Etheostoma Caeruleum

I still love Columbus. There are many overlooked surprises in the city. On the "canyon" concept, let's not forget about E. 6th Street in Cleveland as a "canyon effect" street. In fact, there was a vintage post card that coined E. 6th Street as "The Grand Canyon of Cleveland" You can find it on allposters dot com. Just search 'Cleveland" Cool post card!

Before we think about a new terminal...can we get right cleaning the restrooms and basic maintenance---and maybe hiring help that actually has some enthusiasm for Cleveland and sharing their city with travelers? (as I left for my trip a few weeks ago, the restrooms were really slack and the help was with the usual numb and unaware personality) Such does not require a mega budget to do these basics, and if they cannot be made right first, I would not lend anyone money who could not first demonstrate the ability to crawl before they can walk. I think some innmmediate "progress" for image is to get rid of the stinking carpet in the cooridoors....and let the facility hallways be tile (as it is underneath.) Easier to maintain, cleaner, healthier, and looks nicer and will make the coridoors look larger. We could have a new terminal RIGHT NOW, but if it is occupied by any, if any existing workforce slacker philosophy on minor issues that add up to be big ones--- then it would only be a matter of time before the new terminal looks like crap and serves up another bad image. Remember, the airport is where many will get the first impression of your city. You can be smaller, but demonstrate much high quality to be impressive. Here's an idea... remove the IX Center, use that land for some expansion, and bring the Home and Garden Show back downtown where it belongs!

Two comments...First, the curbside eats.....I like this idea. Let's do it the best we can. I want to see the "promote the use of less plastic/waste" component added/considered. Joe Cimperman expressed the importance of this at a meeting. Also, on the waterway post. I was not aware that our freight rail lines were "congested" in Ohio. I actually thought they were really underused as evidence of the huge amount of trucks on the highway that one TRAIN could haul all--and thus prevent our roadside stops and rest areas becoming tire rut ridden deisel smelling air, truck stops--and save us millions of dollars on road repairs resulting from heavy weight...and ease the bumber to bumper congestion.

A concern I share. This is why not overbuilding---and making best use of what we already have in the meanwhile, will help to assure adding "more" of whatever will not become a flop. So, in the meantime, I'd rather see vacant spots turned into usable pedestrian space than more parking lots. We just may have to build arround the current demand for a small first step back to where we'd like to be. You don't cook a meal for 20 when only 5 are certainly showing up, in other words.

^ Really sad comment that wreaks of complacency. Something we as a nation like to do to the world, (telling it how to live, what to do, what the definition of freedom is, etc, etc.) but when the tables are turned, we whine. That is the typical pathetic American attitude that thinks its the center of the entire universe, can do no wrong, does not take the time to see how its insatiable uncontious lifestyle affects the rest of the globe.....thinks it is perfect....cannot accept constructive criticism....and sits on the laurels essentially becoming a legend in its own mind. Instead of seeing this as a learning experience/opportunity for improvement of health, atitudes like this chose to remain in denial about a seroious issue---and instead, accept the lowly status quo. Instead of having the attitude that suggests "Like it or Leave it" Maybe we should adopt a more open minded wise one that is more like "Like it Or CHANGE it" I think what this chef is doing is fantastic.....Jamie Oliver is widely respected and does a lot of good work. Listen to him and learn. How many "celebrity chefs" do I hear about here trying to do this sort of thing other than making the same grease-a-fied slop with a different decoration, disguised as food. Sorry, someone has to get us back in the right direction with healthier diets/better choices because we've really lost our way BIG time. Just go to Warren, Ohio and look in the local Giant Eagle stores. Everywhere within eyeshot a tapestry of grotesquery is weaved with obesity. Sad..sad..sad.

Jamie Olivier's tears in 'fat city'19:00 AEST Tue Jan 19 201018 hours 26 minutes agoBy ninemsn staffVIEWS: 0| FLOCKS: 0| 0 comments so farMore world news: Gunman kills eight in Virginia: official Healthy food crusader Jamie Oliver was reduced to tears after tackling the eating habits of America's "fattest city". The British celebrity chef, who tackled childhood obesity in a previous television documentary, appears to be facing his most stubborn opposition as he tries to educate residents of Huntington, West Virginia in his latest series, Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. Read the whole story at: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/1001604/jamie-oliviers-tears-in-fat-city

Wouldn't that be a site? Amish riding the BRT....and doing business on Euclid! Just to comment on some of the 'green romanticizing' in the article... I do a lot of business with the Amish, worked with volunteering for a soil and water conservation district and get to know them up close and personal......and one thing you learn when you see things up close in terms of their forest management practices---the practices are very often far from "green" Some of the 'handy work' done on forested areas and how it is left when finished, cutting right to the edges of streams.. (horrible erosion) UGH, can be seen in N.E. Ohio where such timbering is far from sustainable, contrary to popular belief. However, Maybe this can change though because I think the movement is catching on throughout their community with the concept of better more mangeable practices. I would hope they can choose more recycled woods, like from the thousands upon thousands of paletts that get pitched and wasted each year--that were made from Ohio timber. At least the wood can be used for an everlasting purpose like high quality furniture.

