KJP

One of the towers will be residential. Don't know if it's the taller or shorter one yet.

I have some cool quotes in an article in tomorrow's West Side Sun about the merging of the two projects, but the article didn't end up on the front page like I had hoped. Cimperman's quote was the funniest.

I love that barbershop I posted above. Looks like it filled an alley! I'd buy it to start a business but live on a cot in a back room!

Look at all the Ohio projects on that list! :cry: I'm not suggesting that any Ohio projects were denied funds. Rather, no Ohio city has any projects that have advanced (or were allowed to advance) to the point that a funding request could be submitted.

Clvlndr, as you know they were not shy about demolishing anything "old" in the 1960s. But I seem to remember that there isn't anything on the northeast corner of the Cedar/Euclid Heights intersection. Even if there is/was, it would have been demolished for the Agora East development that would have had the Rapid line and station in the basement. I'm not crazy about the proposed alignment east of Coventry either. If I was to route the line, I would have sent it north on Coventry from Euclid Heights then east on Mayfield. But I would put the section along Coventry below Coventry, with a subway station midway between Mayfield and Euclid Heights. I'd then have the line come up to street level in the middle of Mayfield, roughly around Glenmont (where my mother lived in the 1950s!).

THIRD ANNUAL OHIO RAIL/TRANSIT LEGISLATIVE SUMMIT Wednesday, March 7th 2007 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Columbus YWCA/ Huntington Hall 65 South 4th Street Columbus, OH 43215 9:30 a.m. - Registration: light breakfast will be offered 10:00 a.m. - Noon: Morning consists of a series of invited speakers: Joseph L. Calabrese, General Manager/CEO; Greater Cleveland RTA • Public Transportation Needs and Funding Matt Dietrich, Interim Executive Director, Ohio Rail Development Commission • Current Developments of Ohio Hub Plan Update Kimberly Gibson, Vice President, All Aboard Ohio • Ohio General Assembly: All Aboard Ohio Legislative Appeal Noon - 1:00 p.m.: Catered Lunch Featured Speaker: Art Guzzetti, Director of Policy and Advocacy, American Public Transit Association • Public Transportation Needs and Funding: Opportunities for the new Congress 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Legislative Visits State House and Senate visits will be scheduled for attendees after lunch. Members: $50 ($25 is tax-deductible) Non-Members : $75 ($50 is tax-deductible) Fee for Non-Members includes a one year membership to ALL ABOARD OHIO! For more information, please call 614-228-6005. Please register early, space is limited! Online Registration will soon be available via Paypal at www.allaboardohio.org or call 614-228-6005 or e-mail [email protected]

Won't this look pretty next to (er, part of) Flats East Bank? Street-level uses (below the towers).....

I think it's just about time this thread gets combined with the Flats East Bank thread.

Better not be. He's got some wrinkles and bad eyesight. How do I know he's got bad eyesight? LOOK AT THOSE PANTS!

