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Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2010 > January > 17 > Entry
Kevin Riley: Downtown revitalization has reached critical point
The plan to revitalize downtown Dayton reaches a key point next week.
The latest draft will be discussed Jan. 25 with an oversight committee, and Michael Ervin, who is a point person behind the Greater Downtown Plan, can’t hide his excitement.
The retired physician and former health insurance executive and other volunteers are excited to take the conversation to the next stage. But mostly they’re fired up about their ideas — ideas Ervin insists that are about “re-creating Dayton.”
So what will the plan recommend?
The recommendations are bold and doable.
But our community has to decide how far to take them, and the options won’t always be easy or quick.
The plan addresses economic development, infrastructure, public spaces and “vibrancy.”
Some ideas are already in motion. For example, a part of the plan will recommend making Dayton more bicycle-friendly; when some downtown streets were repaved late last year, bicycle lanes were added.
Here are a few items that show the opportunities — and challenges — ahead of us:
Office space
The empty buildings downtown are hard to miss. The economy is, of course, part of the explanation for the vacancies. But real-estate experts also say Dayton has too much space downtown, and that some of it is the wrong kind of space.
Companies have changed what they want in office space. As one real-estate leader puts it, “Some buildings have reached the end of their economic life” and aren’t even being marketed.
For downtown to thrive, it needs attractive office space that can compete with suburban locations on cost and parking.
To have a renewed downtown office environment, some buildings might have to be torn down. That won’t be easy in a town that prides itself on respect for its history.
It’s possible that some office buildings can be converted to residences, but not all of them.
Residential housing
The plan wants to make it easier for more people, especially young professionals, to live downtown.
Downtown needs places to live that match what young professionals want and at a price they can afford.
It might help to remember that we’ve developed downtown housing before. There have been some successful developments — the Landing, Cooper Lofts and Performance Place.
In the end, price is key.
And developers will be interested in opportunities to make money, but those opportunities have to be as good as those they could get elsewhere, including in the suburbs. That challenge has become even bigger with the housing crash.
Dayton will have to find ways to entice developers to take on the risk. Other cities have created big investment funds to support downtown residential development. They also have gone after developers with tax incentives and other financial benefits.
The riverfront
Downtown backers want to see more attention on the river — maybe a kayak course and other recreational activities. They’re pushing for highly visible changes.
The Miami Conservancy District and Five Rivers Metro Parks — two agencies with regional mandates and stable budgets — are providing the leadership.
They’re working on eliminating the dangerous low dam and creating things for people to do on the river. Leaders at both agencies are optimistic about funding for their ideas.
“The river can be that startling, exciting change that happens downtown,” said Carrie Scarff, Five Rivers deputy director. “This can make people turn their heads.”
Economic development and housing are the most fundamental needs. But the riverfront project could give it a big psychological boost.
And a psychological boost might be what downtown and the region need most.
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Comments
By It's Great in Dayton!
January 17, 2010 10:16 AM | Link to this
The first “critical point” is ending the ongoing “Skank-o-rama” that is downtown Dayton. Get rid of the lowlifes that currently populate downtown via enforcement of existing laws.
By It's Great in Dayton!
January 17, 2010 10:17 AM | Link to this
The first “critical point” is ending the ongoing “Skank-o-rama” that is downtown Dayton. Get rid of the lowlifes that currently populate downtown via enforcement of existing laws.
By It's Great in Dayton!
January 17, 2010 10:19 AM | Link to this
The first “critical point” is ending the ongoing “Skank-o-rama” that is downtown Dayton. Get rid of the lowlifes that currently populate downtown. Enforce existing laws.
