NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY MORNING 29 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

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by Michael Monks 

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SCHOOLS HOST FOCUS GROUP ON DRUG TESTING STUDENTS WEDNESDAY

If you wish to weigh in on the current debate at Covington Independent Public Schools, consider attending this focus group about the possibility of drug-testing the district's students:

Many schools have random student drug testing programs in place. These programs randomly test students who participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs, as well as students who drive to school. Court decisions have upheld the test of these categories of students. The purpose of the program is to serve as a detterent. The Covington Board of Education is currently exploring the possibility of implementing a program for students in grades 6-12. The district also is hosting a focus group meeting from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 29, to hear from students, parents and the community regarding a student drug testing program. The meeting will be in the Holmes High School Cafe'. We value your opinion. Please take a few moments to answer the following questions. Thank you for your participation.

There is an online survey to take at the link: Click Here 
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GOVERNOR REORGANIZES TECH, CAREER SCHOOLS
Governor Steve Beshear signed an executive order Tuesday that would move technical and career education under the same umbrella at the middle and high school level:

Currently, local high schools can operate career and technical programs using local and state funds. Those programs report to the Kentucky Department of Education. The state also has 53 technical centers for 123 school districts that are paid for with state funds. That career and technical program reports to the Department for Workforce Investment. The executive order moves both systems to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Full story: Herald-Leader/Beth Musgrave
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IF SCHOOLS KILL CREATIVITY, CAN TOYS BRING IT BACK TO LIFE?
Computers save the day:

In an education world obsessed with curriculum standards and high-stakes testing, students are funneled onto particular tracks, rather than being allowed to choose their own adventures and explore their passions (a phenomenon that education expert Sir Ken Robinson says is killing creativity) But if the contemporary education model discourages kids' curiosity and creativity, a new generation of companies are finding ways to emulate Lego and encourage those traits through play.

Full story: GOOD 
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JOHN G. CARLISLE SCHOOL PTA HOSTS GRILL-OUT
From Covington Independent Public Schools:

Nearly 100 parents, students, staff and community members attended John G. Carlisle's Cubs Council PTA kickoff on Tuesday. Organizers were thrilled with the turnout. But its not too late to become a member of the PTA. Cubs Council meetings will be held the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m., usually in the school cafeteria.

The officers include President, Sande Shepherd; Secretary/Treasurer, Kerry McHugh; Vice President/Organization and Communications, Kerry Holleran; Vice President/Membership,Francisco Pabon; Vice President/Activities, Shana Lack; Vice President/Fundraising, Christi Blair.

More photos: Facebook 
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DON'T MISS TUESDAY EVENING'S NEWS!
Lawsuit hopes to force election for vacant Covington School Board seat; Workers inside an historic Kentucky building discover the remnants of an old sex club; Plus, it's time for another installment of "What is Covington Selling on Craigslist?"

Full story: The RC News: Tuesday Evening Round-Up |
QUICKIES
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Democratic state senate candidate Jim Noll says he has been endorsed by former Congressman Ken Lucas Facebook 
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State Police: Human remains belong to woman who was scalped WBKO 
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KY Court weights $24 million gas royalty verdict CBS 
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Speaking of gas... how much did you pay this morning?

$3.95 at Liberty Tobacco & Beer on Fifth Street

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KY Appeals Court to decide immigration case AP 
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Man flies from England to KY to meet underage girl WKYT 
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Cincinnati threatens Duke Energy over streetcar costs Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Former Republican US Senator from Kentucky disappointed with GOP's shift to the right cn|2 
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Sons tell KY delegation about growing up Romney cn|2 
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Lexington city council poised to ban aerial fireworks Herald-Leader 
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A BUSY NIGHT IN DOWNTOWN COVINGTON
Rapper Machine Gun Kelly drew a big crowd to the Madison Theater in Covington...

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PROGRESS CONTINUES ON COVINGTON LIBRARY EXPANSION

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DONNA SALYERS FABULOUS FURS FALL FASHION PREVIEW TONIGHT

A fashion show tonight in Downtown Covington...

More details: Click Here 

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GLBT MAGAZINE FEATURES MAINSTRASSE VILLAGE'S PAWRADE

Check out this great photo from the publishers of CNKY Scene:

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LEADING THE WAY ON A 21ST CENTURY WATERFRONT

Something to learn from for Covington?

