Three Cent Fare

If you are interested, the Cleveland Coalition, a new non-partisan, issue-based organization is having an event to discuss how the new casino will fit into Cleveland's existing urban fabric this Friday from 5:00-7:30pm at the City Club. The flier giving more details about the program is attached. If you plan to attend, please RSVP @ [email protected]

No, Asia Town is not a bad neighborhood. It IS a stable (owner-occupied, little foreclosure activity), growing, working-class, immigrant neighborhood bordered to the east by a less stable (more foreclosures and vacant properties) neighborhood (E. 55th as the definite divider). It's southern, western, and northern borders are largely lined by businesses. Asia Town has great highway access, good bus service, grocery stores (Dave's for general shopping needs and a number of Asian markets), a vast assortment of restaurants, some interesting retail, and wonderful art galleries. I have not noticed much of bar scene/nightlife (if that is important to you, I would focus more on Ohio City, Tremont, Detroit Shoreway, Coventry). Happy searching and welcome to the area.

I don't think this is such a bad thing. The city's goal should be to ensure that excellent public schools exist. Charter schools like E-Prep, Citizens' Academy, and the Intergenerational School are all public and perform well above the average CMSD school. If kids are leaving CMSD schools for those charter schools or other quality charters, I don't think we really have a problem on our hands. Instead of focusing solely on "the district" we should be focusing on schools more generally. The CMSD would be well-served to work with (instead of against) these high-performing charters. Oldmanladyluck, I'm not assuming that your post indicates that you feel otherwise. Your post simply triggered these thoughts in my head.

They've got job postings on craigslist too.

Your thought process is difficult to argue with. But, my response is that the problems you listed (lack of economic vibrancy, not as cosmopolitan, etc.) operate as causes and symptoms simultaneously. The region lacks jobs because it lacks a robust applicant pool; it lacks a robust applicant pool because it lacks jobs, and so on. The only way that we are going to see the city and its surrounding area become something great again is if those of us who care (i.e. those who post on this site) stick around. I understand that this is a lot to ask especially when your job takes you elsewhere, in your case D.C. The sad reality is that if we don't stick around and take the steps to rebuild our once-vibrant communities, no one will. My view may not be realistic; it requires a sacrifice that many don't want to make. And though we love our city, we also love our families and, if lucky, our careers and must do what is best for their advancement, and often times that means leaving the region we love. Obviously, any decision based on that criteria is not "wrong." I guess what I am trying to say is that I only really disagree with your belief that raising your kids in Cleveland may not be the best idea regarding their futures. I say if we stick around and devote our collective energy to rebuilding and investing in the city, we can, in time, reverse the course of our forty-year downward slide and provide them with the same opportunities thought only to be available in the boom cities (SF, DC, Chicago, NYC, Boston, Austin, etc.).

For anyone interested, the Cleveland Leadership Center recently announced its 2009-10 Cleveland Executive Fellowship class. Here is the bio list: Ahmed Abonamah most recently worked as an Associate for the law firm of Goulston & Storrs in Boston, MA. Originally from Stow, OH, he has also worked as a Judicial Extern for Judge Morgenstern-Clarren, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Northern District of Ohio and as a Content Consultant for Universal Knowledge Solutions, in Dubai, UAE. Ahmed earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The University of Dayton, a Juris Doctorate from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law, and has studied Modern Standard Arabic at Georgetown University and Middlebury College. He has been involved with the 3Rs Program of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, the Student Hurricane Network, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and has given his time as a Volunteer Mock Trail Team Coach and offered Pro Bono Representation through the Massachusetts Legal Clinic for the Homeless. Meran Chang is a native Clevelander and joins the Fellowship after working on education programs for the Cleveland Council on World Affairs and as an Organizational Development Fellow for International Partners in Mission. Meran has studied abroad in Taiwan, India and South Africa and has served as a volunteer HIV/AIDS counselor, team leader and teacher in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Nicaragua. She also volunteers with Swim for Diabetes for the Greater Cleveland Diabetes Association. Meran earned both a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Nonprofit Organizations from Case Western Reserve University. Thomas Gill has spent his career in service. Originally from Westlake, OH, Tom received the Xavier Service scholarship to attend Saint Louis University. He graduated with a BA, Summa Cum Laude, in Theological and International Studies. He then spent two years in El Salvador as a staff member with the Casa de la Solidaridad and ConnectEducation International. During his summers, Tom has worked with the Hispanic community in New Orleans, as a staff member of the Arrupe Summer Camp at Saint Ignatius High School, and as an advisor on policy and communication to MA State Representative Joe Driscoll. Last year, he served as a Deputy Field Organizer on the Obama campaign in Mansfield, OH. Most recently, Tom received a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Seth Kujat is originally from Litchfield, OH and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Kent State University. Following graduation, Seth founded Leap of Faith Building and accomplished his first organizational mission: roofing one Habitat for Humanity house in all fifty states in one calendar year. While continuing to serve as the Founder and Director of Leap of Faith Building, Seth served as Youth Director for York United Methodist Church in Medina, OH. In 2007, he became Founder and Pastor of PIERCED Ministries, an interdenominational alternative ministry for teens and adults. Phillip M. Robinson, Jr. is a native Clevelander who joins the fellowship after serving most recently as a senior account executive for Marcus Thomas, LLC. He has also held positions with Powell Tate | Weber Shandwick in Washington, DC and served as a congressional legislative aide for U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. Phillip earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from The George Washington University. He serves on the boards of both the Centers for Dialysis Care and the Cleveland Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP). Phillip is a member of the Gilmour Academy Alumni Association, American Advertising Association, Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club and serves as a reading tutor at Warrensville Heights Middle School. He is currently running for a City Council seat in University Heights, Ohio. Cassandra Washington has spent the last 10 years of her career as a social worker with Cuyahoga County Children & Family Services. Originally from Cleveland, OH, Cassandra received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Mount Union College and her Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. She has also received her Diversity Training Certification from The Professional Women’s Network and her Basic Mediation Training Certificate from The Center for Mediation. Christine Zuniga Eadie recently earned her Master of Urban Planning, Design & Development degree from Cleveland State University’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, where she was a Graduate Assistantship recipient and a finalist in the Urban Land Institute’s Cleveland Real Estate Finance Competition. Christine, originally from San Antonio, Texas, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Tulane University’s Newcomb College in New Orleans, Louisiana. Prior to moving to Cleveland, Christine worked for the Urban Conservancy in New Orleans and as a planner for the City of San Antonio.

