Etheostoma Caeruleum

There are some neotropical birds migrate from S.A. to Ohio each year. The parrots were likely pets escaped or set lose by irresponsible owners.

yes and no. i'm pretty sure it was all just referred to as the 'near west side' for quite a long time until around the 1970's when the 'ohio city' moniker was revived and used by the early gentrifiers. I thought the story was that Ohio City was a separate city....had commerce sucked away when on of the bridges was built (was it the viaduct anyone?)....got pissed off....tried to resist, cannon fired on Cleveland.... then eventually became annexed. Is that it in a nutshell? Love the stories about this place, (Duck Island) keep them coming!!!...... Some have told me that it is slowly becoming better...and a kind of more quiet area in which to live...secluded.

I know..thanks... I was thinking of another photo I saw and this was not the one. My mistake.

^ Maybe I am missing something.... I could be mistaken... Can I see the photo in question? Nevermind...saw it... Somehow, it is not the photo I remember.

^ Nice idea. I like it. The only thing that concerns me about the parking lots suggestion is transients using them as a hangout...and means to discard rubbish such as the common sight plastic soft drink bottles half full pitched to the ground...McDonald's/fast food litter and 40 Oz. alcohol containers, etc..etc...

Woah! You're right..... John Schneider, A.K.A. "Bo Duke!" And yes...why does it seem there is some kind of obligation to pass on the same old same old Cleveland jokes? That, in itself is a joke! I still don't like the picture image in the opening. (No offense/nothing personal if that was MayDay's work, I wouldn't care for it no matter who took it.....just never liked that shot) Its the kind of thing that may look nice to those who have grown up here...or strike a chord, but for a national audience.... I would have selected something else. To me, it simply conjures up more of the same old rust belt images...and we have enough of that image to go around the world 10 times over...while not enough to showcase other dynamics of the city/region.

Update: Chesterfield was worked on today for a changeover in art. Statler is next...then another at Halle's. There is also a host of properties interested in having this done, but with limited volunteers it just takes a little longer. However, we have an enthusiastic core group committed to making this happen...and I would like to make it a goal to, as much as possible, fill in the dead zones along Euclid with generally cleaned-up windows/surrounding frame facades...walks...then a new art installation in as many as possible. A couple of the artists rally like the idea of a window being a tribute to the department store heyday era along Euclid. If this goes well, such could inspire a larger mural in the future. We are happy to report too...that some larger properties seem to be expressing interest...so, if anyone wants to help in anyway--OR, if you are a property owner/manager who would like to have a makeover done to your property windows-anywhere in Cleveland and not just downtown, please contact me. We are also trying to get more photos. If, in the meanwhile anyone wants to take some and post, feel free to do so. This simple idea can really change the look of downtown. Thanks....

Also, the little place in Tremont carries it...or did last I checked.... The one near Lucky's. Its ok..different.

Tudor Arms is a large enough building to house some street level business/activity...at least that can be done to anchor a corner on an otherwise mundane stretch beyond along Carnegie. Its a start.

Yeah, I read that it was 120,000 total somewhere on this site (Cincinnatius?). I agree...and add that one of the reasons Pitt's downtown looks so large is that it is squeezed within the triangle and bordered by two rivers...not spread out. This creates a big visual impact and unique illusion.

Very interesting.... Thanks for a good article.

^ Again...why I would like to add "follow-up" in the form of a pill...to Cleveland's drinking water. Another....perfect example. The scenario?.... We fix up/restore something once and act like its good to go forever with no more ongoing work. We need to improve on this philosophical aspect of our city a lot. And one way to tell if the trees may be dead is to walk up and scratch a bit of "skin" or bark off one small branch with your thumbnail.....or a small razor like object. If it is dry and "woody" underneath...they may be dead... If it is green and moist...they may be a bit dormant and may come back.