"Most of all, there’s a growing awareness that the great waterfronts are the ones where there’s a lot of activity in the water itself," says Stan Eckstut, EE&K's senior principal. He points to Baltimore and Sydney, where revitalization schemes didn’t end at land but extended into the water and its uses, making for busier ports with more services and more amenities.

Waterfronts attached to urban cities have evolved too far from their historic character, Eckstut says. As a result of new ideas about zoning as well as trends specific to the maritime industry, such as containerization, some urban waterfronts have fallen into disuse. But not all waterfronts need to be harbors to be successful. And certainly not all waterfronts need to be parks.

Full story with lots of great photos: The Atlantic Cities 

DOWNTOWN COVINGTON MUST NOT LOOK TO PAST FOR FUTURE PLANS

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

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Mike Berne presents his study

Downtown Covington "can no longer support what it once was," said Mike Berne, a retail expert with MJB Consulting based in New York City and San Francisco. "There was a time it was the premiere shopping destination in Northern Kentucky" but that's no longer the case, he said. Berne based his analysis on three separate trips to Covington as part of the study that led to the creation of the Center City Action Plan (CCAP). Berne's firm was sub-contracted to study retail viability in the City by Denver-based Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA) which led the CCAP research.

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Covington's demographics have weakened since the days that shoppers from around the region flooded Madison Avenue and Pike Street to shop at Coppin's, Eilerman's, Woolworth's, Sears, JC Penny, Parisian and other well-known shopping destinations that helped solidify the City's position as Northern Kentucky's original outdoor shopping mall. A population of 65,000 in the middle of the twentieth century has dwindled to just over 40,000. Worse still, those who are left lack the affluence necessary to support a thriving retail community and those who do have the funds also have vehicles that take them to malls in Crestview Hills or Kenwood. 

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"We have formidable competition," Berne warned as Covington searches for ways to revive activity in the 613,000 square feet of retail opportunities in its Downtown area where only 430 households bring in more than $75,000 a year. Half the households bring in less than $25,000 per year.

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Covington must focus on smaller areas, ignore others for now

"We have to be strategic," Berne said, adding that Covington should focus on streets where potential retail is more viable. "Some streets won't be the focus while others will be." That concentration should be solely on Madison Avenue and not Scott Boulevard or Pike Street, Berne suggested, citing a familiar adage in retail: it's cheaper and easier to get more dollars from existing customers than it is to create new ones from scratch. 

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Madison Theater

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Madison Avenue is already at the early stages of a possible rebound with positive developments like the expansion of the Madison Theater and the budding popularity of the newly opened Whackburger. Other strengths include its intact retail fabric with steady businesses already filling many of the spaces. Madison has the highest visibility and could have the greatest impact on the City's brand. In order for the Madison Avenue approach to work two sectors of the population should be pursued: customers who already come to Madison Avenue for other reasons and those who are undeterred by the street's existing condition.

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Treat Downtown Covington's situation like a "triage"

When a disaster strikes and many people are injured, hospitals go into triage mode, prioritizing which patients need the most attention the quickest. Berne used the term to apply to Downtown Covington and his suggestion to focus on smaller areas. He cited Northside, the rugged but trendy Cincinnati neighborhood, as a community with similar attributes and potential to Covington. Particularly, Berne stressed the significance of a "hipster" crowd, described as young, creatively-inclined, alternatively minded people that live in and are drawn to the underground. 

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Hipsters, Berne reports, start trends, popularize nightspots, and pioneer neighborhoods. They are not deterred by a "little grit and diversity", he said. Live music plays a significant role in this sub-culture and iconic venues like the Madison Theater can serve as catalysts. During one of three trips to Covington Berne spent eight days including a weekend touring the City and analyzing its nightlife. "Before and after, people have nothing to do at the Madison Theater," Berne noticed. But, "other than Northside there's nowhere else with a music cluster."

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An upscale grocery in Covington is not ever likely

"An upscale supermarket is not necessarily realistic in the near term. There is not enough people who make enough money," Berne said, dashing the hopes of many Covingtonians longing for a closer alternative to the rundown, outdated, and grimy Kroger on the 1500 block of Madison Avenue. Even the anticipated, or at least hoped-for, addition of Gateway College's urban campus will not supply enough people with means to support an ambitious grocery or any other large-scale retail.

