Tuesday, April 20, 1999
Aquarium lacks signs, council fears
Newport wants to steer tourists
BY TERRY FLYNN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
NEWPORT — City commissioners voiced concerns Monday night about a lack of signs to direct visitors to the Oceanic Adventures Newport Aquarium via the downtown business district.
Commissioner Jerry Peluso said he recently visited the aquarium at Monterey, Calif., during a business trip and was impressed with the many signs guilding visitors to the facility from several directions.
“I think we need signs that tell people coming to the aquarium that they can use the 10th Street exit and the Grand Avenue exit off I-471,” Mr. Peluso said. “I think it's vital that traffic be able to come down Monmouth Street through the business district on the way to the aquarium. Business owners are counting on it.”
He pointed out that Monmouth Street Commission members recently voted to seek signs on I-471 that would say “Newport Aquarium Next Three Exits” as motorists came south across the bridge from Cincinnati and also north
from I-275.
City manager Phil Ciafardini said the Southbank Partners group is completing the sign program in conjunction with state highway officials. Initially, signs on I-471 will direct visitors to take the Third Street/Dave Cowens Drive exit.
“The 10th Street exit will be utilized by local traffic, without signage,” he said. “People from the area will know which exits they want.”
But Commissioner Jan Knepshield said he was concerned that if the bulk of the traffic from I-471 is funneled to Dave Cowens Drive and then toward the aquarium, people will leave the area with a bad experience because of the traffic congestion.
“We want people to come here, for the aquarium and other attractions, but we also want them to come back,” Mr. Knepshield said. “Ingress and egress is very important to a good experience.”
Mr. Ciafardini said the nature of the entire Newport on the Levee development, which includes the aquarium and other attractions such as a 3-D IMAX theater and shops and restaurants, will result in traffic congestion and parking problems for a short period.
“This is an ongoing development, coming on in phases, and that means continuing construction for some time,” he said. “We can't do anything about that. We will try to make things as easy and enjoyable as possible for visitors.”
When construction is completed on the Newport on the Levee project, there will be a 2,000 car parking garage for on-site parking. In the meantime, parking will be handled by several nearby lots.
Southbank Shuttle buses and TANK buses will also bring visitors to the aquarium from parking lots in Covington and Cincinnati.
Mr. Peluso said he was also concerned that traffic coming off I-471 on to Dave Cowens Drive would bleed into nearby neighborhoods, a concern shared by the Mansion Hill Neighborhood Association.
Commissioner Beth Fennel suggested that the city provide temporary signs that would direct visitors to the 10th Street and Grand Avenue exits off I-471. Mr. Ciafardini said he would discuss the proposal with state transportation officials.
Temple's bingo profits probed
Gore soothes tornado survivors
Gore touts health care plan
Unquenchable laughter of Lynn Stern
Obituary: Lynn Stern, founded Wellness survivors' chapter
State looking into youth detention system, training
New leader raises standards
Two guards face charges of misconduct; another fired
Cincinnati's teen pregnancies fall
Manatees arrive with ease
Police pair rescue child from balcony at fire scene
Fire victim's family gets love and aid
Woman hurt in 5th drive-by shooting
Anchorwoman Rashid faces DUI charge
Bob Braun biography
Bob Braun's life at 70
Braun reunion May 23
Opera is seeking 'super' talent
Dirty e-mail doesn't pass muster with court
'Dream Catcher' draws applause at L.A. premiere
GET TO IT
Lockland police chief indicted for theft
Persistent salesman who frightened homeowner is indicted
U.S. plans adoption Web site
20-year term not enough to satisfy slain woman's family
Aquarium lacks signs, council fears
Baby rapist who was rape victim sentenced to 30 years
Chiquita-Enquirer deal info is sought
City loses appeal of ruling on fire captains
Deerfield couple displaced by tornado
Good Friday closing allowed
He's 35, she's 16: Man admits guilt
MSD outlines plans to reduce flooding in Hamilton County
No money to widen Ohio 63
Noise saves Mason man in house fire
Schools may limit hiring in Fairfield
Sewer rerouting at plant possible
Social worker sues county, says adoption bias cost him his job
Some fear for Lebanon's old buildings
Stamp replica remembers area family's organ donation
Student faces trial for gun in car
Teen charged in Colerain school fire
Treatment plant sites listed
TRISTATE DIGEST
