Luke_S

Rockefeller Building owner snags lawsuit for unpaid bill STAN BULLARD March 21, 2024 https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/owner-downtown-clevelands-rockefeller-building-sued-unpaid-bill

I'm not sure this should be all that controversial... Connectivity here isn't great and the entire West Bank is waiting to be developed. Without the Ontario Stone Corp operating is there an opportunity to pedestrianize the lift bridge here? It's a glaring weak link in this trail.

Your second question would be better answered by someone like @KJP. But looks like this ROW is heavily used with 40-50 trains per day.

Norfolk Southern You might find this map useful. https://ohiodot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=82f597df8411453cafb18d62c371bc47

Honest question here, it's not clear to me if this is a shortage of supply or increase of demand. The population estimates were for Cuyahoga County, not the city of Cleveland, but if Cleveland wasn't seeing population growth would we be seeing rent prices increasing at the rate they are? A 16% year-over-year increase when the national average was a 1% decrease. And only a percent behind Columbus (17% increase), that is seeing the fastest growth in Ohio. https://www.ideastream.org/health/2024-03-13/rising-rent-prices-in-cleveland-akron-markets-are-bucking-national-trends-new-data-say

University of Akron explores privatizing its student housing by Arielle Kass March 8, 2024 The University of Akron, which has $80 million in debt on its nine residence halls, is considering selling control of its student housing to a private company that would pay for upgrades to its dorms — and perhaps build new ones. The university is looking for a public-private partnership to maintain and operate its residence halls. It has requested information from three companies and opened its proposal (below) to others. The business partners would also finance and build new dorms, if necessary. The request is open-ended, and, with any agreement, the university is looking for ways to improve the student experience, said John Messina, the university’s vice president for student affairs. But the proposal states that the university wants to harness creative thinking from the private sector with regard to housing and transfer financial risk from the university. https://signalakron.org/university-of-akron-explores-privatizing-its-student-housing/

Lakewood community outreach survey is open through March 15, link below. https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8PIGoC8pTPUelECspK9yPWwgJJGFxcWmtsL4-MQ2XlfEC_g/formResponse?pli=1

CVSR is stoping operations for a few months while it implements safety improvements. This is unrelated to the track repairs that have taken place over the past few years due to erosion, and appears to be self-imposed for the most part. Improvements will include "advancements in radio communications, operations management software and onboard camera systems.” But there was an interesting piece of news buried at the end of the Crain's article; CVSR also is implementing what’s known as GCOR, or General Code of Operating Rules, followed by major railroads. The period in which CVSR trains aren’t running will be used to train engineers and other personnel in GCOR safety protocols, Mazur said. He said implementing GCOR also is critical for a potential expansion of CVSR to Cleveland. The railroad is conducting a study of a plan to extend about 10 miles from Rockside Road in Independence to downtown. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad to suspend passenger trains for two months for safety upgrades Scott Suttell March 4th 2024

Pier and rock beach envisioned for Lakewood waterfront Updated: Mar. 01, 2024 By John Benson, special to cleveland.com Earlier this week, the city held a Lakewood Park Waterfront Feasibility Study meeting where residents were presented with the final study and concept plan. ... The unveiled project includes the construction of a pier with an adjacent cobble beach located east of Lakewood Park’s popular Solstice Steps. ... The plan includes a lakeside terrace in the middle area along the water’s edge. Farther east is where a pier will take visitors over Lake Erie. https://www.cleveland.com/community/2024/03/lakewood-presents-waterfront-feasibility-study-plan-for-pier-and-rock-beach.html Link to plan presentation: https://onelakewood.granicus.com/player/clip/2218

Not a link to the Scene article, but here's another write up of Pearl Street closing from Cle Mag. Small says she's going to try to find another location to reopen, but this is sad. Good location, good atmosphere... https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/pearl-street-wine-market-cafe-to-close-at-the-end-of-march

