The Burnet Area Business District received a modest jump-start last week.

        A revitalization plan, submitted by the Burnet Area Business Association (BABA), got a hearing before City Council's Neighborhood and Public Works Committee, chaired by Councilman Paul Booth.

        Mr. Booth appeared concerned that the city should do something to revive the area. After reviewing the proposal, Mr. Booth asked the administration to take a look at it.

        “We want to help revitalize that district,” Mr. Booth said. “It is a question of figuring out how the city can help financially.”

        But BABA is wondering if the proposal is really going anyplace; members said Mr. Booth failed to set up a hearing with the administration and BABA as promised last week.

        “It is obvious that Burnet Avenue is not on a high priority list with the city,” said Tom Jones, a BABA member and chairman of the Avondale Public Safety Task Force. “We will wait and see what happens.”

        BABA is not really asking for much — $302,262 — to help about 10 businesses improve several buildings, acquire property, demolish several buildings and clean up parking lots and streets.

        Burnet Avenue merchants don't think that amount is too much to ask when compared with about $50 million to lure a Nordstrom store downtown, and to help relocate Lazarus.

        The proposal was not rated highly by the Cincinnati Neighborhood Business District United.

        “We were rated 31 out of 36 proposals,” said Ramona Sellers, president of BABA. “How can you look at Burnet Avenue and say it doesn't need reviving? I would hope there could be some kind of movement toward reviving the district, because it is getting worse.”

        Mr. Jones said the amount being requested will not revive the district, but will help get it started.

        Healing Connections Associates, 1601 Madison Road, Walnut Hills, will hold its fifth annual Rock of Ages 1-4 p.m. Sunday at New Thought Unity Center, 1401 E. McMillan Ave., Walnut Hills.

        It is a benefit rocking chair event with WGRR's Rockin Ron spinning the oldies.

        Other activities include a '50s theme soda shop, a visit from Elvis, a raffle and an auction.

        Information: 751-0600.

        The Children's Theatre will present musical selections from The Wizard of Oz at 1 p.m. today at the Main Library Atrium, 800 Vine St., downtown.

        The performance will be a celebration of the 100th anniversary of L. Frank Baum's classic tale.

        FOREST PARK — The Men of Holy Standard Conference continues through Sunday at the Word of Deliverance Ministries for the World, Inc., 11331 Southland Road.

        The conference, which began Friday, features such speakers as Mark Chironna of Orlando, Fla., national recording artist Darwin Hobbs and Bishop Bobby Hilton. For information, call 851-9673.

        SILVERTON — Olivet Baptist Church, 6838 Montgomery Road, will celebrate its 16th anniversary at 11 a.m. Sunday.

       Allen Howard's column runs on Saturdays. Call: 768-8362. Mail: The Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202.

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