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With all the debate raging in the Cincinnati forum, as well as within the city itself, about constructing a streetcar system, I consistently hear that it would attract people (specifically the younger generation) to the city. But I never see any survey results which show anyone would indeed move to Cincinnati simply because it had a streetcar system. (If you know of any previous surveys or polls which have been conducted, please provide a link to their source.)
So help me out and take this quick poll. This is for people who currently do NOT live in Cincinnati, and never have. Tell me what your thoughts are about the city - be honest, and let the people in Cincy know what you think about their city, and this issue. What is your image of Cincinnati? What would it take for you to move there? Would it be merely a streetcar (or other rail transit) that would cause you to move there - or would you also need other reasons as well?
Thanks.
EDIT: Sorry, the poll question was truncated. The full question is: What are your thoughts about moving to Cincinnati, and would a streetcar or rail transit system influence your decision to move there?
Well, as for me, I live just up the road in Columbus, and I don't think a streetcar alone would make too many people move there, including myself. I think all of the 3-Cs will have this or something similar within 10 years, if not much sooner, so Cincinnati is going to have to set itself apart in other ways. It's a beautiful location, but it doesn't seem to be doing enough in its urban cores to keep the population around, which is something the city is definitely going to have to turnaround to see major projects like increased mass transit move forward.
If I was offered a job paying me more money than I make now in my chosen career field, I might consider Cincinnati. Having a street car would be a small bonus, but it wouldn't influence my decision that much.
I live in Portland currently where we do have street cars, and while nice, they aren't exactly the best form of mass transit unless you live right on a street car line or are just travelling around the downtown area...Although they do look cool and are more fun to ride than buses. But in Portland they've been more useful in promoting re-development. It's easier to sell a new condo complex on a street car line than a bus route.
I voted other. While a streetcar system would not hands down decide where I moved, if I was offered a job in both Cinci and another city, and Cinci was the only of the two with a streetcar system, that would be a check in the positive for Cincinnati.
There is no one simple fix to revitalize an urban area, but you must concentrate on making the urban area more livable, a streetcar system is one of many solutions that help build toward the goal... but you need the other solutions to go with it.
I liken this ? To another: If a tired, sad middle-aged woman put on some Victoria's Secret underwear, would you date her? No.
I might visit her.
To be fair though, the comparison you drew is kind of slanted, it assumes that Cincinnati is a terrible place to begin with... which is a matter of opinion... To some it would be like a gorgeous prude putting on some Victoria's Secret underwear.
Interesting poll results and responses so far. I think Cincinnati needs to hear some of this information. While not completely negative, so far I'm not reading any confirmation of the notion that a streetcar system alone would draw people to Cincinnati, although it would help. The general consensus thus far seems to be that it would take MORE than that to draw people to the city - and that the "more" in reference doesn't necessarily mean a job, but rather something about the city that makes it more attractive. Any ideas about what that would be?
I liken this ? To another: If a tired, sad middle-aged woman put on some Victoria's Secret underwear, would you date her? No.
Okay, the question(s) is WHAT is your impression of Cincinnati - and HOW did you arrive at it so that you compare it to a "tired, sad middle-aged woman"? What needs to change about the city? What does it need to do, or stop doing?
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