Nov. 4, 1998- Jacob Addison

In early 1996, the people of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky were told of a bold new look for the riverfront. On Dec. 31, 1999, the world's largest bell would ring, ushering in the new millenium. This bell would be hanging on the world's 10th tallest structure, The Freedom Millenium Tower, in Newport, KY. Funding was to be secured within 60 days, and construction would start as soon as all of the land was purchased. There would be a T.V. station, a mall, and a gyro ride on the top. Not to mention the 83 bell carillion ringing in the year 2000.

Today, there is an empty lot across from "The Syndicate" in Newport, and a very large bell about to be poured on Christmas eve. Only about 40% of the tower is now financed, and the new look tower won't open until mid 2000. The scheduled groundbreaking continues to be pushed back, and people are starting to wonder which millenium the tower will be finished by. The newly named "Millenium Monument" has now taken on the look of an overgrown air-traffic control tower, and has been planned even larger than the original 1,100 feet. At 1,300 feet tall, the tower would stand almost 3 times the size of the Carew Tower downtown, and even taller than the World Trade Centers in New York City. But still, no tower.

I understand the problems that Wayne Carlisle, the project's founder, must be having. And I have no doubt that, sooner or later, the "Millenium Tower" will be built. I must, however, question the intelligence of going public with this idea before the proper steps were taken. The attraction would definately become the icon of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, and would spur even more riverfront rehab. Already in the works are the Ft. Washington Way project, the two new stadiums, the tower, a new Marriott hotel in Covington, and the renovation of the Newport to Cincinnati train bridge, which will be turned into a pedestrian walkway on one side, and have either trolley or monorail tracks on the other. These things, especially the tower, would liven up the area and bring people from all over to see them. I doubt, however, that anytime soon we will see the fruits of Mr. Carlisle's dollars.

I like the idea, I just wonder if I'm getting my hopes up.