^ I have seen it....But rarely...and in part perhaps because many likely don't even know such laws exist, or they just don't actually catch it in the act. Mike White made an issue of this once when someone dumped an ashtray in the middle of the street... And I thought how good someone finally said something about this bad habit of pitching things on the ground that too many people seem to think is a normal thing. My philosophy is that if you cannot tackle these smaller issues that are linked to becoming bigger issues....then there is a problem somewhere along the line in the pride department.

^ I have seen it....But rarely...and in part perhaps because many likely don't even know such laws exist, or they just don't actually catch it in the act. Mike White made an issue of this once when someone dumped an ashtray in the middle of the street... And I thought how good someone finally said something about this bad habit of pitching things on the ground that too many people seem to think is a normal thing. My philosophy is that if you cannot tackle these smaller issues that are linked to becoming bigger issues....then there is a problem somewhere along the line in the pride department.

 

I couldnt agree more with this

This is what is so perplexing to me.  Why does the union, who made such a stink about the DCA cleaning on Public Square, and thus associated itself so publicly with the maintenance and upkeep of this space, allow it to continue to be such an embarrassment. This looks so poorly on them, and I'm someone who is not entirely opposed to the organized labor movement.

 

 

the union has a contract that stipulates that its members will be used to clean three quadrants of public square, among other things. the contract likely also requires that the city employees (which are members of its union) will be paid hourly. if the city were to pay its employees (the union members) to clean up the square on a consistent basis (say two employees staffed for square clean up at all times), the employees would do that. however, for some reason, the city has decided that it does not want to staff the square with the levels needed to keep it looking clean at all times. it isnt that the union doesn't want to do the work. the union is asked to be doing other things instead and is not directed to clean public square as much as is apparently necessary to keep it clean.

 

the union will not allow dca to clean the square because it is suppossed to be the work of city employees. imagine if you were paid by the hour by your employer, per a multi-year contract that you both agreed to. then, your employer found someone else willing to do the work for free. suddenly, your boss doesn't call you into work anymore and you lose your job. not really fair, is it? especially since the contract stated that you would be used whenever the task needed to be completed. that is why the union doesn't want others to be doing its work. in conclusion, the union doesn't like that the square looks littered at times. but the union won't (and shouldn't) sit back when  the city tries to pass of its work to others and city employees are no longer paid for work that is rightfully theirs, per the contract.

 

you may not agree with what i said but hopefully you understand the nature of the grievance now

 

 

I understand, but that's just bass ackwards. The point is, this is our front door, our most cherished public space in the city. Your argument is a bit obtuse. It doesn't seem like you are saying that city employees are sitting at home, twiddling their thumbs, and losing wages, but that the city is scheduling their resources elsewhere. The union guys aren't losng out on this, they're working just as much as they would be if they were spending more time on PS, but just doing that work elsewhere. Croc tears.

 

Good leadership is about knowing your limitations. It seems that the union needs to recognize that as long as they are the stewards of PS, it will continue to be an embarrassment. It's not their fault, I'm sure they could do just as good a job as DCA given the resources. But they need to accept the reality that they won't be able to do the job there that they wish or is needed, and cede this battle (and relieve themselves of the burden of PS) to the DCA so they can more effectively use their resources elsewhere in the city.  Public Square should transcend politics.

^, Ok, these points are very well taken and considered....But, is their (union) alternative  letting it look like crap in meantime all because they're not willing to work with a private secotor in somehow letting DCA do the majority of litter clean up on the square because of what the contract says? The contract is not working in the current environment, so maybe it is time to re-think things.  I don't want to know why we 'can't' do something, we hear that again and again....... Rather, I want to know HOW we CAN.

 

With new residents eventually coming in to live on the square as stakeholders/positive contributors in this community, they will naturally demand more--and, we will not attract such residents with a lot of the current atmospheres on the square. Who wants to invest in such a place to live if they get the feeling of unsafe or unwelcome...or seedy/trashy?

 

How many union city employees live on/near the square? (I know The Park Building is the new beginning with this, and issues would have to concern anyone in their position trying to draw a new population) Now they're not even required to live in the proper. So, this issue is not as much a concern to those who don't have to see it all the time.

 

DCA is not a 'free service'. Will someone come on here from DCA and clear the air on this, please? Someone funds them, right? Isn't it a lot of the downtown merchants who help pay for their services?

