inlovewithCLE

City Architecture said in its League Park renderings that "The restoration and redevelopment of League Park would consist of restoring the existing ticket house and E. 66th Street wall, recreating the historic locker rooms, expanding the facility to accommodate a 4,000 seat ballpark, adding meeting rooms and a museum, rebuilding the field in its original 1890 configuration, and creating a community park for the residents of the Hough neighborhood".

I don't think its necessarily that unrealistic. I'm not suggesting an extra large team. It could be a low team on the totem pole. Could be a Class A team. We'll have the facility. $5 million should bring League Park to life. So why not put a small, low on the totem pole, minor league team on the field to make sure that this gets some good use and that it is the boon to the neighborhood that it should be?

CSU is attempting to shed its status as a purely commuter school--deliberately. What they're doing is common sense. CSU has been a great shining spot in the city of Cleveland and are really helping to move their neighborhood forward. Those complaining about what they're doing represents the "old Cleveland" mentality. "Don't inconvenience me". CSU finally looks and feels like a legitimate campus, and people are bitching about that? My goodness. I agree with the others here that have said basically, "quit yer bellyachin!"

I don't know how many minor league teams that MLB teams usually have, but it would be great if the Indians started another minor league team and had them play at League Park

question for anyone who may know: how come CSU Men's Basketball games aren't televised locally? I mean, we have TWO regional sports channels, and one of those stations (Sportstime Ohio) could REALLY use the content. The Vikings are a fantastic team and they need more exposure. There's no reason why they shouldn't be on television more when we have two regional sports stations in the area. I mean, ONE of them could show CSU games, I would think. ESPECIALLY STO, which really needs more content in order to attract more viewers. Just a question.

KJP, since you are the resident rail expert, I have some questions: What neighborhoods in Cleveland could practically be linked via a rail system? I would like to see all of our major neighborhoods at least be able to get downtown via rail. I would love to see a line that links Shaker Square to University Circle/Little Italy to downtown to Ohio City and/or Tremont to the Kamms Corners/West Park area to the airport. I just think that it could strengthen our neighborhoods so much if there was a line that took you to almost every hot spot in the city. Increasing the access to these neighborhoods make it easier for others to get to it, in my opinion. How practical is that? Are we going to get a rail extension into Euclid or are we looking at a Healthline extension, in your opinion? And, with either one, do you think there'd be a stop in Collinwood? If its rail, I'd assume that there'd be a way to do it via Collinwood Yards but, again, I don't know the technical specifications of that. Do you think that the West Shore commuter rail and a downtown stop of the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad is going to happen? And if so, how long are we looking at until we get it? And finally, I don't know if you've answered this question before and forgive me if you have, but is there any way to get a rail extension out to Chagrin Highlands? Again, I'm ignorant of the details. I would like to see Chagrin Highlands become more integrated with the city transportation system, even though its outside of Cleveland's borders, its still ours, for the most part. I think we have a pretty good public transportation system, but not as good as it should be in terms of connecting the individual city neighborhoods with each other. I'm not a greenie, but I want to be able to choose whether I use my car, just because I don't feel like driving all of the time. I just would like to know how possible is it to better connect the neighborhoods in the city via rail? Thanks

More South Collinwood history: South Collinwood became part of the City of Cleveland when the villages of Collinwood and Nottingham were annexed to the City in 1910 and 1912, respectively. The area was first settled in 1812. Settlement increased with the establishment of numerous vineyards; and, by the 1870's, Collinwood had become the largest shipping point in the nation for grapes. By the 1890's, vineyards had been replaced by rail yards as the area's principal generator of economic activity. Industrial development accelerated rapidly following construction of the Collinwood Rail Yards, a major switching center the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad. Residential development also expanded as many Italian immigrants moved to the South Collinwood area in the early 1900's. In 1921, the Fisher Body Co. opened an automobile body plant at East 140th Street and Coit Road. By 1924 the plant employed 7,000 people and in 1926 Fisher Body became a division of General Motors. By World War II, the area around the Collinwood Rail Yards had become an international center for heavy manufacturing. During the war the plant made parts for tanks and employed 14,000 people. Land values in the Five Points area (the five-legged intersection of St. Clair, East 152nd and Ivanhoe) were the third highest in the City, exceeded only by those in Downtown and University Circle. In the decades after World War II, the rise of freeways and the movement of heavy industry out of the nation's northeast and midwest regions resulted in the abandonment of many rail-oriented industrial properties in Collinwood. In the 1980's, the large Fisher Body plant was closed. While the population of South Collinwood had gradually declined after its peak in 1930, since 1970 the decline has sharpened. In 1990 the population was approximately half African-American and half white. The population is segregated, however, with most African-Americans living west of East 152nd Street and most whites living east of East 152nd Street. Recent efforts to improve the Five Points retail district, and to make it a focal point of both communities, have included the construction of a new fire station and development of a new McDonalds. http://www.nhlink.net/neighborhoodtournew/history.php?neighborhood=south-collinwood

Here's some stats on South Collinwood http://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/South-Collinwood-Cleveland-OH.html South Collinwood is fine, EVEN up to the EC border. I grew up close to that border and still live in the neighborhood. Its not the best but its not unsafe. Cross over into East Cleveland, however, and you're on your own. lol

I'm from South Collinwood. Its not the greatest but its not that bad either. There's a significant elderly population there. Its fine. Could be better, could be worse.

