Engaged Citizens

The Northside neighborhood in central Cincinnati has long enjoyed a reputation of civic activism. It has been a forward-moving community of urban pioneers since the 1970's. Its residents have renovated homes, started businesses, planted public gardens, maintained and created parks and woods, raised millions of dollars for community projects, hosted public celebrations, supported its children andunderserved neighbors, and helped transorm the business district. The neighborhood of about 4,000 households has many diverse and talented people who embrace community building as a team sport.

The Northside Comprehensive Land Use Plan

From the Executive Summary of the Plan

"This Northside Land Use Plan provides the community and the City of Cincinnati a clear picture of Northside's vision for the future and the strategies and implementation measures that will be used to achieve this vision. It is also designed as a positive response to the City of Cincinnati's new 2004 zoning colde. Hundreds of Northsiders have participted in creating this plan including long time and new residents, business owners, property owners, school principals, parents, and interested developers.

VISION

Northside, located in the Mill Creek Valley in North Central Cincinnati, envisions a future where a diverse community of people live in a neighborhood that provides great housing choices, a variety of work environments and job opportunities, and the cultural and educational opportunities that allow one to live an interesting and nurtured life close to home.

The community strives to be a holistic, sustainable community that provides a unique, tolerant environment for people of any income, race or cultural background. Northside's vision is that of a true "urban village" which can be a model of success for other neighborhoods."

There are four central goals, written in detail on page 4 of the report:

• Quality of Life

• Housing

• Commercial

• Green Spaces