Clvlndr in LV

IMHO it's a mistake not to incorporate a hotel at this time; however if Gilbert and the others feel they must make this concession to get the support of those that could turn the tide against them, oh well. This does make it even more important to locate it centered behind TC. This will have greater appeal to the type of patrons that would make a long weekend kind of trip since you have attached hotels, and I believe they're the ones you build this for. Several reasons for my opinion: These folks typically have more expendable income which means more likely to venture out to shopping (TC Avenue being attached helps this along), see a play, investigate the Warehouse District and 4th st, maybe go see the RRHOF etc. These folks don't need to, or want to spend all there time in the casino. Here in Vegas there are millions of sq ft of retail and they stay fairly busy and have become key reasons for people to visit the different properties. I believe if your primary reason for coming to Cleveland for a getaway is the casino, your gonna want to stay at the casino and then decide where you want to venture; I know I would. Keep in mind the day trippers don't care where you put it, they won't be visiting anything other then the casino. This is a legitimate concern, all the more reason not to have this at the east end of the TC site rather centered. Let folks spill out to 4th st. before stumbling over to the casino

Yup It seems some have not had the opportunity to read the actual language of this proposed legislation. This is the section dealing with the dispersal of revenue: (3) The proceeds of the tax on gross casino revenue collected by the state shall be distributed as follows: (a) Fifty--one percent of the tax on gross casino revenue shall be distributed among all eightyeight counties in proportion to such counties' respective populations at the time of such distribution. If a county's most populated city. as of the 2000 United States census bureau census. had a population greater than 80.000. then fifty percent of that county's distribution will go to said city. (b) Thirty-four percent of the tax on gross casino revenue shall be distributed among all eightyeight counties in proportion to such counties' respective public school district student populations at the time of such distribution. Each such distribution received by a county shall be distributed among all public school districts located (in whole or in part) within such county in proportion to each school district's respective student population who are residents of such county at the time of such distribution to the school districts.. Each public school district shall determine how its distributions are appropriated. but all distributions shall only be used to support primary and secondary education. © Five percent of the tax on gross casino revenue shall be distributed to the host city where the casino facility that generated such gross casino revenue is located. (d) Three percent of the tax on gross casino revenue shall be distributed to fund the Ohio casino control commission. (e) Three percent of the tax on gross casino revenue shall be distributed to an Ohio state racing commission fund to support purses. breeding programs. and operations at all existing commercial horse racetracks permitted as of January 1.2009. However. no funding under this division shall be distributed to operations of an Ohio commercial horse racetrack if an owner or operator of the racetrack holds a majority interest in an Ohio casino facility or in an Ohio casino license. (0 Two percent of the tax on gross casino revenue shall be distributed to a state law enforcement training fund to enhance public safety by providing additional training opportunities to the law enforcement community. (g) Two percent of the tax on gross casino revenue shall be distributed to a state problem gambling and addictions fund which shall be used for the treatment of problem gambling and substance abuse. and related research. The benefits are in fact spread throughout the state.

To ease the pain of losing your money. :wink:

To expand on Clefan98's answer, only patrons engaged in the act of gaming would receive the discount price for alcohol. Trust me they no if your really gambling or just plopping your cheap a$$ next to a machine to wait for a cocktail server.

No no my friend; revolving restaurant does not equal class act. I'm also going to have to disagree with you on the site. TC is exactly where it should go in order to have any real affect as a downtown catalyst. It should be centered directly across TC with a large, inviting under Huron connection to Tower City Center. MTS was right when he suggested the importance of attached retail to casinos which is why he was wrong about the Scranton Peninsula. This works both ways, for as shoppers flow into the casino, so to do hotel and casino guests flow out to TC and even Public Square. Yes of course there will be that segment of the market that will get off the bus, gamble and get back on to leave. For others this location is close to the other attractions they may want to see while in Cleveland: E.4th, Warehouse District, The Q and Progressive Field. It is also close to what we hope will be another reason for folks coming to the Cleve namely the Medical Mart. One immediate economic spur I could forsee would be interest from high end retailers to locate in TC if a casino becomes its anchor on one end. You might eventually attract a department store back into Higbee. Keep in mind FCE has no plans to develop that property and now that the MM and CC site has been appropriately located elsewhere, this may be the last best chance for the TC site. I also believe it's a good site for the hotel component. I would suggest two towers built above the casino similar in mass to the Ritz and Skylight office tower and located directly across from the aforementioned towers. By my estimates that should provide about 400-500 rooms and if they believe they need more rooms they could build taller(preferably not to much taller) or terrace down towards the river. Either way it would create an interesting canyon effect with the Terminal Tower looming over the complex. One more consideration is that there are already some fairly lofty plans for the lakefront and FEB. Those projects don't need a casino just a better economic climate.

X, I appreciate your concerns but I believe them to be based on the old casino paradigm of cheap buffets, 99 cent shrimp cocktails and $4.99 all you can eat prime rib to get folks to choose one casino over the other. I've been in Las Vegas now for over 10 years and I can tell you that is rarely the case. Only folks that gamble a lot get comps of any kind. In fact most of the bars and restaurants are priced significantly higher then neighborhood joints. It's not unusual to spend $12- $15 for a drink of barely better than bottom shelf stuff. This is one of the reasons I get good and liquored up before I drive to the casinos. :drunk: Seriously ,with few other casinos to compete against I would say it's likely these Ohio casinos will have overpriced food, drink and entertainment.

The water feature IMO is a good idea, but I would hope it is a flowing system rather than a string of small ponds. Can you imagine the mosquito problem if the latter were true. Something more along the lines of the San Antonio Riverwalk would be my preference. It would be nice to see retail and restaurants right along the waters edge. They would just have to make in a way to support a Zamboni in the winter so folks can ice skate through the neighborhood; they can't do that in San Antonio. :-D

"NBA Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal ® receives a Buddha statue,..." Love the ® as if they needed to clarify which of the two plays in the NBA.

