Raising up the extensive

alley network of Northside

presents
The mission of Spring in Our Steps is to renew
the viability of alleys, stairways and sidewalks
for safe pedestrian and community space.
What is
Spring in Our Steps?
1.Poor lighting, refuse, and overgrowth plague our
under-appreciated, under-utilized spaces.

2. Once clean & beautiful, our alleys should be
Integrated within the needs & dreams of the community.
South Wendell Alley, Cincinnati
Previous alley
activity In Northside
After [the alleys have been reclaimed], we would
like for the residents around the area to take pride in
their own neighborhood and help maintain the alleys
so the kids dont always haveto do it.
Source: Cincinnati Post,

10-07-99
Purpose & Vision
of Allies for Alleys
Purpose
To plan, devise, and implement a neighborhood focused
approach to assume coordination and liaison roles for the
planning and execution of cleanup events, programming,
and environmental improvements.

Vision
To improve conditions, to attract positive users, and to
encourage independent programming and use of public
alleys for Cincinnatis Northside neighborhood.


t
Public art, community cookouts, film screenings,

decorative
lighting, sanctioned street art, yard salesall in alleys.
Nord Alley, Seattle Pittaki Street, Athens
AC/DC Lane, Melbourne
Whats possible!
Melbourne Laneways Festival, Melbourne
Conditions in
Northsides alleys
Gorham Alley
from Georgia Avenue
Armour Alley
from Coates Alley
Conditions in
Northsides alleys
Honer Alley
from Lingo Street
Vint Alley
east of Cherry & Hoffner
Medill Alley
at Baltzer Alley
Carrie Alley
from Coates Alley
Cluxton Alley
From Vandalia Street
Ingol Alley
at Medill Alley
Work plan
Identify locations of neighborhood pedestrian assets

Create inventory of community organizations for partnership

Identify volunteer groups & present benefits of SiOS
Exhibit accessibility issues and blight conditions
Communicate benefits of remediation
(cleanups, programming, informal gatherings, inventory of lighting outages)
Develop a cleanup schedule including groups/dates

Coalesce key stakeholders for programming/improvements
(residents, businesses, owners nearby), other organizations, and
creative types to program inclusive events & adopt spaces

Identify costs for lighting, structures, and landscaping,
and seek additional funding to reflect community vision

Work with city departments to reinstate/repair lighting;
replace street name blades; add no parking signs; trim
around existing lighting for greater visibility; garner permits
for use of public space

Scope of the project
Events
Cleanup events each weekend to raise profile
Bike rides/walks throughout each alley

Community yard sales

Film screenings and musical performances
Scavenger hunts
Sidewalk sales along Lingo, Pope, and Cluxton Alleys

Finale event showcasing alleys, akin to The Jaunty Jubilee
Tasks
Liaison role to establish Adopt-a-Spot at every alley
Boric acid sprays to each alley
(only one application needed per year)
Pruning & trimming overhanging foliage for visibility
Serve as liaison to DOTE & CPD for lighting/signage/repairs
Apply for permits and gaining permission to use walls for art
Call for support:
Budget & timeline
Activities Low High
Cleanups to remove overgrowth,
clear bricks, erase graffiti

$1000 $3000
Coordination of events
Support for art, music, & film
$5000 $10000
Installation of lighting, mural,
& other ornamental elements
Skys the limit
May-Jun Jun-Aug Sep-Oct
Scheduling and
engagement
Coordination and
programming
Wrap-up
Examples of costs include boric acid for weeds, Bobcat & tool
rental, coordination, artist materials & commission, film fees.
Will use seed support to leverage matching funds.
Budget example:
The Jaunty Jubilee

Aug-Oct

2014
In-kind donations from Coffee Emporium, Lucy Blue Pizza, & Keep Cincinnati Beautiful.
thanks you!
We ask support through a commitment of up to
$1000 for event coordination and base support for
cleanup & programmed events.
Through such a residency program, we believe
that these enhanced alleys will transform how
Northsiders & visitors relate to them.