Oldmanladyluck

^One can only hope!

I think we would all like to see a building that large on that lot- and a hotel seems like a no brainer. I thiink that Gilbert agreed to not building a hotel for 5 years after the casino is up and operational... so it would have to be another entity who does it.

I like this project! This will be an interesting change to both the skyline and the E.9th St corridor. I know it's a federal building... but I wonder what this thing would look like during the night if it was lit up after the renovation? The possibilities...

This is all great news! Whatever the expansion would be, it would be great to see that County Administration building knocked down.

I agree- I'm hoping the region's businesses can keep this momentum going. And KJP- thanks for the blogpost!

I wonder how much truth is in the part of the story which says the city at one time suggested he leave... WTF? Hopefully this happened in an administration long ago.

I'm hoping that one of the other aquariums talked about in this thread gets off the ground some time in the future, but it's good that this project will occur. And I agree- the more attractions in and around downtown, the better.

In my opinion, this project has the most potential to bring outsiders to invest in the city and region than the other major projects which will be underway in the next 3 years. It can't start soon enough.

Amazing how much was lost... just amazing.

I really like Mt Vernon- the old city has some great architecture. The newer "strip" along with the newer housing... meh. But I guess that's the case in most older cities. Overall- it's a nice town!

^The County sure could- the county's currently putting many property owners through foreclosure. But I wouldn't get my hopes up about the county foreclosing on the Public Square lot, since this is a Jacob's property.

I've also often wondered what the effect would be on city finances if payroll taxes were lowered to 1%, and exactly what the current amount of payroll taxes net the city. It's sure to be in the millions, so how does the city offset the lost revenue? Either the city would have to cut services and personnel, or taxes would need to be raised elsewhere. I think it would be best to find a similar sized city with a similar sized yearly budget (I'm pretty sure Cleveland's is at $1.2 billion) but with payroll taxes at 1% and compare. Is the comparable city growing in population and/ or in the amount of businesses choosing to locate in the city? If so, could it be quantified showing that this a partial or direct result of the payroll taxes being at 1% as compared to 2%? I think that the main reason for a reduction in payroll taxes would be for the city to better compete with other cities with at least seemingly lower taxes in order to draw businesses and therefore residents. If it could be found that the amount of businesses drawn to the city is negligible from a reduction of 1% in payroll taxes, then maybe some other form of tax would need to be reduced or done away with completely (such as the state income tax for example... but again the lost revenue would need to be made up from some other sources).

Woohoo!!

You'll still have some developers who will prefer working with unions, regardless of the additional cost because of the perceived (real or otherwise) reliability in the quality of workmanship. Unions won't disappear- but making Ohio more competitive with other states is something I agree with.

I really like the proposal of putting more workers in the Ivanhoe plant. With Collinwood High right next door, maybe there could be some way students could help in the production of lights...

And Kasich's response to losing the 3C project is....? Amazing that nothing has come from him on this yet.

^That was at the bottom section of the letter sent to Kasich from the Governor a few days ago. The PD just now picked it up- AFTER the fact.

This looks like a tactical move from the Dems. Either get on board or REALLY lose your funding. And you don't have too much time to play around anymore, Kasich.

^My guess would be 0... though it seems as though there's more than a chance that Kasich will change his stance.

Incredible. Just incredible.

I think that E.185th would be a great area for you to consider, which boarders Euclid and North Collinwood. The neighborhood is probably one of the last true remaining neighborhood "main streets" left in the city, with just about EVERYTHING you could need within walking distance. Check out the homes in the area along with the businesses- as the homes are in great shape and were mostly built in the 30s in both Collinwood and Euclid. If you're used to driving everywhere for entertainment or for needs, you might enjoy being able to walk to where you need to go. You'll find a mix of races and ethnicities who live in the area, which has grown more diverse within the last few years. Try the street out for yourself- it's not too far from Eastlake and has a freeway exit so you can get back to Lake County in a short amount of time.

Ok... we can move the Cuyahoga River for a casino which will take an act of Congress... but we can't alter Public Square now can we? Where are this town's priorities?!! End of rant. I like what I see so far with the massings. I think the corner of Ontario and Huron would be great for a high rise hotel, and I believe that Gilbert once stated that he would wait five years before pursuing one. this would be the perfect location if you ask me.

I really doubt that Cleveland was never in consideration. However, I guess we can look at where the owners live to guess where the headquarters will go... not a hard guess at all if you ask me. More sprawl- YAY!

^Yep.

One down, two to go!!! This is great for Cleveland!