SixthCity

I think you're the exception to the general trend then, KJP. The 20th century mass out-migration of northeastern and midwestern cities were not in response to sprawl.

Oh my dear friend, how I wish you were correct. From Euclid v. Ambler (The case the ruled on the constitutionality of our modern zoning schemes) Justice Sutherland: With particular reference to apartment houses, it is pointed out that the development of detached house sections is greatly retarded by the coming of apartment houses, which has sometimes resulted in destroying the entire section for private house purposes; that, in such sections, very often the apartment house is a mere parasite, constructed in order to take advantage of the open spaces and attractive surroundings created by the residential character of the district. Moreover, the coming of one apartment house is followed by others, interfering by their height and bulk with the free circulation of air and monopolizing the rays of the sun which otherwise would fall upon the smaller homes, and bringing, as their necessary accompaniments, the disturbing noises incident to increased traffic and business, and the occupation, by means of moving and parked automobiles, of larger portions of the streets, thus detracting from their safety and depriving children of the privilege of quiet and open spaces for play, enjoyed by those in more favored localities -- until, finally, the residential character of the neighborhood and its desirability as a place of detached residences are utterly destroyed. Under these circumstances, apartment houses, which in a different environment would be not only entirely unobjectionable but highly desirable, come very near to being nuisances. From conception, it was created to support single family homes at the expense of apartments. Here's a little secret - progressives ain't so progressive. EDIT: "Monopolizing the rays of the sun" is one of my favorite phrases of all time.

Sure, but I'm not talking about the universe of "urbanism issues." I'm talking specifically about attitudes towards zoning. The modern zoning code was the child of the progressive era created by and advocated for by progressives. To this day, the most restrictive codes exist in the most progressive cities. That's why I was so surprised to see that article in CityLab, which champions itself as a progressive publication. Not everyone on the left is a hardline progressive, but it seems that government restrictions on housing (yes, even with regards to density) still remains a pretty solidly supported proposition to much of that side of the ideological spectrum (with some dissent - bravo). It also enjoys plenty of support on the broad right as well, but certainly not among libertarians.

I hear ya on that and I mostly agree. But why have the most restrictive zoning codes persisted in the most progressive cities for so long? The northeast and northern midwest have been dominated by leftist administrations since the 60s and they are among those cities with the most restrictive codes. Relaxed zoning is either a very low priority for most administrations or they are outright opposed (probably due to the loss of control). I've seen that some lefties have recognized that the housing crunches on the coasts are mostly a supply and demand issue but I'm less convinced that has caught on to the mainstream left. The SJW are certainly opposed to less government control over housing, even far enough to oppose increased density or any new construction in certain areas. Although they may not speak for the broader progressive community, they certainly seem to be more and more vocal and powerful. I get the impression that they call plenty of shots in the Bay Area, it will be interesting to see how things play out in NY.

See:

Depends on how you define "urbanist." I've spent years around urban planners (students and professionals) and when I call for the elimination or even substantial limiting of zoning, they look at me like I have 3 heads. It's a rare opinion among them.

Never in my life would I expect the uber-progressive set at CityLab to link economic/social problems to zoning, which has remained the darling of progressives. I guess you'll see just about everything at one point. This exact argument has been made by libertarians and classical liberals for decades to very little fanfare on the left. How Zoning Laws Exacerbate Inequality Such laws aren’t just a headache for developers, economists believe. They’re bad for (nearly) everyone. http://www.citylab.com/politics/2015/11/how-zoning-laws-exacerbate-inequality/417573/?utm_source=SFTwitter

^ That's a pretty good assessment. I know so many people who have either been metro Clevelanders all their lives or lived in the area for years and they still don't know basic landmarks or even entire areas of the city. Even more, they don't care too. It just is what it is, I guess - neither good nor bad. But it is like talking to an alien creature sometimes.

Yes. But it would never fly. "Does it make sense?" and "would it fly?" are different inquiries.

