Etheostoma Caeruleum

^ True... Yeah...at least keep it respectable looking. It kind of looks forgotten.

^ agreed... At least if there were special occasion tours...they'd look nice...maybe a new wall coating, black and white checkered tile on the floor shining nicely....some art about the building's history...a small gallery. I actually think that spiral staircase is really nice....

If there already is a similar thread, then I apologize--and please delete, then. But, I thought it would be interesting to have a thread, especially in tough times, that allows UO'ers or anyone else to share a useful trade, profession, skill, or any service that may be useful to the community--here. Maybe such a skilled person will offer quality services at a fair price, or maybe there are people who can refer a quality service or service person--as word of mouth is the best advertising. For example anyone need a good decorator, lawyer, painter, seamstress, carpenter, accountant, mechanic, carpet cleaner, web site designer, narrator, or whatever the skill.... Share her and maybe it could help generate some business for that person. I really cannot think of a good title for the thread...But again, if there is such a thing... Sorry for the post.. If not..then tell about what you can do...and maybe there is someone out here who needs the service of knows of someone who does. :wave:

Those might be my footprints! I was there when this started to happen walking the dog! Ohio City looks great in fresh snow!

^ I have always thought the turn signal warnings are overkill/not really as necessary as competent/safe drivers. In fact, I wrote about this to them as well. I do not want to post on here as to why, as that can be a thread in itself--but I expressed why they actually present unseen potential problems---as did many citizens in San Francisco with a similar system. Anyone care to see that, pm me.

^ Automated announcements.. Very good idea! While living in Sydney, it made it so much easier. If one cannot properly enunciate and articulate what they're saying and sound like they're swallowing or sitting on the mic, such individual need not be announcing. Dirty stations, littered along right-of-way trackways....some bad drivers, unprofessional, bully-the-road drivers, rude drivers, poor security (one incident at W. 65th was totally unacceptable in any language on any budget) and many other issues.... Any RTA reps here want to discuss this personally or in more detail, please PM me. Thank You

These guys are too stupid to assume everyone will fall for their b.s. lines. This scenario wasn't even a common harmless panhandler or scammer with a clever line that was at least worth some change in itself.......From what was described, it sounded potentially that it could result in something bad. Anytime a pandhandler holds out a cup to me and jingles the money in it.. I simply say "Oh no thank you.. YOU keep it!"

^ Maybe someone there would like this idea who is associated with the project......couldn't hurt to forward ideas along to them. I can envision how it would look...sort of sepia tones...a bit of the kind of color too that was implemented in with old post cards.... The dates of the stores or anything else of significance on the avenue, some interesting facts... Here is a heck of a project for artists. If we can't hide it... decorate it!

Wow! The nerve!

God these are soooooo unique and different! :roll:

Ok, so then... I will ask... Is posting from RTA's site itself about comments, ideas, suggestions, complaints, etc... or calling them personally a futile waste of effort? Is UO the place for this? I have plenty I could say...and none of it is a non-issue, but I would really prefer to keep its content between me and RTA.

Those extra photos of the vacant space are great! That room looks like the offices of those insurance lawyers who Walter Matthau ("Whiplash Willie") was up against in the movie "The Fortune Cookie!" which was filmed in Cleveland.

Another idea might be a huge mural (like the LeBron James one) that could hang (secured) over the side....allow for 'breathing'....maybe something really colorful that could be a historic testament and homage to all the former large department stores along Euclid, including the 668 building itself....or just have lots of old images of Euclid Avenue. Such could be combined with a 'part living wall' I am inclined to think if the wall gets made to look new or "white-ish"...that it will eventually look really dirty...and might even look worst than the brick. Ever see that faux stone on suburban plazas once it starts to look dirty? Its kind of like styrofoam dipped in a rock glaze that hardens.

The reason I suggested the Virginia Creeper is because English Ivy has been known to crumble brick and cause problems and grow to the point of suffocating a building. Kind of like that green stuff grew all over Stephen King in the original Creepshow! The Virginia Creeper, on the other hand, is supposed to be much more benign in that respect.

I actually wish we'd do our own thing....come up wit our own ideas that could expand or improve upon others. I am tired of the often references to New York and Chicago. Bigger is not always better and sometimes 'less is more' and that is the notion we should play on and not do so much of the imitating thing. MTS, if you could, share here what you told them...

^ I would like to see more restaurant traffic downtown outside of 4th... there are some nice ones around too.

No. Things need to be shaken up around here. Stop with the "standard formula". I can be used in so many ways. It could be a focal point for photos and visits. Its UNIQUE. I see your point.... and think its a clever approach, but just don't think this wall is the kind of thing to express that sort of intention. It was never meant to be exposed.... So its not as though it was a nice brick facade left dirty.. Then I could see. This is like leaving plywood exposed on a floor in a house and getting people to believe its unique. If that can be done.... Kudos, but at least clean it... add some natural cover... (not English Ivy) maybe some native Virginia Creeper.

