A day in the life of a Downtown Cleveland Alliance Clean & Safe Ambassador with Mike Polk Jr. https://www.wkyc.com/video/entertainment/television/programs/whats-new/national-volunteer-week-mike-polk-jr-volunteers-with-the-downtown-cleveland-alliance/95-2737a368-a703-41af-bcde-1e14819970db

 

...now do the fountain side 😬

 

 

1 hour ago, GISguy said:

...now do the fountain side 😬

 

 

Redbuds, which are so weedy and invasive in Washington, look much nicer in Cleveland.

8 hours ago, Dougal said:

Redbuds, which are so weedy and invasive in Washington, look much nicer in Cleveland.

They’re natives of the region.

8 hours ago, Dougal said:

Redbuds, which are so weedy and invasive in Washington, look much nicer in Cleveland.

I recognize that fuchsia pink color. Its most likely the cultivar "Appalachian Red," not the native species. Excellent choice by who ever selected them. Native redbuds have a more purple flower.  

16 hours ago, DO_Summers said:

I recognize that fuchsia pink color. Its most likely the cultivar "Appalachian Red," not the native species. Excellent choice by who ever selected them. Native redbuds have a more purple flower.  

Agree.   Native redbuds are much duller.   

Redirect from the SHW HQ thread....

 

52 minutes ago, Ray45a said:

Finally Got That Core Pour Yesterday!

 

Nice job blocking the sidewalk along Euclid Avenue. The property owner, the contractor and the city could be sued for violating ADA.

It’s Ridiculous 

Edited May 2, 20232 yr by CleveFan

20 hours ago, KJP said:

Redirect from the SHW HQ thread....

 

 

Nice job blocking the sidewalk along Euclid Avenue. The property owner, the contractor and the city could be sued for violating ADA.

 

I need to walk down on lunchbreak today to see if anyone said anything/see if its still there. It was awesome walking around this as a truck was backing up to leave. I hope the city came down on them but I have my doubts.

So are they fixing the sidewalk? Renovating that building?

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4 hours ago, GREGinPARMA said:

They should create a few full-time jobs whose main task is to repair and replace broken/burnt out lights.

Architectural lighting is something I am huge on and it grinds my gears when I see this. 

Yes, but this should be broader than just lights, they should have someone who goes around the city and identifies all manners of repairs that need made. Including things like: cracked sidewalks, fallen streetlights, burnt out lights, beds that need weeded, dead trees that need removed and replaced, potholes that need repaired, broken sewer grates, etc. Simple repairs/maintenance could just be done on the spot, and more complicated things would be logged. Even if the city can't get to everything right away at least they will know what needs done. 

They are probably already paying people whose responsibility is doing those things. Whether they get done or not may be the question.

I've been trying to find new spots to eat lunch around downtown and it's kind of shocking how few tables there are throughout the downtown core. Spots you'd assume have them, don't. 

 

The ones I can think of quickly/off the top of my head:

 

-Perk Park

-Public Square (seasonal)

-Reading Garden at CPL (weather dependent)

-PNC Building behind the building/not quite courtyard

-US Bank Plaza/Playhouse Square (seasonal)

-CSU if you know where to look

 

Buildings are hit and miss - the Arcade brought theirs back recently, 200 PS only has their seating on the first floor/got rid of tables on second floor, Justice Center has like two tables in their lobby, Fifth St. Arcades have remained the same...and I'm rambling.

 

Any I'm missing? Being dramatic? I'm sure a lot of it has to do with "vagrants", but sure seems like we lost a lot of these types of spaces during COVID.  

Edited May 9, 20232 yr by GISguy
changed from 'city' to downtown core

21 minutes ago, GISguy said:

I've been trying to find new spots to eat lunch around town and it's kind of shocking how few tables there are throughout the city. Spots you'd assume have them, don't. 

 

The ones I can think of quickly/off the top of my head:

 

-Perk Park

-Public Square (seasonal)

-Reading Garden at CPL (weather dependent)

-PNC Building behind the building/not quite courtyard

-US Bank Plaza/Playhouse Square (seasonal)

-CSU if you know where to look

 

Buildings are hit and miss - the Arcade brought theirs back recently, 200 PS only has their seating on the first floor/got rid of tables on second floor, Justice Center has like two tables in their lobby, Fifth St. Arcades have remained the same...and I'm rambling.

 

Any I'm missing? Being dramatic? I'm sure a lot of it has to do with "vagrants", but sure seems like we lost a lot of these types of spaces during COVID.  