Gordon Gecko? I hope Coral will set an example by first making SQ better than it is. Their own buildings there are in need of some simplistics like new paint jobs, and better basic maintenance.

^ Never said anyone was wrong... Never said the WFL is not flawed...Never said it has not eroded credibility of rail, or that overall it is not a failure to date.... . I am simply saying that after all the bickering and complaining, it will likely have a strong need as the Flats are transformed for the future. Also, when it as built, it was speculated that such as you describe that would dictate the need...and be the case in the flats...Ie:...more living there, etc. so then it would have served a need. Maybe we placed the cart before the horse, though. If there is something to visit the flats that has worth, like more family venues, food, shops, gallery, residences, small museums, and unique things that are distinctly "Flats"....and we had no rail with all that set out, then we'd be griping on how much such a district should be served by rail. Maybe it was simply built at the wrong time as The Flats were destined to fail as I predicted in 1988 when they were making it a party haven only with no diversity. I knew that would grow thin and get old...eventually die. Maybe we can get it right this time. On another note... and I say this because we all want good projects to happen and be a sucess for years to come.......and just to make an analogy, the same way this rail has eroded credibility for rail, so would a "Jacob's aquarium" erode credibility for support for a REAL and respcted iconic and highly visited publicly supported aquarium. Yes, it is a different topic, but just pointing it out the similarities because the WFL as much a failure as it apprarently is, an aquarium in a ph could wind up in the same category. What the WFL is to rail, the PH is to an aquarium. So I hope the same who poo poo the WFL will not be supporters of Jacob's haphazzard attempt at an aquarium that would be like a bad remake of a classic film. Sorry, now back on topic.

The Galleria already caters to hosting events. I would suggest contacting them. I also did not know that fitnes center closed. Too bad. It was a nice place. I remember going in there years ago on a tour. I swear, as we take a few steps forward, we always take one major leap backwards in becoming what we should be.

The bottom line is that all of us need to aspire to be more than mediocre and stop allowing patterns of the past to type cast us in so many ways...that has us telling ourselves all the time...."we can only be, and will always be" whatever. Sometimes aspiring to be more than mediocre requires us to not actually shoot for all the graodiose, BUT to be the BEST at what we already have, build upon it from there. In this case, the philosophy can be applied to bettering the rail service and expansding it to serve a broader demographic. This philosoophy needs to be infused into the mental makeup of so many Clevelanders/N.E. Ohians in general, s we're really all one big connected family. I also don't know why people are so down on the waterfront line. Sure, right now it seems pointless....BUT.... how conveniently forgotten is it that this line was created at a time The flats entertainment area was at a peak, hence it made sense as so much pedestrian activity was focussed there. With the east bank's transition and reinvention period that we witness now, naturally, it seems that the line is pointless. But, with the new things happening, I am glad such infrastructure is already in place, as there will surely be an urbanscape created that would warrant the need for such a line. So let's stop poo pooing this line, folks. It can serve a valued purpose. I'll take rail/train over these pretend busses and buses disguised as trolleys anyday!

I agree. Start small..work with making what you have the best it can be....and focus on rail. We cannot do the grandiose of we cannot even make the humble as best it can be. There are baiscs RTA is not getting right at the moment that no amount of funding will fix. I alluded to this earlier in posts.