I guess I have two questions (they may show my ignorance, but here they are): (1) why wouldn't the waterfront line be able to run through the NCTC if the W. 3rd station remained? (2) Why tear down a station only to build another such a short distance away? Not to mention, the fact that the station is shaped like a football helmet is pretty neat.

Not so sure closing the W. 3rd station would be the best long term idea. But, depending on how the NCTC is configured, closing the E. 9th station may work out ok. Re: the W. 3rd stop, if all goes well and the Flats East Bank project continues to progress and the port relocates, demand for the waterfront line will increase in the area located between the East Bank and W. 3rd stops. Essentially, I think that any modifications made to the waterfront line need to be done mindful of the fact that the waterfront may look quite different in 10-20 years, and its service/stops should reflect that.

I went there 2 Thursdays ago and was told he hasn't played since January. I asked if he would continue playing there anytime soon and I didn't get a very straightforward answer. That's too bad. He can really play.

Glenn Schwartz's free Thursday night shows at Major Hooples.

I think that is the most disturbing part of this drama--there doesn't seem to be a plan. Midtown, Inc. has a plan, but it's not being followed. So while the social service nature of these developments is troubling considering the City's need for private investment, the most troubling aspect is the lack of a plan. Not having a plan (or more basically zoning laws) is how we destroyed Euclid Ave. in the first place. It's pretty sad that we (our elected officials) have not learned from history. Planning, even for private development, is critical. You don't want a paper mill next door to green grocer. That may be an extreme example, but you get the point. Hopefully the planning commission can put the brakes on these developments.

BINGO!

I couldn't agree more. Get involved. Assume nothing will change unless you make it change, or, at least, recognize that nothing is gained/accomplished through passive observance. I could go on, but I will not veer further off topic.

I grew up in Stow and my family's existence was Akron-centric. We visited Cleveland for Cavs and Indians games, to go to the old fish market, and the Bank Antique store. Otherwise, Akron was "our city." Then my parents moved overseas; I moved to Cleveland. So when they came to visit me in the Cleve last spring I felt they needed to "see" the city. So, I showed them, among other places: Ohio City (westside market and the beautiful homes), Shaker Square, Terminal Tower, Edgewater, the Tremont Tap House (best burgers in the City), and Algebra Tea House (wednesday night vegetarian, Libyan-style cous cous). Not sure what future development excites me most. I think I'd just like to show them a better utilized waterfront.

If I remember correctly, it is going to be a sports bar owned by a former professional athlete.

Midtown is part of four different wards. The councilpeople are: Joe Cimperman, Phyllis Cleveland, T.J. Dow, and Mamie Mitchell. Cimperman's district does not go far enough east to touch the proposed developments on Euclid. He is, however, the city council representative on the Planning Commission, and thus still worth contacting about this. I've written all four. Only Cimperman responded (his response was to contact the other three). Anyone who wants the letter I sent is more than welcome to it. Just PM me and I'll send it to you.

