The Cincinnati Enquirer eEdition Newspaper Article ---------
EMILIO ESTEVEZ: 'Let's get the streetcar up and running again'.
Actor and activist Emilio Estevez likes the Cincinnati Bell Connector so much he gave it a starring role in his most recent movie, "The Public", set in Cincinnati.
Now in a letter made public Monday, Estevez is urging Mayor John Cranley and Cincinnati City Council members to restart the streetcar, which is facing financial woes and has been shuttered during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
The recommended city budget under consideration does not fully fund the project in 2021. Cincinnati City Council has until June 30 to pass the budget and could restore funding.
Estevez told The Enquirer on Monday that he's championed the streetcar from the beginning at the urging of Derek Bauman, an ardent streetcar supporter and local transportation activist.
To help restart the streetcar, the once teenage heartthrob and fan of Cincinnati's urban core, put the pen to paper.
"Mayor Cranley, you know from our conversations, there are few in Hollywood that have the land of love I have for Cincinnati "Estevez wrote. "Not only because of my familial roots, my dad born in Dayton and my mom born in Cincy proper, I have embraced the city not only as a unique setting to make films, but also as a unique city to live in."
Estevez owns a home in Over-the-Rhine, choosing it, he said for its proximity to stores, shops and Washington Park. and because the streetcar made getting around Downtown convenient.
Estevez says he writes as a resident and as a filmmaker.
"I believe it was important for those unfamiliar with how vibrant and upscale Cincy has begun to look and feel over the years, to see this sleek, modern piece of public transportation...," Estevez wrote. "I often find myself in arguments with many in Hollywood who wish to dismiss Cincinnati and the Midwest in general as backward, or out of step with the modernity of the east and west coasts."
Estevez doesn't mince words.
"Historically speaking, Cincinnati's track record for public transit has failed its people, starting with the unfinished subway in 1928," Estevez wrote. "This remains the largest abandoned subway system in the United States"! I have great hopes for the streetcar and believe that an expansion to the University and Clifton, and over the river would be a boon to both businesses and students. But that is for the future to decide.
"In the meantime, let's get the streetcar up and running again," he added. "... I know I speak for many of the OTR residents who would like to get on the streetcar and ride to Findlay Market and other businesses that can help to get back on their feet during this pandemic."
Sherry Coolidge
Actor and activist Emilio Estevez on the Cincinnati streetcar
Provided
-----Sincerely yours, railbear601 blog for the transit forum of OGR
Added this to my blog: 6/26/2020-----
I learned this on 06/25/2020 --- The hateful mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio and his council have voted NO to fund the streetcar for the 2021 year. It will take a miracle out of the clear blue sky to keep the Cincinnati Bell Connector Streetcar going in the very near future. No matter what people say to this hateful Mayor, he is dead set in his negative ways towards the streetcar. The only miracle that might save the streetcar is if someone or somethings can get together and raise the money (private concern) to fund the streetcar. This does not seem possible, although there are plenty of very wealthy people in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio area. The attitude that most people in Cincinnati, Ohio have is the following---If I fund the streetcar, what will I get out of it.....mmmmmmmmm? So, Cincinnati might become a 3 time loser when it comes to public transportation --- 1. The Loss of an almost completed Subway that waste away below the downtown area --- 2. The Loss of an Eight Football Field in Length Transit Station (built in 2000) next to the Reds and Bengals Stadium that is never used. and now --- 3 The possible loss of the Cincinnati Bell Connector Streetcar.....
Will keep you posted in this OGR Transit Forum if something positive happens to the Cincinnati Bell Connector Streetcar......sincerely yours, railbear601
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