Scott Wartman

swartman@enquirer.com

The streetcar overcame a referendum, petitions and a mayor to get built in Cincinnati after years of debate.

That doesn't discourage Northern Kentuckians from talking about the possibility of building it across the Ohio River.

"Now that it's getting up and running in Cincinnati, there seems to be more excitement," said Covington Mayor Sherry Carran. "We need to explore the possibilities and benefits. To write it off saying it will never happen is a mistake."

The Covington Business Council will host a panel discussion on Jan. 21 about the possibility of a Northern Kentucky streetcar.

Cincinnati Councilman Chris Seelbach, former Cincinnati Mayor Roxanne Qualls and streetcar supporter John Schneider will speak at the Madison Event Center about the possibility of a future phase of the streetcar in Northern Kentucky.

"Maybe when the financial barriers are not there, it is something that could be discussed on this side of the river," said Pat Frew, CBC executive director. "Nothing can happen until we discuss it."

The streetcar in Cincinnati is scheduled to open in September and will run through downtown and Over-the-Rhine. It remains controversial. Cincinnati city administration released a consultant's report in December that projected the streetcar to operate at a loss, falling short by up to $1.4 million in the first year and $2.4 million in the fifth year.

Discussions took decades before Cincinnati's streetcar became a reality. Discussions might take as long in Northern Kentucky, said Beth Fennell, Newport City Commissioner. She supports bringing the streetcar to Northern Kentucky, but thinks it could take 20 years to get the money and support for it. Why does she support it? She believes it makes the region look progressive and more attractive to businesses.

"All we need is money, lots and lots of money," Fennell said. "Do I think it's a worthwhile venture? Yes, if we can get the support on the federal level."

It might even be a harder battle to get a streetcar in Northern Kentucky, Carran said. The region has not found a way to pay for a new Ohio River bridge after decades of debate and opposition to tolls. She hopes the streetcar discussion will be less vitriolic than the Brent Spence Bridge debate.

"There has to be other ways of transporting people, like the streetcar and light rail," Carran said. "The opposition I think will be even stronger on this side. That's why it's important when the dialogue begins to start it in a way that is a little different than how the bridge discussion started."

If you go:

What: Cincinnati streetcar in Northern Kentucky luncheon

Where: Madison Event Center, 700 Madison Ave., Covington

When: Thursday, Jan. 21, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tickets: Covington Business Council website: www.cbcky.com, $15 for CBC members, $30 for nonmembers. Includes buffet lunch.