July 19, 20231 yr Next time you think of complaining about the Cleveland Clinic architecture, watch this video of John's Hopkins!
July 19, 20231 yr Author Johns Hopkins isn't in Cleveland. Cleveland Clinic is. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 19, 20231 yr If our goal is for Cleveland to top America's lists for innovation, quality, liveability, and style... we will keep pushing.
July 19, 20231 yr Is this supposed to be worse than the Clinic? https://goo.gl/maps/wWsh4mEe9ugbYQGD7
July 20, 20231 yr 22 hours ago, KJP said: Johns Hopkins isn't in Cleveland. Cleveland Clinic is. Spoken with @KJP’s usual crisp logic
July 20, 20231 yr 17 hours ago, Whipjacka said: Thank god they removed those planters - if you can even call them that. This whole area needs to be re-thought.
July 21, 20231 yr Author TMUD round 3 starts next week By Ken Prendergast / July 21, 2023 The desire for new-build projects in downtown Cleveland led to the creation of the state’s Transformational Mixed Use Development (TMUD) tax credit program nearly three years ago. But in the first two years of the four-year TMUD program, no developers of new-construction downtown projects have submitted applications. As the third round of TMUD will start next week, will a new-build project downtown finally be an applicant — or perhaps even a winner — despite of tightening labor and credit markets plus rising interest rates? MORE: https://neo-trans.blog/2023/07/21/tmud-round-3-starts-next-week/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 21, 20231 yr So Ken we bandy about with the definition of the term "high rise." Per your article what is your definition?
July 21, 20231 yr Author 3 minutes ago, cadmen said: So Ken we bandy about with the definition of the term "high rise." Per your article what is your definition? This is the sound of me fearing a multi-post debate on the definition. Not a complaint on your question, but if we have this debate, it should be in another thread. Instead, what do you want to see submitted for a TMUD? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 21, 20231 yr 40 minutes ago, KJP said: Instead, what do you want to see submitted for a TMUD? A claw-back clause for any project that doesn't actually start using the money within 24 months! Oh, you mean projects....
July 21, 20231 yr 5 minutes ago, Foraker said: A claw-back clause for any project that doesn't actually start using the money within 24 months! Actually, 12 months would be better.
July 21, 20231 yr Author 14 minutes ago, Foraker said: A claw-back clause for any project that doesn't actually start using the money within 24 months! Oh, you mean projects.... I think there is a claw-back provision but I don't remember what it is. I haven't read the legislation in several years. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 22, 20231 yr Has any project that won the award actually started yet? Even the project in Mentor hasn’t started.
July 22, 20231 yr 29 minutes ago, JB said: Has any project that won the award actually started yet? Even the project in Mentor hasn’t started. Cross Country downtown headquarters. I imagine construction should actually be wrapped up soon...at least on portions of it.
July 22, 20231 yr 1 minute ago, Htsguy said: Cross Country downtown headquarters. I imagine construction should actually be wrapped up soon...at least on portions of it. Ah that’s right I forgot about that one.
July 22, 20231 yr Author I'm putting this here rather than in the easily overlooked Cleveland TOD discussion in the transportation section because this is perhaps the most important change in city policy since its first attempt at a zoning code a century ago. I realize it's a long article, but please read it. It's important for the future of this city given our concerns about crime, climate, economic development, inclusivity, etc. City considers re-legalizing the city again By Ken Prendergast / July 22, 2023 The city of Cleveland’s Board of Zoning Appeals’ docket regularly sees cases like this. On Monday, Sally Banks LLC will ask the board to allow it add a 1,100-square-foot addition to its popular Treehouse pub, 820 College Ave. in Tremont, without adding off-street parking spaces. It’s the second time the pub is expanding and it’s the second time it has had to go through the process of getting a variance to ignore the city’s zoning laws. Those zoning laws say the pub has to add an off-street parking space for every 100 square feet of new business space. The average cost per parking space to build a surface parking lot is $5,000, city data shows. MORE: https://neo-trans.blog/2023/07/22/city-considers-re-legalizing-the-city-again/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 22, 20231 yr Not to be hyperbolic but this change in our zoning laws has the potential to propel Cleveland forward faster than any number of wishful projects like transforming the lakefront or Bedrock's equally ambitious plan. It's even more important than having a fortune 500 company move here. It's important because it answers so many problems. It makes development cheaper. It brings back into use so many vacant properties. It promotes density which can reduce our reliance on the automobile. It helps to create a 24 hour city. It may sound counterintuitive but it can reduce crime by putting more people on the streets. This simple change has the potential to bring reactionary Cleveland into the progressive world by oddly going back to the past before sprawl did a number on our town. I only hope that our leaders have enough sense to understand what passing this will mean. Based on our history l'll remain skeptical. Great article Ken. You have a real insight into what is needed to get this city moving again. Thanks for the education.