 

The bottom line is that the union is falling short on what should be a major priority downtown, for whatever the reason--in keeping a front room as trash/litter free as possible at all times on the square and surrounds...So it is time for a new approach. If there is a way they could be more instrumental in getting the job done, let's hear it...and I welcome it---because I am not being anti-union here...rather, I am "anti-inefficient" If there is a better way to get the job done that satisfies all involved in the best way possible, let's hear it.

 

Relocating the bus stops, I'll bet a thousand ,that you will see most of the litter curbed, although moved---but at least RTA can take some responsibility/action for their trash in and around their stops.

Thanks for all of the positive comments about the effectiveness of the ambassadors.  I will again pass these along to them.

 

Everyone here seems to have a good knowledge of the issue regarding the Square and DCA.  It's still pending what the outcome of that will be.

 

In terms of the cigarette issue, DCA has a program where we will place a cigarette urn by your business and clean it during our daily rounds.  Some businesses wanted more containers, others asked for them to be taken away.  You can clearly tell whose who.

 

ML

 

This is interesting. Those who chose not to have these...doesn't help the cause. It sends a message that its ok to be a tosser....throw your buts on the ground, because someone else MIGHT clean it up. If enough over time get thrown into the tree planters, it will surely eventually affect the health of the trees through leaching of chemicals.The butts themselves do not break down as most people seem to think they do.  I hope no one laughs at me for saying this...but it is very possible. All the money spent on this wonderful street-scape to see it dissed like this. Not the impression I want to send. I used to smoke and acknowledged tossing the butts is the same as littering. Why it is so difficult for some smokers to 'get it' on this issue is baffling. Imagine of all these butts were something larger like cans, or plastic bottles. How would the street look?

The City and the Union need to get their sh-t together and get on PS, then.  RTA needs to run an anti litter campaign- their patrons contribute greatly to the amount of litter on PS, and throughout Downtown.  The CPD should send someone out there to ticket litterers until folks get it through their head that this is not an acceptable way to treat public land.

The City and the Union need to get their sh-t together and get on PS, then. RTA needs to run an anti litter campaign- their patrons contribute greatly to the amount of litter on PS, and throughout Downtown. The CPD should send someone out there to ticket litterers until folks get it through their head that this is not an acceptable way to treat public land.

 

I agree one hundred percent. Some plainclothes police officers writing tickets to those caught littering will eradicate a great deal of the littering. Just as people pay to board the healthline because they fear a ticket, they would cease to litter if the city gave the littering prohibition a little teeth

Write to RTA....  share these thoughts...  Good points.

If the Patrolman on the street would ticket the people that litter instead of focusing on the cars parked over their limit at a metered spot, the city would probably make more money, and the people that litter would possibly fear throwing the butt on the ground verses, running to their meter.  It is a problem that most definitely reflects a lack of pride, and education.  I recently had family visit from three separate cities...Jacksonville, Bozeman, and Grand Rapids...and all three noticed the litter not only at PC but EVERYWHERE you look...on the highways, at entry and exit points, and it was embarrassing.  I wish we could take all of the unemployed people of Cleveland and give them a day where they pitch in...

^The people who out the parking tickets are not police officers. They are from a different department.

^, Ok, these points are very well taken and considered....But, is their (union) alternative  letting it look like crap in meantime all because they're not willing to work with a private secotor in somehow letting DCA do the majority of litter clean up on the square because of what the contract says? The contract is not working in the current environment, so maybe it is time to re-think things.  I don't want to know why we 'can't' do something, we hear that again and again....... Rather, I want to know HOW we CAN.

 

With new residents eventually coming in to live on the square as stakeholders/positive contributors in this community, they will naturally demand more--and, we will not attract such residents with a lot of the current atmospheres on the square. Who wants to invest in such a place to live if they get the feeling of unsafe or unwelcome...or seedy/trashy?

 

How many union city employees live on/near the square? (I know The Park Building is the new beginning with this, and issues would have to concern anyone in their position trying to draw a new population) Now they're not even required to live in the proper. So, this issue is not as much a concern to those who don't have to see it all the time.

 

DCA is not a 'free service'. Will someone come on here from DCA and clear the air on this, please? Someone funds them, right? Isn't it a lot of the downtown merchants who help pay for their services?

