday 12 July for this popular & casual event; space is limited to 120 people; registration form at www.france-cincinnati.com/facc/Invitation%20Bastille%20Day.pdf. $30 per person. Hosted by The Montgomery Sister Cities Commission, The Alliance Francaise, & The French-American Chamber of Commerce. At Terwilleger Lodge in Dulle Park, 10530 Deerfield Road in Montgomery, OH 45242. More info @ 513.852.6510, facc@france-cincinnati.com, & www.france-cincinnati.com.
Hip Hop Class & Dance [Saturday 15 July @ 7-10 PM]: Experience a true Broadway modern jazz-Hip Hop class. Dottie Belle will warm you up with isolations & movements that massage your whole body. Do a brief modern mat warm-up from the famous Luigi Jazz technique. Then rock & roll with some combinations across the floor, & move to the centre to encounter the latest hip hop moves. Don't be afraid; let loose & have fun. Then dance with DJ/rapper extraordinaire Kim Gerhold. Dottie Belle was a Radio City Music Hall Rockette in New York for almost 20 years. She¹s performed on such shows as Late Night with David Letterman, the Daytime Emmy Awards Show, and the Today Show. Dottie is on the Advisory Board of the
7/17 AND 8/14
Free Introductory Talk at the Lloyd House - Center for Holistic Wellness [Sundays: 17 July & 14 August @ 2-4 PM]:
Ellen O. Bierhorst, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist, & Neil Anderson, L.M.T. Massage Therapist, will present the following topics:
1) Five Keys to Finding the Right Therapist for You,
2) How to Give the World's Best Backrub: tips from a professional; &
3) Secrets of Smoking Cessation: quitting cigarettes is harder than kicking heroin; learn how you can be one of the 5% who pull free & stay quit.
Free, open to everyone.
At the historic Lloyd House, 3901 Clifton Avenue @ Lafayette Avenue, Clifton, Cincinnati, OH 45220.
Park on Lafayette.
Contact: Ellen Bierhorst @ 513.221.1289.
7/15/05
Dear Ellen and Esteemed Participants of the Lloyd House Salon,
,
The South Cumminsville Community Council would like to invite you to the
South Cumminsville Mural Showcase
on July 15, 2005 at 6:30 – 7:00pm
at the Wayne Field Park on Beekman Street, Cincinnati, OH 45223.
The Showcase is part of the South Cumminsville Family Reunion that will last until Sunday, July 17, 2005. You are welcome to participate in this celebration.
The mural that is located on the underpass wall on Beekman and Elmore Streets is a parade of images of South Cumminsville’s Past, Present and Future. The mural project is part of an ongoing effort to revitalize the neighborhood and was included in the South Cumminsville Community Improvement Plan. In 2000, residents developed a Community Improvement Plan and it was approved by the City of Cincinnati Community City Planning Department. The South Cumminsville Community Council has also implemented other parts of the plan including traffic light on Beekman and Dreman and Neighborhood Gateway Sign on Beekman and Elmore Streets. This mural was made possible through funding from the Fine Arts Fund and the City of Cincinnati Neighborhood Support Program.
We hope to share with you our pride of the neighborhood at this event. Please RSVP by July 12, 2005 to the South Cumminsville Community Council by calling Marilyn Evans at 541-4109. Your presence is meaningful to the South Cumminsville Community.
Thank you very much,
Sincerely,
Marilyn Evans
South Cumminsville Community Council President
7/25
Grenada Benefit: huge chorus to sing
July 25, Monday
HOuse of Joy, College Hill (That used to be Hollywood Cinema on Hamilton Ave)
7:00 pm
Donation offering to be collected
September 7, 2004, the island nation of Grenada suffered its worst setback in 50 years when it was struck by Hurricane Ivan. 39 people were killed and 90% of all homes, together with many churches and schools, were damaged.
80% of cash crops, such as cocoa and banana trees, were destroyed, and telecommunication and electrical lines were toppled in 120 mph winds.
