Topic: Cincinnati: Western Hills Developments

[TraderJake]

What about the Chic-Fil-A?

Doesn't Chic-Fil-A have a requirement that an area must be able to sustain a drive through line that makes a full rotation around the building and onto the street? Perhaps the Chic-Fil-A warrants weren't met.

[AndrewN]

What about the Chic-Fil-A?

Doesn't Chic-Fil-A have a requirement that an area must be able to sustain a drive through line that makes a full rotation around the building and onto the street? Perhaps the Chic-Fil-A warrants weren't met.

How would that work in their mall stores?    I don't think Chic-Fil-A has anything so written in stone that a store couldn't be modified to fit a new profitable area.

[TraderJake]

I think there is a different warrant for the malls, where the queues for Chick-Fil-A must be at a minimum three times as long as the lines for other places. That must be why the one in Northgate closed.

[David]

Randy, I'm curious - do you know how they managed to get the easements for the Catwalks? Seems like a lot of residents wouldn't want to give it up. Is it a property tax incentive?

It's interesting how suburbs are evolving to tackle the challenges they face.

[DanB]

The catwalks were built along with the subdivisions.

[oakiehigh]

^Bingo!       It probably would be a pain to get the easements after the fact!

[msj61]

What about the Chic-Fil-A?

I guess I’m not 100% sure that they are building a Chic-Fil-A, but it sure looks that way.  In the link I provided on 12/31/08, there is mention of a Chic-Fil-A.   Under Resolution #08-1013-L:  “…  4. That the Chic-Fil-A building be constructed in conformance with the building elevation plans previously submitted and approved…”

[msj61]

Randy, I'm curious - do you know how they managed to get the easements for the Catwalks? Seems like a lot of residents wouldn't want to give it up. Is it a property tax incentive?

It's interesting how suburbs are evolving to tackle the challenges they face.

Also in that link from the Township meeting:  “The Board discussed the following issues related to the project: Elimination of the sidewalk connecting the dead-end of North Glen with Glenway Avenue….”   Anyone know why they would want to eliminate that catwalk?

[DanB]

It's a quick way for criminals to get to the residential area and then make a fast escape!

[AndrewN]

^ You know that is probably not far from the truth. 

[oakiehigh]

It's a quick way for criminals to get to the residential area and then make a fast escape!

I wouldn't put that philosophy past some of the folk over there!   They are still pretty heavily used though!

[UncleRando]

I guess I’m not 100% sure that they are building a Chic-Fil-A, but it sure looks that way.  In the link I provided on 12/31/08, there is mention of a Chic-Fil-A.   Under Resolution #08-1013-L:  “…  4. That the Chic-Fil-A building be constructed in conformance with the building elevation plans previously submitted and approved…”

Certainly seems to be that way.  Maybe the Chic-fil-A was mentioned in conversation and the Trustees just went with it.

Also in that link from the Township meeting:  “The Board discussed the following issues related to the project: Elimination of the sidewalk connecting the dead-end of North Glen with Glenway Avenue….”   Anyone know why they would want to eliminate that catwalk?

Many conservative politicians look at public right-of-way as a source of crime.  In reality sidewalks and catwalks seem to generate more whiny elderly people than anything.  They seem to view the presence of people near their property, or god forbid, on their property as crime.  Old people vote, therefore these politicians take care of whatever "problems" they're complaining about.  In this case catwalks.

Unfortunately these catwalks serve as an effective transportation route for pedestrians.  Most specifically children walking to school.  In a day and age where many communities are vying for 'Safe Routes to School' money to be used for sidewalk/path construction that there are still places trying to get rid of their existing stock.

[David]

It's a quick way for criminals to get to the residential area and then make a fast escape!

Yeah, we all know how those subdivisions are just infested with criminals.

I can't believe they're pushing to get rid of the poor layout's one redeeming quality.

[DanB]

Yeah, we all know how those subdivisions are just infested with criminals.

