audidave

Magic Hat isn't the quaint hippie brewery it once was.. Its now part of a bigger conglomerate of brewers. That said you can still find some good beers from them but the number 9 is not what it once was. I'm not sure if the batches I get are being 3rd party brewed at Consumers Beverage in Rochester or if they just go crazy with the malts.. It is supposed to be a "not quite pale ale".. In previous years it was a slightly dry beer with that night hint of apricots to finish. Today the beer is what I consider a malty mess. I was at the free concert series at the Rock Hall this summer and had a canned number 9. I think I barely finished it. That was canned in Rochester for Magic Hat and it was definitely the worst example of that beer that I've had. A brewer friend of mine was mixing beers at a bar and came up with what I consider to be most like what I remember Number 9 being like: 1/3 Ithaca Apricot Wheat and 2/3 North Peak Wanderer.. It was quite delish..

Merriman Valley is a bit secluded which is why most Clevelanders aren't aware of it since there is such lousy freeway access to the Valley. Its basically the southern part of the Cuyahoga Valley proper as the Cuyahoga river comes in from a narrow gorge and meets up with the Little Cuyahoga. It is about a 7-10 minute drive to downtown Akron from there. If you were working in downtown Akron I wouldn't have a problem recommending this. As you are now saying you could be working in North Canton I don't recommend.. Its definitely not old school in the Valley. However, if you enjoy driving in the Cuyahoga Valley and will be driving in Northern Summit county mainly then it might not be a bad spot to take a look. There is a study that starts very soon in regards to utilizing the train tracks that currently are plied by the CVSR. The idea is to look at using the tracks for a Metro train to downtown Akron and the new Goodyear HQ complex and further south. There currently is no train station in the Merriman Valley. That would have to be built first. One could bike 2 miles north on the towpath to hop on a CVSR train to go to downtown Akron or Independence in the summer.. Highland Square sounds more like what you'll be comfortable with. A lot of variety of apartments and houses. People from all walks of life. Very much an urban community. It is maybe a mile to two phenomenal supermarkets down the street on Market in West Point Market and Acme No. 1. I suppose you could look at living in Wallhaven there if you really needed to walk to a grocery store.

The valley is biggest area of apartments. By valley I mean the Merriman Valley which is maybe a mile or 2 from Highland Square. Mostly its college kids but i think there is great diversity in the area. Walkable with several nice restaurants and bars in area. 1 grocery maybe 2 right there. There could very likely be train service there to downtown akron and to goodyear and maybe cak within a few years. Thats basically it for now. Downtown there is some new apartments going in at Lock 4 in several months. Otherwise its suburbia for apartments. The valley is part of the Cuyahoga valley so it doesn't have an urban feel at all. But I enjoy being down there for both bar hopping and biking the towpath from there.

I'm staying in downtown Dayton and heard an odd train horn last night. It was longer and deeper like a ship maybe. I wasn't sure if different train lines use different horn tones. It was around 2:30 to 3am i heard the train.

Aren't they looking at building an RTA bus depot 5 blocks away from there? Could they not be merged here if there is room?

Well should they do the CVSR they could also include a trip to Akron. Or just drive down to Akron for a day. I think they could still stay at Quaker Square in a silo, if they wanted to stay downtown. It probably wouldn't take much more than a day to see the variety of sites in Akron.. But I guess I could see where it would take probably a couple days with the variety of restaurants and the Art Museum and variety of shows/venues at EJ, Akron Civic or Musica. For a sweet tour of downtown loft housing look no further than www.northsidelofts.com Its a little more than half sold.. The units I've been in have been pretty impressive. Also a pretty nifty website.. For food with another nifty website is Crave. www.eatdrinkcrave.com But there's also Bricco, Cilantros, Luigis, House of Hunan, Lockview, in April-May DBA will open in the Vegeterenean spot. Further out from downtown is Ken Stewarts.

He did a nice and needed renovation. Its just a bar though. Definitely nothing special about the place. There is another new bar in the valley at the location that was called Dominic's Pub. It is now called the Beer Haus. Has a wider selection of beer but nothing that is going to draw me back. The best beer bars in the valley are still Bricco Pub(low key English Pub) and Johnny Js(One of best sports bars in Ohio with its serpentine bar). Both places also have very good food as well.

I'm of the opinion that there isn't one answer to high speed rail in the US. It is such a huge complex undertaking based on regional needs, political whims, and economic conditions that I don't see how a US policy would be supported or funded. The failings I see here off the bat are that there is no discerning the levels of high speed rail. I believe current policy is that at track speed above 125mph rail and freight must be separate. U.S. freight trains are quite heavy, the heaviest in the world in fact. I don't think you want these lumbering double stacked behemoths putting excess strain on track designed for over 150mph. Hopefully the passenger high speed rail trains are much lighter. My preference of a train policy in the US is to add the appropriate level of high speed to the corridors that need high speed. We need to bring the rest of the nation up to speed on regular 79-110mph train travel first. I don't foresee bullet trains leaving Atlanta any time soon.. We should be striving to link all cities in the US that area over 150k people and under 70 miles away from each other first with trains, whatever kind of train.

