THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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A five-year old website ranks the walkable nature of cities across the United States and Covington's urban core scores pretty high while the southern end is qualifies as "car dependent". Slate writes this week about Walk Score:
Launched in 2007 as part of a series of “civic software” initiatives, Walk Score instantly went viral, and quickly become an institution, particularly in the world of real estate. Walk Score numbers are found on every Zillow listing and on more than 10,000 realtor websites nationwide. Some agencies even allow customers to search for properties by Walk Score. “Even if it’s not the highest Walk Score, people want to know what their neighborhood is going to be like,” says Lerner, as we sit watching a live stream of real-time Walk Score inquiries on a large screen, a flickering array of dots from Los Angeles to Capetown. “They might want the closest grocery store to be two blocks away, but even if it isn’t, they want to know how far it is. What’s the closest place to get coffee? Are there parks and schools nearby?”
Walking in Mainstrasse
Read the full article here. The site finds favorable results for Covington against other cities in Kentucky, ranking the city in a tie for second with Winchester at a score of 49 (Only St. Matthews, a Louisville suburb, ranks higher at 59). The website allows users to see general rankings across a city and more specifically on individual blocks. For example, Mainstrasse, Covington's hub for entertainment and retail options, is described on the website as:
Main St Covington KY 41011 has a Walk Score of 88. This location is Very Walkable which means most errands can be accomplished on foot.
A general search for Covington's overall calculation shows a much lower number which is 49 and rated "car dependent". However, it appears that the ranking only calculates the areas encompassed by the 41014 zip code. Covington's urban core zip code of 41011 ranks better:
41011 has a Walk Score of 60. This location is Somewhat Walkable which means some amenities are within walking distance.
In the more suburban zip code of 41015, which is where you will find South Covington and parts of Latonia, the score is predictably lower:
41015 has a Walk Score of 17. This location is Car-Dependent which means almost all errands require a car.
One cool feature of the searchable database is that you can enter individual addresses to guage the walkability of the neighborhood:
Southern Ave Covington KY 41015 has a Walk Score of 63. This location is Somewhat Walkable which means some amenities are within walking distance.
Pike St Covington KY 41011 has a Walk Score of 85. This location is Very Walkable which means most errands can be accomplished on foot.
Pampas Ct Covington KY 41015 has a Walk Score of 20. This location is Car-Dependent which means almost all errands require a car.
E 2nd St Covington KY 41011 has a Walk Score of 82. This location is Very Walkable which means most errands can be accomplished on foot.
Euclid Ave Covington KY 41014 has a Walk Score of 54. This location is Somewhat Walkable which means some amenities are within walking distance.
Highway Ave Covington KY 41016 has a Walk Score of 46. This location is Car-Dependent which means a few amenities are within walking distance.
The website also offers a score for transit options in the same search results. The "walkability" of a city is becoming increasingly important as residents return to the inner city in search of urban living experiences. From GOOD:
According to a new survey, more than three quarters of us consider having sidewalks and places to take a walk one of our top priorities when deciding where to live. Six in 10 people also said they would sacrifice a bigger house to live in a neighborhood that featured a mix of houses, stores, and businesses within an easy walk.
The news bodes well for Covington as the city continues its revitalization efforts to attract new residents and businesses. A walk through Covington's urban core is simple and offers views of two rivers, historic architecture, and a city returning to life.
THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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RESTORING RIVERS COULD HELP COOL CITIES
Covington is already "cool", but this article talks about temperature:
Besides the recreational possibilities, urban rivers could provide another benefit to cities: cooling. But while city dwellers flock to the riverbank on a hot summer day, there’s been little research on how rivers' cooling effect works and what could be done to maximize its impact. But a new, multi-year study from the University of Sheffield in England shows that rivers help cool cities when they need it most, during the hottest hours of the warmer months.
