CLEJoe

For what it's worth... I'd obviously prefer the CVSR train itself coming downtown, but I would use a shuttle. I'm definitely in that 100,000 crowd that would go far more often if there was a Downtown link.

Thanks for the update, Ken. So there's no stated goal of when they'd hope to connect Downtown? Flipping through old posts, I saw an old one talking about a five-year goal. But then that CEO left. I'm biased since I live Downtown and have no plans to leave the Downtown/Near West side any time in the foreseeable future, but I really think getting CVSR up to Downtown will be a world-class addition to the entire region. I actually like hanging out in Downtown Akron and Canton, and wouldn't mind a way to get down there. Sure CVSR is currently seen as more recreational, but perhaps it'd be a way to show our deeply anti-rail state that there's promise in long-distance rail connections. Granted neither myself or my friends are all that deeply embedded into CVSR affairs, but everyone I speak to says getting the train Downtown is most important to them (as far as CVSR happenings go). Cheers!

Just spent some time catching up on the CVSR thread. Took it this past Friday for Ales On Rails. Great event. Anything new on the potential Cleveland connection? The only unenjoyable part of the trip was having to drive. I really think getting CVSR up here coupled with the Metroparks taking over some of the Flats and the incoming Towpath will be the best thing going on in the city.

This might be a better fit for a politics thread, but I'm sharing this specifically in relation to the casino skywalk. In any event, Councilman Cimperman's challenger for tomorrow's Ward 3 primary reached out to discuss her opposition to the skywalk. Whoever represents downtown plays a key role in designating buildings local landmarks, thus protecting them from things like a skywalk. For those interested in reading more about the thoughts she shared with us, feel free to check out a longer post here: https://www.facebook.com/OurCLE/posts/659936014019693. But in short, she has said she would strongly oppose the addition of skywalks to downtown and would like to meet with any downtown activists to discuss options if she's elected. To her credit, this is more than what Councilman Cimperman has offered, who has refused to meet with activists and has only discussed the issue through reporters. Cheers!

Awesome, thanks!

Is there anything on whether or not the Crowne Plaza will restore some facet of the Cleveland Athletic Club? Or will it be 100% hotel?

Thanks!

KJP - That link you posted is just taking me to the home page for the forum. Tried searching and am not finding the other forum where this link is posted. Mind sharing? Curious if they plan on restoring the CAC as an athletic club at all, or strictly hotel... Thanks!

Oh, Christmas time. The time of the year where I find myself trapped back in suburbia. "Trapped" being an overstatement, since I'm only here for three-ish days. Yet I find myself being escorted around my old suburb and getting irrationally angry as I pass the Walmarts, KFCs and Applebees. Anyone else have similar experiences going back home for the holidays? Ultimately I know I'm incredibly lucky, so on and so forth. But dear God, it's painful to be back in the exurbs!

^^^ Thanks, I try :).

Outside of Pittsburgh and Cincinatti (where the nickname applies more to the football team than the city as a whole) how many people really think of that nickname when they think Cleveland? Chicagoans definitely do. I heard it left and right throughout my regrettable two years living there.

I get the concern, but water is one of our greatest assets. It'd almost be like Denver neglecting to mention those Rocky Mountains nearby.

One thing I will say in defense of "Best Location In The Nation" is... Think of how many TV shows and movies set in NYC (too many, in my opinion) where someone says at some point, "This is the greatest city in the world!" Granted, I don't believe the city itself uses it as a marketing campaign, but having the balls to consistently call your town the best in the world has clearly rubbed off positively for NYC. I know plenty of people who have never been there and simply assume it's a great city, despite their relatively recent drug problems. Not saying I want Betty White to best out "Best Location In The Nation," (although she does call Cleveland the greatest city in the world in one episode), but don't underestimate the power of taking obnoxious pride in your city and daring to call it the best. All that said... I've always liked "The Forest City" given our tremendous parks system.

I just left Ohio and stuff like this is one reason why. This is one of the reasons I LOVE Cincinnati. Elections ACTUALLY matter here. I can sway the vote by having conversations (while sometimes difficult) with neighbors. Just remember to take a step away from the politics every once in a while to realize that this city IS NOT behind...we're always at the cusp of change. I love this place and happily chose to live here over Minneapolis, Portland, Chicago, or any of the other "progressive" cities I've been to. Cheers to my fellow Cincinnatians for having more patience and determination than most Americans. The day the streetcar starts operating will be a fantastic day. Having been to all of those cities (lived in Chicago for 2 years, family in Minneapolis), I can honestly say Cincinnati doesn't feel behind. Remember, Minneapolis has only recently created a train line of their own, so a lack of a train line (although regrettable) doesn't inherently mean a city is light-years behind other cities. Keep up the good work!

For what it's worth, I've been to Portland a couple of times and prefer Cincy, even without the streetcar. The addition will rank Cincy higher, in my opinion.

Great news, indeed! Is there a projected completion date?

And what's the projected date of completion?

Just walked by it myself on my way to the Greyhound station. Only wish it were here during the warm weather, but I'll have plenty of years to enjoy this kickass space! --- I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=41.503506,-81.682564

Anything for the best mother f-ing location in the nation!

Haha, thanks.

Me, too! Except they should get rid of the goofy looking runner ;)

F-ing fantastic! Can't wait to see pictures.

Thanks, all! And especially to KJP.

Here's the winning video entry for the Siemens sustainability competition!! (we hope!) "One Cleveland" by Joe Baur and Dave Kiss Cleveland thrived throughout the early 1900's, boasting an impressive public transportation system. Now the city finds itself in the middle of a Rust Belt Renaissance thanks in large part to the latest addition to the transit system's roster. http://mildlyrelevantthoughts.com/2011/09/cleveland-public-transportation/

This was probably the most supportive race I've run. Seeing the cheering crowd as I entered the stadium was definitely something else. I'm game to come down anytime. I signed up to Downtown Akron's young professional email blast in case any events come up. I live car-free, so it's just a matter of finding out what's convenient for getting back and forth, since my only weekend option for getting back home to Downtown Cleveland is the Megabus. That's why I'd love some sort of commuter rail (like Metra in Chicago) that runs maybe once every hour or just one train that continuously rides back and forth with a few stops along the way. --- I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=42.213480,-83.354208