Sherrod Brown leads the charge as Akron angles for $70 million in polymer funding Dan Shingler February 29th 2024 U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes of Akron and other local members of Congress are pushing for the federal government to fund the regional polymer hub being proposed by the Greater Akron Chamber and other players in the important regional industry. At stake are tens of millions of dollars that local economic developers say could improve the region’s already strong polymer industry and cement its importance nationally. The industry includes big rubber companies such as Goodyear Tire & Rubber, along with hundreds of other local businesses involved in plastics, paints and coatings, and a plethora of products and materials based on polymer science and engineering. It also would support schools that are prominent in those disciplines, such as the University of Akron and Case Western Reserve University. https://www.crainscleveland.com/manufacturing/congress-members-urge-support-ohio-polymer-hub

Akron Children's opens sports health center at University of Akron Joe Scalzo February 29th 2024 Akron Children’s Sports Health has a new place to fix the Zips’ hips — and anything else ailing the University of Akron’s 500 student-athletes, faculty, staff and students. The comprehensive sports facility is located inside UA’s Stile Athletics Field House and is designed to help athletes age 12 and older dealing with orthopedic or sports injuries. ... Three Akron Children’s physicians and two fellows will provide athlete medical clinics five days a week, while 10 athletic trainers will provide sideline coverage at practices and games and will work with athletes in the UA training room. https://www.crainscleveland.com/sports-recreation/akron-childrens-opens-sports-health-center-zips

Cleveland to greenlight plans for lakefront trail from downtown to East 55th Street Published: Feb. 28, 2024 By Courtney Astolfi, cleveland.com Mayor Justin Bibb this week introduced legislation to City Council that, if approved, will pave the way for Cuyahoga County and Cleveland Metroparks’ plans to construct a 2.7-mile multi-use connector path along North Marginal Road, running parallel with Burke Lakefront Airport. City Hall must give the county permission to move ahead with construction. Metroparks intends to operate and maintain the trail, so the city also intends to strike a long-term management agreement with the Metroparks that would help them perform maintenance, conduct police patrols, and handle trash and snow removal along the trail. ... The trail would stretch along the north side of North Marginal Road, connecting Voinovich Bicentennial Park in downtown Cleveland to the Metroparks’ East 55th Street Marina and Lakefront Reservation. It would also link up with the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway. https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2024/02/cleveland-to-greenlight-plans-for-lakefront-trail-from-downtown-to-east-55th-street.html

Lakewood’s Madison Park master plan nearly finished Updated: Feb. 28, 2024 By John Benson, special to cleveland.com LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Roughly a year in the making, the Madison Park master plan is close to being approved ... The Madison Park master plan started last winter with the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission awarding Lakewood a $75,000 Planning Services Grant, which required a $10,000 match from the city. The goal was to create a community-driven plan that addresses the current and future needs for all users at the city’s second-largest park in an inclusive and equitable manner. https://www.cleveland.com/community/2024/02/lakewoods-madison-park-master-plan-nearly-finished.html

River access dawns at Valley View Claire Merrick, Marketing & Public Relations Manager The transformation of the Valley View Area in Cascade Valley Metro Park heralds an exciting chapter in our community’s connection to nature. The park district has initiated a project that promises to create new outdoor experiences with construction of river access, poising Valley View to become an unforgettable hub for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Valley View has undergone a remarkable transformation since being acquired by the park district in 2016. This scenic spot along the Cuyahoga River now boasts one mile of restored river and 200 acres of pristine parkland, replete with hiking trails, scenic vistas and Himelright Lodge. This river access project will rejuvenate the land and kindle the community’s desire to experience and enjoy the river that flows through it. ... The Valley View riverfront project promises to be a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. Upon its completion, expected in summer 2024, visitors will have access to a range of amenities designed to enhance their experience. A kayak and canoe put-in will set the stage for inspiring water adventures, while walking paths will invite exploration of the surrounding natural beauty. A restroom farmhouse and gathering barn with a fireplace will provide modern comforts and shelter from the elements, while honoring the land’s agricultural past. https://metro-parks.medium.com/river-access-dawns-at-valley-view-43c4befef83c