The study is part of a larger project looking at urban river corridors and sustainability and a broader trend of considering how water and water management can help create low-energy cities. Because cities are full of hard surfaces that absorb heat and slough off water into drainage systems, they retain heat and are significantly warmer than the rural areas that surround them. More heat means more energy is needed to cool them down.
GOOD | SPECIAL SESSION CALLED TO FRANKFORT TODAY | PLENTY OF BLAME TO GO AROUND ON LEGISLATIVE FAILINGS
Senate President David Williams assembled weary reporters in his Capitol office to tell them it was Gov. Steve Beshear who had caused the 2012 legislative session to fall apart in the last hours and that the House leadership was untrustworthy, too, because it refused to override vetoes. About a half-hour later, the governor had the same reporters come to his office to assure them it was, in fact, the Senate president’s fault that we would all be back for a special session today, and that he had, in fact, “whooped” Williams last November.
Half of the Senate’s thirty-eight seats are up for election this fall. And Beshear says he thinks Williams’ polarizing presence could become an issue in those races. “You know this November, I’m sure he’ll be a political issue. He’ll probably be a political issue for both Democrats and Republicans. If I were a Republican right now I think I’d be running against him, just like a Democrat would be,” he says.
WFPL/Kenny Colston | One key issue today in Frankfort is the roads bill and Covington is depending on a lot of money from it. Check out the full text of it here. --------------------------------------------------------------- | NKU MAY NAME NEW PRESIDENT EARLY THIS WEEK An announcement could come at any moment on who will be the next leader of Northern Kentucky University. One of three finalists pulled his name from consideration late last week, leaving two possibilities:
David Eisler, president of Ferris State University in Michigan, told media outlets there Saturday that he had withdrawn from NKU's search. That leaves Jonathan Gibralter, president of Frostburg State University in Maryland, and Geoffrey Mearns, provost of Cleveland State University, in the running to replace the retiring Jim Votruba.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Cliff Peale | JOB AVAILABLE AT VISION 2015 The organization charged with executing a ten-year strategic plan for NKY is looking for a new strategic initiatives manager:
The successful employee will be responsible for the overall direction, coordination, implementation, execution, control and completion of specific projects/initiatives. This person will develop strategies for reaching key community goals, convene stakeholders, and lead volunteer teams in the execution and implementation. Leadership and coordination of programs and initiatives will be focused around the community goals identified in the 2005 Shaping Our Future Report which can be downloaded atwww.vision2015.org.
Full details at the link. Vision 2015 | -------------------------------------------------------------- | DON'T MISS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF COVINGTON -- IT'S ALL INSIDE THE SUNDAY EDITION "The week that was and the week that will be in Covington" The River City News -- The Sunday Edition | --------------------------------------------------------------- | QUICKIES | Arnie's on the Levee goes smoke-free Facebook | Over-the-Rhine's transformation is far from over Cincinnati Enquirer | UK basketball senior Eloy Vargas takes high school student to her prom WBKO | West Latonia Neighborhood Association meets tonight Click Here | TALENTED HOLMES STUDENTS WIN BIG HONORS AT SKILLS USA COMPETITION From Covington Independent Public Schools:
Students in SkillsUSA at Holmes High School are finishing another successful year, placing high in the state contest and qualifying for the national competition. Three students from the Chapman Career and Technical Education Center on the Holmes campus placed in the state SkillsUSA competition held in Louisville earlier this month. The winners from Holmes include: 1st place, Autumn Martin, Customer Service; 2nd place Zach Mardis, Telecommunications Cabling; 3rd Place, Ashley Daniel and Christina Fukano, Promotional Bulletin Board. Receiving the Kentucky Statesmen award include: Mrs. Shawn Wood, Zach Mardis, Kyle Poe, Katelyn Watson, Robert Hughes-Carr, Nicole Lang, Christina Fukano, and Gentry Fryler. More than 500 students tested their skills in the state competition. The first place winners qualify for the national SkillsUSA competition that will be held in Kansas City, Mo.
