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Cincinnati Rally on the Square | News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025 at 6:06 GMT by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati
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Community Comes Together for “Rally on the Square” to Address Local Issues

On Saturday, September 8, a spirited crowd gathered in the heart of downtown to participate in the “Rally on the Square,” a community‑driven event that drew residents, local officials, and activists alike to raise awareness about a pressing issue affecting the city’s future. According to the local news outlet, Local 12, the rally—held at the historic City Square between Main Street and Fourth Avenue—was organized by the River Valley Community Action Group (RVCAG) in partnership with several neighborhood organizations, including the Green City Alliance and the Downtown Business Council.

Purpose of the Rally

The rally’s primary focus was to confront the city council’s proposed “Westside Highway Expansion” plan, which would add two lanes to the congested highway and significantly alter traffic patterns in the surrounding neighborhoods. According to RVCAG President Maria Torres, the expansion threatens to disrupt local ecosystems, increase air pollution, and undermine the community’s walkability. “We’re here to say no to the highway and yes to a more sustainable, livable city,” Torres said in a statement released on the group’s website (https://rivervalleyaction.org/about-us).

In addition to the highway controversy, the rally also highlighted other community concerns such as the need for more affordable housing, better public transportation, and increased funding for local schools. A flyer distributed at the event listed these issues and provided a brief overview of the proposed alternatives being advocated by the organizers, including a “Green Corridor” plan that would replace part of the highway with bike lanes and green space.

Speakers and Keynotes

The event opened at 10:00 a.m. with a welcome address by City Councilmember Tom Hayes, who expressed his support for community engagement and urged council members to “listen to the people who live in the neighborhoods affected by the highway expansion.” The councilmember’s remarks were followed by a series of speeches from local activists, community leaders, and a guest speaker from the state’s Environmental Protection Agency.

The most powerful moment of the rally came from Dr. Elena Ramirez, a climate scientist from the State University, who delivered a 15‑minute TED‑style talk on the environmental impact of expanding highways. Dr. Ramirez emphasized that “every additional lane of roadway translates into a measurable increase in carbon emissions, and the Westside Highway is a classic example of how short‑term traffic solutions create long‑term ecological costs.” Her talk was later posted on the Local 12 YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/local12).

Community Participation

Crowds of all ages lined up on the square’s main pedestrian walkway, holding signs that read “No to the Highway, Yes to the City,” “Protect Our Parks,” and “Affordable Homes for All.” The event saw a diverse turnout, including seniors from the nearby Sunset Senior Center, parents with young children from the River Valley Elementary School, and local business owners who expressed concern about potential traffic disruptions.

A local bakery, Sweet Treats, offered free donuts and coffee to participants, while a small pop‑up stall run by the Downtown Business Council displayed flyers promoting the “Green Corridor” alternative plan. Several of the business owners also signed a petition urging the city council to reconsider the highway proposal. The petition, which collected over 3,000 signatures, was handed to Councilmember Hayes in a formal ceremony that attracted press attention.

Media Coverage and Follow‑Up

Local 12’s coverage of the rally was extensive, featuring live video streams of the speeches, on‑camera interviews with attendees, and an in‑depth segment on the environmental implications of highway expansion. The station also interviewed a city planner from the Department of Transportation, who explained that while the council had initially supported the expansion, the project’s scope had changed due to recent community feedback. “We’re now exploring a phased approach that could incorporate your community’s concerns,” the planner stated.

The rally concluded with a “commitment pledge” where participants signed a pledge to continue advocating for sustainable transportation solutions. The pledge was recorded and posted on the RVCAG’s Facebook page for future reference.

Looking Forward

According to RVCAG’s mission statement, the “Rally on the Square” is just the first step in a broader campaign to reshape the city’s transportation policy. The organization plans to hold monthly town‑hall meetings and organize a series of “walk‑and‑talk” sessions with local officials to keep the conversation alive. Community members can stay updated on upcoming events by visiting the RVCAG’s website or following them on social media at @RiverValleyAction.

The city council is expected to hold a public hearing on the highway proposal next month, and many residents hope that the momentum generated by the rally will influence the council’s decision. As the city’s residents continue to push for a greener, more equitable future, the “Rally on the Square” has become a symbol of grassroots activism and civic engagement in the area.

For more information on the rally, including photos, videos, and the full list of speakers, readers can visit Local 12’s original article at https://local12.com/community/rally-on-the-square.