^can't describe why the zoo is a bigger draw than the aquarium when the aquarium isn't open yet :?

I remember reading a Plain Dealer article that talked about Parmatown and it said that it got squeezed at both sides in regards to its clientele. Higher income shoppers went to the mall in Strongsville and the middle and lower income shoppers went to Steelyard in Cleveland so Parmatown lost a customer base to draw from.

Source says Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert in early talks to buy Cleveland Gladiators "Dan Gilbert and his Cleveland Cavaliers ownership group are exploring a way to grow their already large presence in downtown Cleveland's Gateway District. The Cleveland Cavaliers owner and driving force behind the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland is in what a source said were very early talks with Cleveland Gladiators owner Jim Ferraro to buy the arena football team. Nothing is imminent, though the source said the sides eventually could reach an agreement. Mr. Ferraro, a well-known attorney and partner at Kelley & Ferraro LLP, did not return a message left at his Miami office." http://www.crainscleveland.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120106/FREE/120109896

Cleveland has a ton of neighborhoods and all should not be the same. I don't have a problem with Midtown being the city's "suburban business park" district. I believe that every neighborhood in the city should have its own characteristics. I think Midtown's current path makes us competitive with the suburbs in this area. I'm okay with that. We have plenty of neighborhoods in the city that could use the types of development that we all love. But if Midtown is going to be the "suburban Downtown" of the city, let it. Fine with me. As long as it works, I'm okay with that. We need at least one neighborhood that can offer surburban style business developments so that we stay competitive. I'm just glad to see that the Agora will remain open, and I also hope that they leave the sign on 24/7 dammit! :lol:

All I ask is that they start leaving the "Agora" sign on 24/7, like Playhouse. The place looks alive when that sign is on.

I love that idea, but it's not going to happen. Midtown is clearly the "Health-Tech" neighborhood. Period. That's what the developers can get money for. That's where the demand is. That's the focus of the CDC. It is what it is. Cleveland does need an entertainment themed neighborhood, but its not going to happen in Midtown. Midtown is going to be a Health-Tech focused, suburban style office park neighborhood. That's just the way it goes.

Cuyahoga County plans to sell administration building, buy or lease new space "Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald wants to sell the County Administration Building, moving those and other offices into a consolidated complex, all within two years... The recommendation to sell and move came from a 90-day study of 66 buildings the county owns and leases. Allegro Realty Advisors Ltd., which led the study, the county paid $220,000 for, recommended eliminating 22 buildings to save $91 million. The study's Dec. 28 report advised selling the administration building, the Ameritrust complex and the former juvenile court, as well as terminating a lease for the engineer's office at the Stonebridge development on the West Bank of the Flats. Federal charges say developer K&D Group furnished previous county officials with limousine rides and a free condominium for personal use in return for getting the engineer's lease. The study recommended the county invest $35 million in 22 other properties, including the Justice Center, Lakeside courthouse and Whiskey Island. The remaining 22 buildings are in limbo." http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2012/01/cuyahoga_county_plans_to_sell.html

BEAUTIFUL!! PlayhouseSquare to sell downtown Cleveland office building to the K&D Group for apartments A private developer plans to convert a PlayhouseSquare office building into 102 apartments, capturing explosive rental demand and bringing the first residential project to the heart of Cleveland's theater district. PlayhouseSquare has agreed to sell the Hanna Building Annex on East 14th Street to the K&D Group of Willoughby The largest privately held owner of apartments in Northeast Ohio, K&D plans to acquire the downtown property by April 1. PlayhouseSquare and K&D executives declined to comment publicly on the purchase price for the building, an eight-story structure that houses the Hanna Theatre. Leaders of the nonprofit PlayhouseSquare Foundation have been dreaming about residential projects for more than a decade. With occupancy rising at downtown apartments -- approaching 95 percent during the third quarter, according to the Downtown Cleveland Alliance -- PlayhouseSquare thinks it's the right time to bring more renters to the nation's second-largest performing arts center. http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2011/12/playhousesquare_to_sell_downto.html

I know I'm in the minority here, but I like it. Its kinda sexy. I do agree that there are plenty of vacant lots to build on and that would've been ideal but, bet that as it may, I kinda like it.