 

The bottom line is that the union is falling short on what should be a major priority downtown, for whatever the reason--in keeping a front room as trash/litter free as possible at all times on the square and surrounds...So it is time for a new approach. If there is a way they could be more instrumental in getting the job done, let's hear it...and I welcome it---because I am not being anti-union here...rather, I am "anti-inefficient" If there is a better way to get the job done that satisfies all involved in the best way possible, let's hear it.

 

Relocating the bus stops, I'll bet a thousand ,that you will see most of the litter curbed, although moved---but at least RTA can take some responsibility/action for their trash in and around their stops.

 

The DCA Clean & Safe Program is funded by a Special Improvement District (SID) that property owners agree to pay based on the front footage of their sidewalk and the value of their building.  It is funded by property owners, not businesses or merchants within downtown.

 

ML

If the Patrolman on the street would ticket the people that litter instead of focusing on the cars parked over their limit at a metered spot, the city would probably make more money, and the people that litter would possibly fear throwing the butt on the ground verses, running to their meter.  It is a problem that most definitely reflects a lack of pride, and education.  I recently had family visit from three separate cities...Jacksonville, Bozeman, and Grand Rapids...and all three noticed the litter not only at PC but EVERYWHERE you look...on the highways, at entry and exit points, and it was embarrassing.  I wish we could take all of the unemployed people of Cleveland and give them a day where they pitch in...

 

Great points...  Yes, the car ticketers are another entity, as someone mentioned...but the point here is deeper... It is about where the priorities/cultural philosophies are in the city.......More so on gathering money from parking tickets, than on the environmental integrity of the town.

 

As petty to some as this may seem to some, to demonstrate why it is linked to other problems....may require some stepping out of the box, and looking back in to see how dysfunctional what seems to be accepted as the norm, really is--And, it really says something about the city regarding civic pride when I have yet to see---no matter how many times I have written to council, papers, called, and know others who have as well--- to not have this city acknowledge  the litter problems---and instead take on the complacent and mediocre mentality that "This is just how it is". Or, "we've got bigger fish to fry" That is RUBBISH in itself!

 

Where is the leadership on this issue when it is a clearly known problem. It most definitely is embarrassing and absolutely says something about education/pride. This kind of change needs to be not only promoted at the bottom, but from the top as well. I have yet to see it come from the top---and until we get a hold of the basics, we will not get to the next level.

 

I want to be proud of the square...  and the gateways into the city, or anywhere there is a first impression to be made. Sadly to say, many places that should be making the cut, are not, and we need to admit we need to improve and do it. People learned this carelessness and they can un-learn it too, and even the poorest church mouse can acquire some free civic pride. It may be the only thing some of us have in these hard times. At least we can keep the house clean and respectable...or what little we have. That is the philosophy needed.

 

Pick, laugh, or wave away at this sentiment, or say why we 'can't', instead of 'how we can'.. maybe....but I'm just fed up with the carelessness regarding something as simple as placing trash in a trash can, I have seemed to see increase 10-fold in people in only a few short years... I'd actually like many parts of the city to look as good in person as they do in the pictures, and keeping litter at bay around our city, starting with the square, might do wonders to spreading a contagious new socially redeeming mindset that KNOWS what a trash can is for! Then maybe we can join the rest of the world in discovering what a recycling bin is for.

 

 

 

Some ideas to help...  Everyone who cares, get on board to promote the city to get a hold of, or take notice to the issue...For RTA to help with better bus stop management and a simple anti-litter campaign. Enforce the law. If you don't have cash to lose..then you better not pitch your crap on the ground, right? Those who live directly downtown may have to organize to have weekly clean up of say 2 hours in a hot spot for litter...and clean it...establish a visual presence that can evoke a 'lead-by-example' sort of thing..  Other ideas to follow... One or two people cannot do it all...and DCA could use help from individuals.

 

Sorry, I just hat to get all that off my shoulders today!  :whip: I simply find complacency utterly nauseating and boring, especially on the quality of life, health/environment or broken-window-theory type issues.   

DCA Announces City Advocates Program for 2010

Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) is seeking new participants for the DCA City Advocate program. Launched in 2009, the program brings together a diverse group of young professionals who are eager to play a role in the revitalization and progress of downtown Cleveland. While volunteering time and hard work to actions related to DCA’s mission, participants emerge as new community leaders and potential candidates to serve on the DCA Board of Directors.

