KJP

With four people on the train including the driver. Terrible added clickety-clack sound-effect of jointed rail -- the Red Line has seamless welded rails as just about every main track does these days.

The new-build site is potentially 7 acres -- and could be more depending on what is done with the Shoreway. 7 acres is 304,920 square feet. The RFP seeks 893,120 square feet (plus parking). While I don't think a three-story building is in the offing (and not just because of the parking), there's no reason to spend so much of taxpayers' money to go tall when so much land is available. Cities build high-rises more so for economic and geographic reasons and less so for pride.

Yo @MayDay This house's exterior was used for the TV show, Hot in Cleveland, now on the market, interior in link. 12984 Lake Ave, Lakewood $950,000 · 5beds · 3.5baths https://apps.realtor.com/mUAZ/848hj3i2 Except the interiors make me think of the Wonkavision scene in Willy Wonka....

Why aren’t the Browns buying this key piece of land? By Ken Prendergast / May 24, 2024 On Cuyahoga County real estate parcel maps, a narrow strip of land owned by FirstEnergy knifes into the heart of a Brook Park site the owner of the Cleveland Browns football team reportedly wants for a possible new domed stadium. Despite its prominence on the map, no one in Cleveland media apparently has asked its owner if it has any agreements with anyone for its potential sale — until now. MORE: https://neo-trans.blog/2024/05/24/why-arent-the-browns-buying-this-key-piece-of-land/

There are always people struggling. Some for a little while. Some for a long time. I've been there. But I'm not there now. I can't do anything about others. I can only do for me and my family. Question is, how are each of you doing? Reagan asked us to ask ourselves 40 years ago -- "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?" (see below -- compare inflation, unemployment rates, interest rates, etc from 1984 to now, BTW). Then vote accordingly. A decade later, Clinton reminded us through all the noise "It's the economy, stupid!"

Jacksonville, the fourth fastest growing city in America, has bumped Austin, Texas out to enter the list of top-10 largest cities by population in the United States. Jacksonville is notably the largest city in the U.S. by land size.

Bumping this because it's awesome.

A bit of rare political bravery

Seen from the crib this morning

Worth noting here. We'll see what, if anything this translates into economic development-wise...

County secures funding for Fresh Water Institute By Ken Prendergast / May 23, 2024 Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne announced a $250,000 grant from the Cleveland Foundation to support the creation of a Fresh Water Institute in Greater Cleveland. He made the announcement yesterday during the Climate Leadership Conference in Downtown Cleveland. MORE: https://neo-trans.blog/2024/05/23/county-secures-funding-for-fresh-water-institute/

Food was way overpriced for the quality, portions, service and atmosphere. Marble Room is pricey too, but the food, service and atmosphere are top-notch. But this should be posted in the Cleveland restaurants thread.

The Atlantic Ocean has a lot to say right now. And none of it is particularly good. My take on the deep Atlantic heat – which blows May 2005 out of the water – how it could impact hurricane season, and how it's affecting us today via @CC_Yale https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/05/what-you-need-to-know-about-record-breaking-heat-in-the-atlantic/

Funny how many of us are so pessimistic yet we're enjoying life and living well today. So the only things we can control are under control.

Geotechnical drilling was happening earlier today at the former Serpentini property today. Suggests that a new building is being considered for at least part of that site.

Cleveland’s Denison Manor may get rehabbed By Ken Prendergast / May 22, 2024 An historic apartment building set near one of the west side’s most important intersections is proposed to get a major renovation by its new owner. The Denison Manor Apartments, 3206 W. 100th St. in Cleveland’s West Boulevard neighborhood, could get its interiors completely rebuilt to offer larger, more marketable, subsidized apartments. But work reportedly began without securing the proper permits and the city ordered the work halted. MORE: https://neo-trans.blog/2024/05/22/clevelands-denison-manor-may-get-rehabbed/

Dayton Union Station circa 1950. Only the 2 outside tracks, the freight bypass tracks, and the station platforms minus canopies remain. Back then, this station saw about 50 daily passenger trains and twice as many freight trains. Now it sees only about 50 daily freights and no regular passenger service since 1979.

Personally, my family's finances have never been better. New Harris-Guardian poll: - 56% say US is in recession (reality: 7 straight quarters of positive GDP growth) - 49% say stocks are down YTD (reality: S&P500 up 12%) - 49% say unemployment at a 50-year high (reality: U3 has been under 4% longer than any period since the 1960s)

My son has a soccer game tomorrow night. I hope we can do one sometime in June while my wife and son are in Europe.

When I saw it in front CPC, I was worried they were going to also take down the brick office building fronting West 117. Looks like that's not coming down. Or at least I hope not!

Stupid stuff happens everywhere, even in growth cities that are "doing it right"..... Charlotte City Council voted against this project because it’s max height is 78 feet tall instead of the recommended 65. The building would add 193 homes and 5,600 sf of retail, is one mile from the city center, has support from the neighborhood association, and would be walkable to: • A 24 acre park • Two large hospitals • Cross Charlotte trail • $300M+ streetcar line • Dozens of restaurants, shops, and bars • The largest community college in Charlotte

That's insane.

Cohen to name its Downtown HQ tower By Ken Prendergast / May 21, 2024 With accounting and consulting firm Cohen & Co. growing its office staff in Downtown Cleveland and US Bank reducing its, there’s going to be a change at the top of the former Renaissance Center at Playhouse Square. Superior naming rights to the 1990-built, 16-story office building US Bank Centre, 1350 Euclid Ave., is going to pass to Cohen. MORE: https://neo-trans.blog/2024/05/21/cohen-to-name-its-downtown-hq-tower/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 21, 2024 THE ASTRO RESTAURANT AT TOWER CITY CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW BRUNCH HOURS AND MENU CLEVELAND, OH – The Astro Restaurant at Tower City Center announces the launch of its new brunch hours and menu. Astro guests can now enjoy a cosmic brunch experience every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Astro’s menu is a galaxy of flavors, each dish ingeniously named after beloved characters, ships, and planets from the cinematic universe we cherish. The Astro’s new brunch menu, which is also kid friendly and includes vegan options, offers a variety of dishes including Darth Maul Rolls, Mandalorian Space Tacos, Elliot’s Breakfast Sandwich, Space Cakes, and Scotty Stacks, among others. Mimosa towers and Galaxy Flights will be available from the “Men In Black” bar during brunch hours. “The launch of the new Astro brunch menu is something that the entire team has been looking forward to,” said Andre Scott, one of four managing partners, The Astro Restaurant. “With The Astro now offering brunch, it allows families, friends and tourists the opportunity to stop in and dine with us before setting out to explore all that downtown Cleveland has to offer or going to catch a Guardians game.” Step into the cosmic embrace of "The Astro," a dining experience that transcends the ordinary through the vast universe of iconic sci-fi movies. At The Astro, every bite and sip is a nod to the classics that shaped our imaginations—from Star Wars to Star Trek, and beyond. Not to be outdone, the "Men In Black" bar serves up interstellar cocktails so potent, they're bound to have guests chatting in alien tongues. But it's not just about the food and drink; it's an immersive journey. Dining at The Astro is like stepping into your own sci-fi adventure. Prepare for a meal that's simply out of this world. The Astro Restaurant, the previous location of the former Hard Rock Café, is situated in the heart of downtown Cleveland at 230 W. Huron Rd., Cleveland, OH, 44113. For more information, events, or to book a reservation, please visit www.theastrorestaurant.com. -30-

An open mind is certainly required for such creativity! 😉