March 7, 200817 yr FYI......... ________________________ Put It On The Ballot Citizen’s group calls for repeal of County sales tax, reinstatement of Convention Facility Authority, and transparent and collaborative process for planning and implementation of Medical Mart News Release - March 6, 2008 Contact: Brian Cummins, 216-333-5453, http://www.putitontheballot.com/about Put It On The Ballot calls on the Cuyahoga County Commissioners to repeal the sales tax passed for the convention facility, reinstate the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Convention Facility Authority (CFA), and provide a more open, collaborative and competitive process for planning and implementing a strategy for creating a Medical Mart. If the additional .25% tax would be repealed as of July 2008 (the next available quarter a repeal could take effect) the county is estimated to collect $32,000,000 for the 9-month period October 2007 – June 2008. The county should retain this funding in a restricted account for purposes of utilizing the funding if and when the convention facility/medical mart negotiations are finalized. The County Commissioners should charge a newly constituted CFA to set a date certain for negotiations to be concluded. The more regionally representative and transparent CFA should be utilized to manage the planning and implementation of a convention facility/medical mart. The County Commissioners should also develop and approve a plan for the re-allocation of the tax in the event a convention facility/medical mart is deemed not feasible. Previously the Commissioners have estimated that approximately $20 - $25 million of the estimated annual tax receipts of $43 million would be needed for convention facility/medical mart. Such a reallocation plan should take into account the continuing use of the existing convention facility as well as the priority needs of the county and municipalities that have contributed to this funding through the tax. The tax is being collected under the County’s general fund and although the funding was intended[1] and is earmarked for the convention facility/medical mart, the Commissioners decided to pass the .25% tax without a vote of the people. The commissioners used the State law[2] that allows for a passage of a tax without a vote of the people as long as the additional revenue is used to provide funding for the County’s general fund. The State law provides for such a tax to be levied for the express purposes of a convention facilities authority, but in doing so would require a vote of the people. The County Commissioners are called to take these actions to rebuild the trust of Cuyahoga County residents and to provide a more transparent, accountable, collaborative and competitive process for which a convention facility/medical mart can be supported by the public, realized and achieve success in providing economic development benefits to the region. [1] Cleveland Medical Mart & Tradeshow Facility Paired with a new Cleveland Convention Center, July, 2007 http://www.cuyahogacounty.us/pdf/SALES_TAX.pdf [1] 5739.026 County sales tax for specific purposes, sections A1 and A3. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 7, 200817 yr sigh, Cleveland's Medical Mart is looking more and more like it's not going to happen. Getting the same vibe with Warehouse District Project too:(
March 12, 200817 yr Company updates medical mart proposal as deadline nears Posted by Sarah Hollander March 11, 2008 18:32PM Categories: Breaking News, Medical The Chicago-based company pushing for a Medical Mart in Cleveland plans to update its proposal in writing Wednesday. A Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. executive and two company lawyers flew to Cleveland Tuesday for last-minute discussions. More at: http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/03/company_updates_medical_mart_p.html
March 12, 200817 yr Hard-nosed bargaining by the County, apparently, is knocking MMPI off the shnide.
March 12, 200817 yr sigh, Cleveland's Medical Mart is looking more and more like it's not going to happen. Getting the same vibe with Warehouse District Project too:( So? We have a decent market here for those types of projects. Something else will come along if these companies can't cut it. And if our elected officials are the reasons for the projects not happening, then it's up to all of us to do something about that. Ultimately, the fate of the city is in our hands as citizens, electors, activists, planners, entrepreneurs and business persons. If this responsibility is not something you're willing to take on, then get out of the way of those of us who are willing. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 12, 200817 yr http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1205310702327040.xml&coll=2 Med Mart proponent to update plan ahead of deadline Wednesday, March 12, 2008 Sarah Hollander Plain Dealer Reporter The Chicago-based company pushing for a Medical Mart in Cleveland plans to update its proposal in writing today, a day before the deadline. A Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. executive and two company lawyers flew to Cleveland Tuesday for last-minute talks....
March 12, 200817 yr What are these new things on the table they won't tell us about? Why the secrecy when this project is dependent upon public investment? I wish this was done more on the up and up.
