Ohio City

Additionally a couple of comments on previous posts. I find it hard to understand how one or two businesses closing somehow slows the "momentum", in an area where over 30 businesses have opened in the past two years. Businesses close in Cleveland, its suburbs, and every other area all the time for a great many reasons. We will not get into the details of the circumstances regarding the closing of Garage Bar and Dragonfly, but these things do happen. Additionally, I read elsewhere a statement that the ownership group of Barley House had made a deal for theses spaces. That statement is false. There is a deal close to being in place, and when it is appropriate, those plans will be announced. Also, in regards to the Permanent Supportive Housing project proposed on the corner of Lorain Avenue and Fulton Road: Just to be clear there were countless community meetings held regarding this proposal including every block club in the Ohio City community, as well as 7 organized tours of other operable PSH facilities to which all were invited. At the end of the day, some people will use any argument they can to shoot something down they don't agree with. The notion that this project would be moving forward simply because of conspiracy theories and kickbacks is patently false. It was supported by staff and the board because these are very well run facilities, because we feel in a rapidly changing Ohio City it is important to preserve a place for people of all income levels and socioeconomic conditions, and because we wish to change the context of Lorain Avenue from an autocentric thoroughfare to a pedestrian friendly environment. This particuarly property is an autocentric single story building anchored by a 20,000 square foot parking lot at one of the key intersections in Ohio City. No matter what business occupies this space it will always have a negative impact on the pedestrian environment of this Neighborhood. And if there is one lesson that we have learned in Cleveland over the past several decades it is that catering to an autocentric lifestyle in the urban environemtn and physically altering the landscape to do that will lead to disinvestment. Given the debt on the property from a previous redevelopment and the low cost of living (and thus its rents) in Cleveland, there is no feasible market rate development for this intersection that will produce a 4 story mixed use building, built to the street, that supplies upper floor residential apartments, and lower level retail, and office space. Additionally the "development fee" for this project is to be utlized to go towards creating a new pedestrian plaza directly across the street changing Fulton and Lorain Roads to a 4 point intersection back from its current 6 point configuration. In one swoop we can completely and radically change what is currently one of the least pedestrian friendly environments on the West Side and make it one of the more friendly intersections. Additionally these facilities are closed to only supply services to their residents not to the greater whole. The operators also make every effort possible to bring in the homeless and disadvantaged from the Neighborhood they are in as opposed to those outside the Neighborhood. So in no way do these places "attract" a larger homeless population. To passersby this will look like nothing more than a new miexed use apartment building, because that is what it is. Tax credits for these projects are awarded on April 11th and we will all find out whether or not this project moves forward, but we felt everyone should know where we stand.

It is a new day in Ohio City. As mentioned clean and safe services for the new special improvement district in Ohio City began today. It will be all hands on deck with a lot of help from our partners at the DCA over the next 1-2 weeks until the Ohio City Market District reaches a level of Clean standard that can be maintained. At that point the specifically assigned permanent Market District Ambassadors will take over.