This place has so much potential to be one of the best walkable communities...the downtown is easy to walk and compact. Would like to see more investment in downtown. My favorite place.. "Pig Iron Press" Say hello to Jim V! He was working on a book about the Mahoning River. I contributed something to it but I don't know if it was ever published? The book, that is....and speaking of rivers, one of the impressive things about the Mahoning is that it still has so much healthy riparian zone intact.

I work out of my home so it is very possible as I have also done it. I admit, there are times, however, that I got the feeling that "I just need to get the hell out of here, by myself...far away" for a while...and being spontaneous that I am, the lack of a long distance traveling vehicle denied those impulses. But, overall, it is very possible. These days, I actually do involve myself in some traveling sales that public transport would not be suitable. Where KJP says he lives... That is an easy area to go car free, however, I wish another Grocery store would occupy the old Giant Eagle space on Clifton which was very convenient...far better than the suburban style monster plaza built at W./117th and I-90 area. I wrote to Dave's encouraging them to explore the possibility of using that empty space. Never heard anything about it. Also, you may want to consider doing an online search for services such as grocery delivery. There were a handful of people offering this service in Cleveland a while back---there may be others who will do this. As for Ohio City, it has good, bad and ugly... There are far worse places and you just have to learn some basic smarts. Overall, I never have a problem. Depends where in the neighborhood you go...AND, I would strongly advise introducing yourself to the local Block Clubs and getting to know your neighbors. There is a strong/friendly and welcoming community bond. I would suggest Franklin/Clinton area and that block club as it is one of the most active. And yes, Asiatown as indicated above is an underrated place that has some great things happening...

I agree.....Yes, they are a lot better. Making them even better and keeping them that way is naturally...an ongoing job. "Follow up" is a concept I wish I could add to Cleveland's drinking water.

Fantastic... Love the festive feel of the bridges. I always thought the Veterans Bridge in Cleveland should be adorned with a couple flags at the pinnacle.

You're missing my point and it goes to your argument in every thread about basic up keep and maintenance, something the parks have not done. Again, if you read my posts, you would see that I have several relatives that live in the immediate area. My grand father proposed to my grand mother in the gardens AND part of the gardens is practically their front yard! I know about certain things since relative are on community groups. And as reported, many times the vandals come from other areas and/or the items purchased by those in other areas, some as far away as Dayton. Many who maintain these gardens do live in the area, If not, then I all the people that my grandmother organized to clean up are a figment of my imagination! My grand parents feel just like you about getting involved since the gardens have a personal impact. MTS, this is actually a good thing what your grandparents are doing. All I am saying is that as much as we as neighbors hate cleaning up other's messes, sometimes it is necessary to keep a watch and look or we will lose the places to the bad stuff. We all have to help in some way. And while it may sound like a silly idea to some....I honestly thought of having some kind of invisible/underground wire fences that would give a potential vandal a shock to keep them away... Much like a cattle fence/dog training fence. My only concern would be how to implement this technology and make it work...and how to not harm wildlife that may pass through the night. (they'd eventually learn to stay away) The current can be switched on at a certain time, then off.... A warning sign can warn of trespassers of the shock and enter at own risk.

^ I agree.. Loraine Rd. also has some of the best architecture....

