Vulpster03

I still think if one really had to pick between West Boulevard and W.117th for the commuter line station because of funding - I'd still pick West Boulevard. It would allow passengers to transfer to W.117th via rapid (although the W.117th St. station at Madison is still a good deal north of the hub you are referring to at W. 117th and Detroit.) Plus I think even if there was no W.117th station a potential Detroit Avenue streetcar would eliminate the need for W.117th's own commuter rail station. A BRT or streetcar line down Detroit with more frequent stops would make a lot sense to do in conjunction with the West Side Commuter Rail line.

I was thinking these condos at Shaker Towne Center would be something to consider: http://www.avalonlofts.com/_index.php?page=about. This is really the only new condominium development on the East Side in a sophisticated and diverse/liberal community with easy public transit access downtown, walking distance to neighborhood amenities, and off I-271 within reasonable commuting distance to Painesville. Plus in terms of running, jogging, biking you'd really like Shaker Heights. Its gorgeous and they have a fantastic nature preserve- Shaker Lakes. Also the Courtyards of Severance or Severance Place in Cleveland Heights might be good options too: www.progressiveurban.com/homepage_hires.htm

The West Boulevard site is extremely attractive as I see it, because of the Red Line connection, which translates to an airport connection.

Look we need more lakefront access - that is clear, but I really don't understand the obsession with Burke. No offense to BW, but I took a political science course last semester in public opinion and I think there were either problems in BW's study or the PD reporting (which is often the case in reporting public opinion studies). Nothing in the study indicates exactly how redeveloping the Burke site in particular will increase the likelihood of public visits/enjoyment of the lake. First of all - "Would you visit the lake more if there was more public access?" - Its not a bad question but of course the majority of people are going to say yes because it sounds good. But where, how often, and why do county residents currently access the lake? Those are important questions to ask, because as someone who has grown up living within a mile of the shore in a lakefront community- I believe that the people who live 15+ miles south of the shore aren't really aware of all the different community parks, beaches, marinas, boat launches, bike trails, etc. that exist on Lake Erie. A lot of people really don't make the effort to enjoy the lake. Maybe we need a larger, more visible, and centrally located park in the region - but we do have Edgewater (which could be improved), the West Shoreway redevelopment, and most notably the potential to relocate the port authority. Everyone is always singling out the BKE, but why not the Port Authority on the other side of downtown?

The ballot language clearly exempted private clubs. What did the American Cancer Society intend private clubs to mean exactly? I cant think of any private clubs that don't have some kind of employees or members doing work there.

Visitor overlooks downtown mess Thursday, April 05, 2007 Sam Fulwood III Plain Dealer Columnist .............

^ I think there is an upscale furniture store downtown in the warehouse district; Home Surroundings? or something like that, but its definately more contemporary and urban than Arhaus is, but I think its pretty upscale too. Arhaus to tell the truth is more of a suburban style decor in my opinion.

I think Ohio has one of the highest means of state tuition costs. I don't know. Maybe that has something to do with it.

Why doesn't the DCA, Warehouse District, Gateway, and maybe Flats Ox-bow merge? I just really want to see the same type of organization for downtown as University Circle has, but I just don't see one.

The Rapid hub is at Tower City - and something like 90% of RTA busses stop in front of Tower City on Public Square. I'd say you're about a fifteen minute walk to either Public Square downtown or Market Square in Ohio City.

^ Yes definately.

I didn't even think people over the age of 35 knew how to use the internet.

Out of all the organizations trying to better the city, the Downtown Cleveland Alliance is probably the most disappointing. The status of their website is really getting on my nerves. There's simply no excuse. University Circle and even a number of smaller neighborhoods have really nice websites, so what's the problem?

^ Also, Urban Outfitters is at Crocker Park, a Hermes boutique is located in Chagrin Falls, and think there are a several Hollister stores - one being at Crocker Park I know for sure - although everytime I go in there I feel like its some teen horror movie like "I know what you wore last summer". At any rate, most of those retailers listed not in the Cleveland market really should be. Barney's, A/X, and Club Monaco are at the top of my list. I forgot about tumi and french connection; both of which would be great too.

Pupster - out of all the things you've mentioned, only one building comes to my mind that satisfies all your requests - and that would be Reserve Square. It's right downtown with a pool, fitness center, grocery store, security desk, etc. It's a quick, easy drive down Chester to Case (although don't make it too quick - cause the cameras just caught me speeding down Chester and I got a ticket in the mail), it is very close to Tower City Center which is linked to the airport via the red line. I've been inside the units a couple times before. The buidling is newer with modern amenities, although its a little dated and nothing special. I myself and I think most people on the forum would prefer something a bit more historic, unique, and immediately located in a more happening district, but based on your preferences I think it would be a good fit for you.

I'm leaning towards the negative side on the bike park for Midtown. To me it does seem like this would be a poor use of this particular site. A bike park might however be fantastic in the Flats somewhere in conjuction with the towpath trail.

I honestly think the rankings had to do with the fact (as they always do) that the inner-ring suburbs were not included. If you include Lakewood, Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, and a number of other suburbs where black middle class families live or for that matter any of the communities where the majority of our middle class families live - you'd come up with a lot more accurate and realistic picture of the quality of life for African Americans in Cleveland.