Here's specifically what Gov. Rendell said about the oil company gross profits tax to raise $760 million for mass transit in Pennsylvania (as well as the tail end of his comments on the turnpike lease)..... ______________ Even if we decide to pursue a transaction involving the Turnpike, such a transaction likely would cover only the $965 million annual cost of highway and bridge repair. It is unlikely to offer a solution that resolves once and for all the estimated $760 million annual cost necessary to reliably operate mass transit systems throughout Pennsylvania. In every corner of the state, our mass transit systems simply cannot fund operations through the fare box alone. And let's be clear about the impact of this problem: Mass transit is not simply somebody else's way to get to work in the morning. Nor is it a southeastern or a southwestern problem. It affects all of us, in every region of Pennsylvania. Without mass transit, many of Pennsylvania's largest companies have no way to get their employees to and from the job. And if that happens, those companies can't generate the tax revenues that are vitally important to the Commonwealth. Mass transit matters to all of us. The Transportation Reform Commission concluded that local transit agencies must step up and continue to implement cost cutting measures. I support that recommendation and I am pleased to report that Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato has proposed measures that do exactly that. Of course these are not without controversy, but the end result will be appropriate and significant belt tightening by the Port Authority of Allegheny County. We need to apply the same principles to mass transit agencies throughout the Commonwealth. But the Commission pointed out that reforms alone would not close the funding gap. With respect to transit funding, the Commission proposed two actions to raise needed revenue: a 0.9 percent increase in the Realty Transfer Tax, a tax paid on the sale of a house, which would yield $576 million per year; and a contribution from local governments generating $184 million per year. Neither option is very appealing since both add to the tax burden of Pennsylvania citizens. But I believe that we have a credible alternative that does not burden them at all. To the contrary, it requires that those who profit handsomely from the operation of motor vehicles on Pennsylvania roadways must pay their fair share of our transportation funding obligations. We propose a tax on gasoline, but for the first time, we propose to tax those who make gasoline rather than those who buy it. Here's how it works. In theory, Pennsylvania already has a method for taxing the profits of oil companies, because these companies are subject to the Corporate Net Income Tax. But the reality is that only a tiny fraction of the profits earned by the nation's major oil companies in Pennsylvania are subject to this tax. Like many other big corporations, the oil companies have gotten very good at structuring their profit reporting so that our taxes don't apply, even if the money they make comes directly from the pockets of Pennsylvania consumers. It is nothing more than a sophisticated shell game and we need to stop this practice. This budget includes a proposal that excludes oil companies from the CNI, but makes them subject to a new Oil Company Gross Profits Tax. This new tax is structured on a "combined reporting" basis, under which companies that operate in multiple states must provide us with data on all their profits so we can determine what portion of their profits come from Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania profits would be taxed at a rate of 6.17 percent, or more than 33 percent lower than the current CNI rate of 9.9 percent. Even at this greatly reduced rate, however, the new tax will generate $760 million per year as opposed to the approximately $71 million we collect annually from the seven oil companies that pay the CNI. What's more, I believe that the imposition of this tax places the burden squarely on the shoulders of those who enjoy tremendous benefits from the Commonwealth's operation of state highways and bridges. America's oil companies have earned record profits in the past few years, and these profits come from one source: the pockets of the American people. Since 2004, the oil companies have reaped $368 billion in profits nationwide. Last year, ExxonMobil's profits alone _ $39.5 billion _ were almost 50% larger than the entire $26 billion Pennsylvania budget. And, even more amazingly, ExxonMobil profits in each of the last three years have been the highest ever earned by any corporation in American history. These numbers are mind-boggling _ think for a second about the implications of Exxon making a $4.5 million profit, each and every hour of each and every day, 365 days a year. More importantly, the numbers remind us that instead of asking our citizens to pay yet again to fund our transportation needs, it is time for the oil companies to finally pay their fair share of the transportation tax burden in Pennsylvania. The enabling legislation we will propose will grant to the Attorney General the power to ensure that these taxes are not passed on to our citizens at the pump. Taken together, these two ideas _ a Turnpike lease and the enactment of a new Oil Company Gross Profits Tax _ have the potential to fund our transportation needs in a way that does not unduly burden the average Pennsylvanian. For too long, the public debate has been about choosing between funding transit or highways and bridges. It has pitted region against region, 'urbs against 'burbs, Democrats against Republicans. On transportation funding, the time has come to put aside special interest in favor of common interest. The challenges that we face in meeting our transportation funding responsibilities undoubtedly will require us all to make difficult decisions in the months ahead. I ask you to weigh the options I have proposed and others that have been discussed but I want to make it abundantly clear that we must choose one of them. I also want to emphasize that the Transportation Reform Commission option would place all of the burden of new taxes on Pennsylvania citizens. The option I am proposing places no new burden on our citizens. And the option of doing nothing will destroy both our economy and our quality of life." --- The budget that I have introduced today charts a course for long-term growth, and I believe it positions Pennsylvania to regain its rightful place as a leader among the states. I have outlined the challenges that confront us, this year and in the years to come, and I have set forth a detailed plan to address these issues. The Agenda for Progress that I have set forth today includes many new initiatives that will no doubt stir considerable debate among the members of the General Assembly, as well as among opinion leaders throughout Pennsylvania and the general public. I enthusiastically embrace the opportunity to engage on all of these issues. I pledge to you and the public the complete cooperation of the Administration in providing as much information and detail as possible in support of your comprehensive consideration of the budget. I am confident that regardless of our political differences, we can all carry out our respective duties in the spirit of civility and collegiality that has long been a hallmark of state government. Let's work together, and not let our differences pull us apart. The people of Pennsylvania expect no less from us, because like us, they realize that the stakes are enormously high with respect to the opportunities and challenges embodied in this budget. Proud of our progress, yet mindful of the difficult challenges that lie ahead, our fellow citizens know that Pennsylvania is poised for greatness, if only we have the courage to try. Let us resolve to do exactly that, recognizing that together, we cannot fail. Thank you.