SLOWLY, life is returning to normal. Electrical service has been restored to some homes and businesses, roofs have been covered with tarps, and many students have returned to school.
However, a great deal of work remains to be done.
On July 25 at 7 PM, Dr. Catherine Roma, Bishop Todd O'Neal, Tony Williams, Sr., the Martin Luther King Chorale, and The Underground Railroad Freedom Choir will present a Benefit Concert for Grenada Relief at The House of Joy.
A free will offering will be received, and a new CD recorded by Richard Simon of Grenada will be available for sale. Fifty percent of the CD sales will go directly to the Grenada Relief Fund.
In January, Bishop O'Neal and Pastor Neal Whitney took a work team from Lima, Ohio to Grenada. Information about joining a work team for a future visit will be given at the concert. Carpentry and electrical skills are especially needed.
Choir members are asked to bring a dessert, vegetable tray, snack, or drink for a choir fellowship immediately after the program.
Don't miss it!
If you are a singer with the NURFC group or the MLK Chorale and arre able to sing on July 25, please email: caroma@fuse.net to let Dr. Roma know you will be attending.
(If you are not a singer, come hear this. It will knock your socks off. ellen)
Looking forward to seeing you on July 25!
Dr. Catherine Roma & Bishop Todd O'Neal
Hugz, Joslin
6/25
GOOD PART-TIME JOB • GOOD DEED •GOOD PEOPLE
28 hours/week (including all day Sunday and Monday, and mornings T-W-Th), as a caregiver for a talented, humorous and disabled woman* in her and her partner’s Northside home. Available soon.
*(this is Therese Edell, songwriter, composer, accordian prodegy, folksinger and feminist whom I have helped out for a dozen years. Way rewarding woman. Ellen)
WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
A kind, energetic man or woman to complement a loving support system. You must be physically healthy, hear well, and learn to carry out a task-oriented job. We will provide training & support, and you must be willing to overcome discomfort with disability from M.S. and not mind being busy or entertained. We work with great humor and cooperation, but have very specific needs and expectations. You do not need similar past experience to do this or to be good at it. You DO need to have a caring heart, a good work ethic, a phone, and reliable transportation. You must be unusually reliable about time and attendance, and you must be willing to commit for a year to take this position. Pay is competitive and good.
MORE THAN A JOB:
It’s about creating conditions of quality of life for one of the most wonderful and inspiring human beings you may ever meet. If you enjoy women’s sports, listening to music and NPR, and you play chess – you’ll get extra points.
YOU CAN CALL ME (Jane) at 542-5788 (noon to 6pm is best) If anything about this ad interests you, please call and find out about us and our situation. All inquiries are welcome. Not a requirement but we are a vegetarian, non-smoking household.
(June 2005)
8/27
A Day For Men Workshop
Shirley Reischman (our estimable homeopath) sends this along. I don't know about it, but Jack Armstrong is a wonderful healing professional, worked on my family many years to great benefit, is a D.C.
Gary Matthews is a massage therapist in town, good guy, partner of Beverly Wellbourn.
Shirley says,
FYI. Gary Mathews and Jack Armstrong are among those doing workshops at A Day for Men event on August 27th. Please pass this on to all the men you know. http://www.celebratewisdom.com/pages_blocks_v3_exp/index.cgi?Key=402&Field=key_field&catg=index&Exact=Yes&this_sect=The%20Wisdom%20Center%20Coaching%20&thisroot=/pages <http://www.celebratewisdom.com/pages_blocks_v3_exp/index.cgi?Key=402&Field=key_field&catg=index&Exact=Yes&this_sect=The%20Wisdom%20Center%20Coaching%20&thisroot=/pages>
Huge March in Washington
against war in Iraq
Sept. 24
ACTION ALERT * UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE
http://www.unitedforpeace.org | 212-868-5545
To subscribe, visit http://www.unitedforpeace.org/email
===========================================
Hold Bush & Congress Accountable for the Deaths, the Destruction,
the Lies, and the Toll on Our Communities
SEPTEMBER 24-26, 2005END THE WAR ON IRAQ - BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW!
