At the end of 2023, Uptown Consortium, Inc. (UCI) sought input from residents, workers, students and visitors to share their perspectives of Uptown. The insights from the survey responses are a key element for UCI and its Members to use as we strive towards our shared vision of shaping Uptown into an inclusive, connected and livable community.
Most notably, respondents shared what they believe to be the top three priorities in Uptown: safety and walkability (tied for #1), public transportation and beautification. Furthermore, the top three future additions to Uptown ranked in the following order: places to eat/drink, bike paths/lanes and parks/playgrounds.
We extend a sincere “Thank You” to everyone who participated in the survey. As promised, we randomly selected the names of five participants in a drawing for a $100 gift card to an Uptown business of their choosing. Here are the winners and, in their own words, why they participated:
Carol Mastin
“I was born, raised and still live in the home I grew up in, right in the heart of what’s now known as Uptown. The survey was very important as it made me feel that my voice has been heard and I have a platform that I can engage with comments or concerns that will help shape the future of this dynamic community.”
Giles Dillingham
“As UCI works to improve the local infrastructure and quality of life in the Clifton/Avondale/University Heights region, it is critical that they work from a position of familiarity with the needs and desires of those of us who live, work, and raise our families here. Surveys like this are a great way to make sure that UCI has the information it needs to carry out its mission in relevant, effective and sensitive ways.”
Elaine Urbina
“It was important for me to participate in UCI’s Community Survey because we all have an obligation to make Uptown the best place to live/work/play in Cincinnati. Positive change can be accomplished if we speak up and UCI gave us a great opportunity to have our voice heard.”
Jeff Hutchins
“I participated because I’ve lived and/or worked in the Uptown area for three decades, as well as having wonderful memories from my youth having family dinners at Zino’s and hunting for rare vinyl at Wizards. The eclectic nature of the shops and restaurants, the energy around UC’s campus, there’s so much to explore. I’m also a mass transit user and enthusiast who sees much greater potential for the Uptown area to be connected to other neighborhoods, including Downtown. Lastly, and maybe most importantly, safety is on my mind. There’s work to be done creating a safer Uptown related to vehicles as well as personal safety. I feel connected to Uptown for these reasons and want to see it strengthened in these areas.”
Suzan Sucro
“Participating in UCI's Community Survey was important to me because it offered a platform to voice our preferences and suggestions for Clifton's growth. UCI's history of positively impacting our area only added to my enthusiasm to contribute.”
Even though the survey is now closed, you can still share feedback with us by contacting UCI’s Director of Community Development & External Relations, Brooke Rapp at brapp@uptownconsortium.org.