Wednesday, November 03, 1999
Officials pick plan for mall
Roof to come off, 2 streets to return in Middletown
BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MIDDLETOWN — While some people were casting last-minute votes for candidates and issues Tuesday, city commissioners were taking a major step in the City Centre Mall project.
After more than a week of indecision on whether there would be a vote on a proposed design concept, commissioners voted 6-1 to authorize City Manager Ron Olson to proceed with what is called Design Concept 1.
That concept, which includes removing the roof and reinstating Central Avenue and Broad Street, is estimated to cost $14.5 million.
Commissioner Jerry Banks, who wanted the vote delayed to give commissioners more time to study the options and maybe hear others, cast the dissenting vote.
Mr. Banks said he was concerned because commissioners had not had a chance to participate in the design process, ask ample questions and give direction. He objected that the decision was “a foregone conclusion.” It appears the city is getting just “pretty pictures” for nearly $15 million, he said.
Commission Chairman Earl Smith led the way in calling for a vote, starting with a prepared statement. He said the plan presented by local entrepreneur Perry Thatcher, which some said did not get fair consideration, was discussed again with Mr. Thatcher in recent days and his plan was given a thorough look. It was not recommended by the experts hired to consider proposals. But Mr. Smith said Mr. Thatcher has been invited to participate in the development.
Mr. Smith said the three latest concepts presented lack creativity, but there are limited options to opening up Central Avenue. He recommended proceeding with the vote.
On Oct. 21, commissioners got their first look at the three concepts, prepared by a combined design team of architects Scheer & Scheer and engineering firm Burgess & Niple, both of Cincinnati, as well as a design task team made up of city staff and community members, said Assistant City Manager Susan Davis.
Concept 1 includes one-way traffic, sidewalks, streetscape and angled curbside parking on North Broad Street; new surface parking lots under the parking garage; and a new elevator and stairs for the parking garage, with an enclosed vestibule.
The other two concepts were estimated to cost $13.76 million and $15.6 million.
All three share common elements — including ripping off all or part of the mall roof; tearing down several buildings, including the mall mechanical room and bathrooms, the Hallmark building and the Finkelman building. They also called for demolishing mall fronts and repairing damage to the buildings, and selective demolition and rebuilding of the welfare office building and the Fifth Third Bank branch.
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