The land in question is actually a small area of land in the big scheme of available land perspective, so I highly doubt keeping it in recreational/park-like use is going to severely damage the desire for density in the city overall. There are far less parks in our city than parking lots/vacant sites, so why not badger the ideas MORE for existing or proposed parking lots than poo pooing anytime someone has the selfish interest of wanting to designate a few more pedestrian oriented spaces in the city? There are countless parking lots we can eventually build on in this city, as we speak. The "what's done is done" logic is what has us damaging areas beyond repair---and then simply moving on, in the first place. That is levying a huge cost to tax payers in the future, if said lands are the EPA clean-up/superfund sites you are familiar with---AND so, those lands can become nothing more than vacant properties. THAT is the scenario that threatens the higher density more so than a pedestrian/residential mixed space. In other words, we need to pick on things like that. Not so much a tiny slip of sand. I never said creating such was going to be a Yellow Stone National Park or some world class open space. My support of it was more about polishing images and setting a turnaround example--and, reconnecting people with a river. And as for the comment on the port above this one by another poster about the hopes for the port move---Well, this is a whole different topic for another thread so I won't go there too much...But if we are all so in favor maintaining some higher quality greenspaces for public use and for important bio-functions along the shore that help prevent the water from becoming a toilet, as many seem to concur, then quickly jumping on that one sided argument we've heard all along from the chamber driven influence, does not demonstrate that we do in fact really have a concern. One expert tour through D-14 might shed some light. I don't think people even know it exists. Anyway, this is another topic, but just wanted to comment on it as the comment above was typical of how the lack of awareness of such a place walks hand in hand with John Q. Public people saying they "get" the idea for maintaining such high quality areas left near shorelines, but are quick to allow such a place to be ruined. By the way, I was not interpreting this as a real 'beach' as evidence in my original post.

For those of you poo pooing the idea of a simulated "beach" you are all totally NOT getting the concept of how this can add value, PROMOTE a much better stewardship for these water resources that will not have people throwing crap all over them....bring people closer to the water to appreciate it....provide an environment that fosters MORE interest in maintaining the bio-integrity of the river. Obviously the mindset that poo poos it is one that has been cultivated from years of abuse of the river....one that has seen it mostly look like crap...and as a result, is a mindset that cannot fathom why anyone would ever want to utilize the river in such a way. Its time you drop the backwards thinking and see what other progressive cities have done to implement this concept into the urban fabric. There are many cities with higher density than ours that have added unique features like this. I want to add that this idea is NOT actually a true "beach" in a sense that it is a sort of elevated area as mentioned in earlier posts. Before the river was dredged and Indians occupied the landscape, this was a low lying marshland--an ecologists bio-diversity dream place...and was not even suited for living. MANY at that time could never see why anyone would want to live near the river--and many found living out of the flood plain a much more desirable space---BUT, now we are seeing downtown living in places that we would have never thought of before. So, the point is, hat what one cannot see today, does not mean that this simulated "beach" concept would not become an appealing attraction for the future. The "Beach", its purpose and positive benefits, although not intended or planned---is indeed a result of the project not being able to be done in full phase---and is not for the purpose of getting people to actually take swims in the river..... but, having said this, even if that does not happen......it will inspire a cleaner image of the area. Think about this....Geez.. In 100 years we go from river burning, stinky, and filthy...foreboding...to a riverbank that is seeing people picnicking, volleyball, walking, running, fishing, etc. In a city that has endured the brunt of negative images from the former scene, how can anyone NOT see how this image polishing, if nothing else, can go a long way??? This city (and others like it) desperately need to continue to do anything they can do demonstrate a change of mindset in how we regard this river. The fact that questions are posed like "What purpose would this serve?" ..or statements like "Its silly", when reading these posts has me shaking my head and only reaffirms my belief and convictions that we need a much better education about our river as some us us still quite haven't gotten the message the first time. So, we either take the forward thinking approach and usher in and foster a new way people think about and see the river (so such bewildering qustions would not be asked in the first place)---or continue to don the labels placed on the city as a polluted place. That image has gotten us nowhere so I hope for our sake we will choose the former. There seems to be some silly myth out there that is so scared that if we leave such places open downtown for such recreational uses, that it will somehow compromise or sacrifice the need for urban density. For those who have witnessed examples of how implementing such spaces can be done, that fear is really laughable and short sighted. No one is saying this is going to be Miami or Bondi beach.... It is just making a wise use of land before it becomes occupied---BUT, if done right, many might discover just how such a feature adds value to the city. I would rather see this scene--and a landscape that promotes better physical fitness, less spending the entire life in a car.....and promotes a healthier populace which results in better economic competitiveness and productivity..... rather than one that promotes nothing but indulgence...laziness...stuffing our faces.....living life in the car/cocoon....and the longest walk we take is to the restroom or car.. God man, forbid N.E. Ohio slim down a bit! Here is a small, but baby step opportunity to try and help erase some of the negative stereotypes about the city and its people. It is not too often, but for once I totally agree with MTS! He really gets it. Cities who implement such attrubutes as enhancing natural features bask in the glow of international praise and are desired places to live.