Three suspects face federal charges in Tremont carjackings Two other defendants, Antowine Palmer and Calvin Rembert, are in jail on state charges, though U.S. Attorney's Office spokesman Mike Tobin said more defendants may be charged in federal court. The U.S. Attorney's Office states in the complaint that it is bringing the case to federal court because the stolen cars were manufactured in Oklahoma, Michigan and Japan. The cars entered Ohio through interstate commerce, which is a prerequisite for a federal carjacking charge. The carjackings and armed robberies in Tremont over the summer left many residents on edge, and Cleveland police stepped up their presence as a result. The suspects were rounded up in August. --------- If these guys are guilty, I hope they get the book thrown at them. But this is disgusting case of government overreach. A federal carjacking charge?! This is what happens when the commerce clause is interpreted so broadly that there is now what amounts to federal police power. If that constitutes interstate commerce then why have the commerce clause at all? Btw, is there a "yell about the government" thread?

Wow, it would be super cool to have the Hulett ore loaders on display. Hopefully they're not too rusted from sitting in the elements on Whisky Island.

Godd*mnit!!!!

Yeah, the W. 6th setback could make for some nice public space. I think it's going to feel pretty dense by virtue of being nestled under a canopy of skyscrapers.

Maybe the RTA transit hub tower thingy?

Anyone have eyes on what's going on here? Greater Cleve RTA ‏@GCRTA 1m1 minute ago Due to a fire at Shaker Square, eastbound trains are being held until area is cleared. Westbound trains operating slowly thru area.

Have we finally hooked our white whale?

Don't know if this was ever posted but here is some more detailed info on the financing structure for the W. 25th Street lofts for those that are interested. Love Funding closes $15.3 million loan to rejuvenate entire city block in downtown Cleveland http://www.rejournals.com/2015/08/19/love-funding-closes-15-3-million-loan-to-rejuvenate-entire-city-block-in-downtown-cleveland/#sthash.FhEfXOiv.dpuf

Speak for yourself. I, for one, prefer things executed poorly if not executed at all.

I thought the City entering chain of title was standard procedure for all TIFs, no?

Ordinance No. xxx-15(Ward 9/Councilmember Conwell): Authorizing the City of Cleveland to enter into an Option agreement and sale of Third District Police Station at 10600 Chester and greenspace on Chester to UC City Center for redevelopment; and an agreement with UC City Center to make improvements and authorize a property adoption agreement. Ordinance No. xxx-15(Ward 9/Councilmember Conwell): Authorizing the Director of Economic Development to enter into a loan agreement with UC City Center to assist with demolition and asbestos abatement costs. Ordinance No. xxx-15(Ward 9/Councilmember Conwell): Authorizing the City of Cleveland to acquire and re-convey parcels owned by UC City Center at 10600 and 10605 Chester for the purpose of entering into the chain-of-title required for a tax increment financing agreement (TIF). http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/designreview/drcagenda/2015/11202015/index.php

Lakefront enough I guess *Schematic Design Approval 4. Project: DF2015-104: Superman Plaza Project Address: Erieside Avenue Project Representative: Hutch Stoller, Chairmen, Superman Committee; David Deming, Artist; Donn Angus, Chief City Planner, City Planning Commission http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/designreview/drcagenda/2015/11202015/DRC_2015_11_19.pdf

Mall C is getting a makeover *Schematic Design Approval 5. Project: DF2015-089: Group Plan Commission: Mall C Design Project Address: Cleveland Mall C Project Representative: Erin Guido & Nora Romanoff, LAND Studio http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/designreview/drcagenda/2015/11202015/DRC_2015_11_19.pdf

Should not be a mere risk assessment. It should be looked at as a cost/benefit assessment.

Is it just me or have there been very few homicides lately? Plenty of routine crime reporting on cleveland.bomb but I've noticed less homicides.

Drone?