 

The options are pretty limited downtown, Wendy Park is nearby and has some too. But further out (still in the city) there are tons of options in the University Circle area and around Case, at pretty much all of the Metroparks including Edgewater and the Lakefront Nature Preserve/E 55 Marina, Euclid Beach Park and so on. Lots of them in parks in east and west side neighborhoods too.

I think downtown is in a weird place now. On one hand over the last few years there has been a very steady building boom. Well steady for Cleveland when on any given day there is construction of a new high-rise. Used to be we would go several years between buildings.  On the other hand, post covid the downtown seems much quieter with much less foot traffic. Less restaurants, less retail. Just generally less activity. I know WFH plus covid is the problem but still...it's kinda odd that we have steady building and a quieter downtown too. 

2 hours ago, GISguy said:

I've been trying to find new spots to eat lunch around downtown and it's kind of shocking how few tables there are throughout the downtown core. Spots you'd assume have them, don't. 

 

The ones I can think of quickly/off the top of my head:

 

-Perk Park

-Public Square (seasonal)

-Reading Garden at CPL (weather dependent)

-PNC Building behind the building/not quite courtyard

-US Bank Plaza/Playhouse Square (seasonal)

-CSU if you know where to look

 

Buildings are hit and miss - the Arcade brought theirs back recently, 200 PS only has their seating on the first floor/got rid of tables on second floor, Justice Center has like two tables in their lobby, Fifth St. Arcades have remained the same...and I'm rambling.

 

Any I'm missing? Being dramatic? I'm sure a lot of it has to do with "vagrants", but sure seems like we lost a lot of these types of spaces during COVID.  

Mall C has a decent amount of tables on the sides. Justice Center's interior fourth floor outdoor atrium if you hate your life.   

 

Does the Cathedral have tables outside in their garden area?

 

To the north of the science center in the grass. I think north coast harbor has some closer to the Rock Hall. 

Edited May 9, 20232 yr by KFM44107

On 5/3/2023 at 4:37 PM, MyPhoneDead said:

So are they fixing the sidewalk? Renovating that building?

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Since this hasn't been answered yet, it looks like a building renovation. 

 

 

On 5/9/2023 at 3:52 PM, cadmen said:

I think downtown is in a weird place now. On one hand over the last few years there has been a very steady building boom. Well steady for Cleveland when on any given day there is construction of a new high-rise. Used to be we would go several years between buildings.  On the other hand, post covid the downtown seems much quieter with much less foot traffic. Less restaurants, less retail. Just generally less activity. I know WFH plus covid is the problem but still...it's kinda odd that we have steady building and a quieter downtown too. 

I don’t think it’s COVID anymore - WFH is kind of the one major change that never went away since COVID - but in most every other way, things pretty much feel back to “normal”. 

12 hours ago, CleveFan said:

I don’t think it’s COVID anymore - WFH is kind of the one major change that never went away since COVID - but in most every other way, things pretty much feel back to “normal”. 

 

Cle dot com had an article on the changing workforce today: https://www.cleveland.com/news/2023/05/covid-19s-lasting-impact-the-workplace-virtual-meetings-casual-dress-here-to-stay-remote-work-still-unpredictable.html

 

Notable quote from that: 

"In 2023, 63% of young professionals say they work a hybrid schedule, meaning that they work remotely from home at least part time each week. Another 11% worked completely remotely and 26% commuted to the office 100% of the time."

 

It's funny, my office is back 100% and has been. Despite that, folks who are IN the building still video conference in and most conversation with my immediate team takes place over slack - so much for the "connections" argument. 

14 hours ago, Ethan said:

Since this hasn't been answered yet, it looks like a building renovation. 

 

 

 

I appreciate that they didn't honor any sidewalk easement but manage to park their work trucks within the fenced area. Sure, makes sense. 

They are laying down new bike lane markers on West 65th. They'll include a picture of a bike I just missed those because I didn't know these were so new lol.

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It's......................................something

On 3/24/2023 at 8:09 AM, KJP said:

 

From Kyiv to Cleveland, art firm HQ moves

By Ken Prendergast / March 24, 2023

 

Founded in Ukraine nearly two decades ago, Dion Art has been expanding thanks to stunning, innovative public art projects and a stabilizing, growing nation. When that growth slowed to a trickle a year ago when Russia began its all-out invasion of Ukraine, its founder and his friend made a choice — move Dion Art to Cleveland.

 

MORE 

https://neo-trans.blog/2023/03/24/from-kyiv-to-cleveland-art-firm-hq-moves/

 

Has anyone been down this way recently to see if these have been installed yet?

33 minutes ago, GREGinPARMA said:

 

Has anyone been down this way recently to see if these have been installed yet?

 

I didn’t notice them when I was downtown last Saturday.

 

Downtown Cleveland seeks post-pandemic boost
By Ken Prendergast / June 6, 2023

 

The City of Cleveland and Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA), in partnership with Cuyahoga County, Destination Cleveland and Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP), today unveiled Reimagining Downtown Cleveland. Over the next one to five years, this series of short- and intermediate-term strategies will accelerate the evolution of Downtown Cleveland from a 9-to-5 central business district into a diverse, vibrant, and accessible mixed-use, 18-hour, 15-minute neighborhood.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2023/06/06/downtown-cleveland-seeks-post-pandemic-boost/

I'm really bummed that like 1/3 of the barriers that were put in place for the bike lane along Detroit have already been destroyed. I loved that addition to the street. 

I was just up in Toronto and they use those concrete parking stops you see in parking lots.  Why Cleveland can't just use those instead of cheap plastic reflectors is beyond me.  

1 hour ago, mack34 said:

I was just up in Toronto and they use those concrete parking stops you see in parking lots.  Why Cleveland can't just use those instead of cheap plastic reflectors is beyond me.  

 

We need to study them for 74 years first! In spite of them (or ANY traffic calming infrastructure) being used worldwide. 

2 hours ago, KJP said:

The City of Cleveland and Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA), in partnership with Cuyahoga County, Destination Cleveland and Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP), today unveiled Reimagining Downtown Cleveland. Over the next one to five years, this series of short- and intermediate-term strategies will accelerate the evolution of Downtown Cleveland from a 9-to-5 central business district into a diverse, vibrant, and accessible mixed-use, 18-hour, 15-minute neighborhood.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2023/06/06/downtown-cleveland-seeks-post-pandemic-boost/

 

What'd really help boost Downtown into a vibrant, ACCESSIBLE, 18-hr or even 24hr, 15-minute district/neighborhood would be a Downtown-Rail-Loop!!!

I wish more attention was given to Malls A-B-C.   It is time to make those spaces more than grass lawns.  Some suggestions I would like to see happen.

1. Additional greenery that was proposed to complete the landscape from GGN when The Convention Center was rebuilt.   Parks work best when there are more options to relax under shade.   

2.Additional amenities such as public restrooms

3.Farmer's Market on the promenades

4. Summer Series concerts

5. Have the Cleveland Museum of Art coordinate an outreach of their campus. ie curated Sculpture walk

 

10 hours ago, dave2017 said:

I wish more attention was given to Malls A-B-C.   It is time to make those spaces more than grass lawns.  Some suggestions I would like to see happen.

1. Additional greenery that was proposed to complete the landscape from GGN when The Convention Center was rebuilt.   Parks work best when there are more options to relax under shade.   

2.Additional amenities such as public restrooms

3.Farmer's Market on the promenades

4. Summer Series concerts

5. Have the Cleveland Museum of Art coordinate an outreach of their campus. ie curated Sculpture walk

 

 

I think some of the new downtown "plan" announced yesterday should help with some of this. Also concerts are starting back up today, I think?

 

I'll add to this though, I know there were renderings for a playground a few years back- what ever happened to that? There are like zero places for a kid to play downtown. 

It seems like Mall B is well suited for concerts with the sloping lawn.  Sort of a mini version of Blossom.

13 minutes ago, LibertyBlvd said:

It seems like Mall B is well suited for concerts with the sloping lawn.  Sort of a mini version of Blossom.

 

They've done it in the past with the shortlived InCuya Fest and ASG among others...

 

InCuya:

 

 

 

MLB ASG (fun fact, this was the first time I've been on the mall and while it was bouncing, really put a lot of trust into the convention center designers with this one):

 

 

 

Am I crazy or did they expand out / add these front porch areas? If so, it should help move these long vacant retail spaces. 

 

 

 

Also, it looks like they've added more flowers to E4th, though once again, I could be crazy. 

 

 

Less good, this median was hit and needs repaired. On Euclid. Adding in the vain hope that important people check this site. 

 

 

^ I moved downtown almost 10 years ago. As far as I can recall that median has been like that the entire time. 

Unfortunately DCA or another private body needs to take a greater role in policing, if not physically addressing issues such as this downtown. The city does not have the means, the will, or both to do it. And, although some might view these as minor eyesores, as they are long-left unaddressed, the overall impression is poor and not one that facilitates further development. 

5 minutes ago, OldEnough said:

Unfortunately DCA or another private body needs to take a greater role in policing, if not physically addressing issues such as this downtown. The city does not have the means, the will, or both to do it. And, although some might view these as minor eyesores, as they are long-left unaddressed, the overall impression is poor and not one that facilitates further development. 