Not part. ALL Hell people smoke weed everywhere, I'm not saying that as an excuse, but that happens everywhere and I hate drug use. Secondly, the groups are suppose to maintain and secure. They are not doing that. Lets go back in time to the 70's when many of the support groups that maintained the gardens went broke or disbanded. Who was out there cleaning the gardens? My relatives and many of their neighbors. My grand mother is probably in the gardens right now. What has that got to do with the neighborhood? The those that have vandalized the area are mainly not residents. As part of the gardens are my grand parents front yard, they and many residents on the westside of the park have complained to the city, council, park department, CPD about safety, vandalism and perception. Because when anything happens in the gardens it's immediately blamed or associated with the neighborhood. The majority of thefts have been by those who do not live in the area. Now that the area is ripe for growth and is family oriented, many people "talk" about creating a preservation or alliance for the park. Your quick to come up with long solutions for other things parks, wildlife, green space and nature perseveres, where is solution for clean up and maintenance of the Gardens? In addition, if the gardens are "so called" important to various nationalities/ethnic groups, they need to maintain them on a weekly/monthly basis instead of when they have a ceremony at their respective garden. This is something that has frustrated residents for decades. In the last couple of years they've got matching funding grants for maintenance, but it's not enough as the gardens are quite large. Yes, as a person who has spent quite a bit of time in the gardens and adjacent neighborhood, probably more than anyone on this board, with exception to the two members I know that live in the neighborhood, I do not believe it's rough. Granted, Ansel to 105 is vastly different than the rest of the neighborhood, it's still not rough in my eyes. Sorry, but you're partly wrong....wrong, and double WRONG! You're very right in that the gardens must be maintained by those who should be doing their maintenance, sponsors, ethnic groups or whatever the case appropriate and that applies..... however....dead wrong to act as though that just because they get vandalized it is because they're not being maintained. If I went our there and just finished refreshing the garden...then 3 hours later some trash comes out and litters, tags, and knocks over stones... How is this MY fault? Also, how do you know that all that gets vandalized is not by those who live in the area? Where are your facts to back this up? I never said it WAS those who live in the area... I just stated the obvious; that it is wrong to vandalize the sites. Secondly, you would not want to hear about my ideas for solutions. I can assure you they'd work, but you won't like them and such will start a whole new host of arguments, but shock fence wireing comes to mind... One other thing...Many who maintain these gardens do not live in the neighborhood...come in when they can to do it. BUT, since they are a PART of the neighborhood...an enhancement of it, it should be the neighborhoods obligation to watch over them too. Afterall, you have some other people coming into this part of the city and making it look NICE for those who live there, but don't want to do their part in taking care of them too. Every bit of help counts.... You see litter..Pick it up! How many times have I cleaned up places where I did not live only to have some resident say "Ohhh..bless you..thank you".... Then I ask if they'd like to help...and they refuse!

I agree! That's the kicker! At one time this was opened, I believe.

