Cleburger

The only reason we should be paying for that much work is the re-installation of trolley lines. Barring that, it's much ado about nothing because, as you note, commuters rarely use the right lane as it is. I don't disagree with this idea in the abstract, I just can't fathom how it's getting such priority right now. And tearing up Lakewood's just-paved portion of Clifton is wasteful no matter how you slice it. Perhaps this will lead to reinstallation of trolley lines (for our grandchildren). And while it seems like bad timing, it's actually been in the works for several years. From reading the current vision of the project I believe you will get your wish--Lakewood will go with a slimmed-down version sans medians. Cleveland may push forward with the full project, but I don't think anyone will argue that Clifton through Cleveland needs to be completely torn up and rebuilt, including the sidewalks.

All lanes are being narrowed and one lane is swtching to bus-only. That's a reduction. I see the neighborhood growing and prospering as well, in fact I'm moving there later this month. And while I like the median idea, I just don't think it's all that necessary in a time of fiscal strain. It would be nice to have, but there's a cost-benefit issue and myriad other capital needs for RTA. RTA should not be in the treelawn business at a time like this (if ever). That said, I fully support upgrading the bus stops and repaving the Cleveland portion of Clifton. Lanes are not being narrowed by much. There was some concern that the median would kick Clifton out of the federal guidelines for truck width, but trucks are not allowed on the route anyway. Because of this however it is being studied to widen the overall width slightly into the treelawns to allow for the median. And as far as the lane restrictions, it would only be during the rush hour, which would benefit public transportation. Isn't that a common goal of most everyone on this board? Even if you disagree with this idea, I can tell you from living in the neighborhood the right lane is underutilized in both rush hours because of the occasional parked car left behind or residents making right turns keeps the suburbanites firmly planted in the outer two lanes.

As a resident I have followed this closely. There would be no changes in on street parking, other than the usual rush hour time limitations that RTA is studying as a part of this project. RTA would use the far right lanes as bus lanes during rush times. Left turn lanes would be maintained as they are now, with some residents having to perform Uturns to get back to their driveways. With three lanes of traffic to complete this maneuver I really don't see any problems other than at rush hour in either direction, which already makes for a long wait for a left turn anywhere on Clifton when opposing rush hour traffic.

Interested to hear 327 why you believe this to be a reduction? There are no traffic lanes being removed. If anything I see the neighborhood growing and prospering, and RTA's service along with it as more people realize the utility of living in a densely populated transit corridor.

It may not be presented as such, but I see this as a way to get city employees healthier. The ban would keep smokers 150' away from all city buildings. I can already see the gang of City Hall employees down at 9th/Lakeside on the corner puffing (will also turn a 10 minute smoke break into a 20 minute outing).

On this same note I wish that RTA would pitch the W117/Clifton area as a TOD target for their plan for Clifton. The area is a ripe for it--plenty of storefront opportunities that could be developed with minimal investment to go along with the already existing retail and restaurants.

I wonder why they feel the need to say "taxpayer-funded"? Like, where else will the money come from to build infrastructure?? I was thinking the same thing KJP. For all the accusations of the PD being a part of the liberal media conspiracy, they sure do drop in some lines that fan the flames of the quasi conservative bandwagon!

I'm a fan of the Hilton Nederlander there as well (as far as Hiltons go). If you ever visit Cinci check out the AMAZING art deco interior of the lobby bar and restaurant.

Large scale exposure on Cleveland.com today for the Enhance Clifton project: "A grand, taxpayer-funded vision to convert Clifton Boulevard's harsh swath of concrete to a kinder, tree-shaded route has wilted in Lakewood -- but lives on in Cleveland...." Full Article: http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/04/plans_wilt_for_a_tree-lined_me.html

May you never spend a night in that hotel....

Same story on Cleveland.com yesterday: "LAKEWOOD A major city enhancement project thought to be abandoned is back on the table, albeit on a smaller scale." http://www.cleveland.com/sunpostherald/index.ssf/2011/03/lakewood_rta_revisit_clifton_b.html

That lot behind the WSM and other businesses would seem ripe for a 4-5 story parking structure. Could even design a multi-function with ground-level space for rent. I don't see it being retail, but would be a great location for something like professional offices, hair salons, studios and other neighborhood services that do not necessarily need the high-rent store front on W 25th.

In all honesty I hadn't looked. You also think the fare machines would just say "Kids Day Pass--age 6 and Under". But it didn't. None the less, my daughter was obviously in the range of a 6 year old--and the nasty old RTA Lunch Lady just decided to pick a fight, for a transfer point that should be free anyway IMO. I've always wondered why they don't rearrange the turnstiles or put a hallway between the two so you don't have to pay or swipe your card twice?

The lack of transfer between Red/Blue/Green always grinds my gears! Knowing this, the last time I took my kids to Shaker Square via Tower City I bought day passes (on my knees at West Blvd station). When trying to transfer I got the third degree on the age of my 6 year old daughter by an old lady RTA employee at the entrance to the Shaker Lines. She was seriously not going to let us transfer because she thought my daughter was too old (which, by the way, I wasn't entirely sure of the age cut off--but c'mon!).

Keeping with the new theme of this thread (panhandling and litter), who here is with me on needing a bottle and can deposit in the state of Ohio? It gives a few of the panhandlers something to do during the day, plus keeps the outdoors clear of bottles and cans!

His hair looks way too much like devil horns to be preaching the word of the lord.

The more I'm thinking about it I am loving the idea of the food truck area--would be nice to have a dedicated parking area with power hookups, water etc to keep that viable for them.

Another update from Lakewood saying they are back in for a "scaled-down" version of this project. http://lakewood-oh.patch.com/articles/modified-clifton-boulevard-project-back-on-track I do hope Jay Westbrook fights to keep the full project moving forward, medians and all, on the Cleveland side of Clifton.

Has Has anyone seen any confirmed convention center/med mart show bookings?

I'd give you a pass on the travel mug protected coffee! Did you hear the story out of NYC about the woman eating spaghetti on the subway? Now that would be pushing the envelope... :lol:

Yes they are new to Cleveland--but we got them now! I just find it amusing in a town that hardly has serious traffic issues like NY, Boston or Chicago. Every one I drive by states the obvious: "Miles to I480 30-- Minutes 30" Thanks ODOT!

I would like to know how much ODOT spent on the LED signs on various interstates advertising "X minutes to X freeway". Is this information meaningful? How real time do these signs get? Were they mandated by the feds, or is this just another ODOT spending spree on things we don't need?

I irony of your tale, rockandroller, is that the homeless guys were the only true downtown residents as you tell it. Most of the trash, bottles, cans and litter come from suburbanite kids who have no respect for downtown because "that's where the homeless guys live...." They wouldn't dream of dropping their cans and bottle in mom and dad's cul de sac in Brunswick. It's a vicious cycle that only more educated professionals living downtown can solve. When you moving in? :-)

I would like to see some of those little rentable kiosk spaces for coffee, newspapers etc ala Bryant Park in Manhattan, etc. Perhaps with heated sidewalk/patios around them for wintertime lounging....customers only of course.

I hope Dennis is not to busy getting his name in the papers on Afghanistan and other pet projects to worry about getting that $5 million in Federal funding. The Cleveland side of Clifton could certainly use it. Let's get this done and make Lakewood jealous!