Covedale, Why not make it Cincinnati’s 53rd Neighborhood?
This is an issue that I have been heavily involved with for the last several years. I believe that not only is it best for the residents of Covedale and West Price Hill, I believe it is in the best interest of the City of Cincinnati to recognized Covedale a separate, stand alone neighborhood within the city of Cincinnati. I am going to give you a very brief History of Covedale and then get into the reasons why I feel that in is best for Covedale to be a separate neighborhood within the city of Cincinnati.
In 1930 Covedale was annexed in to the city of Cincinnati. It was not annexed into West Price Hill, just into the City of Cincinnati. The debate prior to 1930 was if Covedale would become a village or become part of Cincinnati. Long story short Covedale became part of the city. Through the years, the Covedale identity has become muddled and full of controversy. This is due to the way the city recognizes “official” neighborhoods and the Price Hill Civic Club actively stretching the neighborhood boundaries to include Covedale through the years.
The residents of Covedale , including myself, are demanding equal recognition because the identity of Covedale as a separate neighborhood in Cincinnati is what is best for the neighborhood that we live in, the surrounding neighborhoods, and the City of Cincinnati. This is about continuing the success that Covedale has seen through years, improving our position in the city, and in the region, as an affordable community within the city limits that provides a variety of amenities including the arts (Covedale Theater), location to downtown( less than 15min), location to public transportation, and retail locations as well. This isn’t a move we are making because we think we are better than anyone else. We feel this is necessary because we have different needs than our neighbors in West Price Hill.
The fact is that the Westside suffers from neighborhoods that are too large and have become unmanageable, including the West Price Hill neighborhood. When you have “neighborhoods” over 20,000 residents ran by community council’s that are attended by an average of less than 50 people and the same people are elected over and over again, you have neighborhoods that become stale and council’s that become too political and that lack leadership.
There is little doubt that the lack of leadership in West Price Hill has hurt the community. The focus is fragmented into trying to build up the Covedale area, while trying to fight the crime and “Section 8 issues” that plagues the rest of West Price Hill. This lack of focus has hampered the development of both neighborhoods.
What is needed is a comprehensive strategy for both neighborhoods. For Covedale the goal would be to enhance our image as the gateway to Cincinnati from the western suburbs. We need a plan that continues to grow our Theater District as a unique and vibrant area. Enhancing our housing stock and value by promoting such areas as the Covedale Garden District and Overlook Heights as communities within Covedale, is key not only growing our neighborhood but improving surrounding neighborhoods in the process.
The neighborhoods that thrive in Cincinnati are the ones that have the residents engaged and strong leadership. In Covedale we have wonderful residents that want Covedale to succeed as a vibrant neighborhood that is part of Cincinnati. New leaders are emerging, some that are 3rd and 4th generation Westside residents, along with some that have moved to Covedale from other neighborhoods and other states. In the end, we want one thing, and that is for Covedale to become a separate neighborhood as it was before 1930. This is the best result for those that live in Covedale and for the city of Cincinnati.
