Signs up for controversial Cincy streetcar project

CINCINNATI (AP) — Signs are going up showing the stops and routes for Cincinnati’s streetcars. Now they need the streetcars.

Mayor Mark Mallory and other officials put up station signs today for the system whose backers say will spur business and residential development. They said the temporary markers will help people understand the routes and see where they will be able to go on the streetcars.

However, the project still must get through a vote this fall after its opponents’ petition drive got streetcars on the ballot for voter decision on whether to go ahead or block it. An earlier 2009 vote to derail the project was rejected.

City officials hope to have the system running in 2013. Former mayor and congressman Tom Luken today called the project a waste of money.