Tag: sustainability

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Development News Politics Transportation

Cutting through the clutter to get urbanism news

It was approximately one year ago when UrbanCincy dove into the world of Twitter.  We were not sure what to make of it or how to use it, but there is certainly lots of information to be had if you are able to cut through the clutter (if in fact you dislike the clutter).

As a result, UrbanCincy has been putting together a list of those Twitter users who share information and ideas about urbanist issues.  Some focus on transit, some on particular cities or regions, others on policy and others sharing their urban experiences.  The people behind these accounts include policy makers, industry professionals, residents, businesses and writers.

The value is that at any given time you can keep tabs on the heartbeat of urbanism across America, and beyond, by simply following this list of people.  You do not have to be on Twitter to follow the list, but if you want to engage in conversation you do.  In either case the information is there for the taking.  Bookmark the page to follow along at your leisure, or follow the list on Twitter if you have an account.

If you have any other Twitter users that you believe should be added to this list, please leave a comment below so that they can be added to the stream.

Categories
News Politics Transportation

Southwest Ohio receives $2.65M for clean-fuel buses from ODOT

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced a $15 million direct investment to purchase 41 clean-fuel buses throughout the state that will benefit 11 local and regional transit authorities. The investment includes $2.65 million for the Cincinnati region that will purchase three hybrid electric/diesel 40-foot buses for the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) and two diesel 40-foot buses for the Clermont Transportation Connection (CTC).

State and local officials are calling the investment a historic move as state officials look to offset financial woes facing many of Ohio’s transit agencies by increasing the use of alternative fuels and thus decreasing operational costs. The $15 million investment is part of the 2010-2011 State Transportation Budget, and is less than half of the total $33 million in requests from local and regional transit authorities across the state.

“Never before has ODOT made this type of direct investment in our state’s transit agencies to bolster our commitment to promoting travel choice and cleaning the air we breathe,” ODOT Director Jolene M. Molitoris stated in a prepared release received by UrbanCincy. “In our larger cities, many of our transit partners are already making these environmentally-friendlier investments. ODOT’s efforts will further leverage these investments – both in our urban and rural regions – to create a safer, greener, more multi-modal transportation system.”

The three new hybrid electric buses are expected to start rolling in 2011 for SORTA’s Metro bus service. Last year Metro added the first six hybrid buses to its fleet, and since that time SORTA officials say that the buses have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 190 tons, provided about 330,000 clean rides, traveled close to 210,000 miles, and saved an estimated 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Thanks to a federal investment through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, Metro will add another seven hybrid buses to its fleet this year.

“We praise ODOT’s progressive leadership in funding clean technology to Ohio,” said Marilyn G. Shazor, CEO, Metro. “Metro has been a national leader in alternative fuels like biodiesel and our experience with hybrid buses has been positive in terms of both environmental benefits and customer satisfaction.”

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Arts & Entertainment Business News

‘Eat Local for the Globe’ at Rookwood Pottery – 6/10

From the Cincinnati Business Courier:

If you’re the kind of person who worries about just how far your green beans had to travel before they made it onto your plate, then this dinner is for you.

The Corporation for Findlay Market will host the “Eat Local for the Globe” event from 5:30pm to 11pm June 10 at Rookwood Pottery. The event is limited to 100 guests, and they will get a five-course “locally sourced” meal prepared by chefs Luke Radkey and Jody Miller along with wine and live music. The cost is $45 per person.

“Purchasing locally grown products provides a boon to the local economy,” Karen Kahle, resource development director at the Corporation for Findlay Market, said in a news release. “‘Eat Local for the Globe’ is a unique event highlighting the talents of local chefs and ingredients.”

Get all the details, and read the full story from Lucy May here.

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News Transportation

Metro to award free bus passes to best transit story submissions

On Thursday, May 27 Metro will kick off their “Tell Us Your Story” contest on Fountain Square from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Organizers say that the event will include table displays, entertainment, prizes, giveaways and tours will be available on one of Metro’s new articulated buses to be parked on Walnut Street.

The contest asks for video or written entries that tell a story about how transit benefits you or your community in terms of the economy and jobs, the environment, energy independence, and quality of life. Those submitting entries can submit videos or written entries Metro’s website, or by submitting your written entry via email on a form provided on the transit agency’s website.

Entries will be accepted from Thursday, May 27 through Saturday, July 31 of this year. The top four video and top four written entries will be selected and awarded a one-month Metro bus pass. Two grand prize winners will be selected by the public between August 3rd and August 31st with the two grand prize winners receiving a year of free rides on Metro.

Categories
Business Development News

Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity opens ReStore in Bond Hill

Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity celebrated the opening of its much needed and anticipated ReStore over the weekend, an addition that will provide social, environmental and economic benefits to the community. The home improvement discount store will offer Cincinnati households a way to save money on home products, while also helping Cincinnati Habitat build affordable homes for deserving families throughout the city.

Customers visiting the ReStore can expect to find discounts on a variety of appliances, cabinets, flooring, doors, hardware, lumber, tools, windows and more. All materials sold at the ReStore are donated by local retailers, contractors and individuals within the community.

“The opening of the ReStore represents a new chapter for Cincinnati Habitat’s future,” said Paul Knue, Vice President of Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Directors. “The income the ReStore provides will help us change the lives of more families than ever before by creating a sustainable revenue source for our housing ministry. In addition, the ReStore provides us all with the opportunity to be better stewards of the environment, by recycling and keeping materials out of our landfills.”

The donated goods are sold to the public at a fraction of the retail price, while the donors are eligible to receive tax deductions for their contributions. The ReStore is located at 4910 Para Drive in Bond Hill (map) as part of a 35,000 square-foot building that also includes warehouse space, training space and office space for Cincinnati Habitat. The ReStore will be open from 9am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday.

“If you support the ReStore, you support Habitat’s efforts to eliminate sub-standard housing in our neighborhoods, preserving our environment and helping families, help themselves” said Marissa Woodly, Development Director for Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity.

For more information become a fan on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @CincyHabitat.