More talk on Vacant Properties in Ohio

A few weeks ago the group Rebuild Ohio released their report $60 million and counting: The cost of vacant and abandoned properties to eight Ohio cities. They focused on cities of all sizes in Ohio; one city was Dayton. The numbers are not very surprising for those of us who have followed this issue and the effect it has had on Dayton and its budget: 3,821 vacant buildings, 1,996 vacant lots resulting in a loss of $12.4 million to the city of Dayton.
On Rebuild Ohio’s website is a 22 page report of Dayton specifically, the full report and the executive summary for the state of Ohio. In some areas, such as assessing the properties and their situation, Dayton is ahead of many of its counterparts. The study recognizes the limitations municipalities have dealing with this issue as sprawl increases and the foreclosure crisis decays our urban areas.
In addition to the study Rebuild Ohio has a three page Policy Action Memorandum calling for the Ohio legislature and administration to take more action on this crisis. Specifically, the memorandum calls for “expanded powers for city and county land banks t accept, hold and manage vacant and foreclosed homes, including providing tools to receive donated and tax delinquent property to hold for future reuse.” Te other policy recommendations are useful. The overarching theme of the report puts more light on this issue that is so important to Dayton and other cities in Ohio. Take a look.

Creative Region Initiative Officially Kicks Off

Last night the Creative Region Initiative was officially kicked off as the organizers of the project and the 32 chosen catalysts met one another at the Westcott House in Springfield.  There was quite an energy in the room - we have some great people in the group and it is possibly the most diverse group of people I've ever been involved with in my life.  There is also the sense that this ambitious and unique effort is very different from any other community-based project ever executed in the past.  I believe there is a ton of potential to do some projects that have a huge impact on our community and will hopefully inspire even more spin-off projects in the future and beyond.

Oregon District - Using ART for Economic Development

Once known for its seedy bars and seedier people (yes some are still there), the Oregon District has undergone a bit of a transformation over the past few years with places like Pacchia, Thai Nine, Cafe Boulevard, Jay's Seafood and John Henry making this one of the Dayton Region's only classy dining destinations for independent restaurant lovers.  There have also been a few random art galleries to add to the urban experience, but nothing like what is being announced today....

Big Announcement Coming Tomorrow...

Yes, we know what it is but we're not allowed to tell the secret... until tomorrow at 10am, so check back here then.  It is happening in the OD and it is going to be big...

here it is...

More Arcade Stuff...

Those of you that live downtown, the Friends of the Dayton Arcade are holding a meeting at the Dayton Public Library on Wednesday February 20th at 7-8:30pm to get your thoughts on what YOU would like to see in the RESTORED Arcade!

Also, one of our DMM Forumers has started a discussion about using the Arcade as a "third place" - check it out HERE (thanks bobcat20!).

Don't know what a third place is?  Check out this Cool Town Studios article, and after you do, ask yourself - wouldn't the Dayton Arcade make ONE HELLUVA THIRD PLACE? 

Believe it...

Join our new DMM Forum

We need ALL of you to join us in new discussions about our city and our region - right here on the newest Dayton Forum...

A 2008 Wish List for Dayton

The week between Christmas and New Years is usually a time for reflection, goal setting, and dreaming. In that spirit, I've put together a 2008 "wish list" for Dayton. Granted, I don't expect many of these things to happen in 2008; but, hey, you gotta start somewhere. Feel free to add to the list.

The Great Dayton Disconnect

I had been meaning to write about this for some time now, and this recent article from the Columbus Dispatch inspired me to do it now (insert the name Dayton wherever you see the word Columbus):

Poll: Some don't link 'burbs, city
Sunday,  December 9, 2007 3:28 AM
By Darrel Rowland, Alan Johnson and Mark Niquette
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

If the core of Columbus and other Ohio cities fail, the problems they're experiencing will spread to the surrounding suburbs, exurbs and townships, experts warn.

If the core of Columbus and other Ohio cities fail, the problems they're experiencing will spread to the surrounding suburbs, exurbs and townships, experts warn.

As many as 30,000 central Ohio residents might consider living Downtown, poll results showed. Such "urban pioneers" would help fuel a revival Downtown, attracting stores, restaurants and entertainment to the city's core, one expert says.

Only about a third of the people who live around Columbus agree that a "strong link" exists between the health of the city and the health of the rest of the central Ohio region, poll results show.