How would an aquarium at the Galleria compare in size (square footage) to the Jacobs and the Cleveland Aquarium proposals?

Does anyone have any information about the building of Germany's IBC Solar's U.S. headquarters in Cleveland? If I remember correctly, an announcement was made back in 2007 that IBC would in fact build/locate its U.S. headquarters in our fair city, but I have heard nothing since.

from Cleveland Scene: http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/positive-spin/Content?oid=1593269 POSITIVE SPIN CSU prof makes wind turbines city-friendly by Nik Salontay On the roof of Cleveland State University's plant-services building, four wind turbines hang off the side of a 20-by-25-foot cylinder. A large motorized truss atop the cylinder turns them toward the wind every few minutes. Another turbine spins slowly nearby. It's the control that will determine whether the setup is the forbearer of a renewable energy revolution or a $400,000 method for scaring birds away from water towers. "Make sure you point out in your story how the control turbine isn't spinning," says Dr. Majid Rashidi, builder of this elaborate experiment. The control turbine isn't spinning, but the other four, attached to the cylinder, are whirling away. "The cylinder basically amplifies the energy," Rashidi explains, "It makes the turbines happier." And happy turbines produce more power. A Clevelander for 31 years, Dr. Rashidi earned his Ph.D in mechanical engineering from Case Western Reserve University in 1987, and after a brief stint at NASA's Glenn Research Center (back when it was the Lewis Research Center), he began teaching at CSU. After 22 years of teaching, he's now chairman of the engineering technology department. Armed with $1.5 million of funding from the state of Ohio and the U.S. Department of Energy, he's been working hard on this prototype since 2005. As wind hits the cylinder, it's forced around the sides, amplifying the wind velocity around it by roughly 1.8 times. A computer system measures wind direction and controls a motor that adjusts the turbines automatically to catch it. In theory, this should result in turbines that produce as much as four times more energy than normal. According to Rashidi, the turbines each generate about two kilowatts of electricity. Together, the prototype's four turbines generate enough electricity to power eight typical households. Of course, it's still a theory. As the wind flies in from constantly changing directions, the system isn't always able to adjust itself quickly enough. There are awkward moments when the control is spinning wildly while the tower sits still, waiting to be reoriented. Rashidi admits there were still some kinks in the prototype's computer system, but project manager Jon Erdmann reported later that the problems had been sorted out. "There's really no rulebook that says, 'This is how you chase the wind'," says Erdmann. "When you're inventing something, you have to expect there to be some kinks to work out." With the tower in working order, the next step is to begin collecting a year of constant data to prove the concept's validity. "So far, I'm very pleased with the results," says Rashidi. Rashidi's concept is hardly the first design to generate that level of wind-energy production. But what sets it apart from the dozens of other prototypes in the high-hype renewable-energy market is its potential in the urban environment. Most turbine designs, like the massive one in front of the Great Lakes Science Center, are impractical for city use because of their size. He calls this prototype a "design evolution" — more compact and affordable than previous turbines. The sprawl of large buildings in cities usually cuts wind speed below what's necessary to create wind energy affordably. Plus, Rashidi's cylinder nearly doubles the velocity of the wind, making turbines effective in areas with much lower wind speed. The turbines are smaller too. Each turbine is about 7 feet in diameter — compared to the 88-foot turbine standing in front of the science center — allowing them to be installed on buildings without the danger and cost of other designs. Making it even more affordable, Rashidi points out that the cityscape is riddled with cylinders like water towers, chimneys and silos, just waiting to have his turbines strapped alongside them. The idea isn't just to cover Cleveland in wind turbines, but to produce them here as well. Every part of the project was created in Cleveland except the turbines themselves, and there's no reason why they can't be made in town as well. "I hope this creates some kind of economic impact in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio," says Rashidi. There is talk that Rashidi is planning to install at least one more wind turbine in the city. According to Erdmann, the next project will be based on Rashidi's earlier design — a 15-foot wide spiraling tower with multiple turbines placed on it. Those involved aren't ready to make the location public yet but have described the site as "extremely high-profile."