July 23, 20231 yr 19 hours ago, KJP said: I'm putting this here rather than in the easily overlooked Cleveland TOD discussion in the transportation section because this is perhaps the most important change in city policy since its first attempt at a zoning code a century ago. I realize it's a long article, but please read it. It's important for the future of this city given our concerns about crime, climate, economic development, inclusivity, etc. City considers re-legalizing the city again By Ken Prendergast / July 22, 2023 The city of Cleveland’s Board of Zoning Appeals’ docket regularly sees cases like this. On Monday, Sally Banks LLC will ask the board to allow it add a 1,100-square-foot addition to its popular Treehouse pub, 820 College Ave. in Tremont, without adding off-street parking spaces. It’s the second time the pub is expanding and it’s the second time it has had to go through the process of getting a variance to ignore the city’s zoning laws. Those zoning laws say the pub has to add an off-street parking space for every 100 square feet of new business space. The average cost per parking space to build a surface parking lot is $5,000, city data shows. MORE: https://neo-trans.blog/2023/07/22/city-considers-re-legalizing-the-city-again/ This is very promising and by itself I would think do quite a bit to promote development along these corridors. Hopefully it's just a first step though; It would be nice to see the city at least consider/study implementing a land value tax so lots don't sit empty I'm not as familiar with the zoning laws and building code so forgive me if this is ignorant, but it seems like comprehensive and substantial reform is needed here so it is clear for builders what they can build and they don't have to worry about having to go through an iterative review and redesign process that can be derailed at any time by a small handful of residents. I hope they also have in mind some street redesigns to compliment this new policy; I think I've heard Lorain is due for a road diet, seems like it could be a good candidate for a BRT line too. W117th comes to mind. I had one question about this legislation though, @KJP, do you know if this change to the zoning laws will be fixed to the area currently defined by transit frequency or will it change as services change? If the RTA increases frequency to a new area of the city would that be eligible for this new zoning and would the inverse be true as well?
July 23, 20231 yr 22 minutes ago, Luke_S said: I hope they also have in mind some street redesigns to compliment this new policy; I think I've heard Lorain is due for a road diet, seems like it could be a good candidate for a BRT line too. W117th comes to mind It would be great, and I hope they can figure out a way to speed along reconstruction of our roadways to try and match developers timelines. But the City does not have much money to commit to roadway projects; they’ve been trying to cobble together funding for Superior and Lorain for going on 7 years now.
July 23, 20231 yr Lorain Ave. has already been "dieted" from Ohio City to W. 150th. Any further dieting puts it in anorexic territory. Beyond W 150th, it is currently like a suburban main street. One curiosity I have had due to replacement of traffic capacity with bicycle lanes is, what expected bicycle volumes were assumed in making the decision to do it, or was it based on something else entirely? Today, existing bicycle lanes, when I drive in the city, are essentially empty, except for few hardy souls. Will there be a bicycle usage promotion to encourage more ridership? Is it thought that there is a large latent demand? Also, how should street front businesses provide for the securing of the bicycles, while the riders are patronizing their businesses? I had a fleeting visual of the old streetside hitching posts for horses seen in the old westerns.
July 23, 20231 yr 43 minutes ago, urb-a-saurus said: Lorain Ave. has already been "dieted" from Ohio City to W. 150th. From W 65th on, yes. I was referring to the midway projects. I suppose I should’ve been more specific as anything restriping the lanes could be considered a road diet. 45 minutes ago, urb-a-saurus said: One curiosity I have had due to replacement of traffic capacity with bicycle lanes is, what expected bicycle volumes were assumed in making the decision to do it, or was it based on something else entirely? Today, existing bicycle lanes, when I drive in the city, are essentially empty, except for few hardy souls. I think this has to do as much with the quality of the bike infrastructure as anything else. I live in Ohio City, so I know it best. Detroit has the most bikers, but the road is riddled with potholes. Both Lorain and Detroit (and basically every other thru street) are simple painted lines and it doesn’t feel safe to be out there. I think the City is implementing more bike lanes due to popular demand, but casual riders do not feel comfortable using them in the current environment. I’d love to hear other opinions though.
July 23, 20231 yr 32 minutes ago, Enginerd said: From W 65th on, yes. I was referring to the midway projects. I suppose I should’ve been more specific as anything restriping the lanes could be considered a road diet. I think this has to do as much with the quality of the bike infrastructure as anything else. I live in Ohio City, so I know it best. Detroit has the most bikers, but the road is riddled with potholes. Both Lorain and Detroit (and basically every other thru street) are simple painted lines and it doesn’t feel safe to be out there. I think the City is implementing more bike lanes due to popular demand, but casual riders do not feel comfortable using them in the current environment. I’d love to hear other opinions though. They should really just do what a lot of Europe does and expand the sidewalks and put the bike lanes on the sidewalks with their own designated lines.