Leave no bases behind - End the corporate occupation of Iraq
Stop bankrupting our communities - No military recruitment in our schools
Sat., 9/24 - Massive March, Rally & Festival
Sun., 9/25 - Interfaith Service, Grassroots Training
Mon., 9/26 - Lobby Day, Mass Nonviolent Direct Action and Civil Disobedience
------------------------------------------------------------------------
More than two years after the illegal and immoral U.S. invasion of Iraq, the nightmare continues. More than 1600 U.S. soldiers have died, at least another 15,000 have been wounded; even the most conservative estimates of Iraqi deaths number in the tens of thousands. Iraq, a once sovereign nation, now lies in ruins under the military and corporate occupation of the United States; U.S. promises to rebuild have not been kept and Iraqis still lack food, water, electricity, and other basic needs. ....
===========================================
ACTION ALERT * UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE
http://www.unitedforpeace.org | 212-868-5545
To subscribe, visit http://www.unitedforpeace.org/email
===========================================
- end of Announcements -
A r t i c l e s
7/2
From Salonista Nancy Dawley ...
a much better letter re. the Eastern Corridor Project
Ellen,
I saw your message and the write-up in the Enquire about the meeting in Mariemont discussing the proposed bridge/highway/rail system.
I was there too, and asked who makes the decision to go forward or not with the proposal. The answer is the Hamilton County Commissioners (Portune, DeWine, Heimlick), Hamilton County Engineer (Wm. W. Brayshaw), and someone else who's title I could not hear.
They suggested that people unhappy with the current study contact those people and recommend that they reject it and initiate another. The current study has a great many flaws that were enumerated during the meeting. I'm attaching my letter to Todd Portune. (see below) This might be an interesting topic to discuss some Monday evening.
Nancy Dawley
Cincinnati, OH 452437497 Hosbrook Rd.
June 25, 2005
Mr. Todd Portune, Hamilton County Commissioner
138 E. Court Street, Room 603
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Mr. Portune:
Re: The Little Miami / Eastern Corridor Project
I request that you reject the Little Miami / Eastern Corridor Project as currently proposed by the Federal Highway Administration. A new study is in order and you can initiate it.
The National Park Service opposed the construction of the bridge 5 days after the study was completed. Their charter is to protect the natural resources of the country. The NPS has since been silenced and the representative expected at the forum was told not to attend. As a Hamilton County Commissioner, you have the right to full information.
The experts at the Mariemont Forum indicated a wide number of flaws in the study. The lack of a peer oversight review committee, common with such large highway projects, meant that many assumptions made were incorrect and unchallenged.
Among these for the roadway:
1. According to a follow-up article in the Enquire (quoting Dr. Haynes Goddard), the costs of this project outweigh the benefits by a factor of 24 to 1 costs of $580 million and benefits of $24 million. It is a terrible transit recommendation. (A gas cost of $1.13 per gallon was used.)
2. There was no emissions profile over time. The Greater Cincinnati area is already having difficulty meeting quality air standards.
3. The cost/benefits analysis did not consider the cost of people leaving Cincinnati and Hamilton County in its calculation.
4. There was no discussion of induced demand on the road. For a recent I-75 widening project, the fact that people then moved farther out caused the benefits to be used up in just 7 years. That means that in 7 years there was as much congestion as before.
5. There was no analysis on the cost to communities along the route for induced growth to local streets, schools, sewers, and emergency service.
6. Nothing was mentioned that this project is on the proposed Interstate 74 route from Chicago to South Carolina. Why was this information ignored/hidden?
As far as the light rail component:
1. The new Oasis rail line is proposed to traverse the flood plain.
2. The estimated cost to ride on the proposed Oasis line is $3.50 per direction or $7.00 round trip. People going downtown (the only city destination for the Oasis line) would disembark on 2nd street, blocks from where most people work. The single destination, cost, and inconvenient terminal location would limit rider-ship and the line would loose money. This loss was quantified in the study.