 

The City Advocate program is action‐oriented, requiring participants to become involved in self‐directed initiatives that support Downtown in some way, be it through marketing, business attraction and retention, advocacy or other means.  Many City Advocates choose to work on longer‐term collaborative projects, while others focus on actions that can be completed in one day.  Some of the actions undertaken by the 2009‐2010 class of City Advocates include: taking suburban friends and relatives on tours of favorite downtown sites; researching the construction of a playground downtown; creating a letter writing campaign in support of state and federal funding for public transportation; helping owners of empty storefronts execute interim uses such as art installations and advertising; creating viral marketing videos about downtown life; and other incremental efforts such as blogging and tweeting about Downtown.

 

The program requires an annual commitment, attendance at monthly meetings and dedication to downtown Cleveland.  For more information on how to become a DCA City Advocate, visit downtowncleveland.com/page/CityAdvocates.aspx or contact Laura Kushnick, [email protected], 216‐736‐7799. Deadline to apply is February 26th.

 

I have an idea......  And I don't know if it's good, bad, or even feasible.

 

I love the DCA and what they do, but when I see something suspicious going down (like a drug deal in my driveway), calling dispatch cannot get someone there fast enough.  Calling the non-emergent police number is 100% useless, so I don't even bother.  Heck even calling 911 might not get a cop there, and I don't like abusing the 911 system anyway.

 

What would it take to create an "on call" position for either a DCA safety ambassador or a downtown services unit cop.  Essentially, they'd have a cell phone at which they'd be contacted directly by a concerned resident and it would be their job to respond immediately. 

^ That's a really good idea.

I love the DCA and what they do, but when I see something suspicious going down (like a drug deal in my driveway), calling dispatch cannot get someone there fast enough. Calling the non-emergent police number is 100% useless, so I don't even bother. Heck even calling 911 might not get a cop there, and I don't like abusing the 911 system anyway.

 

What would it take to create an "on call" position for either a DCA safety ambassador or a downtown services unit cop. Essentially, they'd have a cell phone at which they'd be contacted directly by a concerned resident and it would be their job to respond immediately.

 

Doctabroccoli, thanks for letting me know about this.  If you do see something like this going down and call the 621-6000 number, an ambassador would not be the one to respond, but one of our off-duty police officers would.  Those officers are tied into the CPD radio system so they can call for back-up.

 

Creating a on-call position would contradict the way our dispatching system is set up.  If you call the dispatch and they don't respond in a timely manner, please let me know at [email protected] and I will deal with the issue directly.  They should respond in a timely manner.  They may not be able to catch everything, but if you don't see them in a reasonable time it's something that we would really like to know about so it can be corrected and fixed.

 

Mark Lammon

I love the DCA and what they do, but when I see something suspicious going down (like a drug deal in my driveway), calling dispatch cannot get someone there fast enough. Calling the non-emergent police number is 100% useless, so I don't even bother. Heck even calling 911 might not get a cop there, and I don't like abusing the 911 system anyway.

 

What would it take to create an "on call" position for either a DCA safety ambassador or a downtown services unit cop. Essentially, they'd have a cell phone at which they'd be contacted directly by a concerned resident and it would be their job to respond immediately.

 

Doctabroccoli, thanks for letting me know about this. If you do see something like this going down and call the 621-6000 number, an ambassador would not be the one to respond, but one of our off-duty police officers would. Those officers are tied into the CPD radio system so they can call for back-up.

 

Creating a on-call position would contradict the way our dispatching system is set up. If you call the dispatch and they don't respond in a timely manner, please let me know at [email protected] and I will deal with the issue directly. They should respond in a timely manner. They may not be able to catch everything, but if you don't see them in a reasonable time it's something that we would really like to know about so it can be corrected and fixed.

 

Mark Lammon

 

I do call 621-6000 a lot......  Generally, though, it takes at least 5 minutes, sometimes up to 30 for someone to stop by.  I mean, I'm glad they do, don't get me wrong, because the CPD certainly doesn't reply to things called in to their non-emergency number, but generally, unfortunately, it's just not usually quick enough to question said people.