Experts say Ohio's big cities will never get turned around until people who live in the surrounding suburbs and exurbs realize their areas' fates are linked to the health of the core city.

Without that understanding, the "why-should-I-care" attitude will not only thwart the cities' comebacks, but will contribute to a spread of urban problems into the very areas people fled to escape them.

But only about a third of the people who live in the areas surrounding Columbus buy into this concept, judging from a poll by Saperstein Associates. That portion agrees a "strong link" exists between the health of the city and the health of the rest of central Ohio. Another 36 percent see "somewhat of a link."

Another Smart Decline Idea for Dayton

Ok, we've now all heard about the Smart Decline initiatives being implemented in Youngstown, Ohio and being considered (?) in Dayton.  Here is another great idea from the king of struggling American cities - Flint, MI...

New Montesori School, and one step closer to Ballpark Village

We've recently learned that the Dayton School Board has selected the area on the north banks of the Great Miami River directly across from RiverScape as the new location for the city's latest Montessori school.  Though the exact details are not known at this time, it appears that this latest development will allow for the city to acquire the Patterson Career Academy property - the original location that the school board had slated for this new Montessori school and one of the three main properties that must be acquired by the city to make room for Ballpark Village.

It will be interesting to see if this means that the Miami Apartments will be demolished or rehabbed (though it could be a beautiful building, my money is on demolish), and if the rest of that small riverfront neighborhood will be brought back from the dead.  There are several dilapidated properties there that should be torn down, yet ironically there is one fairly new and modern house that was designed by Rogero Buckman that sits directly across the street from the former Rockwells.  And speaking of Rockwells - what will become of that stunning property?  (please not another ill-conceived high-priced steak joint!)

With the acquisition of the Woolpert building having been secured by the city, all that is left is the blessing of the Miami Conservancy District on the development of the Deeds Point area for housing, and to find a new home for Requarth Lumber.  And my last conversation with the president of that company leads me to believe that this is all very close to becoming reality.

Downtown Dayton - The Time is NOW

This past Friday night, Downtown Dayton was THE place to be as another successful Urban Nights took place.  Though no official numbers have been released (and it is impossible to determine an exact head count), I can tell from past experience that this latest event was quite possibly the biggest. 

As I walked around my downtown neighborhood that night, I couldn't help but think - this feels like I'm in a much bigger city!  There were people everywhere.  And when I got to the Arcade, I couldn't believe the huge number of people lined up to see the Arcade.  Can you believe it?  Hundreds (if not a thousand) people lined up to look at the inside of an abandoned building?  There were no performers inside, there was nobody selling food or drinks or souvenirs - it was JUST an empty building.  And that leads me to my point...

Gray to Green

On August 3rd, officials from Dayton visited Youngstown to discuss economic development, urban planning and financing.  The day proved useful in sharing ideas from two Ohio cities that share a significant loss of population over the past thirty years.

The Dayton delegation included Mayor Rhine McLin, City of Dayton Planners John Gower and Becky Gaytko, Paul Robinson, Chief Deputy Montgomery County Treasurer, Legislative Aide Sarah Abernathy and me.  I really am grateful for the people who carved a day away from Dayton to take a look at the other practices of an Ohio city.

From Youngstown, we met with Mayor Jay Williams, his Chief of Staff Jason Whitehead, Planner Anthony Kobak, Community Developer Bill D’Avignon, Finance Director David Bozanich and Hunter Morrison, Director of the Center for Urban and Regional Studies at Youngstown State University.

We all had read a lot about Youngstown and have been following their urban renewal plan.  We were anxious to see their aggressive demolition strategy, how their neighborhoods were reacting to the new plan and what it has done for their city overall.  I think we were surprised to learn about how their city had addressed their brownfield redevelopment and the shear aggressiveness of the city’s economic development approach.

The Arcade - Back in the news...

If you haven't heard already, a group of folks recently formed Friends to Save the Arcade - in order to, well - save the Arcade!  And while the squelchers out there will continue to claim that it is impossible, this group appears ready to do the impossible, including raising $270k in order to pay the tax bill. 

Next Thursday (8/30) at noon, the group plans to hold a Rally to Save the Arcade at Courthouse Square.    And during Urban Nights on Friday 8/14, the Arcade will actually be open for tours that will be organized by none other than Friends to Save the Arcade.  This group is serious about its mission and has some dedicated people involved in the efforts.  I highly recommend you attend the rally if you can, and definitely go check out an Arcade tour on the 14th.  Even if you're not ready to give money to the cause at this time, at least go listen to what the group is up to, and most importantly - why we all should care about Saving the Arcade!

Here are some links to other Arcade stories and photos:

Dayton's Arcade: Truly Distinctive, Truly Dayton (Dayton MostMetro - Dayton History)
Aspects of the Dayton Arcade (UrbanOhio.com)
The Historic Arcade (Preservation Dayton)
Arcade Photos
More Arcade Photos

And just like we did with the Mendelson building, tell us here what you think the best use would be for the Arcade...

How do YOU think we should market Dayton?

The Downtown Dayton Partnership sponsors a Downtown Promotions Network meeting of various downtown business people and residents every month or so, and this morning I was able to attend this month's meeting.  The agenda:  "Branding the City of Dayton"

Dayton Business Journal
Link: City gathers input on its branding efforts.

The city of Dayton's marketing team is gathering public input on the city's branding effort it announced early this year. Tom Biedenharn, spokesman for the city of Dayton, updated a group of about 25 downtown professionals on the marketing project at the Downtown Promotions Network meeting Tuesday morning at Mr. Hyman's Fine Dining. Biedenharn told the group that the city is gathering opinions from across the city, and he also sought thoughts on the project from those gathered this morning.

There were several people at the meeting, many familiar faces in and around downtown and others that I met for the first time - at least in person.  It was an interesting discussion, yet I left wondering if the great ideas and suggestions given by those in the audience would ever really be considered.  And it was no surprise that this idea of blogging being an alternative yet legitimate form of both news and marketing was seemingly at best simply a "neat idea" to those who are ultimately responsible for this new "branding" of our city.  But yes, it is our mission to talk up the positives in our community so for now let's assume that all ideas were genuinely embraced.  Here are some things that were discussed...

Carol Coletta's Keynote Address

Carol Coletta, host of Smart City Radio and CEO of the non-profit organization CEO’s for Cities, was the keynote speaker at the Downtown Dayton Partnership Annual meeting last week.  Carol is well known in the realm of urban advocacy and is considered an expert on urban issues by national media.

Dayton – It’s a Great Place to Raise a Family, Part 1

In last week’s feature blog, there is a reference to the suburbs as “a great place to raise a family.”  What exactly makes a great place to raise a family?  Is it safe neighborhoods, good schools and community focus?  Is it an abundance of available family friendly activities, substantial diversity, and a low cost of living?  Is it a place where you find others that value the same things you do, have similar economic backgrounds, faith, and interests?

Stopping the Dayton Brain Drain

The Dayton region is not alone in its apparent quest to suburbanize the entire region with bland and boring shopping malls, chain restaurants and business parks that suck the soul out of anybody under the age of 30.  But unlike many areas in the country, Dayton still has a solid foundation in its urban core.  Even with its shortcomings, it still offers a taste of what 20-something people want.

Faith in urban living is building

Here is an interesting article about Detroit - a city that has suffered from urban flight even more than Dayton. As the real estate market continues to remain flat in even the most affluent suburbs, could the City of Dayton be on the verge of a boom? Those of us that live here believe it can...

Link: Faith in urban living is building.

During Michigan's current real estate downturn, the long-beleaguered city of Detroit has provided a rare and unexpected bright spot...

...For decades, Detroit was known more for population flight and abandoned homes than for new construction. Today, the Detroit market is keeping some home builders and real-estate agents in business.

Sales of existing houses were up 6% in Detroit last year, compared with a drop of 14% for all of Michigan and declines of 20% or more in Oakland, Monroe and Livingston counties...

Generation Dayton + The Circus = Dayton's Future

There is a buzz in the air of this town these days that is growing.  But it isn't the buzz  we are used to hearing - it is the kind of buzz that is much more likely to make an impact on the future success of Dayton than the typical buzz you are used to hearing.

Confessions of an Empty-Nester - Zillow Blog

Here is a great example of a couple who have discovered the joys of becoming Ruppies! Hey Downtown Dayton Ruppies - we're still waiting to hear your story...

Link: Confessions of an Empty-Nester - Zillow Blog.