David Schaefer, regional district director for the North Central Regional District, and technology teacher at Holmes, said he is proud of his students. “The students were awesome. They represented themselves, Holmes High School and Chapman very well,’’ Schaefer said. Teachers and students involved with SkillsUSA were honored at the Covington Board of Education meeting on Thursday night. Kyle Poe, president of the Holmes chapter, thanked the board for supporting the program and his teachers for investing their time to work with students and taking them to the competition. Kyle, a senior, believes he is more than prepared for college, thanks to the classes and hands-on experience he has received at Holmes. He will attend Western Kentucky University, where he will major in broadcasting.
With 300 students, Holmes has the largest SkillsUSA Chapter in the state, Schaefer said. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The motto for Skills USA is “preparing students for the world of work.’’
Besides Schaefer, teachers Shawn Wood and Bill Wagner worked with the students at the state competition this year. Holmes offers a variety of classes through career clusters that prepares students for the world of work, including:
Automotive Tech/ Repair: Auto Body Repair, Automotive TechnologyBusiness and Marketing: Marketing, ManagementCreative and Performing Arts: Instrumental Music, Theatre, Visual Art, Vocal MusicEducation: Early Childhood Education, Teaching and TrainingHealth Services: Allied Health, Biomedical, Pre‐MedInformation Technologies: Networking (Computer Maintenance and Repair), Radio and TV Technology, Visual CommunicationsManufacturing and Construction: Carpentry, Electricity, WeldingPublic Service: Leadership Education (MCJROTC) Law Enforcement, Pre‐Law Students are also required to complete a professional development program that teaches them how to work with in teams to learn the art of collaboration. When students complete the courses at Chapman, they are definitely ready for college and careers, Schaefer said.
“On top of just getting actual career training, the students also get the leadership skills that go hand- and- hand with job skills,’’ Schaefer said. “They are also being exposed to different contractors and future employers. At state and national competitions, I have seen students get offered jobs right on the spot. The employers know these students are well-rounded and have an understanding of the work.’’
THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE EACH AND EVERY DAY ********************************************************
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PRESENTS
THE SUNDAY EDITION
COVINGTON, KY * 15 APRIL 2012
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"LIKE" The River City News on Facebook by clicking here. "FOLLOW" The River City News on Twitter by clicking here. ______________________________________________
COVINGTON CITY COMMISSION
TO APPROVE UNION
CONTRACT AGREEMENTS TUESDAY
The agenda for Tuesday's Covington City Commission meeting includes the approval of working agreements between the city and two of its three unions, the Fraternal Order of Police and Local 38 of the International Association of Firefighters. The Covington chapter of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees is expected to vote on and approve its new contract Tuesday. The contract agreements between the city and the three unions extend from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015. Other items of interest on Tuesday's agenda:
The commission will likely pass a resolution demonstrating support for a revised Brent Spence Bridge project plan that would protect Covington's 5th Street exit among other concerns of the city in regards to the massive project
The City of Covington will likely accept ownership of the forthcoming wayfinding kiosk in the Mainstrasse Village. The Mainstrasse Village Association offers ownership to the city as a non-cash contribution.
The commission will likely approve a contract to reconstruct the Caroline Street underpass in Latonia at a cost of $18,500 with $11,100 of that payable from community development block grant funds and the remainder payable by Sanitation District 1
As always, The River City News will be at City Hall and will have comprehensive reports following the meeting.
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SCHEPER RAPPORT: MAYOR'S DEMEANOR WINS CONTRACT AGREEMENTS WITH COVINGTON'S UNIONS
Friday was a significant day in Covington's history and Mayor Chuck Scheper was largely credited for negotiating the deals with the city's unions that are expected to save Covington $10 million over the next five years. Added to the expected $5 million in savings from eliminating Covington's 911 dispatch center and its sixteen employees, Scheper announced that three-fourths of the city's projected $20 million budget deficit (by 2017) is now made up for. A detailed story about how Mayor Scheper's entry into the discussions may have been the game-changer that ended nearly two years of back-and-forth between the city and the public employees is at the link.