July 23, 20231 yr Author 3 hours ago, Luke_S said: I had one question about this legislation though, @KJP, do you know if this change to the zoning laws will be fixed to the area currently defined by transit frequency or will it change as services change? If the RTA increases frequency to a new area of the city would that be eligible for this new zoning and would the inverse be true as well? I don't know. I haven't seen the legislation and I based my article on Moss' presentation which is linked through the article. There was a lot to digest. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 23, 20231 yr 6 hours ago, Luke_S said: I had one question about this legislation though, @KJP, do you know if this change to the zoning laws will be fixed to the area currently defined by transit frequency or will it change as services change? If the RTA increases frequency to a new area of the city would that be eligible for this new zoning and would the inverse be true as well? This is Matt! :) We're defining the applicable zone as anywhere within 1/4 mile of a 15-minute service stop. So the "TOD Zone" could grow (or shrink) as service changes.
July 24, 20231 yr @mam178 Do you have a copy of the legislation you would be willing to share? I'm very interested in reviewing it. Thanks.
July 24, 20231 yr @LlamaLawyerhere is the legislation: https://cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6283377&GUID=F8EBCBDE-93AE-4C7F-8F93-76FC88FD72E4&G=2EB18EF1-2C21-4D1D-85C9-B38100AB8FFD&Options=ID|Text|&Search=801-2023
July 24, 20231 yr Author @LlamaLawyer I posted a link to it in the TOD thread in the transportation section plus a sample letter in case anyone wants to contact their councilperson. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 24, 20231 yr 23 hours ago, urb-a-saurus said: Today, existing bicycle lanes, when I drive in the city, are essentially empty, except for few hardy souls. Will there be a bicycle usage promotion to encourage more ridership? Is it thought that there is a large latent demand? Also, how should street front businesses provide for the securing of the bicycles, while the riders are patronizing their businesses? Is it possible that bike lanes are empty because many people just don’t feel safe with only a stripe of white paint between themselves and traffic? IIRC the plan is to build sidewalk-level bike lanes for the Lorain cycletrack (currently this stretch has no bike lanes at all). Bikes are relatively affordable, so I don’t think it’s unrealistic to assume people might use them to replace shorter trips if it became practical. And I would think the new streetscape would include bike racks. 23 hours ago, urb-a-saurus said: Any further dieting puts it in anorexic territory. “Anorexic” isn’t exactly the first word that comes to mind when I think about safe streets. Which street do you think encourages people to patronize local businesses?
July 24, 20231 yr 11 minutes ago, mam178 said: @LlamaLawyerhere is the legislation: https://cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6283377&GUID=F8EBCBDE-93AE-4C7F-8F93-76FC88FD72E4&G=2EB18EF1-2C21-4D1D-85C9-B38100AB8FFD&Options=ID|Text|&Search=801-2023 So am I correct in understanding the intent is basically the following: Any TOD project is exempt from parking requirements provided it complies with the program standards and gets approved for TDM registration, BUT such projects are still subject to any other zoning requirements and have to go through an otherwise normal approval process at CPC.
July 24, 20231 yr 20 minutes ago, sonisharri said: Is it possible that bike lanes are empty because many people just don’t feel safe with only a stripe of white paint between themselves and traffic? IIRC the plan is to build sidewalk-level bike lanes for the Lorain cycletrack (currently this stretch has no bike lanes at all). Bikes are relatively affordable, so I don’t think it’s unrealistic to assume people might use them to replace shorter trips if it became practical. And I would think the new streetscape would include bike racks. I think the reason there aren't many bikers is due to what you are describing with the lack of truly protected bike lanes and places to park/lockup bikes, but also, importantly, a very limited network of interconnected bike lanes. Even if you have the relative safety of a bike lane from where you start your journey, chances are you're going to end up on a sharrow or just a normal city street.
July 24, 20231 yr Author Yet the bike trails are well used because they are safer and more interconnected. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 24, 20231 yr Well to be fair, Cleveland is slowly but surely adding SOME protection to the bike lanes (Lorain Avenue between 25th and the L-C Bridge). Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk
July 24, 20231 yr Author How about some pictures of protected bike lanes taken from bikes? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 24, 20231 yr 20 hours ago, mam178 said: This is Matt! :) We're defining the applicable zone as anywhere within 1/4 mile of a 15-minute service stop. So the "TOD Zone" could grow (or shrink) as service changes. So glad you are here! We appreciate all your efforts in this area. It will be great to have your perspective in discussions on this forum. And F*** Rob Schneider. What a clown. We have your back on that one. Update - for reference When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
July 24, 20231 yr If only planning departments had as much power as the conspiracy theorists think they do.