Huge demolition project in Akron: How you can watch by: Celeste Houmard Posted: Feb 26, 2024 The Summit County Land Bank has announced the demolition of the former Atlantic Foundry in Akron. The building, located on 182 Beaver Street, has become an area that is unsafe for the community, according to a press release from the Summit County Land Bank. ... The demolition, funded by the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, will begin on March 7 at 3 p.m., with the viewing area on Annandale Avenue, overlooking the 254,826 square-foot site. https://fox8.com/news/viewing-event-akron-atlantic-foundry-site-to-be-demolished-in-march/

A lot coming down in Akron recently... Former home of historic Akron Baptist Temple is headed for the wrecking ball Ideastream Public Media | By Anna Huntsman Published February 26, 2024 Akron City Council unanimously approved funding for the emergency demolition of The Word Church, formerly Akron Baptist Temple, on Manchester Road in the city’s Kenmore neighborhood. Akron Baptist Temple was founded in 1934 and The Word Church purchased the building in 2018. The Word Church, which operates several locations in Northeast Ohio, never fully moved into the building and put it up for sale. The church was heavily looted during the pandemic and is now considered a safety hazard, Mayor Shammas Malik said in a Monday news release. https://www.ideastream.org/community/2024-02-26/former-home-of-historic-akron-baptist-temple-headed-for-the-wrecking-ball

In a sign of progress made in restoring the Cuyahoga River ODNR plans to expand is steelhead trout release to the Cuyahoga river. Steelhead trout a plan for Cuyahoga River: NE Ohio fishing report Published: Feb. 23, 2024 By D'Arcy Egan | special to cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Ohio Division of Wildlife has been working with stakeholders as it examines shifting some of its steelhead trout stockings this spring to the Cuyahoga River. With the river’s reclamation in full swing, fishermen have been anxious to have a new steelhead trout river to explore. Steelhead trout are already being released in the Rocky and Chagrin rivers in the Cleveland area, as well as the Vermilion, Grand and Ashtabula rivers and Conneaut Creek. The Castalia State Fish Hatchery has reached its annual capacity of raising about 450,000 steelhead trout each year to release as yearlings in the spring, so the other rivers will have to share in order to have spring releases in the Cuyahoga River. https://www.cleveland.com/outdoors/2024/02/steelhead-trout-a-plan-for-cuyahoga-river-ne-ohio-fishing-report.html

I'd vote trains... Is this a rendering from Bedrock's riverfront plan and which bridge is this?

Lakewood Park Waterfront Access Plan Public Meeting Where: Auditorium at Lakewood City Hall, 12650 Detroit Avenue When: 6:00p Open House, 6:30p Presentation The SmithGroup will be presenting final renderings to the public for review. There will be an open house style session starting at 6:00p.m. and a presentation starting at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Auditorium at Lakewood City Hall, 12650 Detroit Avenue. https://www.lakewoodoh.gov/lakewood-park-waterfront-access-feasibility-study/

Bike Cleveland has released their 2023 Crash Report: In 2023, 550 people were hit by cars while biking or walking in the City of Cleveland. This is unacceptable and there is a critical need for enhanced safety measures and infrastructure improvements. As part of a broader commitment to safety, Cleveland, like many other cities worldwide, has adopted the Vision Zero initiative—a comprehensive strategy aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2032, while promoting equitable, safe, and accessible transportation for all road users. Central to the Vision Zero philosophy is the recognition of the value of human life and the need to prioritize safety over convenience or expediency. https://bikecleveland.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=78ac9fe035fdf45058a18f2c6&id=8bb790f32d&e=1601d4bb01