The metro rail study should be enlightening on various levels. The focus will primarily be along that corridor. However, a train system is not a single section of track in isolation. There are ways to offset cost by scaling up. So the path and choices they make for this initial section will likely have affects on following phases whether they are full extensions of the line to the airport and Canton or new off-shoots to consider whether to Hudson or Kent. The quote in the article was that this was not going to be a commuter line doesn't mean that they shouldn't plan for it to be a commuter line in the future.. I suspect that the easiest thing to do will be to do nothing and just follow the track that the CVSR follows to and fro when it is not using that section of the tracks.. Run a locomotive at twice the speed of the CVSR and it might be considered a huge hit. Looking over the map, I think I pointed out in another thread that if Metro was able to jump onto another set of tracks as it is coming into Akron there might be some more interesting options. The main issue of getting to downtown Akron is that the tracks bend to the East from the South through downtown Akron. This means that for a train coming from the West/North as a train coming from the Merriman Valley would it must go forward and back up onto the highly used tracks of CSX. To me the solution may be a little pricey but to cut through some property on the bluff of the Elizabeth Valley and curve around into the railroad trench that heads into downtown. Add a third set of tracks and a stop at Quaker Square would probably be the most ideal for University students followed by a destination at the Intermodal bus stop. They can then use a new titanium pedestrian bridge(yet to be built) to get over to the campus from Quaker Square. This would save the time of students being dropped off in the Elizabeth valley to jump on a shuttle bus to be taken over to campus(and expense to the University).. This would also add a different Northside stop closer to downtown by Luigis and fairly accessible to the Northern half of downtown. A stop at the Intermodal stop would be more accessible for people in the Southern part of downtown like by AES, GoJo and all the new student housing over there. Additional issues I see with this are likely the MLK bridge might need to be widened to accommodate 3 sets of tracks. Also coming out of the trench back into the Valley towards its next destination is a labyrinth of tracks and it will likely be elevated tracks to be built through that section.. Hopefully the study takes this into consideration since it is an "alternative" study.. Phase 1 might be to just get service quickly going and Phase 2 might be to add this connection to downtown Akron and maybe a CAK airport connection, while planning for a future KSU connection. A federal or state push might be to finally link up to downtown Canton for a serious commuter railway to help alleviate the 6 lanes of traffic on I-77.

This struck me as odd. I felt it was meant to figure out how a half mile on either side of the rail corridor would be affected. Looking at the map, it occurred to me that there are other rail lines that this METRO line could potentially use besides the obvious rail line used by the CVSR that they own. That led me to ponder whether METRO would use, or be allowed to use, the Northside station at all. If they were able to cut over to the WL&E(?) near downtown Akron, METRO might be able to set up a separate station next to Luigi's on Northside. It seems to me that line is lightly used although I think there is traffic late at night on that line..

Well the study that looks at using Akron rail for METRO's use will be a little more than $330k with matching local funds involved. The packet for December is out now on AMATS website. Here is what it says for those that don't wish to download the pdf from the site: METRO requests the addition of $270,000 in FTA Section 5339 Alternatives Analysis Program funds to FY 2012 of the TIP in order study rail public transportation in the City of Akron. The total project cost $337,500, with METRO contributing $67,500 in local funds. The study seeks to plan for the provision of public transit service via rail service in the City of Akron. The study area is comprised of an eight-mile railway corridor of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad extending from the Merriman Valley through downtown Akron on to southeast Akron. In addition to the railway corridor, the primary study area includes a band approximately one half mile distance on either side of the corridor. Also mentioned in the packet further down was a potential study to look at using a former rail line,(?) or maybe existing one, through Tallmadge to connect University of Akron and Kent State University.. That was part of a "Connecting Communities" grant and only the highest two highest rated community plans got the grants. That one was ninth or tenth.. Perhaps because there is currently no rail line being used by METRO so it is isolated, startup costs would likely be prohibitive for just that line running back and forth. Make it part of a Summit County passenger rail system however and I would expect it probably jumps to the top of the list.

Like other big developments the devil is in the details. Hopefully this idea would be a transfer facility not the total relocation of all buses from the Tower City/Public Square area. I noticed looking at one of the posts in the Public Square thread showed the various stops on PS that the buses typically have 2 stops in PS. My impression of what this facility could do is take one of those stops off that have all the people congregated around disparate areas of PS because they are transferring. This way PS could close off both roads. I would think that the transfer facility would only use maybe half the block closest to PS if it were to have 6-8 bays. Perhaps have the HealthLine swing by this new facility? Maybe have a free shuttle connecting the East side Transit station to the Warehouse one. With an efficient transfer facility it is safer, controlled and I believe the whole transfer process would be much more expedient and Cleveland would stop using Public Square as its main bus terminal.