Once upon a time we lived in the woods -– and in anonymous suburbs. We lived in cold climates and hot, in major metropolises, and tiny places no one’s ever heard of. The one constant was The House. Wherever we found ourselves, we always started with the search for The House. It always had to have lots of bedrooms and bathrooms, a big kitchen and a yard to match. The House asked a lot of us by way of cleaning, maintenance, and dependence on cars, but we always thought our family needed it...
...We now live in the middle of downtown Seattle in a condo (photo below) that’s less than half the size of our last House. Our 3,200 square feet of Texas sprawl has been squeezed down to a cosmopolitan 1,200. We’ve gotten rid of most of our furniture, clothes, and surplus artwork, and all of our meaningless “stuff.” We’ve chucked the lawnmower and garden tools, and pared our dishes down to enough for only four. And best of all -– most gloriously of all -– we’ve sold our three cars!

Dayton and the Creative Class

     Last night, Richard Florida (American economist and urban studies theorist) spoke at Wright State University.  His book Rise of the Creative Class was one of the things that inspired me to get more involved with urban advocacy.  Yes, I am included in that creative class group - I'm in my 30's, I am an entrepreneur, I work with technology, I live downtown, I enjoy coffee shops, I go to the theater.  But that isn't what Florida's "Creative Class" is all about, despite what many people believe.  No matter what your profession, if you frequently express yourself either through art, music, writing (even bloggers), acting, etc., then you are in fact creative and thus in this group.  If you work at a job where you use your mind to create - whether that is at a software company or a manufacturing plant where your input leads to process improvement - you are in the creative group.  The point is, many people think of this "creative class" idea and think that it only applies to high tech people or artists.  Those "yuppie types" as I've heard some people say.  But as Florida spoke last night, he emphasized the fact that this class of people is not very exclusive; most of us are indeed creative and thus are part of this group.

MostMetro Prediction: Urban family living will redefine the downtown demographic

It is said in some neighborhoods in San Francisco that the hottest new accessory is a baby laden stroller and the runner up is a 7 lb. pooch in your purse. One of the most frequent questions posed to residents during “Urban Nights” is about the family demographic – are there any children living in downtown Dayton? Is there a potential real estate market to serve – that of the urban dwelling young family?

Shedding Suburbia - Sales, Marketing and the Rise of the Ruppie

The Downtown Dayton condo building I live in has a wide mix of people - in fact, every age bracket from 20-somethings up to 70-somethings are represented.  It is the very thing that makes our building so interesting and our community so strong.  But it is the "aging baby boomer" market that is talked about most when it comes to downtowns across the country transforming into places to live.

Gen X and Y - looking to live urban?

Having been born in 1971, I am a Gen-Xer. The "slacker" generation, as I've heard us called. Funny thing is, there is some truth to that slacker moniker, but not in the lazy sense that you might be thinking of. Though I can't speak for all of us, I would say that a good many of us are looking for a different lifestyle than what our boomer parents were looking for. Things like gigantic houses with oversized driveways for our oversized SUV's simply don't have much appeal for many of us. Instead, we want a unique experience. We would rather be different than conform; we don't want anything to do with the Jones's, let alone feel any need to keep up with them. Instead of focusing our energy on climbing the corporate ladder in order to be able to buy more stuff (and bigger houses to keep that stuff in), we'd rather focus on finding a job that we actually look forward to going to everyday - preferably very close to where we live. And if this article has any truth to it, we are a big reason that urban neighborhoods across the country are becoming highly desirable places to live. Can this happen in Dayton as well?

As older cities shrink, some reinvent themselves

Here is another example of a declining city - Richmond - that has taken the "smart decline" approach to shrinking population by turning abandoned properties into green spaces. Dayton should take note...

By Haya El Nasser
USA TODAY
Link: As older cities shrink, some reinvent themselves - USATODAY.com.

Slowly, old American cities that have been in a downward population spiral for a half-century or more are reinventing themselves as, well, smaller cities. They're starting to adopt — many, like Richmond, do it unknowingly — tenets of the burgeoning, European-born "Shrinking Cities" movement. The idea: If cities can grow in a smart way, they can also shrink smartly.

"Everybody's talking about smart growth, but nobody is talking about smart decline," says Terry Schwarz, senior planner at Kent State University's Urban Design Center of Northeast Ohio. The center runs the Shrinking Cities Institute in Cleveland, a city that has lost more than half its population since 1950. "There's nothing that says that a city that has fewer people in it has to be a bad place."