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However, there is hope for Covington in its quest for a larger variety of fresh foods. Starting with Bessler's Economy Meats, Berne encouraged the pursuit of an old European-style shopping experience where customers buy meat at one place, and fish, produce, and flowers at others. 

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City Commissioner Steve Frank disagreed with Berne's assessment of Covington's potential to host an upscale grocery. "I have had long conversations with chains that are looking at the area around Hamburger Heaven (the nickname given by PUMA to the fast food district around the Fifth Street exit)," Frank said, adding that he expects that many of the new residents in Downtown Cincinnati would patronize a Covington grocery. Berne stood by his claims. 

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"Downtowners (in Cincinnati) have options and will have more soon," Berne said. "That is just my opinion, but I don't see it."
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"I don't need you to see it," Frank countered. "Fortunately I've got the contacts and the money."

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Mainstrasse Village & Roebling Point should also be re-branded

Covington's most visited and most vibrant urban neighborhood is Mainstrasse Village where nightlife and restaurants thrive alongside a small cluster of retail. But for all the quality bar food and hamburger joints, Berne hopes the area narrows its focus to the style of landmarks like Chez Nora and Dee Felice and new neighborhood stars like Otto's, Bouquet, and Goodfellas Pizzeria. "Mainstrasse should be rebranded as a destination for fine dining and refined tastes," he said. 

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Mainstrasse Village

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Meanwhile, the neighborhood will likely never be a true retail destination according to Berne because there is a lack of steady daytime foot traffic and the streets are dominated by bars and restaurants which can afford to pay higher rents. The consultant said the better deal for aspiring retail business owners would be found along Fairfield Avenue in Bellevue where the prices for space are much lower. "The choice is rather clear," he said. Retail is better suited for Madison Avenue which is closer to other neighborhoods, he said. 

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The City should consider redeveloping the Fifth Street parking lot while at the same time retaining the free and ample parking that visitors to Mainstrasse have come to enjoy, the consultant recommended. 

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Across town at Roebling Point, the upstart entertainment district home to Keystone Bar & Grill, Sidebar, Blinkers and others, "the evolution has been a great thing to watch," Berne said, while expressing worries that the destination could grow too far, too fast. Roebling Point is closest to Cincinnati's dominating riverfront development known as The Banks and will face stiff competition from that. "They have a lot of things to occupy and distract them over there now," he said, noting that while Roebling Point is within Covington's most prestigious and expensive neighborhood, there are not enough people there to sustain it on their own.

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There is limited retail in Roebling Point but Berne suggested the neighborhood focus on ground-floor "flex" space with active uses for civic and community events, medical and dental offices, and daycare centers. 

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The City's next steps, according to the consultant

In order to implement Berne's suggestions, Covington would narrow its retail focus to Madison Avenue, while ignoring Pike Street and Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard/Twelfth Street. New retail space inventory should be added at the 400 block of Madison. In Mainstrasse, a redevelopment plan should be created for the Fifth Street parking lot while also looking at ways to extend the neighborhood into Hamburger Heaven. The City must secure a buy-in from landlords and brokers regarding both the strategy and their role in it. Marketing and leasing hand-out materials should be created and distributed. Also, recruitment efforts should be intensified.
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"We're never going to be what we used to be, it's just not a reality, and thank you for pointing that out," said City Commissioner Sherry Carran.

NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY MORNING 18 MAY

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter 

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MAIFEST STARTS TODAY AND RUNS THROUGH SUNDAY

Covington continues its reputation this weekend as the festival capital of the region with the 33rd annual Maifest. Check out the full list of events at NKY Spot.
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REMEMBERING THE FALLEN AT COVINGTON POLICE MEMORIAL

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SCOOTER INVOLVED IN MAINSTRASSE CRASH WAS STOLEN FROM PARK HILLS

Remember this scene from May 4 on West Eighth between Bakewell and Philadelphia? A man crashed his scooter into a parked truck an was taken to the hospital. Turns out, that scooter was stolen was Park Hills. #Karma

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THURSDAY MORNING'S NEWS

COVINGTON: Mailer: "This is our last chance to save Covington"; Did you know that a good chunk of the political ads in the NKY Congressional race are paid for by a 21-year old student from Texas?; Plus, 30 Covington businesses were up for awards last night. Those stories and much more at the link!

The RC News: Thursday Morning Round-Up 

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PARK HILLS RESIDENTS FREAKING OUT OVER COYOTES... OR ARE THEY?