Release of the 2012 Charter One Small Business Grant Competition, this year the program is retail specific. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Virginia Houston March 26, 2012 Ohio City Incorporated 216.781.3222 x 104 Charter One and Ohio City Incorporated Announce Small Business Grant Program Charter One Growing Communities 2012 Ohio City Market District Small Business Development Grant Competition now in its second year CLEVELAND – Small businesses have an opportunity to secure grants to help their companies grow or launch in the Ohio City Market District through the Ohio City Market District Small Business Development Grant Competition. This competition is a program of the Charter One Growing Communities initiative, a project aimed at boosting economic and neighborhood development in the Ohio City Market District. The competition will award winning small businesses with grants between $5,000 and $20,000 to assist in opening or expanding a business in the Ohio City Market District, the area surrounding the West Side Market. The Market District is home to over 150 small businesses and has recently seen significant growth including the addition of 25 new businesses in the last two years. This year, the competition is limited to new retail businesses looking to call the Ohio City Market District home. Competition winners may utilize funds for the payment of rent in an eligible location for a period of no more than one year, the purchase of equipment necessary for business operation, or interior build out. Charter One has invested over $500,000 in the Market District over the last three years including the Growing Communities initiative and the West Side Market Centennial celebration this year. In 2011, Charter One Growing Communities provided funds to help launch five businesses including Joy Machines Bike Shop, Campbell’s Sweet Shop, Salty Not Sweet, Urban Orchid and SOHO Kitchen and Bar to open in the neighborhood. “We are truly excited to be a part of the revitalization of Ohio City Market District,” said Ken Marblestone, President of Charter One and RBS Citizens in Ohio. “Ohio City Incorporated and our other community partners have brought forth so many innovative ideas that are really making a difference here. The future is bright for Cleveland neighborhoods,” Marblestone continued. New businesses or expanding businesses can apply for the grants by responding to the Ohio City Market District Small Business Development Competition Grant RFP, along with submitting a short essay, and a business plan. “The Charter One Growing Communities initiative has catalyzed tremendous growth in the Market District,” said Eric Wobser, Executive Director, Ohio City Incorporated. “We are very excited to launch year two of the Small Business Grant Competition. We have five vacant storefronts left in the Market District and through this program, we hope to have them filled by the end of the year.” The competition begins today and runs through May 21, 2012. Applications must be received by 5 PM on May 21, 2012 in order to be eligible. Grant applications will be judged on their merits by a grant selection committee, and winners and grant amounts will be announced the week of June 11, 2012. The RFP is available online at www.ohiocity.org or by contacting Ohio City Incorporated. Ohio City Incorporated is the community development corporation dedicated to developing, preserving and promoting Ohio City as a desirable place to live, work, study and play. Charter One Growing Communities invests in job creation and neighborhood development in the Ohio City Market District. It partners with Ohio City Incorporated, the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman, Cleveland Public Art, Neighborhood Progress Inc., The Refugee Response and others to support and launch new ideas and programs to benefit the neighborhood and its residents. Applications can be downloaded here: http://ohiocity.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=169:news&catid=38:news-items

Bon Bon will be switching to its new hours shortly. The liquor license just transfered, and they of course wanted to iron everything out. I don't have the exact date of this transition yet, but it should be within the next couple weeks. Monday 6:30AM to 3PM Tuesday thru Friday 6:30AM - 9PM Saturday 7AM to 9PM Sunday 9AM to 3PM

Also opening today... Bon Bon Bakery and Cafe. Fantastic addition to the Neighborhood. http://www.bonboncleveland.com/

SOHO Kitchen + Bar had its soft opening last night, and opens to the public tomorrow. The food is extraordinary and this is a great addition to the Neighborhood. SOHO will initally open just for dinner but plans to add lunch hours over the weekend within the next few weeks.

More on tap than beer in Ohio City; 60-bed hostel signs lease near Cleveland's West Side Market Tuesday, October 04, 2011 By Michelle Jarboe McFee, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Mark Raymond has visited more than 70 countries and slept at more than 100 hostels. Now the 30-year-old Geneva man plans to open his own budget-oriented inn, where beds will start at $25 a night. The Cleveland Hostel, near the West Side Market in Ohio City, will be the only such stopover in Northeast Ohio. A smaller hostel in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park closed several years ago. more at http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2011/10/more_on_tap_than_beer_in_ohio.html

The transom from Something different gallery, was unstable and needed to be taken down to be repaired and restored. It will return but we don't yet have a date as to when it will be reinstalled.

If you have the time, please take a moment to review our ongoing TLCI project, take the survey, and let us know what is important to you. http://www.ohiocity.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=139:news&catid=38:news-items

As of 11am today... Joy Machines is officially open! Also, Valerie Mayen's latest Yellowcake pop-up shop is located directly next door at 1836 West 25th Street, and will be opening at 4pm June 18th to conincide with the Ohio City Run & Crawl. It will be open for approximately 2 months. This is the first occurence where her store will be open daily and not just weekends.

and on the crosswalk where Market Avenue intersects West 25th Street... Just a little something to let the cars know this is a people place. A small investment with large rewards.

Joy Machines Bike Shop is about to POP! Opening THIS Friday June 10th at 11am.

Yes, Joy Machines IS going to be spectacular! New and used bikes. Service. Apparel. Speciality items. Customization. Everything you could ever want. Should be open in 2-3 weeks.

You should see it at night!

And right next door, Joy Machines Bike Shop, one of the Charter One Small Business Grant Winners is getting closer to opening. Looking at early to mid June.