Friday, Dec. 12: Police Review + Downtown Project + Housing Boost
Friday, Dec. 12
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Cincinnati reviews police force cases involving residents with disabilities.
A series of disability-related incidents investigated by Cincinnati’s Citizen Complaint Authority has raised concerns about police training and conduct. At its December meeting, the agency reviewed five cases involving people with physical, developmental, or communication challenges—ranging from a deaf man Tased during arrest to a paralyzed man whose wheelchair was left behind. Director John Kennedy Jr. said he grouped the cases to emphasize a “potential need” for policy change. While no disciplinary actions were confirmed, Kennedy urged better officer training around disabilities. Any changes must be approved by City Manager Sheryl Long.
Developer plans apartments, storefronts in long-vacant downtown Cincinnati building
Cincinnati-based Daffin Development has purchased a long-vacant building at Vine and West Court streets, with plans to convert it into 19 market-rate apartments and several ground-floor commercial spaces. The $1.84 million acquisition follows years of vacancy after a failed renovation effort by former owner Vision & Beyond, which is now facing lawsuits and accusations of abandonment. Daffin is seeking city incentives and Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits, aiming to preserve historic features like tile floors and marble walls. Construction could begin by mid-2026.
New grants boost Cincinnati Development Fund’s affordable housing financing
The Cincinnati Development Fund has received a $400,000 grant from the MassMutual Foundation to expand its Affordable Housing Leverage Fund. The fund helps local developers overcome early financing hurdles to build and preserve affordable housing. CDF says the funding will allow it to support more catalytic projects, helping meet Cincinnati’s rising housing demand. The organization noted growing national interest in its model, which has now attracted both philanthropic and corporate support. A separate $200,000 grant from the Key Bank Foundation was awarded in November for the same effort.
Zillow predicts Cincinnati home values rising faster than national
Cincinnati home values are expected to rise 1.6% in 2026—outpacing the national average of 1.2%, according to a new Zillow forecast. The housing market is showing signs of renewed activity, with local home sales in Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties up 2.4% year-over-year through November. Despite median prices climbing, more sellers are cutting listing prices, with average October discounts reaching $20,000. Nationally, Zillow predicts easing mortgage costs and steady demand will drive a modest recovery, although single-family construction may dip to its lowest level since 2019.
Chowdown Cares Fund to stabilize struggling independent Cincinnati restaurants
A new initiative aims to help independent restaurants in Greater Cincinnati facing ongoing financial strain. The Horizon Community Foundation has partnered with the Chowdown Cincinnati community to launch the Chowdown Cares Fund, offering discreet stabilization grants for eateries impacted by rising costs, labor shortages, and shifting customer patterns. With federal relief programs expired, the fund steps in to fill a critical gap, transforming informal community support into a structured, local safety net. Organizers are currently fundraising and building awareness, with distribution to begin through nonprofit partners.
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