The existence of a coyote problem is being debated in Park Hills: 

"I believe we do [have a coyote problem], yes," said Park Hills Police Chief Cody Stanley.
"I am not truly convinced that there is a coyote problem," said Park Hills resident Louise Niemer.

The police chief is buying a special gun to shoot the animals:   

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QUICKIES

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Kentucky Secretary of State predicts only 10-12% voter turnout for Tuesday's primary election Bluegrass Politics 

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Maybe the NKY Congressional race will boost that percentage locally? Here's the latest headlines from the most watched race in Kentucky this cycle: 

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Outside groups buy ads for Massie cn|2 

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Grassroots effort led Massie to politics Cincinnati Enquirer 

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Profile of candidate Tom Wurtz cn|2 

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Profile of candidate Marcus Carey cn|2 

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Profile of candidate Brian Oerther Cincinnati Enquirer 

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Kentucky unemployment down to 8.3% press release 

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More Kentuckians are getting their degrees 84 WHAS 

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Minton reelected Chief Justice of the KY Supreme Court press release 

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Kenton County Library newsletter Click Here 

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Covington students among those attending summer arts program Cincinnati Enquirer 

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Holy Cross baseball team ranked in statewide poll NKY Sports Blog 

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KENTUCKY'S NEW MOTORCYCLE LICENSE TEST

The new standards for the test went into effect May 1. Here's what goes on in the test, now: 

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"JAY & SILENT BOB GET OLD TOUR" AT MADISON THEATER TONIGHT

Indie film icons Jay & Silent Bob are at Covington's Madison Theater tonight to record their podcast as part of the Jay & Silent Bob Get Old Tour. Tickets are $35/$40 and it looks like some are still available for 9:00PM show. Click Here 
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CALIPARI: BEING NONTRADITIONAL IS UK TRADITION
From the coach: 

We are the winningest program in college basketball. We have produced players like Dan Issel, Jamal Mashburn, Kyle Macy, John Wall and Anthony Davis. Some of the game’s greatest coaches like Adolph Rupp and Joe B. Hall have roamed our sidelines. We are chasing UCLA for the most national titles.
But how we got there wasn’t the traditional way. When we talk about the history of our program, we are talking about coaches who did it in a nontraditional way. 

Full story at the link. 
Coach Cal  
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LOL:
GOP STALLING OBAMA'S AGENDA BY SPEAKING, MOVING IN SLOW MOTION
LOL: 

The Onion 

NEWS ROUND-UP -- MONDAY MORNING 14 MAY

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter 

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS
COVINGTON'S HOME FOR ELECTION COVERAGE

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BONUS COVERAGE OF COMMISSION CANDIDATES

Last Thursday, The River City News spoke with seven of the eight candidates running for Covington City Commission. To read the full article, click here. Here is some bonus material offered by each of the candidates:

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Chuck Eilerman

On support for city employees: "(Over past few years) seasonal workers have been paid eight-fifty an hour and never got an increase. We have co-ops and they're paid twelve dollars for office work. I think we need to take a look, particularly at the care and veneration of non-union employees. We shouldn't have seasonal employees who work hard in adverse conditions for eight-fifty an hour. I think city employees are the core of the city."

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Ed Faulkner

On the city's budget: "There are two major sources of income: the payroll tax and the real estate tax." Faulkner says he is not interested in raising the real estate tax, instead focusing on attracting businesses. "That's my priority. We've got so much to offer but we have to market it."

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Steve Frank

On others running for Covington office: "I can work with anyone who's running but I'll support Ed Faulkner." Frank has not yet endorsed in the mayor's race.

On agreeing with Dara McDowell: "If you can't be a representative to all of the community, you shouldn't be on the commission." 

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Roger Hamilton

On City-owned property: "I think the city owns a lot of property that they don't need to own. I do not understand why government needs to own property to govern. I think there needs to be a way, and I don't know the answer to that right now, but I think there needs to be a way to get that property back into the hands of the community that can build those properties up. They tend to be a drain on the city, so the best method would be to get the properties back into the hands of the citizens."

