Be Sure to See...
Membership has its benefits! A growing number of downtown merchants offer discounts to DRC members. See our current list (our heartfelt thanks to all these businesses). Why not join today?
Help Stop Panhandling. Cincinnati has a very detailed law controlling panhandling. See how it protects you.
Our Downtown on the Move
Downtown Cincinnati is now home to over 4,200, with more arriving every month as new condos are completed. The Downtown Residents Council works to develop a community atmosphere, conducts projects to improve the quality of life, and voices concerns of residents at City Hall.
We work closely with the Police Department on safety issues and Downtown Cincinnati Inc. on development and promotion efforts.
If you live Downtown or are interested in making Downtown THE premier neighborhood of the city, we encourage you to join us at our monthly meetings - 6 pm the second Tuesday in the Tower Room of the Public Library.
DRC Elects Board and OfficersOn April 8, the Downtown Residents Council (DRC) held its 2008 annual meeting that included elections for new board positions, the executive committee and committee chairs.
George Verkamp was elected to a second three-year term on the DRC board, and Linda Phillips was elected to her first term. Phillips and Verkamp join current board members Travis Ard, Andy Chirch, Casey Gilmore Christopher Smith, Tamia Stinson, Conrad Thiede, Paul Westendorf and Chris Wiedeman.
Conrad Thiede has been re-elected President of the Downtown Residents Council. The executive committee will consist of Thiede, Gilmore as Vice President, Chirch as Secretary and Chris Smith as Treasurer.
Phillips, Stinson and Wiedeman will serve as Special Events chairs, and Gilmore and Westendorf continue as co-chairs of the DRC Membership Committee. Verkamp maintains his Neighborhood Support Program manager post. Chirch and Ard will direct Green Committee activities. Longtime DRC member Rick Dieringer remains as communications chair, and David Siders, a resident and member of the DRC, will begin his second year as the Downtown Recycling Chairman. Dacia Snider completed her tenure on the DRC board earlier this year. A motion to provide DRC support for the Downtown Dog Park was considered and approved.
"I have never seen such energy in a community," says DRC President Conrad Thiede. "Cincinnati should be very proud of the great work our Downtown residents are doing to enhance the quality of life in our center city, as their volunteer efforts are benefiting the entire region."
As a voice for Downtown residents and all those who visit our city, the leadership and members of the DRC have a clear set of goals for the organization. These goals include working with the city on community safety and quality of life issues, continuing to volunteer time for cleaner streets and parks, promoting more social interaction between residents, increasing membership, continued enthusiasm for the local arts community and visionary organizations, and steadfastly supporting neighborhood businesses.
Saturday, April 26 has been designated nationally as the date for the Great American Clean-Up and the DRC is co-hosting a Downtown clean-up in conjunction with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful and the Greater Cincinnati Master Gardener Association. The focus on April 26 will be the Path to the Taft and the Ohio side of the Purple People Bridge, and volunteers will meet at the base of the bridge at 9:30 A.M. Gloves and clean-up items will be provided, and the event should wrap-up by noon. The Cincinnati Reds Community Fund has donated tickets, City Roots is providing all volunteers with a small gift, and the DRC will provide lunch. In the past, the DRC has initiated beautification projects at this location, Piatt Park, Court Street and in Over-The-Rhine. The City recognized the DRC with Excellence Awards for both the 2006 and 2007 Downtown clean-ups. All are welcome on April 26 -- to volunteer or to request an event flier for posting, please e-mail info@ILiveDowntown.com.
The next DRC member meeting is Tuesday, May 13 at 6pm in the Tower Room of the Main Branch of the Public Library, 800 Vine Street. The May meeting will include the announcement of dates and topics of the DRC-sponsored Summer Arts at the Library program facilitated by the Children's Learning Center, as well as several additional guest speakers.
Up Next for the DRC
"By The Book" with Nancy Zimpher
Noon to 1pm on May 09
Mercantile Library- 414 Walnut- 11th Fl.
May 9: Nancy L. Zimpher, PhD, became the University of Cincinnati’s 25th president and its first woman president in October 2003. Under her leadership and guidance, UC has embarked on an unprecedented consultation process that inv...
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