First of all, we should definately look into Cleveland Bridge Builders as a statutory agent. They already act as a statutory agent for a number of initiatives and emerging organizations: http://www.clevelandbridgebuilders.org/index.asp, and I think their mission matches ours. Second of all, I think ideally what we really want to do is establish local chapters of the organizations to 1. Promote what's happening in urban neighborhoods through a website, newsletter, and tours. 2. Lead specific campaigns of public interest by attending meetings and writing letters to area government officials, other non-profits, CDCs, and developers. Here are a couple organizations that come to mind that I think we could look to as providing some kind of model: Ohio Citizen Action - A statewide public interest group with specific chapters that each lead a regional campaign to promote awareness and organize communities around environmental issues. Urban Ohio could be a similar organization, but instead of "environemntal issues" the focus would be "sustainable neighborhoods". On a side note, non-profits like Ohio Citizen Action that influence public policy have a 501c4 designation and private contributions are not tax decuctible. http://www.ohiocitizen.org/ Cool Cleveland - Promotes what's "cool and happening" in Cleveland through a website and newsletter. They also organize their own events and sell their own merchandise, which provides some revenue as well. Urban Ohio could do something similar by maintaining a website and newsletter that promotes "sustainable neighborhood development". We could also look at ways to generate revenue through sponsorship, merchandise, and tours. http://www.coolcleveland.com/

Since this thread has turned into discussion about how to quit, a new oral medication called chantix appears to be working phenomenal based on what I've heard from people close to me who have been taking it. It reduces cravings and if you were to light up while on the drug you wouldn't even like smoking.

I mean, its kind of evident that the more smoking i banned, the more people become sensitized to it. It really didnt seem to bother people 30 years ago when you could smoke almost anywhere. First went medical offices, then went shopping malls, airports, most restuarants, office buildings, and then bars. Its certainly been a slippery slope. Whats next? outdoor bans and automobiles? I've lit up before and some people around me start waving their hand in front of their face and start coughing. This is completely ridiculous. I do think people should consider the fact that people are for the most part now simply socialized to believing that cigarettes and anything associated with it are unhealthy. A lot of negative reaction is due to this socialization. Cigarette smoke is honestly not a very offensive smell, but people have now become convinced otherwise.

I have some more thoughts too. I guess the part of the problem with claiming downtown is dead isn't going to in any way make the situation better. We have some great hotspots downtown that attract people but need more people. If we convince people these places are worth going, then we will increase their demand and see more development. I'm really not content with the status quo, but you can see how bad PR can only become self-fulfilling.

I think we're all very concerned about the impression downtown Cleveland makes on visitors, and none of us are entirely content with the current level of pedestrian activity. For instance we all hate the surface parking lots, and really wish there was more infill development to increase vibrancy. However I think its unfair for someone to form an opinion without making an effort to enjoy and appreciate what's good about downtown. It's amazing what has happened on W.6th Street and E.4th Street, and the amount of interest people have in living downtown now, but the reporter didn't even mention these transformations taking place. I guess my point is, I know downtown still has a way to go, but it is going there. It isn't stagnant and it isn't continuing to deteriorate. She claimed the momentum in the 90s had leveled off, but I don't think thats the case. What we're seeing now is a shift from large scale civic type developments to medium scale neighborhood developments, which is a good thing. And it isn't just downtown that is seeing transformations. University Circle, Ohio City, Detroit-Shoreway, and Tremont are doing quite well. Little Italy, Shaker Square, neighborhoods in Cleveland Heights and Lakewood continue to remain stable urban neighborhoods. There are honestly VERY few cities that have a constant level of pedestrian activity throughout the day, week, and year. I have traveled extensively and spent extended periods of time in other cities. It would be unfair to make sweeping judgements about the worth of a city based on an experience during an extremely unfavorable time. I spent time in Boston last summer, and I distinctly remember being downtown in the morning and there being very little pedestrian and automobile traffic. In fact that was my first impression. But Boston is still an awesome city and that is more evident in the afternoon and evenings in particular parts of downtown. I've spent a lot of time in different parts of Cleveland. I've worked downtown for two summers now. I got off of one office job I had in the Warehouse District at 10 PM, and everyday after work there were lots of people out. My last job was a typical 9-5 job and during rush hour, and particularly lunch there were a number of people on Public Square, the Library's reading garden, sidewalk tables, etc. There is also a TON of things going on during the summer; festivals, sporting events, and other events that bring in a lot of people. In the winter you have less events like these and you have a lot more workers staying in their buildings. Its fairly understandable. Just because you don't see people out on the streets downtown during the week in winter, doesn't mean that people aren't there - they're just inside.

I don't know if there's a press release or not. A friend told me. She was working on developing a new US marketing campaign for them, but got a memo to stop work because the US division was being shut down. Benetton isn't closing, but I know its not been doing as well as it did ten years ago. Zara on the other hand is doing really well I think. With retail there is a lot more to success than good product and good service.

I don't think it matters that Mexx is a part of Liz Claiborne. Mexx origninated in Europe and is very prevelant there with numerous locations. They tried to expand the brand to the U.S., but it wasn't doing well, so corporate has decided to close Mexx in the United States. The other divisions around the globe will remain. This type of thing is really common for international companies possessing a number of brands. Some brands just don't work globally.

I agree, well said, let her rip! Vulpster leave out the hotel as luxury part, as none of the properties, except the intercontinental and R-C are "luxury". The properties we have are not luxury. For instance, we have a basic "marriott", not a JW Marriott or Marriott Marquis and the renaissnce is Marriott's Mid tier brand. We have a Hyatt Regency, mid tier brand, not a Grand or Park Hyatt. Wyndhams are mid tier brands. I agree with you entirely. What I meant was I know Hyatt, Marriot, Wyndham, and Renaissance aren't "luxury" hotels like Ritz, Fairmont or Peninsula, but I think you could consider them "upscale". Its not like all we have downtown is Holiday Inn or Hampton Inn like the reporter made it seem.