John Cranley on the Banks

The Banks is the most important development project in the city. The mud pit between the Freedom Center and Great American Ballpark is currently an eyesore and a psychological scab. It must be developed for this region to move forward.

I know a number of issues have been raised recently regarding building heights, design, and the inclusion of green technology in the Banks project. I have asked for and received from the Banks Working Group a commitment that they will address all three of these issues in good faith before bringing us a final deal. I trust the BWG to craft a workable plan for all Cincinnatians, and I will support the deal.

Because the Banks is so important to the success of our region, we cannot afford to delay the project any longer. After ten years of waiting, the people of this community are clamoring to get the Banks project moving. I believe that completing this deal before the election is preferable, because Council is more likely to heed the people’s will close to an election. After the election, I fear that a majority of my colleagues will put micromanaging the project (causing years of delays) ahead of getting the project completed.