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When I recently shared images of decaying infrastructure at Inwood Park in Mt. Auburn, I expected a strong reaction—but the dialogue that unfolded was eye-opening. Cincinnati residents revealed deep frustrations with city neglect, inconsistent accountability, and troubling double standards in how maintenance rules are enforced.
This isn’t just a Cincinnati problem—it’s a Rust Belt reality. Across the Midwest, once-thriving industrial cities are wrestling with the visible scars of neglect. From crumbling bridges in Pittsburgh to pothole-riddled streets in Detroit and decaying parks in Cleveland, aging infrastructure symbolizes broader economic and political challenges these communities face.
But as troubling as the problems are, they’re fixable. What Cincinnati—and cities like it—need isn’t just criticism, but a clear diagnosis and a set of achievable solutions.
Case in Point: Inwood Park
The photos from Inwood Park illustrate stark neglect. Cracked retaining walls on the verge of collapse, rusty fire hydrants that might fail in an emergency, deteriorating stairs, and concrete slabs overhead with exposed metal reinforcement—all clear hazards that pose serious threats to public safety.
These aren’t minor inconveniences. If they appeared on private property, citations and fines would swiftly follow, with orders to make immediate repairs. Yet, public property—especially city parks—often seems exempt from these very rules. One resident summed this up clearly on social media:
“Section 8 won’t even let a landlord have a handrail like this, but apparently it’s OK in a city park.”
Such double standards erode public trust and breed cynicism, making it harder to build community pride and investment.
Community Voices Reflect a Larger Pattern
Comments from local residents emphasized that Inwood Park isn’t isolated. Similar neglect spans across neighborhoods and landmarks in Cincinnati. One commenter pointed out:
“I’ll add some from 4th Street. One of the most venerable streets of our city is riddled with potholes. Ironically, the street in best condition downtown is directly in front of Lindner Soccer Stadium, yet that’s the one slated for a $30M makeover after only 3 years.”
Another added frustration was around main roads and bridges:
“The roads are terrible… Queen City Ave, Erie Ave, Western Hills Viaduct… Meanwhile, the mayor goes and pretends to be filling potholes, but he is doing NOTHING!”
Others offered simple but powerful summaries of the situation:
“Wow, that is bad. Cincinnati needs to fix its infrastructure…this level of disrepair is just unacceptable.”
Yet alongside genuine frustration, some voices pushed back defensively, arguing that this level of deterioration is expected or excusable in cities. This raises an important question: Why would anyone accept—or worse, defend—neglect and decay?
A Rust Belt Reality: Cincinnati Isn’t Alone
Cincinnati’s struggles echo across the Rust Belt. In Pittsburgh, crumbling bridges and infrastructure decay have forced emergency closures and expensive repairs. In Cleveland, decades-old maintenance backlogs in parks and public facilities strain city budgets and civic morale. Detroit’s struggles with potholes and neglected buildings symbolize the region’s broader fight against decline.
The roots of decay are familiar: aging infrastructure, shrinking tax bases, shifting economic priorities, political inertia, and mismanagement. Cities facing these challenges often prioritize visible, headline-grabbing projects—stadiums, new downtown developments—while basic maintenance falls behind. Over time, decay becomes normal, creating an impression that neglect is unavoidable.
But accepting this decline as inevitable is a mistake. Cities across America have demonstrated that reversing decay is possible through targeted strategies and smarter policy.
Real, Practical Solutions for Cincinnati
While criticism can highlight problems, only thoughtful solutions create lasting change. Here’s where Cincinnati could begin:
1. Prioritize Maintenance Before Expansion
New stadiums and high-profile developments attract attention, but solid maintenance of existing infrastructure boosts quality of life and economic health more consistently. Allocate funding first to upkeep existing roads, parks, and buildings before breaking ground on new projects.
2. Consistent Accountability
Cincinnati must apply the same rigorous enforcement to itself that it expects from private property owners. Routine city audits and transparent reporting of infrastructure conditions will build trust and drive accountability.
3. Public-Private Partnerships
Leverage partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and community groups. Cities like Columbus and Indianapolis have successfully revitalized parks and public spaces through collaborative efforts. Community-driven stewardship can be highly effective at quickly addressing immediate issues.
4. Smart, Data-Driven Infrastructure Investments
Use predictive technology and infrastructure analytics to proactively identify areas of greatest need. Cities like Louisville have effectively utilized technology to prioritize repairs based on objective criteria rather than political favoritism.
5. Federal and State Collaboration
Rust Belt infrastructure problems can’t be solved at a local level alone. City leaders must advocate strongly at state and federal levels for infrastructure funding—especially now that substantial federal dollars are available for exactly these types of improvements.
6. Transparency and Community Engagement
Residents should be actively included in decisions on maintenance priorities and spending. Cities that listen to and act upon resident feedback not only create better outcomes but also build stronger communities. Transparent processes encourage trust and create a sense of shared responsibility.
Looking Ahead: Choosing a Better Future
Cincinnati faces the same crossroads as many Rust Belt cities: accept deterioration as inevitable or fight for change and improvement. Strong communities don’t happen by accident—they require deliberate action, accountability, and engaged citizens unwilling to accept decay as normal.
The conversation sparked by my original post revealed deep community passion—and yes, even some skepticism and defensiveness. But more than anything, it confirmed that people care deeply about their city’s future. They want better, safer public spaces. They want consistent accountability.
Rust Belt cities can flourish again. Cincinnati can lead that change. It starts with recognizing problems, holding leaders accountable, and committing to practical, achievable solutions.
Neglect doesn’t have to be our future—unless we allow it. Let’s choose better.