ONE UNRESOLVED UNION ISSUE: LOCAL 38'S LEGAL CHALLENGE THAT THE CITY DID NOT NEGOTIATE IN GOOD FAITH
Though it was the exact same room, the mood in the Commission Chambers inside City Hall was starkly different Thursday than it was for Friday's announcement of the union contract agreements. The firefighters union and city administrators were before a state attorney following a charge of unfair labor practices brought by Local 38 against the City of Covington. The state attorney is currently weighing a decision in the case. Click the link for those details.
The City of Covington's public meeting was packed Wednesday as the public and city leaders weighed in on how the city could be vulnerable to the proposed changes in the Brent Spence Bridge project. The loss of a direct 5th Street exit, more restricted access to Devou Park, and general traffic flow concerns topped Covington's call to action. The public is requested to attend two more public hearings hosted by state transportation officials on both sides of the river in a couple weeks. Click the link for the full details.
DETAILS FROM HOLMES BRAWL EMERGE; SCHOOL BOARD CHAIRMAN STEPS DOWN
The fight inside Holmes High School Monday that ended with the arrests of five 18-year old students and with citations issued to six juveniles was finally described in more detail Thursday evening. Covington Independent Public Schools Director of Pupil Personnel Ken Kippenbrock cleared up rumors and offered new information on what went down in the cafeteria that afternoon including the fact that a student was partially tased, the gun students talked about afterwards was a pepper ball gun in possession of the police, and the reason why parents were not immediately notified of the lockdown. For the complete story, see the link below.
Also at Thursday's meeting of the Covington School Board, Chairman Mike Fitzgerald made the surprise announcement that he was stepping down from his chairmanship but plans to remain on the board. Board Member Glenda Huff will assume the chairmanship at the next meeting. Full details at the link.
This week we have someone who "unlawfully" took a deer, someone who affected the outcome of a charitable game, and someone involved in organized crime. Click the link for your weekly mugshot round-up.
In addition to announcing new union contracts on Friday, Mayor Chuck Scheper turned the focus of City Hall more strongly toward economic development. One quick fix was the addition of C+V=G signs going up in vacant storefronts. Hours after the mayor mentioned that this was going to be happening, these signs were spotted on Scott Boulevard:
C+V=G is part of the Mayor's action plan that includes the message that Courage plus Vision equals Growth. Expect to see more of these going up in the coming weeks.
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FRIDAY MORNING HEADLINES
Oh snap! Governor Beshear and David Williams are throwing verbal bombs at each other again -- and now a special session is already called for; Plus, photos from inside the expansion of a Covington restaurant. Those stories and more at the link.
Covington residents to host rally inspired by Trayvon Martin shooting death; Nation's first anti-gay hate crime indictments come down in Kentucky; A new restaurant is set to open on 5th Street; Plus, Buddy LaRosa offers advice to Covington students. Those stories and more at the link!
Neo-Nazi group to rally in Frankfort; Kenton County leaders line up behind one Congressional candidate; Plus, take a look at what Cincinnati's streetcars will look like. Those stories and more at the link!
The man who killed and dismembered his girlfriend before dumping her body parts in Covington pleads guilty; Plus, students weigh in on the fight at Holmes that landed 5 in jail; Click the link for a jam-packed morning edition.
The Commonwealth ranks high on the list of teen pregnancy rates; Would the iPhone exist without Kentucky?; Plus, an unbelievably gorgeous home for sale in Covington that is a must-see! Those stories and more at the link!
Mayor Scheper writes a $2,500 check to a presidential candidate -- at the link, find out how much other Covingtonians have given this cycle; Plus, the man who convicted the OKC bombing conspirator could be NKU's next President. Click it.
Kenton County Judge-Executive is sued by the Kenton County attorney; High heels become the focus of a new ad in the NKY Congressional race (video); Plus, who's marking unauthorized trails in Devou Park? Those stories and more at the link.