From two weeks ago, but I didn't see this posted anywhere:

 

Developer John Ferchill elected board chairman for the Downtown Cleveland Alliance

By Michelle Jarboe, The Plain Dealer March 23, 2010, 10:47AM

 

CLEVELAND -- Developer John Ferchill has been elected chairman of the board of the Downtown Cleveland Alliance, a non-profit group charged with improving and marketing the center city.

 

Ferchill replaces outgoing chairman John Carney, who has led the board for the past two years. Known for tackling complex urban developments and historic rehabs of buildings, Ferchill has been a member of the alliance's board of directors since its inception in 2005. His company, the Ferchill Group, is based in downtown Cleveland and recently has undertaken projects including the renovation of the Book-Cadillac hotel in downtown Detroit.

 

MORE AT http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2010/03/developer_john_fercill_elected.html

Maybe we'll see Ferchill begin to do some more projects in Cleveland, then?

I can't believe we missed this! Going on in 1 hr.

 

Downtown Cleveland Alliance celebrates 4 years with free downtown carwash

Posted: 8:42 PM

Last Updated: 18 hours and 26 minutes ago

 

 

CLEVELAND - To celebrate four years of service to downtown Cleveland, the Clean and Safe Ambassadors will be offering a free carwash on Thursday.

 

The free carwash will be held from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. for all downtown residents and employees. The event will be held on West 6th Street between Frankfort and Saint Clair avenues.

 

"The Ambassadors are a dedicated group of men and women who have been changing the face of downtown for the past four years. This car wash is our way of saying thank you and to show the property owners' commitment to offering the highest level of service downtown," Joe Marinucci, president and CEO of Downtown Cleveland Alliance said in a press release.

 

Cleveland's "Clean and Safe Ambassador" program began in 2006, as part of the newly formed Special Improvement District.

 

According to the Downtown Cleveland Alliance, there are now more than 55 ambassadors that patrol and clean the streets from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and until 3:30 a.m. on weekends.

 

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/downtown-cleveland-alliance-celebrates-4-years-with-free-downtown-carwash

Some more help for Downtown:

 

Cleveland council renews fees on downtown businesses for safety, street-cleaning and development programs

 

Published: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 11:50 AM   

Michelle Jarboe, The Plain Dealer

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Property owners in downtown Cleveland will pay five more years of assessments to support street-cleaning crews, safety escorts and business-development programs.

 

Cleveland City Council voted Wednesday on the final piece of legislation to reauthorize a special improvement district, which covers properties between West 10th and East 18th streets and Front and Carnegie avenues. Property owners in the district collectively pay more than $3 million a year to support clean-and-safe programs and marketing efforts. The district was created in 2005 and was set to expire this year. The reauthorization covers 2011 through 2015.

 

A renewal required approval from property owners representing at least 60 percent of the district. The effort garnered 66 percent support before the Downtown Cleveland Alliance, the nonprofit group that manages the district and represents property owners, asked the city to sign off.

 

"The reauthorization really represents an $18.8 million commitment over five years on the part of property owners," said Joe Marinucci, the alliance's president and chief executive officer. "Given the economic challenges of the last two years, I think that's just a great affirmation of the property owners' commitment to downtown and commitment to Cleveland."

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2010/07/cleveland_council_renews_fees_on_downtown_businesses_for_safety_street-cleaning_and_development_programs.html

 

Ten days left to submit your best digi photos of downtown Cleveland to our 3rd annual contest: http://downtowncleveland.com/photochallenge/

I don't know how many people know the details of the safety ambassadors' jobs, but the ones who ride around on bikes have checkpoints at certain areas throughout downtown that they are required to pass by.  We found out yesterday that they now have a checkpoint in our driveway.  Not gonna lie, I feel special!

Ten days left to submit your best digi photos of downtown Cleveland to our 3rd annual contest: http://downtowncleveland.com/photochallenge/

 

I wonder if DCA will do this again this year?

http://www.facebook.com/DowntownClevelandAlliance?sk=app_215246378515326

 

http://downtowncleveland.com/events/2011-downtown-photo-challenge.aspx

I don't know how many people know the details of the safety ambassadors' jobs, but the ones who ride around on bikes have checkpoints at certain areas throughout downtown that they are required to pass by.  We found out yesterday that they now have a checkpoint in our driveway.  Not gonna lie, I feel special!