By troyoh
January 17, 2010 11:37 AM | Link to this
The article is premature in stating that plans are reaching a critical mass. We are not there yet. A plan has to be realistic. Much of this plan is unrealistic. I don’t fault the effort, but there are important factors it ignores. For example,the comment that people, especially young professionals want to live downtown is flawed. It’s based on too narrow of a sample(people already living there).I know 4 young professionals that currently live downtown, in University Place and the remodeled Y(beautiful job btw).All 4 are moving to the Greene when leases expire. One big headache is the simple but necessary task of grocery shopping.Doesn’t exist. To the extent the plan relies on attracting people to live downtown, that is not realistic at this point. Greene/WPAFB-a center of jobs and young professionals.When I visit my son who lives at the Greene, all I see in the hallways and lobby are young and middle-aged professionals, who live and work in the area.And the new townhomes are now coming on the market. River development-agree completely. It is an unique asset and can actually draw people downtown. A Bold plan? Not really, where is discussion of an ice arena downtown? There is a shortage of ice time in the area, and an ice facility would actually draw people downtown to use it. no mention of fixing the Oregon district-I was there at lunch time Friday. What you notice are the sex shops and cheap bars, and the clientele they attract. And of course the traffic. Why would someone travel to the Oregon district? Any plan is not realistic or bold unless it makes 5th street pedestrian, zones out sex shops and adds some parking. Don’t misunderstand my comments. I want Dayton to be vibrant. I’d like to add it as a place to visit for dining and shopping. But I don’t want to see money and energy wasted on unrealistic goals. Priority should be jobs, and safe, inviting areas to shop and dine. JOBS-the toughest element. Simply stated, if new jobs do not come downtown, any rehab is problematic.
By It's Great in Dayton
January 17, 2010 12:18 PM | Link to this
Downtown “Skank-O-Rama” says it all!!!
By Joe
January 17, 2010 11:03 PM | Link to this
For a paper with such excellent editorials, I wonder why the DDN allows its website to be defiled by the destructive heathens that populate its comments section.
By demo
January 17, 2010 11:23 PM | Link to this
“That won’t be easy in a town that prides itself on respect for its history” Really!!! What about B26 or Roosevelt or any of the handful of schools that members of the community begged to be restored? The DDN and the Dayton Commissioners were not calling for respect of our history then. And earlier generations were silent on the Wright brothers bicycle shop and home, the mansions of Robert Dr. Aside from a few scraps at Carillon, Dayton’s leaders seem to actually hate it’s architectural heritage.
By It's Great in Dayton!
January 18, 2010 12:09 PM | Link to this
Hey Joe: Go downtown, look around, and THEN tell us the work “skank” doesn’t apply to at least 50% of the people walking the streets.
By 4stargal
January 18, 2010 7:36 PM | Link to this
The plan’s strength are the programs that are supported by governmental funding. Where are the private investors? The work on the River is more ‘image’ driven than residential and worker quality of life related. We must wonder when Dr. Ervin will realize the city uses him as a front man - and now that there is a white mayor - he will not be as needed?
By fortressdayton
January 19, 2010 2:57 AM | Link to this
The infrastructure is a critical issue. The greatest problem for the folks living downtown (as I do) is simply going grocery shopping. Large chains require a minimum number of residents within a specified area before they will open even a medium-sized store. I have to drive to Wayne or Siebenthaler to shop. Yes, there are Stop-n-Robs in our area, but I spend less in gas than on their mark-ups. Without people, no stores; without stores, no people. Until this issue is solved, nothing will develop properly. And downtown is overrun by undesirables.
By Skeptic
January 19, 2010 3:35 AM | Link to this
To those below who use words like skank and undesirable about people downtown - could that be the pot calling the kettle black? I am a young professional and I love downtown. The Greene is boring. Where do you think visitors go to get a sense of the region? It’s not the mall. A strong core city benefits all of us. Support your downtown!
By Bob540
January 19, 2010 8:26 AM | Link to this
I think the editorial is correct when it states that Dayton needs a psychological lift. There is a pall that hangs over the city, especially for those of us who grew up here and remember when downtown was the place to be. It is too easy to remain negative, especially when you drive through blighted areas and see the latest crime news stories. There is no quick fix. Dayton will eventually come back, but it will take persistent efforts by the community and persevering through setbacks.
By It's Great in Dayton!
January 19, 2010 9:57 AM | Link to this
As far as downtown goes, I’m sticking with SKANKY, although SKANK-O-RAMA, SKANK-A-THON, and SKANK-E-RIFFIC are also options.
By Washington Township
January 19, 2010 9:54 PM | Link to this
The river recreation concepts are the most realistic things in this plan. I’m not sure where the money is going to come from to demolish office buildings (and who decides which ones come down?)
