Rosemary Oglesby-Henry called for a Reading Road Improvement District to unite redevelopment plans and transit spending into one corridor strategy spanning Avondale, North Avondale, Bond Hill and Roselawn.
The proposal argues the corridor's problem is coordination, not lack of investment: four community plans already exist, and Metro has committed $300 million to a Bus Rapid Transit line targeted for 2027.
Oglesby-Henry says repeated closures of Black-owned businesses show a systemic failure, citing a 2014 study that found 65% of daily traffic passes through the corridor rather than stopping there.
The district would focus on business retention, loan funds, facade grants, streetscapes, walkability, safety and annual public metrics, with public safety framed as essential to customer traffic and investment.
She casts the plan as anti-displacement wealth building, pointing to Fifth Third's $44.7 million direct Avondale investment and nearly $63 million catalyzed as proof coordinated leadership can scale.
How will Reading Road's revitalization benefit current residents without causing their displacement?
After years of scattered investment, how can Cincinnati ensure this new plan finally succeeds?
Transforming Reading Road: Leveraging $300 Million for Equitable Growth and Community Wealth
Overview
The Reading Road Improvement District is a $300 million proposal led by Rosemary Oglesby-Henry, aiming to revitalize a corridor long affected by systemic disinvestment and discriminatory practices. By building on four existing community plans and aligning with the upcoming Bus Rapid Transit project, the district seeks to create a synergistic effect that benefits local residents and businesses. The plan focuses on increasing business longevity, boosting homeownership, and helping current residents build wealth and stay in their neighborhoods. This coordinated effort is designed to transform Reading Road from a neglected pass-through into a vibrant, thriving community hub.