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Greg Paeth

On being a reporter covering Covington in the 1970s: "Covington was coming out of a period in which there were a lot of girly bars, bookmakers, a lot of things going on behind the scenes that fed this sleazy reputation, a dark sin city image that carried over from fifteen years earlier." Paeth credits Bernie Moorman and Ron Turner as young, new politicians at the time that resisted that reputation and worked toward change. "To a degree it was smoke-filled room politics and you were never sure what the motivations were."

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Mildred Rains

On former Mayor Denny Bowman: "Whatever Denny did, it's because he loved the city."

On union negotiations: "I think (Mayor Chuck) Scheper dealt fairly with them. The City Manager (Larry Klein) worked for two to three years on it and couldn't get it done."

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Michelle Williams

On Covington schools: "My input from residents is that they are not happy with the schools. When I'm out knocking on doors their main issue is the schools. I want to find out what they need. I will work with every organization in Covington."

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More election coverage... including an Enquirer interview with the candidates for Covington Mayor, plus a look back at the busy week that was and the week that will be in Covington, all inside The River City News Sunday Edition. Click it.  

The Sunday Edition 

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COV. SCHOOLS TO HOST ITS FIRST EQUITY & EXCELLENCE CONFERENCE

A conference for all Covington Independent Public Schools teachers and classroom support staff is scheduled for August 8. The conference will include sessions with titles like Developing Culturally Competent Teachers:

In many learning environments, cultural discontinuity exist between students and staff of all walks of life. There is a cultural mis-match between many of the students' culture and the culture in the classroom, which in many cases cause communication gaps between students and teachers in diverse settings. This session will define and demonstrate how culture and cultural competency are salient issues in educating diverse learners. The participants will have the opportunity to determine how cultural competency impacts teaching and learning. The presenter will demonstrate teaching strategies that teachers can use the next day. 

Other sessions include Creating a Culture of Student Engagement, Working Effectively with African-American Males, and Understanding the Social and Emotional Needs of Our Youth. Descriptions of each aspect of the conference (as well as additional updates from Superintendent Lynda Jackson) at the link. 

Lynda Jackson - Monday Morning Message 

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MORE EDUCATION NEWS

Lexington superintendent developing plan to hold back students Herald-Leader 

The fantasies driving school reform Washington Post 

College grads enter improving job market WKRC 

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NEW LICKING PIKE COULD BE BOON FOR NEWPORT & COVINGTON

The Commonwealth allocated $18 million for an improved Licking Pike (also known as Kentucky Route 9) which will bring it all the way down to Newport's Third, Fourth, and Fifth Streets: 

The new road will also bring increased traffic that could be a boon to surrounding cities, especially Wilder and Covington. And it will provide improved access to the riverfront region itself, particularly to the planned Ovation development on West Fourth Street.  

The road could also lead to the long-dormant Ovation project to get underway. Lots of good details at the link. 

Cincinnati Enquirer/Amanda Van Benschoten   

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SEE ALSO: KY-8 reopens after landslide Herald-Leader 

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QUICKIES

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230,000 lose unemployment benefits over the weekend The Hill 

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Bank's grants helping tornado victims Herald-Leader 

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Donations make tornado-ravaged prom hard to top Herald-Leader 

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Same-sex couple denied entrance at Kentucky high school prom Herald-Leader 

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State personnel board to discuss audit of Agriculture Department Herald-Leader 

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Joseph Gerth: Karma doesn't play political party favorites Courier-Journal 

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Lexington says shelter is not a church Herald-Leader 

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Kentucky Fried Chicken makes bet on Africa and draws new retailers Business Week 

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     SHOWBIZ PLAYERS PRESENTS: AVENUE Q
                         Opening June 1 
    Covington's Carnegie Center for Performing & Visual Arts

               For ticket information: Showbiz Players 

     The River City News is a proud media partner for Avenue Q

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ARE YOU READY FOR COVINGTON QUEST?

The Center for Great Neighborhoods is preparing for its fifth annual Covington Quest, a thrilling scavenger hunt that sends teams competing on a 4-mile trek through Covington. The River City News is a proud media partner of Covington Quest and leading up to the race you will find tips on how to prepare and what to expect right here at RCN. 

Here is your first tip of the day:

While stopped at a light squeeze your gluteus Maximus, hold for 1 minute repeat until light changes!

Register before May 18 for a $25 discount! For more information check out Covington Quest 

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LONGTIME SCOTT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR HAS FIELD NAMED FOR HIM

Congratulations to Mr. Scott High School, Al Rust, who is now the namesake for Scott's new softball field: 

More photos here 
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MORE SPORTS

So, how about that Joey Votto?