 

The ambassadors use a system called a "pipe tour".  The device they use looks like a small baton and they must tap this to small RFD tags throughout downtown on a specific route.  Its a great system because we can ensure that ambassadors are hitting spots multiple times a day.  Its also great because we can prove we were somewhere!

 

The RFD tags look like small watch batteries.  If you look around you will see them stuck to everything from street signs to sides of buildings, even front doors.

 

ML

I don't know how many people know the details of the safety ambassadors' jobs, but the ones who ride around on bikes have checkpoints at certain areas throughout downtown that they are required to pass by.  We found out yesterday that they now have a checkpoint in our driveway.  Not gonna lie, I feel special!

 

You're a celebu-tante!  Would you expect less??

I don't know how many people know the details of the safety ambassadors' jobs, but the ones who ride around on bikes have checkpoints at certain areas throughout downtown that they are required to pass by.  We found out yesterday that they now have a checkpoint in our driveway.  Not gonna lie, I feel special!

 

You're a celebu-tante!  Would you expect less??

 

Yeah, the DCA is my own private security detail.  I've just never told you all that ;).

 

 

Kidding, of course.  But yes, we have one of those little "watch battery" looking things attached to the building in our driveway.

I don't know how many people know the details of the safety ambassadors' jobs, but the ones who ride around on bikes have checkpoints at certain areas throughout downtown that they are required to pass by.  We found out yesterday that they now have a checkpoint in our driveway.  Not gonna lie, I feel special!

 

You're a celebu-tante!  Would you expect less??

 

Yeah, the DCA is my own private security detail.  I've just never told you all that ;) .

 

 

Kidding, of course.  But yes, we have one of those little "watch battery" looking things attached to the building in our driveway.

 

Thats a good self absorbed celebu-tante!  :clap: HA!

It's been stated that the ultimate goal is to land a Presidential convention in 2016.  Is there a magic number of hotel rooms that are required in order to be considered?  15,000?  20,000? 

 

The starting lineup of hotel brands in downtown has improved a lot over the past few years.  With all the new hotels in development, downtown Cleveland will have over 4,500 rooms.  Is there a magic number of rooms within said distance that are required?  Including the suburbs there are countless more.  I know I'm missing some but to name a few in the downtown area:

 

650 - Hilton Convention Center

484 - Westin

441 - Renaissance Cleveland

400 - Marriot Cleveland

379 - Doubletree

293 - Hyatt Regency

240 - Hilton Garden Inn

205 - Wyndham

200 - Le Meridien

194 - Hampton Inn

180 - Drury Plaza

175 - Residence Inn

156 - Metropolitan

150 - aLoft

142 - Radisson Inn

141 - Holiday Inn Express

122 - Kimpton

^Ritz?

I thought about the Ritz but isn't that exclusive to the Casino now?  Or are there just a block of rooms set aside for the Casino to offer gamblers?

This is the new. This is Downtown Cleveland. Be among the first to see DCA's new video:

 

 

https://twitter.com/DowntownCLE

This is the new. This is Downtown Cleveland. Be among the first to see DCA's new video:

 

https://twitter.com/DowntownCLE

 

They did a nice job with this - I was stoked watching the video.

Great new video.  Thanks!  Nice job by the DCA.

great video. This made me proud.

This is the new. This is Downtown Cleveland. Be among the first to see DCA's new video:

 

 

https://twitter.com/DowntownCLE

 

Very singles oriented.  Hopefully there is are followup videos that show how family and gay friendly downtown is.

Now that might be considerd 'forced marketing'..... at least the family friendly part.  There is stuff to do downtown with the kids, for sure.  But do we even have one playground, a swingset........ hell, a decent sledding hill or one of those small splash parks would be a start.  We need more things to do with kids downtown that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (i.e. aquarium, GLSC, sporting events).  Winters at the Jake (or whatever it was called) was nice while it lasted, but you had to take out a second mortgage to buy tickets.  Right now, downtown is built for the single or empty nest life.  I'm not saying you can't raise a family downtown, but 'family friendly' is not what comes to mind.

Now that might be considerd 'forced marketing'..... at least the family friendly part.  There is stuff to do downtown with the kids, for sure.  But do we even have one playground, a swingset........ hell, a decent sledding hill or one of those small splash parks would be a start.  We need more things to do with kids downtown that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (i.e. aquarium, GLSC, sporting events).  Winters at the Jake (or whatever it was called) was nice while it lasted, but you had to take out a second mortgage to buy tickets.  Right now, downtown is built for the single or empty nest life.  I'm not saying you can't raise a family downtown, but 'family friendly' is not what comes to mind.