Try these: http://www.loopnet.com/cleveland-commercial-real-estate/?LinkCode=12050 http://www.costar.com/ http://www.terrycoyne.com/ourproperties/ http://www.clevelandhousingmarket.com/searches/testindex.php?id=40 I didn't see any churches on those sites, but listed at the site directly above, I found this fascinating building at 4296 Warner Rd..... And this one at 15802 Lorain.... Or this at 2180 W 11....

P R E S S R E L E A S E FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Prendergast Feb. 7, 2007 (216) 288-4883 or (216) 986-6064 Cleveland City Council passes West Shore Corridor resolution CLEVELAND -- At its regular meeting Monday, City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling on the Ohio Congressional Delegation to provide $1.5 million in each of the next two federal fiscal years for an alternatives analysis of potential transportation improvements in the West Shore Corridor. If the funding is provided, a variety of transportation improvements between downtown Cleveland, the West Shore suburbs, downtown Lorain and possibly beyond will be weighed to determine their costs and benefits. Potential impacts on economic development, access to jobs, plus natural and built environments will be measured. A public involvement process will be an essential part of the analysis. Transportation improvements could include adding commuter rail, expanding express bus service, restructuring existing bus routes, providing more hiking/biking paths and enhancing the existing roadway system. Sub-elements could feature transit-oriented development around stations, better transit waiting environments, adding quiet zones to the existing Norfolk Southern rail line and more. Once the options for improving transportation in the West Shore Corridor are analyzed, a preferred alternative may be selected by the region's stakeholders and funding may be sought to implement it. All Aboard Ohio, a statewide nonprofit association, thanked City Council for passing the resolution. Special recognition goes to Ward 15 Councilman Kevin Kelley, chair of the Aviation & Transportation Committee, for introducing the resolution. Additional recognition goes to council members who joined Councilman Kelley in sponsoring the resolution -- Anthony Brancatelli, Patricia Britt, Joe Cimperman, Roosevelt Coats, Kevin Conwell, Brian Cummins, Martin Sweeney and Matthew Zone. "I gratefully appreciate council's passage of this important resolution," said Ken Prendergast, All Aboard Ohio's director of research and communications. "It sends a clear message to Congress that maintaining access to jobs in the West Shore Corridor is of paramount concern to City Council. Whatever transportation improvements result from this analysis should seek to enhance Downtown Cleveland's prominence as the region's main employment center." "The region needs to be vibrant and connected," said Councilman Kelley, who favors commuter rail. "These goals would be served by regional commuter rail. While I would like everyone in the region to live in the city of Cleveland, it's very important that people at least work in the city of Cleveland." "What the resolution is calling for is a better stewardship of precious resources," added Councilman Cimperman, whose ward includes downtown Cleveland. He also chairs council's Planning Committee. "Whether it's laying less asphalt or connecting more people to our venues, to me this is about the future." "We need to be creating alternative methods of transportation that won't be increasing our carbon emissions," said Councilman Zone, chair of council's Public Utilities Committee. "Adding commuter rail is a win-win situation. It will help Cleveland be a more desirable place to live." The use of federal planning funds for the West Shore Corridor was authorized by the most recent federal surface transportation law, passed in 2005. Then-Congressman Sherrod Brown (D-Lorain) worked to ensure the authorization was included in the surface transportation law. END

Heard from Nancy Lesic this morning regarding the demolition work. Crews and equipment should start appearing in the Flats in about a week and start demolitions before the end of February.

Ebert is the law director in Bay Village and is Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough's attorney. Another of the firm's attorneys, Andy Bemer, is Rocky River's law director.

All they have to do is look it up. Every single news and information source you can find lists Cleveland not only as having the first airport-downtown rail link in the U.S., but in the western hemisphere.

Are you kidding?? Bob Brown has a mop of a hairdo and darker, wider face.

That's Lorain County Transit. They operate about a half-dozen buses per day between Hopkins Airport, Elyria and Oberlin. They use to run a dozen buses a day each way until the state cut transit funding from $40 million in 2000 to just $16.3 million in 2007.

