surfohio

The wife and I were on our way to Shaker Lakes via RTA on Sat. Neither of us had ever been there and it was beautiful out. We stopped downtown on the way and seeing all the fans heading into the balllpark, we couldn't resist it. Change of plans. We had such a great time at the game!!

Thanks KJP.

I truly wish Cleveland could send its most gifted geologists to NYC. There they would use some kind of machinery to scour beneath Bryant Park secretly in the dead of night and steal it. Just whisk it away. Maybe we could pay Pennsylvania for safe harbor, since NYC would be surely be pissed and try and stop us. I'm guessing it would have to be airlifted. Either way it would have to be done quickly. But then once safely back, the park could then be gently placed right on top of Public Square. We'd only need to cut out a section to fit over the Soldiers monument. Superior and the other crossing streets be damned.

With all respect, the experience of using RTA should very much be on topic. The complexities of solving the problem are real, as you've kindly expressed earlier. But it is a problem associated with RTA whether it owns the property or not. FYI, I think Jerry was only stating RTA's position and pointing out that happens off RTA property is to a large extent outside of RTA's control. These things are certainly on topic here and I'd guess RTA would be cooperative with any larger effort to clean up the property around the ROW, especially if independently funded. It's plausible that RTA is well positioned to wield political muscle to have the city enforce fines on the property owners. I would be much more optimistic if Jerry responded that RTA was working with the city to have the trash issue addressed. Again I want to reiterate that it's certainly not fair to blame RTA for this problem. If your neighbors property is in such bad condition that it affects the value and enjoyment of your own house (or place of business) it may take vigilance in getting the city to act. IMHO it's bad PR if it even remotely sounds like the position of RTA is a powerless "shrug of the shoulders" type response.

Columbo, here up in Cleveland we seemed pretty close to getting a team. If we actually do, I'm interested in what you think the dynamic would be? It would seem a natural rivalry, but then it struck me that there is no modern example of a Columbus/Cleveland sports rivalry that I know of. It could be interesting. p.s. Happy anniversary Crew

With all respect, the experience of using RTA should very much be on topic. The complexities of solving the problem are real, as you've kindly expressed earlier. But it is a problem associated with RTA whether it owns the property or not.

The graffiti "along" the rail lines isn't the main problem. Actually, some of it is very cool. The real eyesore along the Red Line are the dumped tires, shopping carts, rusted fencing and tons of trash along the corridor. Really, if I was taking visitors into downtown I would avoid the Rapid for this reason. The Blue/Green line trains are 32 years old. I don't disagree about the graffiti but it's in every city, especially throughout Europe along the rail lines. Cleveland just passed a tougher anti-graffiti law.... http://www.cleveland.com/sunpostherald/index.ssf/2012/05/cleveland_city_council_toughen.html

I'm not sure I get your point. I'm not questioning the value in pursuing a variance. I'm questioning why urban-killing requirements for setbacks, parking spaces, etc. are still favored by zoning in 2012.

Lakewood is a quick car ride to CSU. Maybe 15 minutes tops. RTA is also convenient. I like living there for the most part. It's a socioeconomically diverse place as you'll find every type of person imaginable. Good bar/food/music/arts scene too. Among your choices I'll propose it could be the safest place.

That doesn't solve the issue where adhering to zoning results in teardowns and more surface lots.

^ Okay, this ass backward zoning b.s. should be pissing all of us off. p.s. that building is quite beautiful

I'm particularly liking that second shot...that iconic, clean series of windows! And the ceiling. Wow. Sure MTS you're right, good point actually. Certainly some issues with lighting most definitely. But I'm a doc film guy, I like the challenge of incorporating these obstacles and making them work out into something unique. Or, I'm curious of what a Wes Anderson could do working in that interior.

If I'm a film location scout, I've got this place on my radar for sure.

^ I'll see ya there!

Another super article, thanks for posting!!

Really liking these. With some good furniture, plants, etc. the rooms will look great imho. The minimalist treatment (distant placement of couch, coffee table and lounge chairs)in the first interior pic isn't really doing the place any justice.

^ Yes that's it.

I really want Natures Bin to have another location, preferably on the near west side where organics are important. There is no grocery near gordon square and natures bin would do well in the DS neighborhood Wait, there is a grocery at Gordon Square (name escapes me sorry) and it's surprisingly quite nice inside.

I say bring back the Hippodrome Ouch. The sins of the past....

Reading this made my day.

I agree there was some vocal opposition. Yet my experience was the majority of Lakewood was either complacent or worse; they were actually spiteful of the theatre's existence.

There would be plenty of room for that, yes. And they could have differentiated themselves from Capitol enough imho to be a complimentary venue. To me it's telling that there were no warnings that the place was in danger. That there was no "save the theatre" campaign while it was open. If there was, I certainly didn't hear of it. I believe there were enough in the community who would have made a good, viable effort for preservation. Instead, this whole McDonalds thing was sprung on us pretty fast.

My friends and I frequented the theatre. However it was hardly ever crowded. To my knowledge, the owners/management never tried anything outside the box to draw bigger crowds. You would think that in a place like Lakewood it would be easy to get a beer license and mix things up to draw creative types.

Flats, Sea World, Geauga Lake...all incredible losses for the quality of life index in NEO.

On Sunday I saw an old man standing at the front entrance, just staring up at the place, looking sad. The fact that so many people like this McDonald's idea has me questioning whether I live in the right place.