Cleburger

But don't forget to tie-in all the discussions about parking downtown. Yes, I did OFFER MY OPINION on a new casino in Northfield. But, IMO, it is based on factual observations of casinos elsewhere. The vast majority of casino patrons, especially in the midwest, are over 50, white and female. They want seas of endless parking and ease of access. There is no glitz or glamor about it--they are going to chain smoke cigarettes and put quarters in the slots. (For this reason the native casinos of western NY will continue to hold the edge on Cleveland's non-smoking environs). Downtown will offer a different experience, but you better bet Dan Gilbert doesn't want the slots at Northfield. That is not being negative about Cleveland, that is thinking rationally with a clear sense of marketing and business plan. Once again, IMO, a slot casino at Northfield is not good for the Horseshoe. And IMO, if it opens soon, I SPECULATE it will delay the start of Phase II of the Shoe.

Not much for plumbing though. The Dyngus Day relief is found OUTSIDE the building in a fenced in Port-O-Let compound. It gets ugly late at night....

The new slot casino in Northfield will change this. Free parking for days down there!

Take a drive to Presque Isle tomorrow. You'll see what I mean.

IMO this is absolutely bad news for the Horseshoe. Will definitely cut into their traffic.

Also the decline of sports teams. As Browns (well perpetual decline), Indians and Post Lebron Cavs attendance figures fall there will be fare less reports of crimes like car break ins, etc.

The city has to have a plan in place to redo the street once the construction is finished? If not maybe "Road Rants" can get it done for you.... :wink2:

I think every-other year would be appropriate and doable. It would probably actually be easier to get corporate underwriting if the schedule were more "routine" than every three years. The City of Cleveland did well last weekend--would be a worthy investment!

Agree 100%. I wish we had the ceremony more than every three years because the attention is good for the building.

I'm actually sure that the Rock Hall people have the event at Public Hall for a few reasons: A. The historical surroundings. B. The city gives them the building rent free. C. Politically it would look bad for them to go outside of a city managed building I'm sure if HBO and the Rock Hall staff had their way they would choose the Q for these and many more reasons. And from the acoustic point of view, the Q is actually more flexible and manageable than Public Hall, with it's flat concrete surfaces, limited rigging for PA and fixed stage positioning. Like I said, I am a fan of Public Hall--just pointing out it's drawbacks vs a modern arena. It is my hope that this event continues to show the people of Cleveland what a great building it once was and money is set aside to continue to upgrade and improve it's facilities.

The Q is much bigger. 21,000 in basketball configuration. In typical end stage, just lower bowl it's up near 10,000. If you add in the upper level it's easily up around 14,000. But there is more than seats. There are modern concessions, restrooms, 10 loading docks and a host of other technical features that Public Auditorium doesn't have. With this being said, I too am a fan of the building. Hopefully the continuing convention center renovations will put more money into the ole girl.

And cut back on beautiful thoroughfares like SR2 in Lake County? Where the pavement and sound walls are ALREADY crumbling? I think Cleveland's moonscapes are holding up pretty well all things considered ;)

True words. Unfortunately I think America will continue a slide until people get over the Wal Mart mentality of HAVING to have everything cheaper. Sometimes it's better to spend a bit more and get something better. Sad for Steelyard...I do hope they reenergize the space.

I was kind of partial to our 19th century shipping buildings lining a narrow street that could have co-existed with this new building.... (sigh)

While I don't support the skywalk idea (especially if it doesn anything to deface Public Hall) I can see why a "convention" hotel would want this. It's much easier to sell their clientele on a coat-free walk to the show floor than bundling up and having to deal with inclement weather. But even if they did a skywalk, I'm not sure how it would attach to Public Hall. On the Music Hall side you have the entrance lobby, theatre house, and shared stage house with Public Hall. On the Public Hall side the entire second floor is taken by the balcony seating and concourse entrances. I suppose they could enter the concourse, then figure out some way to make a secure walkway inside around to the convention floor? But this would have the attendees hiking all the way up to Lakeside, down a block then down 2-3 stories.... Also something conventioneers are not known for being thrilled with....

And also a dedicated source of employment in taxpayer funded state jobs.

Something like Waterfront Place in Buffalo would be cool here--a nice mix of a residential tower (out of the landing slope of BKL) and low rise townhomes. http://www.buffalorising.com/2010/07/sales-watch-waterfront-place.html

I find it even harder to understand some of these newer developments with a sea of parking lots in front of a Starbucks and the customers STILL find it necessary to park in the fire lane on the curb! Probably the same folks that fight over the close space or even valet their car at the gym. :) But back to the topic....

Thank you for this Keith. I appreciate the comparisons of neighborhoods in Columbus to those of Cleveland. There is something to be learned from successes (and failures) in each.

I got a similar response from Mr. Westbrook approximately 6 months ago. Quite frankly I don't think he knows what is going to happen with Clifton, but hold out hope that something gets done soon.

I've been told the budget is there as well. I've been trying to get info out of Councilman Westbrook, not only on the road reconstruction, but hopefully sidewalks and aprons. The road itself has become downright dangerous when it rains. Larger trucks and SUV's throw up walls of water coming from the wagon tracks that have formed from commuter traffic. Please join me in this inquiry: Jay Westbrook [email protected] [email protected]

Uh oh....this reminds me of the "Mike White" treatment with the Flats bar owners. Suddenly businesses that functioned for years were cited for "code violations" and given no chance to correct them.

I'm I the only one that finds these to be a complete waste of money? If I'm westbound on the Shoreway heading into downtown, who cares the time to SR2 vs I 77? They make no sense.

I am a fan of Burke and wish the city would use it even more as a development tool. There are not many central business districts left with that kind of convenient air access. I would offer free landing fees as a part of a tax & incentive package to locate your company HQ downtown. There is plenty of land available around Burke that we can focus on before worrying about getting rid of the airport.

Quick off continuance off topic, but this is such a crime. If any UO's hear of ways to stay active in calling the city off these small clubs I'm all ears.