Ok, this is the last post I will post on noise related issues with RTA. The following letter basically sums up the problem with adding unnecessary noise to an already noisy environment--which is exactly what RTA is doing with the talking, tooting, beeping buses. Louis H. is an MD in California who has been very active in the reduction of excessive noises in communities---as well as very well versed on the issue. His address to a writer who apparently offered a one sided view of making hybrid vehicles louder for the impaired, is similar to the scenario of RTA adding the noisy buses. Again, I hope that this will illicit some deeper critical thinking amongst the unaware as to the issues of noise in communities. This IS related to this thread and on topic, and I could send a similar one to RTA. Letter... Dear Mr. Motavalli, I am a retired physician with an interest in the medical, social, and economic effects of noise pollution. I have been following the concerns about pedestrian safety that electric and hybrid vehicles create. I have also read your recent articles in the NY Times. I feel compelled to write to you because, it seems to me, you have given a one sided - and therefore unbalanced - presentation of the issue. As noted by the World Health Organization environmental noise is one of the major problems in urban settings, worldwide. This fact has been long recognized by the US Government as well. Domestic tranquility is one of the six guarantees in the United States Constitution, a guarantee that is echoed in some form or other in every state constitution. In 1972, a Noise Control Act was passed by Congress (Title 42 United States Code Section 4901 et seq.). The legislative intent of the Act reads, “(a) The Congress finds - - (1) that inadequately controlled noise presents a growing danger to the health and welfare of the Nation’s population, particularly in urban areas; (2) that the major sources of noise include transportation vehicles and equipment, machinery, appliances, and other products in commerce; and (3) that, while primary responsibility for control of noise rests with State and local governments, Federal action is essential to deal with major noise sources in commerce control of which require national uniformity of treatment. (b) The Congress declares that it is the policy of the United States to promote an environment for all Americans free from noise that jeopardizes their health or welfare. To that end, it is the purpose of this chapter to establish a means for effective coordination of Federal research and activities in noise control, to authorize the establishment of Federal noise emission standards for products distributed in commerce, and to provide information to the public respecting the noise emission and noise reduction characteristics of such products.” (Emphasis added.) As noted by the World Health Organization, noise produces defense and startle reactions, damages hearing, disturbs communication, disrupts sleep, impairs cardiovascular function, interferes with teaching and learning, reduces productivity, harms relationships, provokes unwanted behaviors, and increases accidents. It is a major source of recurring annoyance, leading to stress which may not be recognized but which degrades the quality of life and adversely affects health. Many of these effects take place outside of conscious awareness. Cardiovascular effects can be detected even while we sleep. Motor vehicles are major sources of urban noise. Individuals ride around in vehicles whose mufflers no longer muffle; instead they produce a low rumbling roar that is audible at great distances. They ride around in vehicles with sound systems whose power rivals that of major public address systems. Making electric vehicles noisy will do two things. It will provide an additional source of noise in an already noisy world. It will also provide creative individuals an opportunity to modify the factory installed sound - as some have suggested - to one of their choosing that is certain to draw attention and most assuredly will be loud. I have no argument with making the environment as safe as possible for the blind and other people with disabilities. I do have an argument with adding noise to our already noisy environment. Certainly, there must be a way to meet the needs of the blind without polluting the environment with additional unwanted, unnecessary, and unhealthy noise. I hope you will consider this side of the issue in your further writings on this subject. Louis Hagler, MD Oakland, CA

Very nice photos. I am concerned about the future of the Hunting Bank Building once they vacate... Will this fall into the same fate as the Trust Rotunda has so far across the street?

^ Straphanger...I understand what you're saying, but I thought the article can help illustrate the growing problem with excessive noise---even in areas where we'd never expect it and to show how adding more, does not help anything. Indeed, there is still a lot of other excessive noise at street levels as you say, but by adding tooting, beeping, and talking buses...such simply becomes a part of the problem and helps to escalate it. I like the part that talked about more natural sounds being like a music of sort...in contrast to the artificial sounds that grow to the pollution part. I thought it good that it talks about how something as simple as the right to reasonable peace is something we can all take for granted and think we can always go someplace to find it---and that we are losing that simple pleasure. Landscapes can be polluted, and so can sound-scapes. I just thought it showed how the problem is growing. Personally, I believe it keeps creating a problem where we have to always become louder and louder to be heard over the din of other noises...to the point of hearing damage. If more quiet is striven for, we won't have to yell over the other guy and can be heard at healthy audible levels. Anyway, thanks for seeing the worth in it somehow. :-)

Yes, you are correct and I agree.......they're supposed to maintain them...But at the same time.... idiots are not supposed to vandalize them either! By the way... I look at the bust/head statues and imagine them starting to sing.. "Grim Grinning Ghosts!"

^ Oh really? Did you even bother to read the article and discover the worth in it? This was not about a story that just appeared in Newsweek, it appeared in other publications and online as well and they picked up on it. Not a fan of this pub, but this is something of value. In fact, when I heard of the project, it was not through mainstream media at all. I'll bet if the article was saying something about how wonderful Cleveland is, you'd be all for it. But, since you are personally tired of the subject relating to noise, and acting as though it is exclusively an issue that is important to me only....you cannot resist the opportunity to poo poo this particular article. So, that means you lose all credibility with me. By the way...... "lost all credibility when you said "newsweak" That garbage!" How do you know this is not worthy or credible? Where are your facts to back up the opinion that ALL in Newsweek is not credible? Cite examples...times, dates.... who, when and where???? :lol: Sorry... Just doing the best MTS impersonation I know how.