^ Yes...when I stated "not entirely owned by RTA, now...nor ever and nor by any other such mode of transport." I was also referring to the fact that long before RTA there was a transit hub, but at that time it was not owned by any other such entity. The fact that Cleveland and the county own the square, means that there is a lot more to it than solely a transport hub--a lot that has been overlooked a lot in part because there is a long time accepted view/image of it as a transport hub only..... and not all that it was intended to be or could be.

^ And you don't get it either. Maybe we're both blowing things out of proportion. All I am going to ask is to take a look at how everytime someone on here has a complaint on something..... you slice and dice it all to pieces...highlighting in red, and so on.... as though to suggest that person's ideas are invalid. Don't get me wrong.....I am all for questioning things, suggesting to take proper action rather than just venting all the time..... but you always question in such a way that seems to suggest no one can ever criticize anything at any time......that 'all is just swell in Dodge and if you don't like it leave', kind of way. How the heck do you know what course of action, if any, anyone on here who has had an issue with RTA, has taken? Yes, you did ask...but I'll bet you assumed that they all did nothing but complain. Tell you what.... Here is something you can do...Because you do seem to possess a great deal of knowledge on how to get actions taken on issues. Take all the concerns and complaints here on RTA that may be worthy of hearing...and present it for the people in a way you feel would be most effective. You can be the voice of the people on UO who have issues with RTA. Personally, I would refrain from making a complaint on this thread because you will just question it...slice it all up, etc..as though it has no worth, when in fact, it is still a concern, complaint, suggestion. I know where the discussion would end up going with you and I if I posted all my beefs about RTA on here. THAT'S why I won't do that.

Nope. It's not going to happen. the HL is there to stay. Fed funds were used. It is what it is. Cleveland Transit System and the Railroads that the vans owned were two different things. The trolleys/ streetcars used PS as a major transportation hub before, before CUT was built. Exactly... My point is that these influences had too much strength in how we will use this space. The space is a public space...it is not entirely owned by RTA, now...nor ever and nor by any other such mode of transport. These influences had a lot of power to shape how it is primarily used today.... But it is not carved in rock that it needs to be used like this only--and keeping it status quo just holds it back from so much more potential.

Placing burden? I'm asking a very simple question. If going the tradition route hasn't worked, why not alert one of RTA reps on this very board? If they get your question, then they might be able to investigate why your initial query was not answered. Obviously something went wrong. Yes, in a way, because you're basically invalidating anyone's concern, of which they may have dealt with voicing in another fashion.... by suggesting that they need to state them here to a rep. Alert one of the RTA reps on this board? So everyone needs to know about Urban Ohio to get any action taken with RTA? I thought I did better.... I called over and over and wrote directly to RTA. Maybe RTA can have a link on their website that states.. "for comments, suggestions, ideas, complaints, etc...please see www.urbanohio.com's 'GREAT RTA' thread."

I think it would be an attraction that could lure family's downtown to do such an activity. It did in the past. I used to volunteer up there many years ago....and it was such a nice atmosphere. I believe it was at that time open on weekends. These family's would then shop Tower City and ask many other questions about Cleveland and places to see. I know this because I fielded a barrage of questions all day when it was open while volunteering for the visitors bureau back then. There were locals who visited and re-discovered their city...as well as international guests who loved it. There was also an admission. Such a scenario seems to be in the best interest for getting more business. A city with such a structure needs that added attraction. I would say the benefits gained from this would pay for itself in one way or another. I have continually written FCE about this as well. Our city's most prominent and loved landmark is closed to the public. Great! In the past, by the way, small groups at a time were taken up by a guide....had so many minutes to browse...then had to go back down to let another group go up some time later..maybe an hour a part...

^ So how often could the deck be open for tours? It would be interesting that as a part of the tour...the uppermost floors are a part of the tour.. How did you get to do this.... Or can that not be revealed right now?

^ Again, over and over again. Stop placing the burden of proof on the customer here.... If they (RTA)fail to respond in timely manners then this is their fault/problem...not mine. I've done my part. Believe me, if there is an issue to be brought to the forefront, I will do it. I've cracked the whip when necessary. :whip:

^ That's right...But what may have been in the best interest of the Vans, was not in the best interest of the public. The original gateway to the city was intended to be The Mall. The heart as far as transportation goes was intended to be at the Mall.... Then the surprise is when the interests focused on the square. P.S. is certainly has evolved into this being a heart, a showcase front room, but with the way it is designed right now and with the transportation component, it is not achieving its full and diverse potential. But I can only imagine how dirty The Mall would look if it were the transport hub these days.