By RAW
January 20, 2010 10:00 AM | Link to this
I have to agree that there is a significant lack of private investment in this plan. Keep in mind, though, that it is a possibility that the editorial just failed to mention those parts of the plan. Private investment will be the key to revitalization. THe best way to bring that in is to provide huge tax incentives. THe biggest problem, however, is still the infrastructure. That should be the focus initially. People need places to shop other than the 2nd Street Market that keeps limited hours. The city needs to find a bold entreprenuer to open a full-service grocery store on one of those vacant lots dowtown. It does not need to be a Walmart or Kroger supercenter. It needs to be something that offers a good selection of food and basic services such as a pharmacy, butcher, bakery, and deli. Keep it simple. A significant tax incentive could be offered in order to spur the investment, perhaps event access to capital from the city in lieu of the tax incentive as an interest-free loan. Next is providing real retail shopping and entertainment downtown. The arcade is a good start, but I have not seen any of the plans for it yet. I like the idea of an ice arena with a minor league hackey team similar to the Bombers. It would complete the year-round sports entertainment circle with the Dragons during the warmer months. These really need to be the first steps toward revitalization. Give people a reason to come downtown and they will be there. Office space and residetial development alone will do nothing but wither and die. Downtown will remain and 7A to 6P area untile these other activities arrive.
By fortressdayton
January 20, 2010 9:38 PM | Link to this
@Skeptic With all due respect, I own a home in this city…downtown! I put my money where my mouth is. While you may feel my choice of words is less than kind, it is accurate. Drug dealers and truants ARE, by definition, undesirable. Or do you desire them? To me the Greene is 100% boring, but you will notice they kept the undesirables away by barring an RTA connection. Please compare Dayton Mall and the Greene. Every area in Dayton worth inhabiting has been purged, that is why urban gentrification succeeds. No one wants to live next to crack-whores and HUD housing. Do you think they moved the Greyhound station because Trotwood was more convenient? Dayton legitimizes panhandling by issuing permits. How can you support a city that reduces everything to appease the Lowest Common Denominator? Like you, I do support my downtown. I just believe in cleaning it up before we show it off to any visitors.
By It's Great in Dayton!
January 21, 2010 8:16 AM | Link to this
The more I think about it, the part about creating a kayak course on the river actually makes some sense. Not that many downtown SKANKS know how to swim, and it would be a way of distancing one’s self from the SKANK BUTTS in downtown Dayton. Even if one or two were able to swim out to your kayak, after a steady diet of 40 ouncers and Slim Jims they would be pretty fatigued, and easily fended off with a kayak paddle or the threat of employment.
By Ralph
January 21, 2010 8:57 AM | Link to this
I agree strongly with river development but not “Riverscam.” For years I have been on a soap box about that sorry excuse of a river. The reason the city was settled in the first place was a viable river for transportation and trade. Unfortunately, it was way over engineered after the great flood. Instead of worthless expenses along the river like an ice rink that’s too small to even play a hockey game on and more monuments to Wright Brothers and days gone by - DREDGE THE DAMN RIVER. This will allow for pleasure boating and the marinas and businesses to support them. Riverside development is crucial.
By It's Great in Dayton!
January 23, 2010 9:16 PM | Link to this
A POEM SWhen it comes to national rankin’ Our community really is stankin’ The local economy is tankin’ cuz Dayton sure is SKANKIN’ !!!
By It's Great in Dayton!!!
February 14, 2010 10:28 AM | Link to this
Raleigh: “Critical point? It’s a critical point when the Feds haul off off your $hit as evidence. Now THAT’S a critical point” He’s the Gem City’s crowning jewel!! The leadership Dayton deserves. RALEIGH TRAMMELL FOR MAYOR!!! RALEIGH TRAMMELL FOR MAYOR!!! RALEIGH TRAMMELL FOR MAYOR!!! Paid for by The Committee to Elect Raleigh Trammell. Raleigh Trammell, Treasurer.
By It's Great in Dayton!
February 20, 2010 6:51 PM | Link to this
More reason to leave Dayton ASAP. DAYTON — Thieves are ransacking southeast Dayton, breaking into homes and cars at a pace that has police overwhelmed and asking for the community’s help. Reports of home burglaries there are up 44 percent this year and on pace to race past 2009’s five-year high of 732, according to Dayton Police Department data. Car break-ins have soared from 58 reported at this time last year to 139 through Sunday, Feb. 14 — a 140 percent increase.