Man who confessed to killing woman and disposing of her body parts in Covington grants a chilling interview; Plus, City Commissioner Steve Frank offers up an endorsement in the 2012 commission campaign. Those stories and more at the link.
THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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UPDATE: PROMINENT MAINSTRASSE BUILDING TO BE REPAIRED
After another trip in front of the code enforcement board, 602 Main Street's owner says work will finally get underway. As of Friday, it looks to be true:
For background on this story, click the link below.
City Commissioner Sherry Carran helps plant pinwheels to raise awareness for child abuse prevention NKCAC @ Facebook
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From the firefighters union, Local 38:
Calling all friends of the CFD and City of Covington!!! We are looking for donations and sponsors for Covington Firefighters IAFF Local 38 Annual Golf Outing which will be held on Friday, May 11, 2012. The proceeds of the outing goes to the Covington Firefighters Scholarship Fund, as well as, donations to many local charities and community events including, but not limited to, MDA, Special Olympics, Cystic Fibrosis, winter hat / glove drive and safety fairs. Please consider making a donation! Thank you!
| Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar to open on Main Street May 4 Facebook | Behringer-Crawford Museum to kick off concert series Cincinnati Enquirer | Art event on Pike Street will raise funds for the Frank Duveneck Cultural Arts Center Facebook | West Latonia Neighborhood Association meets Monday Click Here | Cincinnati Port Authority President to speak to Covington Business Council Thursday CBC | Flu cases are still trickling in NKY Health Dept. | Scott students raise money for tornado victims FOX 19 -------------------------------------------------------------- SPECIAL SESSION IN FRANKFORT
The General Assembly adjourned its 2012 session on Thursday but because some critical legislation did not get passed Governor Beshear has already ordered the state legislature to reconvene on Monday. The Governor took particular umbrage with the behavior of his vanquished gubernatorial rival, Senate President David Williams (R-Burskesville):
Ouch. Meanwhile, Williams says Beshear should "tone down the rhetoric":
“The governor has to calm down a little bit. These sort of personal and vitriolic statements that he continues to make out to me, my wife is here today, we have two small children, and he’s actually putting us at risk if he continues to make these hateful and vitriolic statements he’s making,” Williams says.
WFPL/Kenny Colston | MORE FROM FRANKFORT | Special sessions becoming routine in Kentucky Courier-Journal |
The bills that passed Bluegrass Politics | The bills that died Bluegrass Politics | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER EDITORIAL SUPPORTS ARNOLD SIMPSON'S ANGEL INVESTOR BILL AND LAMENTS ITS STALLING IN FRANKFORT Covington state representative Arnold Simpson's angel investor bill, which never came up for a full vote this session, got some love from the Enquirer editorial board:
The measure would have provided a limited 40 percent tax credit to “angel investors” – individuals who put private money into a new firm, typically a high-tech startup. The idea has proven successful in many states, including Ohio, where the credits have had a direct effect in allowing new firms to expand and hire more workers. But state Rep. Rick Rand, D-Bedford, chairman of the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee, apparently felt the state couldn’t justify the tax expenditure in such a lean budget times. That’s just plain silly. He could have looked at states such as Minnesota, where a new angel tax credit spurred about $30 million in investments in its first five months.
Cincinnati Enquirer | Legislative session produces winners and losers WSLS | MORE POLITICS | GEOFF DAVIS BLASTS MASSIE CAMPAIGN AD AS SHOWING IMMATURITY The Republican primary to replace Geoff Davis as Northern Kentucky's representative in Congress is heating up and Davis weighed in last week on the campaign ad that featured his voice without permission:
There was drama involving Hansen before the race. The horse is almost all-white but his tail was painted blue in honor of UK's national championship in basketball. That did not go over well. Courier-Journal
| RICK ROBINSON: OZZIE GUILLEN'S BIG MOUTH GOES TOO FAR
NKY author Rick Robinson's latest column covers the fallout following comments about Fidel Castro by White Six manager Ozzie Guillen:
Many in baseball refer to Ozzie Guillen as eccentric. He’s not. He’s a manager that wants more of the spotlight than his players. He called a reporter in Chicago a “fag.” He said “no” to a visit to the White House, but “yes” to a visit with Hugo Chavez. This year, he got tossed from a spring training game for arguing an infield fair/foul call. Ozzie Guillen gives eccentric a bad name. A barker they wanted, a barker they got No one is surprised that Ozzie Guillen’s mouth got him into trouble in Miami. Everyone that follows baseball knew it was inevitable. He revels in being a loud mouth. In fact, many suspect that Miami hired Guillen precisely because they wanted a circus side-show barker as their on-field, front man.