I can't believe they're pushing to get rid of the poor layout's one redeeming quality.

David, David, David, you are so confused!  Good thing I'm here to help you out!    What I meant was that the criminal element hanging around the Glenway area could park their cars in the retail establishments, walk up the catwalk to get easy access to the subdivision, do their damage, and quickly get out!!

[David]

Glenway isn't that bad. My old elementary school was off of Glenway - father south east but I'm familiar with that area. I don't think it's even close to being bad enough to warrant getting rid of the catwalks.

You suburbanites are a bunch of paranoid schizoids 

[Rob Jaques]

Help me out here... where about on Glenway are these catwalks...? I probably drive by them daily, but I cannot picture where they are.

[oakiehigh]

^
The end of Northglen!  Probably the catwalk in question due to it running right through a construction site currently.  If they do away with this, it COULD be the decision of the developers of the Glenway Dodge site and not the residents.
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCC&cp=qhrvqp7ydtf7&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=35109105&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1

This one will never go away!!
Off Moonridge connecting Summerdale, Castlewood, and Edgebrook
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCC&cp=qhsh7q7yd462&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=35096996&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1

[Rob Jaques]

^

I'm not seeing or getting any image or text other than the "^"

[xumelanie]

Yeah, we all know how those subdivisions are just infested with criminals.

I can't believe they're pushing to get rid of the poor layout's one redeeming quality.

David, David, David, you are so confused!  Good thing I'm here to help you out!   What I meant was that the criminal element hanging around the Glenway area could park their cars in the retail establishments, walk up the catwalk to get easy access to the subdivision, do their damage, and quickly get out!!

Does this happen frequently?  Are there hundreds of police reports with this happening? 

I did not grow up in this particular subdivision, but I did grow up in one not too far away (Muddy Creek and Westbourne area).  There were a few catwalks from my subdivision to Werk Road.  I remember walking on this quite a bit to go to shops on Werk or even Glenway.  It was especially great before having my driver's license, and a group of kids could go without having to get parents to take us out there.  It would be sad to see them go. 

[DanB]

I was just explaining a possible reason why someone would want them gone, and how criminals could get in and out quickly.  I have no idea if it happens.

Melanie, not sure when you were up on Glenway last, but in today's climate I would doubt your parents would let you walk up to the plaza on a regular basis.  Its not very nice today, especially at night.  Maybe it will change once Target is open.

[UncleRando]

Melanie, not sure when you were up on Glenway last, but in today's climate I would doubt your parents would let you walk up to the plaza on a regular basis.  Its not very nice today, especially at night.  Maybe it will change once Target is open.

Do you have any evidence to support this claim?

[DanB]

Yeah,  my daughters worked up there, and both were harrassed.  There were muggings, and I think an occasional shooting.

[UncleRando]

So do my experiences then counter yours and make it a moot point?  My girlfriend's sister works in that area, rides the bus to her job and never has (present tense) problems.

[xumelanie]

I was just explaining a possible reason why someone would want them gone, and how criminals could get in and out quickly.  I have no idea if it happens.

I was curious.  People constantly ask me if I am safe downtown because they "hear" about things that they usually can not back up. 

Melanie, not sure when you were up on Glenway last, but in today's climate I would doubt your parents would let you walk up to the plaza on a regular basis.  Its not very nice today, especially at night.  Maybe it will change once Target is open.

Last time I was on Glenway Ave. last was yesterday.   With many family members living on the west side (and my allergist has an office on Glenway itself), I'm in that area several times a month.  I have shopped at the stores at Glenway Crossing, Western Hills Plaza, and other nearby stores several times during the past month, and I thought it was fine.   I'm not discounting that there could be some crime, but are things as bad as people say?  Or maybe I just am not in the area enough to see?  I just do not feel unsafe when stop at Home Depot near Dillards or pick up a few things at Bigg's on Crookshank.

