Look. Cincinnati is not Portland. I know that. I know that streetcar supporters tend to lust after the transit system in Portland, and imagine a set of comprehensive transportation options here beyond congested highways. Others accuse us of trying to turn Cincinnati into Portland.
I’m not looking to turn Cincinnati into Portland, but I am looking to make the city more attractive, so that things like this can occur. Can you see this happening in Cincinnati? Neither can I. Not yet. Someday.
For the record, Dave Chappelle lives in Yellow Springs, Ohio. It about an hour away from here. He chose to do this in Portland. That’s Portland, Oregon. The one on the Pacific Ocean, three thousand miles away from Yellow Springs. Would having a streetcar here made Chappelle come to Cincinnati? No. But it would make the city more inviting for young people with options. That creates an environment in which impromptu performances by international superstars is possible. That’s all I’m sayin’.
“This has never happened in my entire career…I didn’t think this many people would show up.” -Dave Chappelle, speaking to the impromptu crowd of several thousand. Notice the dedicated bike lanes as he leaves.