 

I'll give you that.  Having said that, it's time to start looking at building programs/amenities for families.

Now that might be considerd 'forced marketing'..... at least the family friendly part.  There is stuff to do downtown with the kids, for sure.  But do we even have one playground, a swingset........ hell, a decent sledding hill or one of those small splash parks would be a start.  We need more things to do with kids downtown that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (i.e. aquarium, GLSC, sporting events).  Winters at the Jake (or whatever it was called) was nice while it lasted, but you had to take out a second mortgage to buy tickets.  Right now, downtown is built for the single or empty nest life.  I'm not saying you can't raise a family downtown, but 'family friendly' is not what comes to mind.

 

The Mall would be a great place to go sledding so long as they put a fence in front of the road.

FYI.....

 

Wednesday, January 8 at 4:00 PM

 

Civic Drinks: Downtown Dialogues

 

http://www.cityclub.org/Programs/Current/tabid/172/Default.aspx

DowntownCLE @DowntownCLE 1m

We are excited to announce our office move to 1010 Euclid Ave., at the heart of development in #dtCLE http://t.co/9oSNbSyriO

DowntownCLE ‏@DowntownCLE  1h

Good morning, #dtCLE! Join us tomorrow for breakfast as we unveil our #StepUpDowntown plan!

https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/DowntownClevelandAlliance_1/GoodMorningDowntown.html

 

7:30-9:30 a.m. July 9

700 West St. Clair Ave., Hoyt Block

 

Displays will also be at Walnut Wednesday tomorrow at Perk Park.

Now that might be considerd 'forced marketing'..... at least the family friendly part.  There is stuff to do downtown with the kids, for sure.  But do we even have one playground, a swingset........ hell, a decent sledding hill or one of those small splash parks would be a start.  We need more things to do with kids downtown that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (i.e. aquarium, GLSC, sporting events).  Winters at the Jake (or whatever it was called) was nice while it lasted, but you had to take out a second mortgage to buy tickets.  Right now, downtown is built for the single or empty nest life.  I'm not saying you can't raise a family downtown, but 'family friendly' is not what comes to mind.

 

I'll give you that.  Having said that, it's time to start looking at building programs/amenities for families.

 

http://nearwestfamilynetwork.org/

 

Now that might be considerd 'forced marketing'..... at least the family friendly part.  There is stuff to do downtown with the kids, for sure.  But do we even have one playground, a swingset........ hell, a decent sledding hill or one of those small splash parks would be a start.  We need more things to do with kids downtown that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (i.e. aquarium, GLSC, sporting events).  Winters at the Jake (or whatever it was called) was nice while it lasted, but you had to take out a second mortgage to buy tickets.  Right now, downtown is built for the single or empty nest life.  I'm not saying you can't raise a family downtown, but 'family friendly' is not what comes to mind.

 

I'll give you that.  Having said that, it's time to start looking at building programs/amenities for families.

 

http://nearwestfamilynetwork.org/

 

That link doesn't work.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVSIAzBhwV0&list=UUwVY7g7AOXsgXRVNdpun1zA

^Great video!

 

Sorry downtown residents, the public will help finance Ye Olde Tyme Clock on Star Plaza, but a practical amenity like a dog park has to come out of your own pockets. Sincerely, Cuyahoga County.

^Great video!

 

Sorry downtown residents, the public will help finance Ye Olde Tyme Clock on Star Plaza, but a practical amenity like a dog park has to come out of your own pockets. Sincerely, Cuyahoga County.

 

As the dog owners should!  Even if the Dog Park is a plus for the area, not everyone wants or loves animals.  Let those who have pets own it and maintain it.  Create a dog park alliance and they can govern themselves.  I know if I lived downtown and someone asked me to donate or pay I wouldn't as I don't have a pet and wont adopt one in the future.  Even though I think it would be a plus and benefit to Downtown.

^Even a a non-dog owner I disagree, but in any case, I hope DCA is successful with this drive. Will be great to see dog parks, play grounds, and other public amenities geared towards residents to help keep the momentum rolling.