I probably should have clarified that I was rarely by myself as a kid walking to stores.  I was usually with neighborhood kids or family members.  When I was in high school (early 90s), I do remember trouble at Western Hills Plaza.  We didn't go there without an adult.

[xumelanie]

Yeah,  my daughters worked up there, and both were harrassed.  There were muggings, and I think an occasional shooting.

I am sorry to hear that.  That is terrible they had to go through that.

[DanB]

I am sorry to hear that.  That is terrible they had to go through that.

Last time I was on Glenway Ave. last was yesterday.   With many family members living on the west side (and my allergist has an office on Glenway itself), I'm in that area several times a month.  I have shopped at the stores at Glenway Crossing, Western Hills Plaza, and other nearby stores several times during the past month, and I thought it was fine.   I'm not discounting that there could be some crime, but are things as bad as people say?  Or maybe I just am not in the area enough to see?  I just do not feel unsafe when stop at Home Depot near Dillards or pick up a few things at Bigg's on Crookshank.

Thanks.  Don't get me wrong, we shop there, and don't think twice about it.  I think it can get a little dicey at night.  It's just not as it was 20 or more years ago.  We did limit the kids going there at night to Media Play etc.  My daughter worked at Dillards last year, and they made them park way in the back and it was really questionable at night. 

[REK]

So do my experiences then counter yours and make it a moot point?  My girlfriend's sister works in that area, rides the bus to her job and never has (present tense) problems.

You mean besides the overwhelming depression one gets at having to look at Glenway Ave? Or is that just me? In general the comments about Western Hills and Glenway being "dangerous" are just west siders being west siders.

That said, that whole area w/ Western Hills Plaza and Glen Crossing has been in the dumps for the last 6-7 years at least. I remember it being just OK when I was in high school and positively shocked that an Outback opened up in the old Chi Chi's. No amount of "new" retail (a Target? really? like a new location will miraculously make the whole area better.....) will reverse the decline of that area. It's a poorly designed (I use that word loosely) strip that has an abundance of outdated and vacant strip malls.

[oakiehigh]

I was just explaining a possible reason why someone would want them gone, and how criminals could get in and out quickly.  I have no idea if it happens.

Melanie, not sure when you were up on Glenway last, but in today's climate I would doubt your parents would let you walk up to the plaza on a regular basis.  Its not very nice today, especially at night.  Maybe it will change once Target is open.

I used to work in this plaza for ten years until 04 and have walked to it for many years of my life.   Not once have I ever been harassed walking.  Now I saw shoplifting occasionally.   When I used to work in the retail world, it was really amusing to me to watch certain groups of people physically seem uncomfortable and intimidated just by being around other different groups of people.   

No DanB, it is not all white and will never be all white again.  It is very diverse with all walks of life and resembles many other parts of the region in that sense of racial dynamics.   Some west siders and people who just work over here are still in denial about that fact and still seem shocked when a mugging occurs. 200,000 people live west of the Mill Creek.  Of course theirs crime over here, but where isn't it anymore?

You can get mugged in Colerain, WestChester, Kenwood, or Mason just as easy these days.  If you don't believe that, you need to check yourself! 

The area around the plaza has more businesses, is better lit at night, and will have even that much more foot traffic by the time Target opens.   Not that I am saying this is a model for sprawl, but this is the best this particular plaza has ever looked in my lifetime or the better part of 30 years.

[DanB]

Oakie, while we are back in this thread....

I used to work in this plaza for ten years until 04 and have walked to it for many years of my life.   Not once have I ever been harassed walking.  Now I saw shoplifting occasionally.   When I used to work in the retail world, it was really amusing to me to watch certain groups of people physically seem uncomfortable and intimidated just by being around other different groups of people.   

No DanB, it is not all white and will never be all white again.  It is very diverse with all walks of life and resembles many other parts of the region in that sense of racial dynamics. 

