jjames0408

At least this is a start!

So here's another article about making downtown more cohesive from development to development. One of the thoughts I really liked is while there may not be money now for certain things, there is money for at least the utility hookups so they can easily be added later. http://blog.cleveland.com/architecture/2011/02/clevelands_group_plan_commissi_1.html

I am not suggesting that it's criminal activity by any means to panhandle. My point is simply that it's a hinderance to development and makes people feel unsafe. Personally, I just say no and continue walking. One good idea that was implemented down there was allowing street performers. It added a great vibe and allowed people to make extra money from tips. It was a win-win.

I really enjoyed the neighborhood around there. When I first moved here a few months ago I lived on Clifton. I walked the area quite a bit and the entire area from Edgewater/117th to Battery Park and Gordon Square to Detroit Shoreway pushing back toward Ohio City has so much potential. There are so many random developments which just add to the potential. I have yet to get to the wine bar...maybe this weekend:) but I do have a friend who is renting out a basement in one of the townhomes and enjoys it.

The blatant ignorance of the posters on Cleveland.com posts is irritating. Thank you stpats44113 for speaking the truth. Serious question tho: Have there been any discussions or plans for the transients around E 20th or so? I was walking around the Avenue District just before winter and was shocked at the number of homeless just a few blocks away near the ministries and such. I know when I was living in St Augustine, FL, they had a ban on panhandling and had zero tolerance for any problems caused by them. It did a lot to ease the mind of tourists and residents who paid an arm and a leg to live downtown.

Pulled off as I was driving down Euclid to snap a couple photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jjames0408/

A little more has been done and looks like a crane is now on site. I cannot figure out how to reduce file sizes on a Mac, so I'm putting links to my flickr up. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jjames0408/5422103097/# Bonus: Waterfront line running http://www.flickr.com/photos/jjames0408/5422104593/#

I am not a naysayer nor am I saying that these businessmen do not know what they are doing. By home-run I meant casinos are going to be everywhere, so it needs to be something different than what is in Pittsburgh and Erie and Detroit. I am extremely happy that Higbee is being restored and a new building will be going up on the river along with all of the spillover. Cleveland is a great city and this is just going to add to it.

A couple interesting links I came across on Cleveland and biking: http://www.gcbl.org/blog/marc-lefkowitz/complete-streets-gets-sidelined-again-cleveland http://sustainablecitiescollective.com/joepeach/19855/designing-and-funding-bicycle-revolution-our-cities?utm_source=scc_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter Out-of-the-box and unconventional are words used in these websites...and I couldn't agree more.

This is thinking outside of the box! I love it! Not only could it benefit Youngstown, but also the surrounding metros. This is what cities trying to make a comeback need. Something different to make a splash.

I realize that I am new here, but I have to agree with Cleburger. There is a difference of being negative and being realistic. It is a great thing that they are willing to invest a billion dollars into downtown Cleveland, but this has to be a home-run to be successful. Casinos are already becoming ubiquitous and year by year more are being added, which divides the slice of the pie even more. Once every market has a casino, then what?

Most recently Florida...Jacksonville/St. Augustine area. I've lived in Columbus, Cinci, and Louisville as well. Nearly moved to Manhattan, but chose Cleveland instead. For such a "terrible" economy, I found a job within two weeks with a great company. Went for a walk around University Circle today in the awesome snowstorm as others were ice skating and walking around as well. Thank you for the welcome! I look forward to contributing pics and ideas:)

Don't get me started on Forbes! As a transplant to Cleveland (by choice, I'll add) I have had a blast the past few months. I love the weather, even the winter. Out of everywhere I've lived, this "miserable" city has been my favorite. Cheers to Cleveland!