^ Interesting concept. Discovering a 'best kept secret' place that even locals do not fully appreciate as evidence in yet another assmblege of pathetic inferiority complex comments on the "PAIN Dealer's" Cleveland Dot Bomb website. This is always this city's biggest problem.... Many of the locals who think everyone else is thinking bad things about their city----when in reality they often think nothing...bad nor good...don't give a hoot and have no opinion either way until the never failing welcoming Cleveland/N.E. Ohio inferiority complex gives them a reason to think something bad. Did anyone notice that? :|

Someone above asked: "By the way, I know the Cuyahoga is a lot cleaner than in the past but is there really much interest to have a beach on the river?" Having a beach on the river bank can actually project a lot of positives. It will demonstrate the attempt to turn around the health of the river...and will also demonstrate a total turn around in the mentalities that used to think the best use for the river was to channel away industrial waste. The advantage of such is image polishing--and that will go a long way. We know how far the negative image has taken us and how long it has lasted. Finally, although the river has cleaned up from a lot of the industrial contaminants of the past, much are still having their effects----and its ongoing health is just that, an ongoing job---and we cannot afford to sit on our laurels---as it has many new threats that have taken the place of the old ones. Much less visably dramatic to the untrained eye, but they are there and can be equally problematic. Like good health/diet and exercise are a lifestyle change, and not a fad that we do once and then quit and pat ourselves on the back.......so is stewardship for this river and shoreline.

Much my concern as well as I posted above some posts back...... I hope there are those who will want to occupy the vacancies this will leave behind, otherwise we are simply playing musical chairs with downtown businesses here, and the other areas will look ghostly.

As I have recently poked around this neigborhood.. I have discovered that there is far more enthusiasm for it than one would have thought; far more interest and unique discoveries. The new Arcadia book about the neighborhood/area is really nice...also the visitors center at Mill Creek. If such was the choice now......I'll take a newly energized Bway.S. Village neighborhood anyday over Tremont. Not taking anything away from Tmont, though, I like it.... but just too 'faddish' for me for lack of a better way to put it. By the way, that large house is gaining a lot of interest from buyers who see turning it into a Bed and Breakfast and is on "This Old House." I learned that it was in good shape inside--all original.

^^ So then is something finally going to happen on that parking lot?

The public school situations.....Hmmm... I am going to comment on the monetary component. Maybe a little more promotion of family and parenting--steering revenue in that direction--- would do more wonders for the situation than all the funding in the world that is simply sought to solve all problems. We have become so depenent on money solving all the problems that it has underminded the human spirit and ability to find a way to overcome despite the obvious challenges. I wonder how humans survived so long without it. Since we may never have all we need, we cannot continue to fall/fail to the possible trickle down results to the best of our ability. How personally empowering would that be. Parenting and personal responsibility needs to be a part of fixing this siuation, not simply throwng cash all over the plae without purpose/direction. Hasn't worked. An example of what I am saying can be found in a local schools ability to find other ways to achieving pghysical fitness, despite the lack of funding that used to be there for purchasing equipment. Don't get me wrong, i am not being a Scrooge, but I just think pandering out money is just treating a symptom...and serves for a short term solution to a long term problem....rather than adressing and fixing many cause of a problem.

A lot of ideas about "expanding/extending" downtown...and I am all for that, however, we're not fully making full use of what we already have that exists---so I tend to agree with earlier posts that described such a situation as a sort of possible cannibalizing 'sprawl' within the downtown. All the new stuff is great if you have people banging on doors to get in....but until then, let's try to be the best we can be with what we already have first, instead of banking on this 'if you build it they will come' gamble idea. Yes, it helps, but there needs to be balance, and such new atractions cannot outpace progress that is aimed at filling up existing voids already in existence. Again...its about balance. We cannot allow the same people who designd the suburban model to call all the panning shots downtown. Ok, now I know I will be labled a party pooper, but I am just being realistic and a but cautios at being wooed too much by all the glitzy and new, just because it may 'look great'

I agree, Chinato looks nice, and will be a nice corner to have filled. Speaking of key spaces getting filled, does anybody know what's going on at the opposite corner (across the street from the Corner Alley)? Sorry if I missed it, but I couldn't recall or find discussion of what was going on there. That spot looks horrendous. If it was going to sit vacant this long, it would have been a prime candidate for the window makeover program.

The power house location is simply inappropriate for such a facility---even the "roadside atraction" quality one that Jacob's proposes. The reasons being are those that are not clearly familiar with the mainstream audience.

Both Holmgren and "Mangenius" are disciplinarians...and this is what the team needs. Now if they can coexist... I say keep him...give him a chance. Remember, he inherited a total mess.

David Said: "It's like when a decent looking chick takes a picture by herself, it's a great picture of her but if she's standing next to her smoking hot friend, she looks ugly and she's not the center of attention anymore." Ha! Great analogy!!!