The city of Cincinnati has received three known responses to a pending request for proposals (RFP) for the site, which the Business Courier obtained. Two developers proposed mixed-use, market-rate apartment developments that would bring hundreds of new residents and activity. Or the city could listen to the region’s largest tourism agency and hold off while leaders consider whether a new arena could fit there.

Quite frankly, I think the tourism agency would do well to put all their weight behind Bridge Forward. That would open up acres of prime space away from residents for any new arena they wanted. I feel like we continually just make downtown/OTR a place for people to come in, see a show, leave. Let’s start getting residents back in.

They even say it-

They (tourism agency) also have not considered the additional 9.5 acres of land the city will receive from the Brent Spence Bridge project.

That and who pays for the arena? I feel like there is not near enough reason for private developers to do it alone and therefore it also makes little sense for any public money considering we probably wouldn’t get out what we put into it.

So far I like either 1 or 2. 2 sounds very interesting and I kinda like that it makes the most of the spot with no parking (dense part of the city- on bike and bus lanes right downtown.) That and resident/business setup for the first floor units. But 1 is also pretty good in getting a lot more units so that would be nice too.