Absolutely breathtaking. Thanks for sharing. While on a ski trip to Big Mountain I took a drive over to GNP but it was to early in the season and the roads were closed. Someday I must go back.

Tough loss on Saturday. I hate the back to back games but they need to start winning some of those tough ones on the road. I can't find any update on Big Z's status. Anyone hear how long he'll be out?

^ I'm with you on the secret service, but he did duck. That first one would of nailed him on the chin if he didn't. Maybe secret service is fed up with him too.

Damn, to bad that guy didn't have better aim! The funny thing is Bush just stands there. What a tool. I'm laughing but a little torn on this one. I dislike President bush as much as anyone but this IMO crosses the line. Protest all you want, burn him in effigy, but a physical assault on a US President is just unacceptable. BTW, I actually thought he moved pretty good there MTS.

Fascinating time but a very sad chapter in Cleveland history. On a personal note; when I was born my parents lived on E 71st between St Clair and Superior. I was only 4 1/2 yrs old when the riots occurred and of course remember nothing. My mother recalls it well and tells of the multiple sirens and the pop pop pop of gunfire. With all that was happening she still got ready on the morning of the 19th for her normal routine. She would walk up to St.Clair and catch the first of two buses to make her way to Nela park where she worked for General Electric. This particular morning, before she could reach St Clair, she was turned back by two uniformed soldiers and they physically walked her back to her front door with a few comments amounting to how crazy are you. My guess is she got the escort since she is white, or maybe because she was 8 months pregnant with my brother, or both. Mom doesn't rattle easy; 4 years in a communist concentration camp toughens you up quite a bit.

“He’s stupid. That’s all I’ve got to say about that,” James said Friday night before the Cavaliers’ game against Golden State. ^ After I just got done saying how impressed I was with Lebron's level of maturity, he pulls this stunt. Barkley didn't even insult him, and quite honestly wasn't wrong. BTW, Thanks mrnyc; I totally forgot about the Crunch. I remembered the Force always coming up just short to the Baltimore Blast in the 80's.

I can't believe you asked this! You whippersnappers. This is what an internet internet search engine is used for. :P Now if you know the answer, just give it up Skippy. I spent as much time as I was willing on Google and came up with nothing. BTW, I can only wish I fall into the category of whippersnapper. Tragically, I fear I'm older then you. Happy Thanksgiving :wave: ...and another nice win for the Cav's tonight; LeBron with only 17 minutes.

Thanks to UO; enjoy your friends, family and loved ones;happy holiday. :wave:

"In my opinion LeBron will consider two things; He'll want the biggest contract, and an opportunity to win multiple championships. The city that can best provide both wins. This kid wants to surpass not only Jordan, but every professional athlete in both money and legend." me "Wow, now, lay off the pot for a second. Lebron is good, don't get me wrong, but Jordan?! I don't think anyone will pass him, not Lebron, not Kobe, not ANYONE." C-Dawg Hang on C-Dawg; I didn't say he has surpassed Jordon, I didn't even say he will surpass Jordan, I said he wants to surpass Jordon, big difference. For a young guy, no college, he has demonstrated a level of maturity and leadership that Kobe (the other straight to the pros phenom)is just now starting to show.I read he was actually the leader on that Olympic team that just brought home gold. He is supremely confident and the current media circus only reinforces that. He has already shown he can attain the numbers ( youngest to do this, youngest to do that, blah blah) now he has to start getting the rings and the MVPs. Once he gets on that road he knows folks will be talking about him in the same breath as Michael Jordon and some will conclude he's better. No he is not there yet, and he may not get there but you can tell it's his personal goal. He talks about being the first athlete billionaire, and winning multiple championships so my comment isn't even speculation, just his words. I believe he is already the 2nd highest paid athlete in endorsements behind Tiger (it should be noted that has happened all while living in little ol' Cleveland; I'm not even sure where in Florida Tiger lives). Anyway, I just hope Cleveland can provide him what he wants and needs. I could stand a championship dynasty, now pass me the bong son. BTW, mrnyc: what Cleveland soccer team won a championship in the 80's?

How 'bout to prevent corruption once more from this pathetic administration. They should take as much time as they need. Have you not read the concerns of previous posters, yes including myself.

To whom do you pose the question?

The media push and marketing continue for New York's WPC > http://www.globest.com/news/1294_1294/newyork/175391-1.html ...tick tock, tick tock...

agreeing with your boiled down version, just adding an observation on political cover.

^Poetic and I want to agree except; " Solution: Elected officials hire consultants to cover their behinds in potentially controversial decisions. So, they're hiring one." They've allready put negotiation power into the hands of MMPI to cover their political behinds. This could unfortunately leave the deal making behind closed doors. I see Conventional Wisdom as nothing more than window dressing. They or someone like them should have been brought on board long ago. Likely outcome: MMPI gets what they want either way, or this is done.

I wonder why Mr. Guillen (author of the C.com article ) does not define where he believes this "mounting pressure" is coming from. Is it indeed from the competition in NY, and is the county actually feeling said pressure? They should.

^ and you didn't report this till today. You're Carl Monday aren't ya. :-D Good news. Somebody pray for the Mall site; I can't I'm an atheist.

^ I agree and I don't want to sound like I think WPC is a done deal, but it should not be dismissed as folly either. If their project does happen it would certainly incumber the success of ours, perhaps even scale it down. We, on the other hand, could put the final nail in that projects coffin if we moved on this quicker. Pick the Mall site and let's go allready.