Read the whole thing: Kentucky Forward | Deputies arrest man accused of taking advantage of Kentucky, Ohio tornado victims Local 12 | Down the river a $540 million hydro plant is right on schedule Maysville Ledger Independent |
Turkey season is underway in Kentucky Courier-Journal |
NKU joins First Lady Michelle Obama in support of veterans, military families NKU | Cincinnati Enquirer reviews Pump Boys & Dinettes at the Carnegie Cincinnati Enquirer | Did you know that John Roebling's grandson died aboard the Titanic? Cincinnati Enquirer |
Dollar Shave Club wants slice of P&G razor market Business Courier ----------------------------------------------------------
A GREAT STORY ON SPORTS BROADCASTERS AND HOW THEY PREPARE FOR THAT FINAL CALL OF THE FINAL MOMENT OF A FINAL GAME:
A major tension in "championship calls" is between the desire to have something prepared versus the desire to be spontaneous. Gold, who called Alabama's victories in national title games that followed the 1992, 2009 and 2011 seasons, says he tries to have a theme to his broadcasts and will often use his words at the end of the game to go back to the introduction he gave at the start. "What I do, I find I do my best thinking — and this is for every game, not just the championship games — in the shower the day of the game," Gold said. "It's there where I usually come up with my (pre-game) tease and what I need to be thinking about for the ending."
Herald-Leader/Mark Story | UK President who led the school through the late 1980s basketball scandal is surprised that he is being honored with his name on a new dorm Herald-Leader |
Top recruit Nerlens Noel talks his new UK haircut, Anthony Davis Nation of Blue | SEE ALSO: Noel and a couple other UK recruits were in action last night in the High School All-Star game Herald-Leader | Photos: UK Trophy Tour (How passionate are UK fans?) Herald-Leader
Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/04/14/2151320/mark-story-uks-leach-fellow-radio.html#storylink=rss?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed#storylink=cpy
------------------------------------------------------------- DESTINATION: GRADUATION Covington Independent Public Schools continues its profiles of graduating seniors from the class of 2012:
From the district:
Kyle Poe wants his own production company, a family, a big house and a big black Labrador retriever. He wants to live the American dream. To start, Kyle plans to study broadcasting at Western Kentucky University. Kyle, 17, believes in a positive attitude and in always being a good person. At Holmes, Kyle said that he learned to start at the bottom and work his way to the top. David Schaefer, one of Kyle’s teachers, says Kyle is a hard-working, devoted student and will do his best on anything he puts his mind to. Kyle attributes his best memory at Homes to maintaining a positive attitude. He said that high school has been amazing all around though being voted Prom King was the best achievement. It showed him that he had made a positive impact on his classmates and on other students. His advice for incoming freshmen: the harder you work now, the more it will pay off later on and also: don’t stress. Throughout most of his educational career Kyle has attended Covington schools – Ninth District Elementary School, Two Rivers Middle School and Holmes. He also spent a half year at Woodland Middle School. At Holmes he is president of the Skills USA chapter, a member of the National Technical Honor Society and class vice president. Mr. Schaefer, a technology teacher, likes Kyle’s dedication. “Kyle has a clear mind and an understanding of what it takes to be successful.”
Congratulations, Kyle! | Kyle and several classmates were honored at Thursday's school board meeting for their success at the state Skils USA competition:
