freethink

Of course I can only project what I think might happen. But if I were a business looking to rehabilitate or locate myself in the cities central core, updated modern access to and from my business would certainly be at the top of my list. It could make the difference especially for a large manufacturer who has concerns about getting in and out of the area as it presently is. All I know with the way it is now, a road that dead ends in the middle of a major american city does not inspire anyone to invest in the area. Also below are a few quotes from ODOT's own study. The purpose of the Opportunity Corridor project is to develop transportation solutions that address the need of improving access to University Circle, while also stimulating community and economic development. Nearby neighborhoods and businesses have suffered decline over the past 60 years due to loss of manufacturing jobs, shifts in modes of transportation, and isolation from the Interstate System. As a result, areas such as the “Forgotten Triangle” have a large percentage of vacant properties and land banked parcels which will require investment for future development.

I continue to be in support of this project. I don't see the damage to the neighborhood that many propose would happen. The simple fact is that people and businesses like new roads. They gravitate towards them. Much of what has happened with the ECP and Euclid ave. I see happening here. This project IMO will spur development and not be the divider everyone fears. From what I've read it is described as a boulevard not a freeway. And when it comes to urban roads I think we sometimes need to get over our AlbertPorter/RobertMoses fears. That was 50 years ago. To me this is all about connectivity. A connection to a very large employment area. I don't see this as "the man" trying to separate a neighborhood through some kind of class warfare. To me it would be negligent and a disservice to the area if this project doesn't happen. The area will adapt. People will adapt.

Speaking of secret meetings, I wonder if Susan Goldberg would be willing to disclose the contents of her almost certain numerous meetings with FCE? Oh yeah that's right those were held "behind closed doors"...

David Patten??..What was Darrin Chiaverini busy?

If you think about it, Berea was way ahead of the curve with the whole "lifestyle" concept. When Berea Commons was originally proposed and then built its intent was an outdoor shopping and entertainment district. I seem to remember a couple of night clubs and restaurants located there along with retail. I don't recall specifically the mix but an open shopping and entertainment complex did last a few years before it mostly became professional offices and such. If you ever walked in and around it you can get the vibe of what it was originally meant to be.

So...the "Pesht" thread was 4 years and 66 pages in the making. Anyone want to place bets on the over and under before a shovel actually goes into the ground for this project?.....?....yeah me neither.

^I know right.

I don't see the the two ballfields being in conflict with each other. There are certainly enough high school and colleges in the area to keep them both busy. And as quoted in the article above the Indians have expressed an interest in using it. I think this is a great opportunity for CSU, and if done correctly it could turn out to be a smaller version of the Jake. Something that would bring the campus together. Oh yea and its replacing parking lots. CSU has a really strong baseball program for a midwest school. If the soccer team has a field then the baseball team deserves the same. What they have done at Case with the football field is a great example of how well this could work. I say never stop building, never stop dreaming. Oh and Play Ball!

oooh... aaah... colors

Although I was a huge fan of the original proposal, I am not disappointed in what it has become. This has to be built now, while the money is there. Just get it done. Besides I believe the banner idea could become interesting. I put my faith in the creativity and skills of those at CIA to make it work.

I really hope this resolves it. I feel for those who have invested big money in downtown living. You shouldn't have to wake up to that crap every morning.

FCE is just relentless. This was their public pitch in the PD today(see pdf attachment). Yes, now they want our support. Since when has FCE ever given a sh!t about what the public thinks. IMO, to them this is all about public money. For the likes of FCE and even the Wolstiens to some extent public money is like heroin to them, they just cant stop themselves. I do feel for FCE in some ways as they do need something at TC to make it work. Unlike some others I am not a TC basher, I want it to succeed. After all they did take a chance about 20 years ago when no one else did. And up to this point it has to be considered a success. While other cities struggle with downtown retail malls, TC is holding its own. We need it to be successful. Maybe they can work themselves into the casino picture. That space and those renderings could easily be considered for the casino proposal. http://riverfrontcc.net/

