Brian Boland, founder of Bridge Forward Cincinnati, discusses reclaiming urban highway land for community development. He explores challenges in reshaping infrastructure, advocating for community-centric projects, and the importance of grassroots efforts in urban revitalization.
Reclaiming land from urban highways can stimulate economic growth and enhance city connectivity.
Advocating for urban revitalization involves fostering personal connections, emphasizing holistic benefits, and negotiating with stakeholders for acceptance.
Deep dives
History and Evolution of Cincinnati
Cincinnati originated as a significant city during the steamboat era, pre-automobile and canal town periods. Initially ranking as one of the country's top cities, Cincinnati saw a decline in the 20th century due to highway developments that led to neighborhood destruction and sprawl. Transforming with the times, the city aims to revitalize by reconfiguring highways and reclaiming land for economic growth.
Significance of the Brent Spence Corridor Project
The Brent Spence Corridor project focuses on a segment of Interstate 75, notably the bridge over the Ohio River. The current bridge, built in 1963, faces challenges of traffic overload, safety concerns, and the need for expansion. Advocates like Brian Bolin provide alternative approaches that aim to enhance city connectivity, stimulate economic activity, and prioritize community impact over simply easing traffic flow.
Challenges and Resistance to Innovative Urban Projects
Obstacles to unconventional urban projects like the proposed Brent Spence Corridor redevelopment include governmental resistance driven by prestige and adherence to existing plans. The fear of uncertainty and the comfort of conformity often hinder the adoption of forward-thinking urban design proposals. Overcoming skepticism requires fostering personal connections, emphasizing the project's holistic benefits, and negotiating with cautious stakeholders for gradual acceptance.
Advocating for Urban Revitalization and Bottom-Up Change
Brian's journey into advocating for urban revitalization stemmed from a lifelong passion for neighborhood restoration and historic preservation. His shift from avocation to vocation in urbanism was influenced by grassroots movements like Congress for New Urbanism and Strong Towns, highlighting the economic and social significance of community-focused design. Advocating for change involves sustained passion, relationship-building with local entities, and effectively conveying the personal and communal benefits of urban transformations.
Brian Boland is a native of Cincinnati and the founder of Bridge Forward Cincinnati, an advocacy group working to reclaim 19 acres of city land from urban highways. He has a master’s degree in Urban Sustainability and Resilience and 30 years of experience in neighborhood revitalization. In addition to his work with Bridge Forward Cincinnati, Boland is one of the founders of CNU Midwest and a member of Strong Towns. He helped organize this year’s Congress for the New Urbanism, which will be held May 15-18 in Cincinnati, directly after the Strong Towns National Gathering.