Ohio Supreme Court Declines to Hear CityLink Case
Efforts to Reduce Ranks of Poor Move Ahead
Decision may bring relief to Ohio's "poorest city"
CINCINNATI - March 26, 2008 -- The Ohio Supreme Court released a decision today clearing the way for the development of a new social service center in Cincinnati's West End. By declining to hear an appeal of a 2007 Ohio First District Court of Appeals ruling that upheld CityLink's original Zoning Certificate of Compliance, the Supreme Court removed final barriers that delayed the Bank Street development.
CityLink is a new kind of resource where care is integrated into one location to serve the city's poor, with a wide range of services to improve their lives.
"We're pleased with the decision and excited about moving forward with a new strategy for combating poverty in Cincinnati," said Tim Senff, board chairman for CityLink.
Though Cincinnati now nearly tops the list of poorest cities in America, supporters say CityLink can help break cycles that keep so many trapped in generational poverty. CityLink was organized by local churches and Christian social service providers and is modeled after a growing nationwide trend of integrated service centers. Such integrated centers can be found in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami and San Antonio, for example.
Senff puts the scope of Cincinnati's poverty problem on par with some of the most significant issues in the city's history. According to a U.S. Census Bureau survey released last August, 28% of Cincinnatians live below the poverty line, making it the third poorest city in the nation and the poorest city in Ohio. Even those not living in poverty are affected by these statistics. Negative perceptions of the city impact tourism and economic development dollars for the entire region.
Yet CityLink leaders believe their facility and its services can positively impact not only those in poverty, but also CityLink neighbors and the entire city.
"Our research has shown that property values have increased for real estate near co-located integrated service centers, and that crime has decreased when vacant buildings are replaced by new development," Senff said. CityLink Center will be constructed on the site of a long-vacant former slaughterhouse facility in Cincinnati's West End.
Once complete, the center at 800 Bank Street will incorporate the services of the founding faith-based agencies plus additional social service organizations. CityLink will provide holistic services centered in four primary categories: health and wellness; basic life skills; employment and education; and therapeutic fitness. It will also provide a multi-month transitional housing program for people who have committed to making a change in their lives. While faith-based, CityLink is open to anyone regardless of their religious beliefs.
"The fight against poverty in Cincinnati is about to widen," said Jim Strayhorn, pastor of Bright Star Baptist Church in the West End. "I am thankful CityLink is making its multi-million dollar investment in our neighborhood, and very proud that healing for thousands of Cincinnatians will begin here with the support of my church and many other churches in our neighborhood."
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Click here to read the Cincinnati Enquirer news article
If you would like to discuss our decision or the development of CityLink further, please email citylink@onecity.org.
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