3. There is an existing line(s) from Newtown to Fairfax, Hyde Park, Xavier University area, and the University of Cincinnati area that already exists. Updating this for passenger transport and adding an additional line to connect it to downtown Cincinnati could be much less costly than building a whole new line. This option was never examined, and should be since it takes people to multiple desirable locations, not just downtown.
4. A new bridge is not needed to begin rail service from the east to downtown on this existing line. The Cincinnati area could experience the value of light rail and see how it alleviates Eastern congestion before examining the much more expensive alternative of a new bridge and road.
5. Should it became desirable to extend the rail line to Eastgate, an existing bridge could accomplish this.
Please consider these comments and confer with others more knowledgeable about the flaws in the study. I am sure you will agree that a new study is in order.
Sincerely,
Nancy Dawley
7/8
Todd Portune, Co. Commissioner Answers my Email
re. Eastern Corridor Project
Dear Ms. Bierhorst:
Thank you for your e-mail below. The Eastern Corridor Transportation and Land Use Development Plan has received the policy approval by the Board of County Commissioners, but remains an ongoing developing plan. The key element that remains under consideration and review is the proposal of a new crossing over the Little Miami River. No firm decisions have been made with respect to that issue.
As recently as this past Monday during the county Transportation Improvement District Policy meeting the issue of the crossing was discussed. During that meeting the county TID adopted the guidelines of the OKI Greenspace Plan for the eastern Corridor - guidelines that actually will make it more difficult for any such crossing to occur.
I have met repeatedly with a variety of groups about the issue including the Miami Chapter of the Sierra Club. Part of the analysis must be a recognition that if several features of the eastern Corridor plan are implemented, such as the rail transit options using the Oasis and Wasson lines into Cincinnati's central riverfront [more on that below], they will affect the roadway numbers and could alter the estimates of traffic thereby negating the need for any new roadway connections.
If there is information that you believe has been excluded from review in the process I would be happy to receive it and ensure it gets a fair review and hearing. I have found the process employed to date to be one of the most open and inclusive that I have seen regarding land use or transportation planning.
Thank you again for writing and I look forward to hearing more from you.
Sincerely,
Todd Portune
*** Regarding the rail connections into the central riverfront, Hamilton County has resolved favorably on the issue of promoting passenger commuter rail out the eastern corridor connecting in the transit center in downtown Cincinnati. That specific issue of transit was central to the county's recent actions involving the Banks riverfront development project and our actions in seizing a measure of control. The Port Authority has often been hostile to the issue of rail transit coming into downtown as we envision under the eastern corridor plan and the newly formed 3CDC has not exactly embraced it. Our concerns were also shared by the Ohio Department of Transportation "ODOT". ODOT is relieved that the county has taken the action it has and views our plan and approach as much more transit friendly.
7/8
Mike Fremont answers my question about Todd's letter
Thanks very much for your letter to Todd. His answer is not bad news. National Park Service has taken a Washington-approved strong stand against the crossing. Don't know if we sent you a packet on this but we will! Mike
end of articles
The Lloyd House Salon (usually about 15 people) Meets Mondays at 5:45,
EVERY MONDAY, 52 WEEKS/YEAR come hell or high water, as my mother used to say.
We of the Lloyd House Salon gather in a spirit of
respect, sympathy and compassion for one another
in order to exchange ideas for our mutual pleasure and enlightenment.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Here you can post your responses to the weekly:
interactive Yahoo Salon group, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LloydHouseSalon
We have 39 members as of 4/14/05. Pot Luck procedures including food suggestions, mission and history at
http://home.fuse.net/ellenbierhorst/Potluck.html .
> Please also visit the Lloyd House website: http://www.lloydhouse.com
> To unsubscribe from the Lloyd House Potluck Salon list, send a REPLY message
> to me and in the SUBJECT line type in "unsub potluck #". In the place of #
> type in the numeral that follows the subject line of my announcement emal. It
> will be 1,2, 3, 4, or 5. This tells me which sub-list your name is on so I can
> delete it. Thanks! ellen bierhorst
- end of Salon Weekly -
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