For all of the TrainGeeks... Event Name: World's Greatest Hobby Show on Tour Event Type: Consumer Start Date/Time: 3/15/2009, 10:00 AM End Date/Time: 3/15/2009, 5:00 PM Description: The World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour is a new kind of event that showcases the hobby of model railroading. Sponsored by the Hobby Manufacturers Association - Model Railroad Division and by the World’s Greatest Hobby Program, the show is intended to introduce the general public to model railroading in an entertaining, lively and family-friendly atmosphere. There will be hands on operating railroads for both children and adults. The show hopes to create new train enthusiasts by exposing the public to the very best model railroading has to offer. The hobby of model railroading has a unique ability to bring the family together in activities that teach many skills. Model railroad skills span from carpentry to artistry, from electrical engineering to historical research. Model railroading is the World’s Greatest Hobby. Registration fee at the show is $10.00 for adults and children under 16 are FREE - Registration provides access to the show for both days. www.wghshow.com. Location: I-X Center

Try either one of these, both low-cost no-contract providers... https://www.consumercellular.com/Default.aspx http://www.virginmobileusa.com/rates/month.do

in the meantime...

AT&T to order 8,000 eco-friendly vans from Ford's Avon Lake plant Posted by Robert Schoenberger/Plain Dealer Reporter March 11, 2009 12:40PM Categories: Autos, Economy, Environment, Manufacturing, Real Time News An E-Series van from Ford Motor Co.'s Avon Lake plant sits on an AT&T service lot. AT&T plans to buy 8,000 Ford vans over the next five years and convert them to run on natural gas. CLEVELAND -- AT&T plans to spend $350 million over the next five years to buy 8,000 vans made at Ford Motor Co.'s Avon Lake plant and convert them to run on natural gas. continued at>>>>>> http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2009/03/att_to_order_8000_ecofriendly.html

well the Ratners are part of a certain ethnic tribe...just sayin

New Ohio casino plan officially unveiled; former Cincinnati mayor Charlie Luken leads groupPosted by Reginald Fields/Plain Dealer Columbus Bureau Chief March 11, 2009 11:11AM Categories: Real Time News Brynne Shaw/The Plain Dealer UPDATED 12:09 p.m. COLUMBUS — Backers of a plan calling for four, full-fledged casinos in Ohio's largest cities -- Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo -- officially announced this morning a ballot initiative for November. (Related: Read the full news release with details of the plan.) The plan, first reported by The Plain Dealer two weeks ago, is backed by Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and Penn National Gaming, a prominent casino operator, which owns the popular Argosy casino in Indiana. Other investors are also expected to join the effort. continued at>>>>> http://blog.cleveland.com/openers/2009/03/casino_proposal_backed_by_cavs.html

hellzz yeaaaa...we win

Question...Does FCE's estimate include any infrastructure work that would most likely come up due to the fact that most of the back end of TC is built on a platform. I remember that was the issue when the Avenue at TC was built. Will there not be infrastructure problems in the future which would most likely add to the costs?

haha...Browns much?

^Has PerkPark gotten the go ahead? I wasn't aware of that. *Also my condolences to the families of the victims. This is tough stuff.

^damn you beat me by seconds The peedee continues its assault on the MM/CC. Posted below is just the headline and teaser from the front page. I wont even post the whole article because its a waste of space. The link is below if you need something to read in the bathroom. How would you spend $500 million in taxpayer money? Posted by Robert L. Smith/Plain Dealer Reporter February 22, 2009 04:30AM Professional planners note the new convention center project's budget about covers the cost of the Opportunity Corridor and the West Shoreway projects. Economists suggest that kind of money could be used to lure new companies in growing industries. http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/02/how_would_you_spend_500_millio.html

hmm...not good CSU amends plan to salvage grant for Wright Center for Sensor Systems Engineering Posted by Janet Okoben/Plain Dealer Reporter February 19, 2009 06:00AM Lorain County Community College has agreed to become the primary host of an engineering center that was to have been housed at Cleveland State University. CSU this week submitted a plan to the Ohio Department of Development aimed at salvaging a $24 million grant it won in 2006 for the Wright Center for Sensor Systems Engineering. In December, the state froze funding for the project because it was so far behind and gave CSU 45 days to come up with a remedy or risk losing the grant... http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/02/csu_amends_plan_to_salvage_gra.html

Does anyone know if there are any plans to clean the surface of the building. This has been like this for years. It looks like they ran out of money half way through the cleaning process. I have emailed the building owners in the past but have never gotten a response. Does anyone else notice this? It looks horrible. Finish the job.