Tilted Kilt in Canton is having its Grand Opening this week. I'm told it is in a former Chi-Chis in Belden Village. Its a fairly nice looking facility but I wasn't really looking at that for their invite-only opening. There is another location in Ohio at Polaris. To me the theme is if Hooters and an upscale Irish bar merged. Was at Zar's grand opening on Friday. I really can't see how that is going to work unless more couches are brought downstairs, the lighting not made so bright, and the view from outside not so easy to see how few people are inside. When it is open at 7-8pm it is like a fishbowl of emptiness. Bright white sodium lights gleaming off the glossy gray floor is easily seen from the outside. The VIP area is upstairs and that is darker and a lot more inviting. But that makes it worse if the only people that are there are upstairs, then who will want to come in to a massive empty space with electronic music being blasted at you. The concept could work better in the summertime with being able to be outside and the massive bar windows open and sit at the bar ala Vegiteranean had. Maybe I'm wrong and the Barley House crowd will feel this is a second home for them through the winter..

This is a short series that I was not intending to make a series of.. I think my intention was more to give an update of Bridgestone/Firestone construction.. But seeing MayDay's series of linking his Cuy. Valley tour with Cleveland I figured why not throw my little smattering of Ipod pictures together in a series.. The first is at the Brandywine waterfalls where construction crews are putting a bridge over the highway and a new tunnel for bikers to get underneath the parking lot entrance and circle up to the bridge. The following are a picture of Boston Mills at Open House, followed by this past Friday in downtown Akron at 69 Taps looking at the towpath and across to where Echogen is going in at. Also an evening picture of the grand opening from Zar. The last few shots are the Bridgestone R&D campus with the new R&D building on the left and the new parking garage on the right. (sorry for not editing my various typos and names of companies yesterday. Was focused on the photos)

I agree. I would hope they do a serious location search to find a vacant manufacturing plant that is of the specs they are needing- by a rail line and close to steel plants with a wealth of steel fabrication going on nearby. The now vacant Twinsburg-Chrysler stamping plant or the soon to be closed Walton Hills Stamping plant would seem to be a good fit based on the above criteria. But I believe Ohio is littered with vacant heavy manufacturing plants like engine, truck, or stamping plants. When I think of steel production and machining I just don't think of the Columbus area..

I didn't bother to read it further since I thought it was going to be a knee-jerk, right wing diatribe about how private companies should run the railroads. That went a totally different direction and he disregarded that idea right off the bat.. Very thoughtful article. Hopefully Mica is willing to push these ideas forward.

Echogen says they have a 250kw prototype engine that they brought back to Akron for further testing.. I wonder if they will be working with Akron Energy aka Akron Thermal to capture what has to be a large amount of waste heat that goes into creating the steam heat for downtown Akron.. The steam plant is approx 3 blocks away from this location. As a background, Akron Thermal has had a difficult financial past. The ability to add electrical generation to its utilities of chilling and heating would surely make it viable again.

Echogen? Here is the info about the partial demolition. http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,12788.msg579958.html#msg579958

Somehow this was missed... From back in May, a new restaurant opened downtown. I'll try to check it out this week.. The Creperie!! Grand Opening of The Creperie on Friday, May 20 By Downtown Akron Partnership This morning I had the pleasure of getting a sneak preview of Downtown Akron’s newest breakfast eatery, The Creperie, with a few of the DAP staff members. The restaurant officially opens its doors to the public tomorrow, Friday, May 20. The Creperie will be open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and is located at Greystone Hall, 76 E. Mill Street in Downtown Akron. The Creperie offers a variety of tasty crepes to choose from. If you’re craving something sweet there are choices such as Strawberry & Nutella® and Baked Apple. If you’re craving something more savory, you can choose from Mushroom & Spinach, the Grecian or Ham & Gouda, just to name a few! I decided to go with the Grecian crepe, which includes fresh spinach, roasted tomatoes, scrambled eggs and feta cheese. As soon as I took my first bite I fell in love. My coworkers ordered the 3 Cheese & Raspberry and the Raspberry & Peach crepes, which I also got to sample and would highly recommend. If crepes aren’t really your thing, The Creperie also offers a variety of breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, coffee and juice. Overall, I had an enjoyable experience at The Creperie. The food was delicious and the staff was helpful. Next time you’re looking to grab breakfast on the go or step out of the office for a morning meeting, I recommend you try The Creperie! For more information and full menu, visit http://www.downtownakron.com/go/the-creperie. Katelyn Gainer, Intern

It seems weird they are working so hard barking up the tree of suburban Columbus. This seems to have been talked about for 3-4 years now it seems and they are still searching for an appropriate factory. I would think they could be building rail cars by now if they had looked in the Solon area if they were wanting a suburban feel.. There seems to be a few rail focused companies in that area already and several vacant plants that are available on rail lines.