If you talk to members of council, they have to beg and plead to get anything like this done from the city departments responsible.  Even every day tasks that should be a part of their normal job routine often requires multiple calls to department heads to initiate any kind of action.  It's a wonder anything gets done in this town.  I'm sure DCA experiences the same, or has to go via their council rep. 

 

I have found, however, that many things like this go unreported.  City workers will drive right by it hundreds of times.  Until someone like a proactive Urban Ohio member actually points it out to the Council rep and gets the process started from the top, it will stay that way for years.   

 

So I would suggest contacting Kerry McCormick on this needed repair.  Send a photo and ask why it's been that way for years.  Hopefully the squeaky wheel will get the grease.    [email protected]

Same is true here in Cle Hts. Sad. 

Would the city be responsible for maintaining public transportation infrastructure on a US route administered by ODOT?

1 hour ago, bumsquare said:

Would the city be responsible for maintaining public transportation infrastructure on a US route administered by ODOT?

Good question.  Probably yes, but they will point their fingers and say someone else should do it in order to drag their feet and not do anything for 10 years. 

2 hours ago, bumsquare said:

Would the city be responsible for maintaining public transportation infrastructure on a US route administered by ODOT?

Municipalities are responsible for maintaining US and State Routes within their borders.

 

ODOT put together a nifty matrix you can see here:

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/programs/maintenance-operations/rimr/rimr-matrices#RoadwayMaintenanceResponsibilities
 

There is another for bridges if anyone is interested lol.

11 minutes ago, Enginerd said:

Municipalities are responsible for maintaining US and State Routes within their borders.

 

ODOT put together a nifty matrix you can see here:

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/programs/maintenance-operations/rimr/rimr-matrices#RoadwayMaintenanceResponsibilities
 

There is another for bridges if anyone is interested lol.

So the city IS responsible for how bad the boulevard on Clifton and the shoreway looks. It's embarrassing. Especially for a premier neighborhood in Edgewater. 

On 6/11/2023 at 5:17 PM, Ethan said:

 

Less good, this median was hit and needs repaired. On Euclid. Adding in the vain hope that important people check this site. 

 

 

 

 

I've noticed the condition of that median recently.  I'd even be happy if they just redid that end of it in all concrete.

I know that Cleveland's finances are not as strong as most other major cities.  That said, I believe the mistake is the feeling that making things look good is a luxury vs. a long-term investment.  Who wants to live, work, invest in a city that doesn't even care to tidy up it's most prominent real estate? 

6 minutes ago, OldEnough said:

I know that Cleveland's finances are not as strong as most other major cities.  That said, I believe the mistake is the feeling that making things look good is a luxury vs. a long-term investment.  Who wants to live, work, invest in a city that doesn't even care to tidy up it's most prominent real estate? 

Mayor Jackson argued for and received from voters a .5% tax increase back in 2017 ostensibly to improve city services.    I don't think anyone has noticed a change.  There is a terrible culture in the city employees of actively avoiding doing anything.  I know it sounds like stereotyping city jobs (4 guys watching another dig a hole), but trust me in Cleveland this is the case.   It's a toxic environment where the unions protect any and all.   

52 minutes ago, OldEnough said:

I know that Cleveland's finances are not as strong as most other major cities.  That said, I believe the mistake is the feeling that making things look good is a luxury vs. a long-term investment.  Who wants to live, work, invest in a city that doesn't even care to tidy up it's most prominent real estate? 

 

Ok, but that doesn't make for a flashy press conference does it?? It'd be cool if the mayor did a pothole blitz, or small fixes like this instead of big buzz flashy lights press conferences. Sorry Mayor, but governance is pretty darn boring most of the time. 

Cuyahoga County wants residents to ‘dream big’ when they see underneath Veterans Memorial Bridge this weekend

 

Quote

Following Friday and Saturday’s event, Ronayne said the county plans to reintroduce some concepts to the public at an undetermined date and hoped to host more events at the bridge in between.

 

https://www.cleveland.com/realestate-news/2023/06/cuyahoga-county-wants-residents-to-dream-big-when-they-see-underneath-veterans-memorial-bridge-this-weekend.html

imagine if they could add the railcars back into the lower deck and put a rail stop at W25th and detroit and connect it to tower city terminal. You could get across the river to downtown in 2 minutes instead of a 25 minute walk!! 

 

One can dream lol

Seems like the city is slowly painting all of the bike lanes green.

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These little things are important.  Could you imagine the Frank Jackson administration doing this?