March 13, 200817 yr What are these new things on the table they won't tell us about? Why the secrecy when this project is dependent upon public investment? I wish this was done more on the up and up. I would expect more details when a deal is or is not struck. If I were the county at this point, there is no need to p!ss off the people on the other side of the negotiating table by going public with stuff. Additionally, they don't want to create any expectations from the public by announcing that a certain term is on or off the table.
March 13, 200817 yr Thursday Morning announcement expected. http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=85001
March 13, 200817 yr This Med Mart is so important and has so much potential. I actually will be upset if it doesn't happen
March 13, 200817 yr WTAM: Medical Mart is approved for Cleveland Cuyahoga County commissioners will get to approve the location. By Greg Saber, Newsradio WTAM 1100 Thursday, March 13, 2008 (Cleveland) - After months of debate and speculation, the Cleveland Medical Mart is now a definite go. That's the word from the Cuyahoga County commissioners at their meeting Thursday. Newsradio WTAM 1100's Greg Saber says the operator, Merchandise Mart Properties of Chicago, will chip in millions for the project. Cuyahoga County residents have been paying a higher sales tax since October to help fund the project. More at wtam.com (Copyright © 2008 Clear Channel. All rights reserved.)
March 13, 200817 yr Now we can all get back to the location arguement: Tower City or the existing CC site?
March 13, 200817 yr Great news, but the plot does thicken..the commissioners will decide on the location.
March 13, 200817 yr http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/03/cuyahoga_county_reaches_deal_o.html#preview Cuyahoga County commissioners have reached a deal with the Chicago-based company to bring a Medical Mart to Cleveland. Commissioners expect to have the terms of the agreement in writing next week. Basically, it calls for a downtown convention center, and puts MMPI's investment at $20 million. No details were provided this morning on the county's obligations, but they will be known and capped, said attorney Fred Nance, who's negotiating the deal on Cuyahoga County's behalf...
March 13, 200817 yr If this convention center doesn't end up behind Tower City I will buy everyone on this forum a beer. Not saying that is necessarily what I would do. But I will bet almost anything that, that's where it's going. Too many political forces at work on that one.
March 13, 200817 yr I think the old site should be used, extended north and hotels added! if it goes behind towercity, it will suck more life off the streets and away from the "great Euclid avenue" revival.
March 13, 200817 yr I think the old site should be used, extended north and hotels added! if it goes behind towercity, it will suck more life off the streets and away from the "great Euclid avenue" revival. I think I agree, at least purely aesthetically from what I've seen so far. Unless they come up with a way to truly integrate the center into the Tower City location and make it look much less awkward than it has up until now, I'd love to see it at the Mall, too.
March 13, 200817 yr I think the old site should be used, extended north and hotels added! if it goes behind towercity, it will suck more life off the streets and away from the "great Euclid avenue" revival. So spreading to the Lake helps Euclid Avenue in what way? If anything the Tower City site is more advantagous to Euclid Ave.
March 13, 200817 yr I also would like to see a site where connectivity to UH and the Clinic is made as easily as possible, too. I think this would have to be a key element.
March 13, 200817 yr I think the old site should be used, extended north and hotels added! if it goes behind towercity, it will suck more life off the streets and away from the "great Euclid avenue" revival. So spreading to the Lake helps Euclid Avenue in what way? If anything the Tower City site is more advantagous to Euclid Ave. Not the way I see it. People will be OUTSIDE walking already. Why go outside if it's connected to towercity. Very few businesses, but those invested in TowerCity will see increased activity. I just believe the current convention center is the best use of PUBLIC funds. I also want an udpated timetable for the losing of the IX center. Give us about 750k Sq. Feet (expandable) plus the merchandise mart and I'll be satisfied
March 13, 200817 yr I also would like to see a site where connectivity to UH and the Clinic is made as easily as possible, too. I think this would have to be a key element. AKA, the Health Line? I don't know why, but the May Co. Building is stuck in my head right now. Not even sure if this is one of the options. Connectivity to the existing convention center would require walking, but that's not a bad thing, right? I'm still voting for reusing the existing center in one form or another.