WOW Russ Mitchell replacing Romona Robinson at WKYC Channel 3 Russ Mitchell, who has been with CBS News for about 20 years, has been named the lead anchor of WKYC Channel 3's 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts. He also will be the Gannett-owned Cleveland station's managing editor for evening news. His first day on the air at the NBC affiliate will be Monday, Jan. 16. The hiring was confirmed today by Channel 3's president and general manager, Brooke Spectorsky. Mitchell is wrapping up his tenure as anchor of the "CBS Evening News'' weekend editions and the "The Early Show'' on Saturday. He's also a national correspondent for "CBS News Sunday Morning,'' the weeknight editions of the "CBS Evening News" and "The Early Show." http://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/index.ssf/2011/12/russ_mitchell_named_new_6_and_11_pm_anchor_at_channel_3.html

From someone who isn't a big fan of reusing it, I think that was probably the best and most substantive argument I've heard so far in favor of using it. I must concede, you make a very good point :clap: I like the Forest City too, by the way

I love it! Lights, lights, and more lights. :clap: I love that.

What's that city?? I always liked Cleveland's 19th century name of "The Forest City" unless a certain company headquartered at Tower City Center won't let the Cleveland+ folks use it! I wouldn't mind using the Forest City again. I think that's something that's genuine to the city. What would the marketing look like if we were to attempt to build off of that? Just curious

Most of what you said MEANS SOMETHING. It's associated with something. In the majority of the cases that you mentioned, they had something to do with a dominant industry, culture or something geographically related to the city. What does "Best Location in the Nation" represent? Nothing. Its an old 1940s era "Mad Men" type slogan that few people, even in this city, AND even some older people in this city, EVER knew what it meant. Just a little bit of that list you gave, for an example: "The Big Apple" - He explained his use in a February 18, 1924, column under the headline "Around the Big Apple": The Big Apple. The dream of every lad that ever threw a leg over a thoroughbred and the goal of all horsemen. There's only one Big Apple. That's New York. Two dusky stable hands were leading a pair of thoroughbred around the "cooling rings" of adjoining stables at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans and engaging in desultory conversation. "Where y'all goin' from here?" queried one. "From here we're headin' for The Big Apple," proudly replied the other. "Well, you'd better fatten up them skinners or all you'll get from the apple will be the core," was the quick rejoinder (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Apple) "Mile High City" - Denver is nicknamed the Mile-High City because its official elevation is exactly one mile (1.6 km) or 5,280 feet (1,609.344 m) above sea level (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mile-High_City) "The Motor City" - I mean, really? No explanation needed for this one. "The Second City" - Chicago, Illinois, which had been the second largest city in the United States for most of the twentieth century until being overtaken by Los Angeles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Second_City_(disambiguation)) ATL - Even you acknowledge that this is obvious. Gotham - This is obvious. Gotham was designed after NYC. So maybe we should call ourselves Metropolis because it was designed after downtown. And the list goes on and on. Those names defined something. "Best Location in the Nation" is garbage. It means nothing. EVERY city thinks they're the "Best Location in the Nation". That's a fossilized relic that doesn't mean anything. And since you made a comment as if I'm just a young whippersnapper who doesn't appreciate the awesomeness of the slogan, I pose a counter question: maybe you're a tad out of touch. With all due respect, of course :-)

Then define Cleveland. That's the problem. That's why things like the "Best Location in the Nation" are worthless. They're just words. They don't mean anything. What is the lifestyle of Cleveland? The lifestyle of Cleveland is big city style with midwestern charm. That's Cleveland. If you don't want to call it Manhattan or whatever, then fine. But call it something. Saying we should be marketed as "Cleveland" when that isn't defined as anything doesn't make sense. You can't market Cleveland as "Cleveland" when no one outside of Cleveland knows what "Cleveland" is in that sense. What do we represent? What do we bring to the table? Why is Cleveland a great city? Those are the things that need to be defined. We need to define those around those assets that I said earlier. But you can't say we should be marketed as "Cleveland" when there's been no definition given to that yet. That's the problem! I've been noticing something that the national media has been doing when writing articles about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. They've been just using "Cleveland". Like in the New York Times, they said something to the effect of "when legendary rock artists want a boost in music sales, they need a nod from Cleveland". Other newspapers have been doing the same thing. That's beautiful because it means the Rock Hall is becoming synonymous with Cleveland. That's valuable. We need more of that. What is "Cleveland" synonymous with? What industry or field can be defined by just saying Cleveland? THAT's what we need. The "Best Location in the Nation" is jargon. It doesn't mean anything. Define "Cleveland" first.

This is such a great idea! I hope this takes off! :clap: