Oldmanladyluck

^EXCELLENT!!!!!! I'm on it!!!

Jacobs has nothing to lose in this situation, as his parcel is located between both sites. I don't know of the history between himself and Forest City, but it would seem that his opinion is not as biased as Gilbert's.

What a choice to choose from...

Excellent photo thread! Columbus is a great city with some very beautiful urban areas. I gained favor for it the last time I visited (and yes, I'm a Clevelander!). Great pics!

^As much as I love this city, the declining population is apparent. As we sprawl out further, more and more of the city will empty out with no one to replenish the diminished population as our population growth is stagnant, at best. Part of the City of Cleveland's problem is that we have not had a population moving in to the region to help revitalize neighborhoods; partially explaining how even Fairfax, with the big gorilla in its backyard, has had very little redevelopment (without taking into account the social issues of the neighborhood). Even if Cleveland were to challenge the 2000 census (or the future 2010 census), that does not change the problems of our declining region. We truly need a change in mindset towards this city, along with new leadership and greater business innovation and retention. We don't need to ignore reality.

AMEN!

^No where else. This is where business and sound urban planning seem to collide. From an urban planning perspective, the mall site is superior and would benefit the city the most. Competing business interests will always claim that their site is superior, as they have the most to gain from the convention center/medical mart being built on their property. The City Planning Commission voted back in 2004 to leave the convention center where it is now, but planners have very little power in regards to what actually happens.

^That would equate to him loosing $$$$$. If it ain't making dollars, it ain't making sense (or cents, WHICHEVER!). Sir2gees- I think that answer is in the gambling thread, with the proposed gambling location being close to both Tower City and The Q.

I couldn't agree more. It doesn't take that much thought to figure out that they spoke together about the benefits of having it behind Tower City. This vote has been a long time coming, and I can't wait for the "official" site selection. We, as a region, need this project done. Enough stalling.

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/04/cuyahoga_county_commissioners_6.html CLEVELAND — The Cuyahoga Board of County Commissioners will vote this morning on whether to approve a development agreement with a private Chicago company to build a $425 million medical mart and convention center. The deal will turn more than $900 million in taxpayer money to Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. to build and operate the mart and convention center. The money -- almost entirely raised by a 2007 quarter-cent sales-tax hike -- will cover construction, operating expenses and interest payments on the loan for construction and design of the complex...

^Seeing that this thread was started in December of 2004, I would have to agree :(

^Who knows... time will tell how much of a hold FC has on the mayor, as it seems he's the one who will possibly hold up the show.

Dammit, I guess I'll be the drivel poster... Dan Gilbert, Paul Dolan push for delay of medical mart agreement vote by Michael Scott, Joe Guillen, Jim Nichols Thursday April 16, 2009, 4:00 AM The owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers and president of the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday pushed for Cuyahoga County commissioners to allow for more public debate by postponing today's expected deal with a private developer to bring a $425 million medical mart and convention center to the city. "It would be irresponsible at this point, without further discussion, for them to approve this thing," Cavs owner Dan Gilbert said regarding the county's pending deal with Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. of Chicago. "This is about the redevelopment of this city, not just a site and contract." more at: http://www.cleveland.com/medical/index.ssf/2009/04/dan_gilbert_paul_dolan_push_fo.html

Both HEK and MAK should have been given harsher punishments. If anyone has been through this city (at least the east side), chances are you've seen their tags somewhere. They'll be back out there tagging soon enough...

I don't see Cleveland gaining, especially with our neighborhoods hollowing out within the past 3 years due to the foreclosure crisis. Sadly, I wouldn't be supprised if Cleveland's population is around 400,000 by next census. Where's our city's help with this man-made Katrina? It ain't coming.

I think every man watching that game felt that cheap shot! I don't know how Andy didn't jump at that guy for that!

^How bout the PNC Medical Mart and Convention Center...

I'm not a fan of that mural. :whip:

I wonder how hard it will be to calculate what the next news story will be after this release...

^Good thing...

LOL!!

I would be against that. To echo what Mayor said... this land is the greatest potential driver of business and residents to something that Cleveland lacks- quality lakefront space. We have Burke, which is an important driver of business to our downtown core, like it or not. I don't think we need another, but that's my opinion.

^Agreed. Though it has redevelopment potential, I don't know if there are too many who would be sad to see it go.

The who? ;)

I'm predicting about 400,000 downtown that day! That will be the biggest party the city has ever seen, and I will be there! But seriously, I'm part of the generation who grew up in this town without having a team win it all for my entire life. Sure, teams winning do not produce anything tangible (though that can be argued with the economic spin-off in the Gateway District), but there definitely is value in it. As Clevelanders, we are overly hard on ourselves, and going thorough what is now a 45 year slump without winning a championship does not help. I hope that winning a championship will help alleviate some of the "We can't" attitude in this town.