March 13, 200817 yr I believe the medical mart will move to be the CC site. It will force the county to move its offices, and at the same time, it looks good to the taxpayers, who would be critical of not using existing land and facilities. It also allows for the county to finance the county offices on the back of the CC in some way. Of course Forrest city will have a fit, and threaten to shut down Tower City, so the county will have no choice to move its offices, and 2000 workers to either Tower City, or the Halle building (a Forest City owned property). Personally, I would like to see them move into Stark’s project, and get that rolling, but that’s probably to ambitious in this market.
March 13, 200817 yr I believe the medical mart will move to be the CC site. It will force the county to move its offices, and at the same time, it looks good to the taxpayers, who would be critical of not using existing land and facilities. It also allows for the county to finance the county offices on the back of the CC in some way. Of course Forrest city will have a fit, and threaten to shut down Tower City, so the county will have no choice to move its offices, and 2000 workers to either Tower City, or the Halle building (a Forest City owned property). Personally, I would like to see them move into Stark’s project, and get that rolling, but that’s probably to ambitious in this market. that's what I'm thinking. Hell, the county could move to the May Co building or the Higbee building as you say. I've said it before, if FC was so concerned about getting the new convention center, they would do EVERYTHING above and beyond their power to improve the retailers currently in the mall and public announce signed leases by new retailers.
March 13, 200817 yr Lets start of list of things forumers can now bitch about regarding this project: 1. Location of Medical Mart 2. Location of Convention Center 3. Medical Mart is too small 4. Convention Center is too small More to come..
March 13, 200817 yr Lets start of list of things forumers can now bitch about regarding this project: 1. Location of Medical Mart 2. Location of Convention Center 3. Medical Mart is too small 4. Convention Center is too small More to come.. Number 3 is a non issue, since none of us know what is the "right size" for such a building type or what potential growth of said building should be. This will be the first (IIRC) type of large scale medical mart. MM folks currently have experience in building & running furniture and apparel merchandise and design centers, but medical is a whole new ball game.
March 13, 200817 yr I seriously hate some of the people on cleveland.com. The negativity in some people in this city is so ridiculous. All some people do is bitch and complain and naysay.
March 13, 200817 yr I seriously hate some of the people on cleveland.com. The negativity in some people in this city is so ridiculous. All some people do is bitch and complain and naysay. Why? It's the same people over and over again. You notice nobody from UO posts/rarely posts on Cleveland.com. Even the few people who post in both places know better than to bring their "cleveland.com" unmoderated crap here because MayDay will regulate! (insert scary picture). lol Let it go - you'll be happier
March 13, 200817 yr I know. But the reason I hate it is because, unfortunately, cleveland.com has higher visibility than urbanohio.com. The negativity spreads more easily.
March 13, 200817 yr The cleveland.com website does the whole area a disservice by allowing such unmitigated stupidity and negativity to be broadcast to the proletariat. The viewing public would be helped if it just reported the facts, and left comments and discussions for people's living rooms and coffee shops.
March 13, 200817 yr And the few UO people that post there seem to at least try to set them straight about their negative un-educated views (and at least show another view point that they obviously havent considered) But still depressing to read. I saw where the MM wasnt really requiring all that much room.. Was it something like 50,000 sq. ft. initially? Also, on the Tech Czar blog, he stated that the Higbee building was an awful location. I wonder what his reasoning was here... (maybe would be too separated from the C.C.?)
March 13, 200817 yr To me, I don't think the two entities need to be connected. In the cities I've been to that have both a "mart" and a convention center, not one is connected. Examples Chicago - the convention center and the merchandise mart are in two different parts of the city Atlanta - The convention center is connected to the GA dome and the Merchandise mart is across centennial park between spring and Peachtree Dallas - The convention is located near city hall and the Merchandise mart is uptown (or what ever that area is called). Boston - The convention center is on one side of Gillette and the Design mart is on a pier across from the airport. Los Angeles - The Convention center is downtown and the PDC is near West Hollywood and the Beverly Center So if the Center is 50k square feet, then it could easily be accommodated in the Higbee building with the Old center being rebuilt. If new hotels are built withing proximity to the new center then those properties can also have breakout/meeting space built in. 50 conventions/conferences/meetings/special events is A LOT since this will be in addition to what events already come to the city.
