Thursday, March 16, 2000
Blight fighters mired in indecision
BY DAN KLEPAL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
A group formed to eliminate poverty and blight in nine of Cincinnati's neighborhoods could lose its power unless fundamental changes are made to the organization.
Cincinnati's empowerment zone has been ineffective and could be stripped of its designation if it doesn't follow six recommendations made by City Council on Wednesday, council members said.
Recommendations include:
• Reduce the number of board members from 33 to 21. City Manager John Shirey should establish criteria for removing board members, such as high rates of absenteeism.
• Mandate that the empowerment zone board hire an interim director by March 20.
• Report to City Council every 20 days on the progress made in implementing goals and objectives.
“Our only and ultimate sanction would be to disempower the board somewhere down the road,” Mayor Charlie Luken said. “I certainly hope it doesn't come to that.
“We're just trying to light a fire before HUD comes in and tells us it's all over.”
Empowerment zones were created by the federal government to help core urban areas.
Cincinnati's organization has received $6.9 million to date but has not spent much of that and has not decided what programs should receive funding.
Mr. Shirey said the city has intentionally given the board room to work independently.
“We have not tried to be a 600-pound gorilla and dominate the process,” he said.
Councilman Pat DeWine said maybe it's time for the city to start throwing its weight around. “We've reached the point where the question is: Will we allow these dollars to be wasted?” Mr. DeWine said. “It's time to start acting like a 600-pound gorilla.”
Councilman Charlie Winburn reported to council that HUD officials are growing impatient with the lack of progress in Cincinnati. He said the group could lose its federal designation unless it is forced to make the recommended changes.
Before it comes to that, though, the city will ask HUD for permission to form a new organization to replace the empowerment zone, he said.
Part of the problem, according to Mr. Winburn, is the board's mandated voting method has left it powerless.
It's called a “super majority.” Council wants to see the super majority replaced with a simple majority.
Under super majority rule, either 70 percent of the board members in attendance or 17 members of the board must vote to approve any action — whichever number is greater.
“You almost need a Philadelphia lawyer to walk everyone through the process,” Mr. Winburn said.
There are nine neighborhoods represented by the empowerment zone: Avondale, Clifton-Fairview, Corryville, Evanston, Mount Auburn, Over-the-Rhine, Queensgate, Walnut Hills and the West End.
But Cincinnati has ultimate power over the zone's board because it originally applied for designation with the federal government.
Students traveling abroad face danger
Slain women recalled fondly
Chickenpox vaccine may be required
Town's burden: A ton of troubles
Bill aims at war-era phone tax
Candidate admits smoking pot
Chesley to host Gore at fund-raiser
Friends of dead suspect criticize police
Judge's quoting Bible OK
UC students save teen from attacker
Advisory board for stadiums pursued
Blight fighters mired in indecision
Hotel tax authority passes
NKU funding clears House
Legislators from area split evenly on budget
Loveland couple join hajj pilgrims
Muslims celebrate ending of hajj
GET TO IT
Madcap puppets to bring kids' creations to life
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Wedding gets green light for Irish fun
Mardi Gras: Everyone has an opinion
Former Red convicted of failing to pay support
Lebanon blocked in refund attempt
Mason whoops it up for team
Principal parts with his hair
Speedway may hire off-duty troopers
TRISTATE DIGEST
