Map Boy

Looks like they've got some screens/netting up now... could be the weather... it's blustery out there!

Shoddy quality on the new one, but it was a drive-by and I couldn't get my chauffeur to slow down! Before: After:

Did you have a chance to watch the video on page 32 of this thread? I'm sure people with mobility issues won't try to hop down from the platform, but I'd bet a fair number of riders will opt for the shortcut and jaywalk if there is no barrier. Can you see a group of high-schoolers getting off mid-platform and walking all the way down the ramp to the crosswalk? Seems pretty unlikely to me! Jaywalking is certainly an issue here, but it would seem to me that the simple liability issues for GCRTA of having an open platform on both sides when one side has no reason to be open would be cause enough for them to install rails. Someone who isn't paying attention could easily mis-step off the back of the platform, right into oncoming traffic. It's hard for me to believe that no one has thought of this already!

Looks like we'll need one taking and a couple easements. A worthy price for quicker access to the bar!

ok, so my suggestion would be that the RTA make use of their tickers to let riders know when congestion might be more of a problem. I don't know if there's anyone programming them or if they're automated to the point that quick updates can't be run across the screen. Basically, if someone's going to pay their fare and wait for a train to come that will accommodate them, then there should be a way to let them know via ticker that "Rider Alert: 1:00 Browns game today. Cyclists be advised" or something to that effect before they spend their time and money. Is this possible?

that's what I'm saying. so, what's the deal?

yeah, we can just move the one from W. 76th when they're done with it

Yeah, that's a bummer. I haven't looked closely enough, but is there any wiggle room for any sort of pedestrian path mid-block on W. 69th?

but that video clearly shows that jaywalking will be a problem!

It's also being listed by realtors. A friend of mine is looking to move back to Cleveland from DC and he's received information on it.

Page 32?

I would echo 8Shades's question, though I really don't know how else you could word the sign. I guess the solution is to be as clear as possible with your operators so that riders will know what to expect. Basically, if one operator just refuses to let bikes on during rush hour no matter what, then you've got a problem with consistency. Also, if there will continue to be rules about sporting events (the biggest issue I've had thus far), then those should be posted as well. This is where the tickers can really help, though I've found them to be pretty unreliable. ...and thanks for asking!

I'm surprised that no one has responded yet. I would say that progress is definitely the word. The dining/bar scene has held its own and even grown a bit. Dave's and the West Side Market continue to provide the 'hood with solid amenity anchors, even if no other significant retail growth has occurred. Housing has held strong and projects like the YMCA on Franklin and the West Side Community House on Bridge are feeding off of the excess demand for condos in multi-unit buildings. The rental market appears strong to me... super convenient and not excessively expensive if you know where to look. Recent rental conversions with higher end prices like the Knitting Mills and Fries & Scheule have had great occupancy rates for what I've heard. The for-sale market is definitely competitive. I know of properties that have sold after 30 days on the market and others on the same block that have been on the market for more than a year. It's like that anywhere, though. It's really about unique product in unique locations and the OC has plenty of both. Prices are higher in the OC for an otherwise equal property 30 blocks west in Detroit-Shoreway...one of the reasons why I ended up buying down the road. Trade-offs are access to the lake and Gordon Square versus proximity to Downtown/WSM and Market Ave/W. 25th. I still prefer the OC, but I definitely couldn't have afforded my home there! Anyone else?

Wow, thanks Dan! I figured I'd get the answers here. Good question 8Shades... I've been wondering that myself. The school still appears to be operating in the adjacent building, which is physically attached, but the old building on the corner is all boarded up. No idea on that one. I'll ask around, though!

I don't have the answer to the platform question, other than that the central platform saves 6' of street width and was necessary in the downtown portion. Why that wasn't the ideal along the whole route, I don't know... The E. 107th to city line answer, I believe, is because Euclid is the only major east/west route through the heart of the Circle. Further west, you have your Chesters, Carnegies, etc. So, I think they wanted to maintain all those vehicle lanes through the Circle, even though it will slow down the BRT vehicles. My question pertains to the split platforms between E. 17th and E. 107th... I've been trying to figure this out myself, but still haven't come up with an answer: If all the buses will be loading/unloading on the left side of the platform, why is the right side of each platform not closed off with some sort of railing or other barrier that will shield riders from passing traffic and deter them from jumping off the platform in the middle of the street? Maybe I'm missing something here, but I haven't seen anything that answers my question.

isolated and access difficulties if you were going to reopen it as a bar? Seems like it would be an awesome spot to live! plus, you'll have your new bar just around the corner on 65th!

Who's got the dirt on this building on W. 69th? It's on the market...

FYI

yeah, but we were looking seriously banged up towards the end yesterday. Lewis got up slow every time he ran for another 2 yards and Winslow too. Thing was, I never stopped believing that we'd pull it off. What an odd feeling!

Even with that, there are people along the route who are complaining about stops being too far apart to the point that they are inconvenient for riders who are less mobile. I can understand their concern, but GCRTA weighed efficient operations (few stops and faster service) over the traditional bus model that stops every other block. It really will make the whole ride faster!

right! I wasn't sure if I just made that part up or if I was combining stories or if it was the real story. Thanks for remembering!

^exactly. and there so many factors outside of the developer's control (like unexpected underground utility problems) that it's not really fair to criticize them for some of these delays. Now, if they deliberately name dates that they know are unrealistic, then I have no sympathy. There's a legendary tale in Cleveland of a well-known developer who was renovating a building in Glenville and in the process of rehabbing, discovered a tank (fuel or something) buried in the basement that had no business being there. Needless to say, it set the project back a few months as they had to search for cleanup dollars and then actually get the thing out of there. I don't remember all the gory details, but crazy stuff happens out there!

Or this, designed by Cemusa (http://www.cemusa.com/web/en/index.aspx): NYC: Mayor Bloomberg unveiled the first new bus shelter from the billion-dollar street furniture contract with Cemusa. The shelter, located at Queens Boulevard and 82nd Avenue, is made out of stainless-steel and tempered glass (both the walls and the roof) and was designed by Grimshaw Architects. Some more details from Cemusa: - Each bus shelter will include bench seating. The bench is vandal-resistant and designed to prevent reclining. - The bus shelters display the name of the bus stop in prominent letters that can be read by approaching passengers. An illuminated interior side panel will display customer service information such as bus route maps. - The design of the bus shelter ensures meaningful protection from the elements. Specifically designed to prevent any blind spots, the bus shelter provides excellent visibility for added security. - The components of each bus shelter are made from recyclable materials that are free from pollutants and will have minimal impact on the environment. Pittsburgh & Oakland have similar structures with lit elements and more prominent rider information. I also understand that there are a number of cities in the U.S. that have been able to form lucrative partnerships with marketing companies who will pay for street furniture/amenities in exchange for exclusive rights to the advertising revenues. I don't know if this presents a conflict for RTA or if it has been explored already, but I think the new video monitors in the rail cars & silver line is taking advantage of this type of partnership. Correct me if I'm wrong!

I guess I haven't been by in a couple weeks, so I didn't know the foundation for phase 2 was already underway. That's great news! I know it's not really that far, but the gap in between Reserve Square and Block is going to loom large until the next E. 12th Street block gets underway (betw. St. Clair & Superior). I'm not even going to ask when that's slated to begin, since I'd assume it'll be a couple years off, or at least until the market turns back up.

Wait, I'll quote myself: anyone know if this is still accurate?