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Cincinnati Streetcar Project Executive Told His Job Will Be Ending

The Banks website

Cincinnati City Manager Harry Black has notified streetcar project executive John Deatrick that his job with the city will end later this year.

Black wrote a letter to Deatrick on October 4 with the decision.  It comes less than a month after the streetcar began passenger service on September 9.

"As we discussed, now that construction is done and the streetcars are in operation, the project is essentially completed and all that remains for you to oversee are a number of close-out items," Black wrote in the letter.  "As such, your service for this project will conclude on December 31, 2016."

Black asked Deatrick to "begin working with city staff to initiate all necessary transition elements such as knowledge transfer, project close out and other related items."

The letter was written on the same day Mayor John Cranley praised Deatrick and other city officials during the State of the City address for bringing the streetcar project to completion on time and under budget.  Deatrick was in the audience for the speech Tuesday evening.

Black expressed his appreciation to Deatrick for his service and work on the project.

"You have served the city well and with distinction over the years, and have much to offer in your areas of expertise," Black wrote. "You no doubt will pursue other career opportunities once this assignment ends, and the city manager's office is ready to be supportive of your future endeavors."

Former City Manager Milton Dohoney hired Deatrick in 2013 to oversee the streetcar project.  He was hired to restore confidence in the project, which was facing increasing construction costs and causing concerns for city council members, even those who supported the plan.

Deatrick had lots of experience managing big projects including the reconstruction of Fort Washington Way and the public portions of The Banks development.

He retired from the city in 2002 and went to Washington, D.C. for a similar position.  He returned in 2008 for The Banks job.  

In 2013, city council voted to create an executive project director position and also repeal a law preventing city retirees from returning to work while getting a pension check.  

WVXU asked Deatrick, at the time, why he would want the streetcar job.

“It’s a great challenge and a great project that I think would do a lot to help the city especially if we can get it extended up to UC,” Deatrick said in 2013.
 

Jay Hanselman brings more than 10 years experience as a news anchor and reporter to 91.7 WVXU. He came to WVXU from WNKU, where he hosted the local broadcast of All Things Considered. Hanselman has been recognized for his reporting by the Kentucky AP Broadcasters Association, the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists, and the Ohio AP Broadcasters.