I never said I wanted the area to be all white.  Please don't make me out to be a racist.  I hope that if you are lucky enough to have a daughter one day, and at 17 years old she walks out of the Hallmark store and is harrassed (both verbally and physically) by a gang of teens hanging around, you will be able to casually dismis her by telling her to "celebrate" the diversity of the area.

[oakiehigh]

That sucks!  It really does, but your speaking about a Hallmark store that has been closed for what?  9-10 years now?   

Meanwhile, back here in 09 we have new plaza owners, new stores (90% occupancy), new upgrades of facades and appearances, and yes even new clientele.   I'll even admit that ten years ago may have been the low point of this strip malls history!    I am by no means saying this will ever be THE shopping destination for Cincy, but your typical Target shopper is not going to be your typical Deveros, Footaction shopper, which so happened to be next to your old Hallmark.    Call it Retail Evolution!  

The Plaza discussion has been moved. 
If you want to continue,               http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,18321.0.html

[msj61]

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20090205/BIZ01/302050028/

[oakiehigh]

Good Call msj61!!!!

New Chick-fil-A coming to Bridgetown
By Jeff McKinney • jmckinney@enquirer.com • February 5, 2009
http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20090205/BIZ01/302050028/

BRIDGETOWN – Chick-fil-A, the Atlanta-based restaurant chain known for its chicken sandwiches, will join Chipotle Mexican Grill at a new retail development along Glenway Avenue at the site of the former Cronin Dodge auto dealership.

The Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission has approved zoning plans for Chick-fil-A and Chipotle Mexican Grill to build stores on Glenway Avenue between Karen Avenue and Childs Avenue, said Bryan Snyder, a senior planner with the commission.

Click on link for article.

[oakiehigh]

God Bless!!!!   They are using Brink!!!!   No entry or exit off of Glenway either.  I like that move if the rendering is accurate!

New restaurants coming to Glenway
By Kurt Backscheider • kbackscheider@communitypress.com • February 5, 2009
http://communitypress.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/C2/20090205/NEWS/902050325/

West-siders will have two more options when it comes to grabbing a bite to eat in Green Twp.

Two new restaurants are planned to open sometime this summer on the former Glenway Dodge property.

Click on link for article.

[oakiehigh]

Green Township, Rack settle litigation
By Kurt Backscheider
kbackscheider@communitypress.com
http://communitypress.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/C2/20090312/NEWS/903120311/

Green Township officials and Vincent Rack have agreed to settle two decades worth of legal battles.

The township board of trustees approved a resolution Monday, March 9, ratifying an agreement with Rack's business, Monfort Supply Co., to settle the legal issues between the two parties.

Click on link for article.

[oakiehigh]

With Legacy Place dead in the water and the success of the newly remodeled Plaza just up the road, hopefully some "concrete" plans surface this year about a new and better way to utilize the 26 acre Glenway Crossing area.   It isn't completely dead, but has lost 4 major tenents in the past 6 months. 

Pleeeeeaaaase reconfigure the land occupied by the former Target and Circuit City!!!   Make Pep Boys either relocate somewhere else within the center or whatever, just tear all three buildings down and start over!!!!!!!   This has looked horrendous since day 1!!!!!


Center seeking new direction
By Laura Baverman • lbaverman@enquirer.com • March 30, 2009
http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20090330/BIZ01/903300318/

Darkening storefronts in Western Hills' once bustling Glenway Crossing retail corridor have forced Westwood community leaders and real estate brokers to consider a new path for the area's future.

Its anchor, a busy but small Target store, moved up Glenway Avenue earlier this month for bigger and better digs in Western Hills Plaza. Turmoil at national retail chains like Circuit City, Steve & Barry's and Cost Plus World Market have left large spaces in several buildings in the retail-heavy section of Glenway Avenue. And the half-vacant 235,000-square-foot Glenway Crossing center has seen a revolving door of tenants in recent years.

Click on link for article.