July 24, 20231 yr 3 hours ago, LlamaLawyer said: So am I correct in understanding the intent is basically the following: Any TOD project is exempt from parking requirements provided it complies with the program standards and gets approved for TDM registration, BUT such projects are still subject to any other zoning requirements and have to go through an otherwise normal approval process at CPC. That's right. The form based code and other strategic updates will modify and improve the other processes as well.
July 24, 20231 yr How about some pictures of protected bike lanes taken from bikes? A protected bike lane is still a protected bike lane. The important thing is hoping that this effort spreads across the citySent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk
July 24, 20231 yr Because no major outlets are covering it and I saw it on a CLE Aviation thread... https://www.centerforcleveland.org/news "July 21, 2023: Cleveland MSA expands. The federally-defined Cleveland Metropolitan Statistical Area has been expanded from five to six counties. The new county is Ashtabula County." Cleveland MSA is adding Ashtabula Co. to its overall MSA, increasing our metro population by almost 100k people. If I'm not mistaken, it once again puts us tied with or barely ahead of Columbus for largest metro area in the state by population (for now at least...). I'm sure if one was inclined to do a deep dive you could find more info on this story elsewhere...
July 24, 20231 yr 35 minutes ago, Geowizical said: Because no major outlets are covering it and I saw it on a CLE Aviation thread... https://www.centerforcleveland.org/news "July 21, 2023: Cleveland MSA expands. The federally-defined Cleveland Metropolitan Statistical Area has been expanded from five to six counties. The new county is Ashtabula County." Cleveland MSA is adding Ashtabula Co. to its overall MSA, increasing our metro population by almost 100k people. If I'm not mistaken, it once again puts us tied with or barely ahead of Columbus for largest metro area in the state by population (for now at least...). I'm sure if one was inclined to do a deep dive you could find more info on this story elsewhere... We're ahead of Columbus based on 2020 population but *barely* behind Columbus by 2022 estimate.
July 24, 20231 yr 44 minutes ago, Geowizical said: Because no major outlets are covering it and I saw it on a CLE Aviation thread... https://www.centerforcleveland.org/news "July 21, 2023: Cleveland MSA expands. The federally-defined Cleveland Metropolitan Statistical Area has been expanded from five to six counties. The new county is Ashtabula County." Cleveland MSA is adding Ashtabula Co. to its overall MSA, increasing our metro population by almost 100k people. If I'm not mistaken, it once again puts us tied with or barely ahead of Columbus for largest metro area in the state by population (for now at least...). I'm sure if one was inclined to do a deep dive you could find more info on this story elsewhere... 8 minutes ago, LlamaLawyer said: We're ahead of Columbus based on 2020 population but *barely* behind Columbus by 2022 estimate. Pretty extensive conversation on this over in the Ohio population thread, which is a better location for this discussion. When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
July 24, 20231 yr Since the Cleveland Retail Thread is still locked, chase bank is opening at the Steelyard in the old Guthrie's space. I thought Chipotle would've expanded over there for a Chipotlane but I guess not. Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk
July 25, 20231 yr 10 hours ago, sonisharri said: Is it possible that bike lanes are empty because many people just don’t feel safe with only a stripe of white paint between themselves and traffic? IIRC the plan is to build sidewalk-level bike lanes for the Lorain cycletrack (currently this stretch has no bike lanes at all). Bikes are relatively affordable, so I don’t think it’s unrealistic to assume people might use them to replace shorter trips if it became practical. And I would think the new streetscape would include bike racks. “Anorexic” isn’t exactly the first word that comes to mind when I think about safe streets. Which street do you think encourages people to patronize local businesses? I won’t dare ride my bike on a city street. I value my life way more than trusting distracted drivers of 5000lbs of metal. I’ll only do the trails or on the sidewalk. And Sharrows are a suicide invitation.
July 25, 20231 yr 4 hours ago, LlamaLawyer said: We're ahead of Columbus based on 2020 population but *barely* behind Columbus by 2022 estimate. Though now wayyyyy ahead in wineries 🍷
July 25, 20231 yr 10 hours ago, KJP said: How about some pictures of protected bike lanes taken from bikes? “Protected” bike lane on Detroit Ave Also, painting the words “door zone” does just about as much for safety as sharrows
July 25, 20231 yr Author Nice! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 26, 20231 yr The "iconic" abandoned Best buy in the Steelyard is no more. Looks like the work for the Hibbet Sports and Ross is starting. Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk
July 26, 20231 yr The "iconic" abandoned Best buy in the Steelyard is no more. Looks like the work for the Hibbet Sports and Ross is starting. Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk
July 26, 20231 yr Great look for Cleveland on national media - a scroll tonight on CNN - 3 cities had the highest gains in the country On home sale prices - NY, Chicago and Cleveland!
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