So I've said this before, but I think it's worth raising again since it seems to be a common opinion that if the stadium moves off the lakefront the odds that the land bridge and lakefront development are derailed increase significantly. I know we've seen a lot of these lakefront plans proposed and fail, but this is a pretty central policy of the Bibb administration so he has a fair amount of political capital riding on seeing this through. The current lakefront plan also is supported by more than just the HSG and includes a broader base of support from non-profit and business leaders than past plans, so I don't think that just because Jimbo might lose interest it means that all of a sudden that broad base of support evaporates along with it. Lastly, if the stadium is removed thats 31 acres of previously undevelopable land now available. Now, someone correct me here if I'm wrong, but building on the old stadium site could reuse the stadium caissons to reduce construction cost and build bigger here. Further increasing any developers ROI. To bring this around and more on topic of the Cleveland Browns Stadium and not just the lakefront, one last thought. The Broadway Ave site was always my preference. I recognize this location is disconnected from Jacobs and the Gund, but far less disconnected than a Brookpark stadium would be to anything but the airport. Others have pointed out the mistake of building another lifestyle center in Brookpark centered around a football stadium so I won't retread that. I would like to add; even tho the USPS site offers less developable land wouldn't this be a better development opportunity with Blitzer, Gilbert, and Haslam all working to build a ballpark village in the same general area? Haslam could build off what the other 2 are building to attract residential and business tenants instead of going it alone in Brookpark.

Agree, building structured parking to allow for development of the lots surrounding the Square would help, whether its more activity through retail or residential. They should also be looking at ways to bring the vitality of Larchmere south, and I think you do that through an improved pedestrian corridor down Moreland Blvd. Lastly, they need to unify the center of the Square as much as possible for programing and that means removing the central sections of Shaker Blvd. I didn't include the excerpts from the article, but there was a disappointing section about Brandon Chrostowski's past opposition to closing this section of Shaker Blvd.

Shaker Square’s rescuers ready to pivot from urgent repairs to pursuing new vision for a Cleveland landmark Feb. 16, 2024 By Steven Litt, cleveland.com The work so far has included replacing flat roofs that account for 85% of the total roof area at the square and replacing 60 of the 120 rooftop heating, ventilating and cooling units. Contractors have replaced some of the square’s rotting woodwork and will continue that work this spring and summer. They’ve fixed a nasty sewage backup, doubled the intensity of street lighting, and repaved the square’s two large parking lots. ... CNP and BBC, working with the city and a 15-member neighborhood steering committee, have chosen the Boston-based firm of Agency Landscape + Planning to lead a new, nine-month, $250,000 planning effort for the square. Details on dates of meetings and events will be forthcoming at ShakerSquare.com. ... The vacant, 2.1-acre “Bonwit Teller” shopping strip, built along Van Aken Boulevard behind the square’s southeast side in 1939-40, appears to be headed for demolition this year. Clearing the site would remove an eyesore and open a path toward redevelopment, possibly with new apartments. https://www.cleveland.com/news/2024/02/shaker-squares-rescuers-ready-to-pivot-from-urgent-repairs-to-pursuing-new-vision-for-a-cleveland-landmark.html

Holding company for private jet charter company based at Akron-Canton Airport files for bankruptcy protection Feb. 15, 2024 By Mary Vanac | Cleveland Business Journal GREEN, Ohio - Ultimate Jet LLC, the holding company for Ultimate Jetcharters LLC, the private jet charter company based at Akron-Canton Airport in Green, Ohio, has joined its operating unit in bankruptcy court. Late last week, Ultimate Jet filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio in Akron. As was true for Ultimate Jetcharter’s bankruptcy filing in October, the charter airline intends to keep operating as usual while its holding company restructures in bankruptcy court. https://www.cleveland.com/business/2024/02/holding-company-for-private-jet-charter-company-based-at-akron-canton-airport-files-for-bankruptcy-protection.html