A nice announcement for the stew pot downtown. They have moved to a much higher profile location after only a year in business. Also its nice since there is a lack of street activity in regards to retail or food options for 4-5 blocks south of market st until lockview/peanut shoppe. http://www.downtownakron.com/newsitem/the-stew-pot-kitchen-grand-opening-in-new-location HOME / DOWNTOWN NEWS / NEWS AND PRESS RELEASES / THE STEW POT KITCHEN GRAND OPENING IN NEW LOCATION The Stew Pot Kitchen Grand Opening in New Location Today is the grand opening of The Stew Pot Kitchen's new location! The restaurant has moved from 30 N. High St. to 23 S. Main St. (in the Nantucket Building across from the Federal Building). Today is the official grand opening at the new location. Stop in and check out the new place, the bigger menu and the warmer atmosphere! The Stew Pot Kitchen will also be offering free cupcakes with every purchase today...while supplies last!

Pretty freaky.. I live about a .5 north of that substation. I'm contemplating whether to take a job with a company in Tower City.. Rail would be a very sweet option. I'm not sure its worth it to drive 20-25 minutes up to Warrensville rd to hop on the Blue line.. I think I can be downtown in about 25.. Should I decide to work for this company I'll likely move since its a well paying position to Solon/Gates Mills for it.. I kid!

I'm very confused in what you are saying here. I'm guessing you meant there will be need to be a transfer station in Akron near Arlington. I foresee most rail stops having buses/circulators meeting trains. Why would this be any different? Nevermind I figured out what you were saying. I forgot that North Arlington is up in the Elizabeth valley. That is the whole tricky area of doing anything with trains in Akron. I doubt it will be easy getting into the downtown intramodal center across the various tracks with any kind of regular service.

Hopefully those tracks can be lit up one after another with Metro service.. If I recall in the AMATs budget, they want to make the track from Akron to Kent a nice little walkway instead.. I really have no idea why. Hopefully with this study they may delay that for potential rail re-use. To me, the study will be looking at only the most obvious and highest utilized section of track. For example in the valley area it takes about 15 minutes to drive to a highway. People often say they are in the middle of nowhere when they live down there because of that. With a train stop I don't think they would feel that way anymore. Most of the people living in the valley will have a destination of downtown Akron during the day so why not take a train if its faster than driving, incurs no parking costs, and no searching for parking spots. The issue I see with the study is the scope of this and the potential to become rapidly something much bigger. Basically, the study to me is looking at this track as 8 miles of metro service with likely extension to Akron Canton in the future. That sounds great yes. Well say SARTA & SCATS come along and say they want to participate in this rail link with Akron and the airport so that there are now 2 cities downtowns served by rail to the airport as well as real commuter service between Akron and Canton. Does the equipment change for this more of a commuter rail vs a light rail that may have been staying in Akron area? Certainly a double track would be needed at this point in sections. Say then KSU/Kent/Parta want to get involved with this train stuff too once they see trains rolling from Akron to Canton. I would think it would be more of a DMU service that would be set up there. Or maybe they will be content with buses rolling to the Goodyear facility.. I highly doubt that. Finally after seeing all these trains going every which way from Kent to Akron to Canton, Hudson/Stow/CF/SL mayors and councils finally see the light and want to get on board and be connected too. Will other communities sue to be a part of this network- Barberton, Macedonia, Peninsula, Ravenna? Surely there will be some push to connect to Cleveland.. My feeling is it will be through the valley and I think it will happen before there is Metro train service going into Hudson(hell freezing over?) The above sounds like a pipe dream but the thing is the tracks are there. Some crossings may need to be updated in certain sections. Some approvals will need to be granted by certain agencies and RR companies to cross over. The only thing missing is the locomotives and passenger cars and most important the political will to implement. That is where this study will help to start to kick this off. We shall see if the hard numbers bear out what I've been saying in regards to the Merriman Valley.

Well I don't disagree that this will end up turning into some kind of commuter line at some point. The previous studies were mainly Cleveland-centric of how to get a commuter rail line down to Akron. I don't think the paths chosen had enough bang for the buck. There were serious issues with getting into Akron crossing over some mainline tracks which turned out to be prohibitively expensive. I don't believe the Cuyahoga Valley line has ever been looked at in a serious study as a commuter railroad. There will be huge amount of support for using this railroad once this study gets going. UA, Goodyear, and CAK will be the biggest beneficiaries of such a rail line. I don't see how the people that do the study will be able to avoid looking at CAK as an obvious, natural stop.