By Dave Niinemets
Enquirer contributor

COVINGTON - Rather than discussing possible changes to one of its neighborhoods in a boardroom, community leaders have decided to hit the streets.

They're taking with them the Kentucky Revised Statutes on redevelopment, which allow such things as the declaration of blight to eliminate "slums," the formation of redevelopment corporations, the application for grants and the use of eminent domain.

City planners and representatives from the Austinburg Neighborhood Association and the Covington Community Center will meet at 9 a.m. this morning to tour Austinburg. The purpose of the tour, which begins at Oakland Avenue Baptist Church, is to consider possible redevelopment.

"It became clear that it was important for all of us to come out and get into the neighborhood," said Aaron Wolfe-Bertling, Covington's housing development director.

The public is invited to join, sharing ideas and concerns about potential changes. The state laws that will be considered during the walking tour and meeting are Kentucky Revised Statutes 99.330 to 99.590, which establish some of the innovative measures that can be taken to redevelop neighborhoods.

A plan has been created for redevelopment of the Austinburg area. The plan does not seek major commercial development or buying up mass quantities of property, it merely seeks to make smaller changes to revitalize Austinburg.

"It's an older area of the city that's seen some redevelopment but has some rough spots," said City Manager Greg Jarvis. "There may be some new housing, rehab housing or maybe new small businesses."

Mr. Jarvis said there are some old industrial areas near the Licking River that could be developed into something more appealing and productive. Mr. Wolfe-Bertling said small corner shop businesses and housing that would appeal to young families are some of the considerations. New park space is also an option.

"There's certainly a lot of pride in this neighborhood and a lot of good things going on there," he said. "We're not looking for a big project as much as smaller ones that are more manageable."

The Covington Community Center has played an instrumental role in trying to revitalize the city's neighborhoods. Community Center Director Tom DiBello said the center is playing the part of developer in this project. He hopes Austinburg can serve as a blueprint.

"We're kind of taking a comprehensive approach to create a model for revitalizing neighborhoods throughout the city," said Mr. DiBello. "We have been cultivating a model for community development."

Mr. DiBello said that process involves more than just creating new housing. He said the effort includes addressing crime issues in the neighborhood. It also involves working with schools like Sixth District School in Austinburg to strengthen the community as a whole.

The common theme in the process is keeping the entire community involved. Today's tour is designed to draw ideas from residents who may not normally show interest, as well as getting an up close look at the areas in question.

"We want as much public input as possible," said Mr. Jarvis.

Mr. DiBello is excited about the participation he's seeing so far. He said the city, community center and neighborhood association working together has been very productive.

"I think people are really seeing that it works and it can become a win-win situation for everybody," said Mr. DiBello.

Mr. Wolfe-Bertling said some improvements have already begun in Austinburg and expects more to come in 2003.

The tour is open to the public. Coffee and donuts will be served at Oakland Avenue Baptist Church beginning at 8:30 a.m.