FYI - from the wall street journal. Not even a mention of the med mart. Planned Manhattan Skyscraper to Help Fix Healthcare? Wall St. Journal (7/1/09) A group of real-estate developers see a cure for what ails companies in the far flung healthcare industry. It’s a planned 60-story skyscraper in Manhattan called the World Product Centre. The office building, which will have 1.5 million square feet of space and cost upwards of $1 billion, is designed around a concept that is somewhat unusual: all of the buildings tenants will be healthcare suppliers or distributors. The idea is to create a centralized marketplace where companies can interact under one roof. More at www.wsj.com

Yes, immigrants do target places where jobs are readily available. BUT, it is also true that (a) immigrants tend to be entrepreneurial, thus create jobs, and (b) jobs have a way of following people. If you'll recall, there was a PD article this past January (I believe) about an Irish bio-med company opening its U.S. offices in Cleveland. And if memory serves, one of the reasons they decided on Cleveland (in addition to the tax breaks) was the availability of talented employees and the proximity to the Cleveland Clinic. This is a perfect example of the jobs following people instead of people following the jobs. Ohio's immigration current immigration needs are much different than they were at the beginning of the 20th century. Industry and jobs it produced allowed the world's poor to move to Cleveland, Cincinnati, Youngstown, Toledo, Akron, and Columbus and achieve the American dream. Well, given (a) Ohio's industrial decline, and (b) industry's need for skilled rather than unskilled laborers, massive immigration of the world's impoverished will not have the uplifting economic effects that everyone imagines when they claim that immigration is the answer to Ohio's demographic problems. Therefore, we need skilled migrants with the intellectual capital to be job-creators instead of job-fillers. The majority immigrants of the early 20th century came to fill the jobs in Ohio's mills and plants. That is not today's reality. And this is why I think the state and its cities would be well served to establish these international welcome centers in the world's cities that are currently exporting large amounts of their educated and highly-skilled citizens. Doing this and attracting this type of immigrant creates a cycle of job and population growth that will feed off of itself. Finally, to respond to the notion that Ohio would be better off if its population declined even more -- I don't think that would help the problem at all. One thing that Cleveland's decline has shown me is that the people who leave are the ones with the means to do so. Thus, though the population may now better reflect the job-base, those that are left are less able to provide for themselves and thus must rely on government assistance. So if further statewide population reductions would play out like Cleveland's has, we would be left with a smaller states that is much poorer per resident, which would create a whole host of financial problems I think none of us would like to see.

A number of cities have established "welcome centers" for new immigrants to assist their newcomers in the process of getting settled. We should do this. That said, we are already behind the times. Philadelphia opened its welcome center in 2003. Indianapolis opened a similar center in 2005. You get the point. Those two cities have respective 6 year and 4 year headstarts on Cleveland. And when you are talking about attracting immigrants that headstart is critical because as history has shown, immigrants settle in groups and once one person from a group goes to a city, it is likely that others will follow (see, e.g., Chinatowns, Little Italys, and other ethnic enclaves common in American cities). So though establishing our own welcome center will put us ahead of cities that have not yet done so, we will not be a leader in this movement. This means, in my view, we must go further. We must engage in conduct that will make our city a leader in attracting immigrants. We must, as MBA-types like to say, become "top of mind" among internationally mobile. I think good way to do this (and a logical extension of the domestic welcome center) is to establish welcome centers in the areas of the world that produce a large amount of immigrants. Yes, this requires money, people, and time, but the potential pay-off is worth the risk. My conception of this involves a small office space staffed by one or two Clevelanders and one or two "locals." Informational pamphlets about what Cleveland offers culturally, geographically, etc. and then information on how to start a business, obtain loans, navigate the government (a hopefully reformed and more open government), etc. Just as Jorge Delgado at the Cleveland Foundation is bringing Cleveland to international companies (with success), the city must bring Cleveland to the world's immigrants in waiting. I think this is one way, among many others, that we can reestablish Cleveland as a destination for high-volume immigration.

Agreed. I was thinking more along the lines of bringing in one of the national promoters and using the Rock Hall name as a marketing tool.

Does anyone know if the Rock Hall or folks associated with the Rock Hall have considered having a Lollapalooza-like festival in Cleveland? I don't have any data, but such festivals have got to generate tremendous revenue for the cities that host them. Such an event could also be a great way for the city to (a) capitalize on its rich music history while drawing more attention to the Rock Hall and, almost as importantly, (b) improve its standing as a "cool" city. Thoughts?

Having not read the opinion very carefully, but being familiar with the Home Rule Amendment, I think that Home Rule is the issue. The state constitution confers the home rule power upon incorporated municipalities. This, by definition, is a limitation on the General Assembly's ability to pass laws. Thus, the scope of a city's home rule power is critical to determining the state's ability to legislate for the "general welfare." Only once the initial constitutional hurdle has been cleared can we discuss the propriety of the General Assembly's conduct. I am not familiar with Employment Boards, pension funds, or collective bargaining, but I am sure that those are also regulated by the federal government, which adds another level of complexity to the power relationships between governments. That said, residency does not, to my knowledge, implicate any federal laws. So we are left with the state's power relative to that of its cities. And the way we determine the scope of each political body relative to each other is through the Home Rule Amendment. The 2006 legislature may not have liked this, but that's the system our most recent constitutional convention created.