I would think that by increasing the cost of driving, you reduce the extent of sprawl. If the cost hits the wallet hard enough, people may be tempted to change their lifestyles by moving closer to work, changing jobs to one closer to where they live, telecommuting, carpooling and yes, taking transit. None of those are bad outcomes with respect to energy, environmental, congestion and related issues. Now, if the money raised from the congestion pricing were used to help fund transit and clean up brownfields which prevent urban redevelopment, then it might be worth doing. But something tells me these yahoos in D.C. will probably want to use the money for more hair of the dog, er, lanes on the road.

According to a second-hand source, Wolstein said he liked the original plan for LL. While the first phase would still be the residential tower, Wolstein will market the second tower to any potential user -- be it residential, office or even hotel. I don't have too many details yet, and probably won't until the paperwork is signed.

Or the Sun, which I did earlier today. No demolition permits have been pulled yet. But that should happen VERY soon. But I found out something much more interesting. Like, the merging of Flats East Bank and Lighthouse Landing. The paperwork should have been signed today, but there were some minor text glitches that needed correcting. So it's safe to safe they are literally dotting the i's and crossing the t's.

My first train ride was in 1971, but wasn't in Ohio. And it was on a tourist train, the Strasburg Railroad. I do recall the train approaching a multi-track railroad with wires over it -- Penn Central/Amtrak's Harrisburg-Philadelphia main line. At the end of the line, I remember the steam locomotive running around our train to take us back in the other direction. And I remember my face hurting. When I see photographs my father took of me on that train, I know why. I was smiling from ear-to-ear in every picture. My first and second train rides in Ohio were in 1976 and in 1981. And both were on a tourist train -- the Cuyahoga Valley Line. Both times the train was pulled the steam locomotive 4070, and in 1976 departed from the Cleveland Zoo. In 1981, it departed from a spot just north of Granger Road. My first trip on Amtrak was in 1982, from Flagstaff AZ to Los Angeles. It was an overnight trip, and I stayed up all night in the sleeper to look out the windows at the moonlit desert while listening to music on the headphones. It was amazing scenery, even at night. Every so often my mother would wake and look over to the window-side seat, only to see me still looking at the passing scenery. She would get me to lower the headphones and encourage me to sleep. But I couldn't. I may have nodded off a total of an hour that night. My first Amtrak trip in Ohio was from Cleveland to Chicago in 1984. My father and I went to check out the 50th anniversary of the Burlington Zephyr at the Museum of Science and Industry. We got to the museum from downtown Chicago by riding a CTA bus through some truly "lovely" South Side neighborhoods on a 90-degree day. We took an air-conditioned cab back downtown as a thunderstorm hit. It was a cool ride, and I had been bugging my father about taking the trip all summer. He was switching careers to real estate, and didn't have the money or time for an out-of-town adventure so I let it go. But when he got his first listing sold, I figured he'd be in a real good mood. So I asked him again and he said yes. Pretty savvy for a 17-year-old, eh? (I was 17, not my father! :-o )

(cough -- Lighthouse Landing -- cough). Excuse me, this cold, dry air is really getting to me. :-D

As of Jan. 28, the Tremont Circulator began operating via Steelyard Commons. I saw one heading down Steelyard Drive last week, and RTA's new schedule for the route is out: http://www.riderta.com/pdf/807.pdf The 81 bus is next to be rerouted via SYC, but I don't know when. It's timetable does not yet show any routing/schedule change.

Yep, I had that as the lead item in my Second District police blotter in Sun.... http://www.cleveland.com/sun/westsidesunnews/index.ssf?/base/cops-0/1169747913227960.xml&coll=3 Burglars have a hang up for phone cables Thursday, January 25, 2007 West Side Sun News SECOND DISTRICT - Police are investigating the Jan. 18 theft of $10,000 worth of telephone cables from a facility at the west end of the Lorain-Carnegie Hope Memorial Bridge. The copper cables belonged to AT&T. Recent high prices for metals, especially copper, have prompted thieves to take the metals, sometimes out of occupied buildings, and sell the metal for scrap. Police are still investigating this crime, but have made arrests in other metals thefts in the past week. ......back to the Inner Belt! :bang2:

Maybe we ought to try to get Megabus to operate between the 3Cs? Lakefront Trailways offers a single bus daily down I-71, but with one bus a day it's not that convenient. The lone bus leaves Cleveland in the late afternoon and operates via Akron.... http://route.lakefrontlines.com/listroutes.asp?rt_ID=11&rt_DIR=out