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UK basketball scores transfer from Wright State Kentucky Sports Radio 

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LOL: Big Brown attempts racing comeback as jockey The Onion 

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HERE'S A GREAT DEAL: Unlimited monthly visits to Covington Yoga -- a $90 value Click Here 

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  JAY & SILENT BOB ARE COMING TO COVINGTON!

From CityBeat: 

The hilarious duo Jay & Silent Bob are back. Film icons Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes made history and fans all over the world with the characters Jay & Silent Bob from the movies Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Clerks 2 . Now you can see them live in your hometown recording their comedy podcast Jay & Silent Bob Get Old.  

Register to win tickets here 
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A LITTLE TRIP TO COVINGTON'S SIDEBAR OVER THE WEEKEND
Sidebar, a restaurant in Covington's Roebling Point, has an exciting menu for food fans who eat without regret. Check out this burger, called The Soprano:

Yes, a burger topped with marinara and two cheese sticks! Served with tater tots and a big pickle. And yes, I ate the whole thing, but don't tell anyone. 

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SHELTER DOGS & CATS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR HOME & LOVE

Come on down to the Kenton County Animal Shelter and bring home a new friend: 

More photos here 

CENTER CITY ACTION PLAN: PART ONE OF THREE

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter 

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The so-called "plan of plans" to lead Covington's urban core back down a path of revitalization has arrived at City Hall and The River City News has scored a copy just before its expected online release to the public. The Covington Center City Action Plan (CCCAP) was financed by a 2010 grant awarded to the city in 2010 by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (42 cities nationwide were awarded the Community Challenge Planning Grant). The city selected Denver-based Progressive Urban Management Associates to lead the plan's development and over the past eight months PUMA has delved into the challenges Covington faces and how best to ignite a lightning bolt of development activity in the urban core. 

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The plan focuses on three key initiatives: a strong economy, an inviting public realm, and strong neighborhoods. In this first of three reports, the focus will be on the first part, a strong economy. The other two elements will be detailed in follow-up reports Thursday. 

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COVINGTON HAS A STRONG BASE FROM WHICH TO GROW

Throughout the planning process it was clear that Covington is not a blank canvas; in fact, the PUMA team built its plan around three strong areas in the city that could serve as a catalyst for development around them and elsewhere: Mainstrasse, the riverfront, and several blocks along the Madison Avenue corridor (which includes parts of Scott Boulevard and the Gateway College Urban Campus for the purposes of the report). PUMA notes that the NKY Convention Center sees 300,000 annual visitors, 400,000 people visit Mainstrasse each year, and the Covington branch of the Kenton County Library welcomes 390,000 people annually.  

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While the CCCAP focuses first on those three areas there are two other potential areas of development in the near future. PUMA envisions a cultural campus around the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption and Covington Latin School where Madison Avenue meets Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in a newly redesigned intersection. To the west on MLK Boulevard is another area where the new Saint Elizabeth Hospital has opened and where the former Jillian's site in the old Bavarian Brewery building sits vacant. The redesigned Brent Spence Bridge plans could make MLK Boulevard one of the prime gateways into the city.

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ATTRACTING JOBS

The plan calls on the city to build upon the center city's niche of innovation and incubation through providing incentives, business support and technical assistance to new 

and existing businesses. Those steps could include permit and regulatory help, market information, maintaining an inventory of available commercial space, business planning, and merchandising. Incentives could include providing working capital for innovative and creative business concepts, low/no interest loans and grants, funding for tenant finish, working with landlords to develop contract or lease relief for businesses that generate a certain kind or number of jobs and provide a desirable service or product, and Providing incentives for light manufacturing, creative pursuits and residential uses on upper floors of currently underutilized buildings in Center City. 

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PUMA suggests that there be a physical location in which all of this information is readily available.

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MARKETING COVINGTON

The CCCAP suggests marketing Center City as a center of innovation to University students throughout the region including Gateway Community and Technical College, University of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky University and to strive to attract and keep young talent in Covington by promoting its quality of life, amenities and affordable real estate.  The plan recommends that the city work with hotels to ensure that literature and brochure in lobbies and rooms let visitors know that they are not just in Greater Cincinnati, but specifically in Covington. The plan suggests the creation of a map identifying all that is offered within the center city. 

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