GOODBYE ARTS DISTRICT, HELLO TEAM PUMA

by Michael Monks
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Covington's failed attempt at redefining the once thriving central business district into an arts and technology zone is finally over. The City Commission passed a resolution Tuesday night to submit an application to the Kenton County Area Planning Commission that would change the zoning along Pike Street corridor back to the central business district.

"(The arts zoning) really made it more difficult to get the right kind of businesses," said Jackson Kinney, Covington's Community Development Director. "It was counterproductive. Arts businesses thrive in mixed use environments."

Splat! goes the Arts District

The Arts & Technology District never really gained traction and today many of the vacant buildings that were expected to be revived remain vacant, a sad display behind a sculpture of legendary Covington artist Frank Duveneck.

"Not having this arts zone will bring in the businesses that arts businesses want to be near," Kinney added.

The death knell for the arts zone may be part of the newly announced Covington Center City Action Plan, the so-called plan-of-plans, that seeks to combine nineteen previous plans that also sought to revitalize the central business district. Denver-based Progressive Urban Management Associates will oversee the new plan.

"We know you've been planned to death here," said PUMA President Brad Segal. "We want to do different things to move forward."

Kinney introduced Segal and his team of local partners that will help implement the CCCAP, including the University of Cincinnati that will supply support for community design and neighboprhood revitalization, as well as local architecture firm KKG that will assist with urban design.

"What we keep hearing is that (PUMA) is very interested in implementation, and that's what we're interested in, an implmentation approach," Kinney said.

In Covington, "There's a surprise around every corner," Segal said, adding compliments toward the city staff, downtown stakeholders and the city's "passionate" people. The PUMA team will be in town through Thursday and will then conduct meetings over the next several months.

"We'll get into the 'how', how we attract jobs here, attract investments," Segal said.