CINCINNATI — Bond Hill may be on the brink of a revitalization, with a proposed $6.5 million allocation in Cincinnati's budget draft aimed at transforming the neighborhood.
This funding comes from the $7 million that Mercy Health paid back to the city after failing to create thousands of jobs at its Bond Hill location.
"It's a very family-oriented community," said Jacqueline Edmerson, president of Bond Hill Community Council.
WATCH: Edmerson said Bond Hill was once a thriving neighborhood with bustling shops and restaurants.
"We had Cincinnati Gardens, we had Showcase Cinema, I don't know what happened to Bond Hill," Edmerson said.
Edmerson is hopeful that new investments, supported by Mayor Aftab Pureval's budget recommendations, will help bring the neighborhood back to life.
"I am elated that they are considering," Edmerson said.
Edmerson and Laketa Cole, who is vice president of Bond Hill Community Council, said they want to be intentional with how the funds is used.
"We want those long-term impactful things that gives someone a place to go," Cole said.
The residents of Bond Hill are committed to transforming their community into a family-friendly environment and revitalizing vacant businesses into vibrant investments.
"They want nice restaurants, they want housing for people," Edmerson said.
Both Edmerson and Cole want Bond Hill to be the thriving neighborhood it used to be.
"Last year, we had our park redeveloped, the Bond Hill Park, and we want to continue to build upon that," Cole said.
They said they are thankful for the potential investment, but they want to ensure their voices are heard at Tuesday's public hearing inside City Hall at 5:30 p.m.
"Let's collaborate and have a conversation and talk," Cole said.