March 13, 200817 yr I'm telling you... you can argue all the points you want... but this thing is going to be built behind tower city. I have met and heard things from too many prominent officials (past and current administration) over the last 3-4 years... They will put on a nice dog and pony show about site selection... and then they will announce that it is being built behind tower city.
March 13, 200817 yr To me, I don't think the two entities need to be connected. In the cities I've been to that have both a "mart" and a convention center, not one is connected. Examples Chicago - the convention center and the merchandise mart are in two different parts of the city Atlanta - The convention center is connected to the GA dome and the Merchandise mart is across centennial park between spring and Peachtree Dallas - The convention is located near city hall and the Merchandise mart is uptown (or what ever that area is called). Boston - The convention center is on one side of Gillette and the Design mart is on a pier across from the airport. Los Angeles - The Convention center is downtown and the PDC is near West Hollywood and the Beverly Center So if the Center is 50k square feet, then it could easily be accommodated in the Higbee building with the Old center being rebuilt. If new hotels are built withing proximity to the new center then those properties can also have breakout/meeting space built in. 50 conventions/conferences/meetings/special events is A LOT since this will be in addition to what events already come to the city. But I thought that they needed to be connected due to the medical device conventions. I think that we are all a little short on the details of how this would need to work.
March 13, 200817 yr I'm telling you... you can argue all the points you want... but this thing is going to be built behind tower city. I have met and heard things from too many prominent officials (past and current administration) over the last 3-4 years... They will put on a nice dog and pony show about site selection... and then they will announce that it is being built behind tower city. I pray you're wrong. :oops: But I thought that they needed to be connected due to the medical device conventions. I think that we are all a little short on the details of how this would need to work. yes, I agree, we're all short on facts and details. Why would they need to be connected? I'm still trying to figure that out.
March 13, 200817 yr I'm telling you... you can argue all the points you want... but this thing is going to be built behind tower city. I have met and heard things from too many prominent officials (past and current administration) over the last 3-4 years... They will put on a nice dog and pony show about site selection... and then they will announce that it is being built behind tower city. I kind of figure as much. It just dont like the thought of something that is already there being abondoned, and I really think that along with some of the positives of the current site, that the current public hall complex could have been very complementary to the MM and convention center in that it is connected and could maybe host special exhibits, or used for demonstrations of new inovations by the Clinic, or even entertainment. I just hate to see those facilities just sit there, and further have uses taken away from them instead of being embraced and incorporated into something that would give them more of a purpose. We have something unique in place that I think other and bigger cities would kill for, so I hate that they wouldnt take advantage of that.
March 13, 200817 yr Is it too optimistic to think, if TC is chosen (I agree with many that it will be there), that when the announcement is made about the med mart and new conv. center that there will also be an announcement about what will happen with the current convention center?
March 13, 200817 yr I think that the City is planning on using the old convention space for movie production/sound stage.
March 13, 200817 yr The cleveland.com website does the whole area a disservice by allowing such unmitigated stupidity and negativity to be broadcast to the proletariat. The viewing public would be helped if it just reported the facts, and left comments and discussions for people's living rooms and coffee shops. Wow.. word of the day post..
March 13, 200817 yr First off... :clap: :clap: :clap: :drunk: IT"S ABOUT TIME!!! Now, I too am going to have to assume that the convention center will be built behind Tower City. However, there are significant costs associated with building it there, including $40 million just for the "air rights" to build behind Tower City. Hagen (as much as I don't like him), has stated months ago that if Forest City wanted that price for the parking lot behind Tower City, they can forget it. That's $40 million of the money that the county will generate over 20 years that will be taken out of the convention center, while if we build and expand what we currently have, the county won't incur this cost upon itself. Makes sense, however, we only need to look at the Breuer Tower situation to know that the county can be clueless...
March 13, 200817 yr I'd be curious to see the property tax impact if the CC is built at TC. If its built at the current site, then the tax revenue would not increase.
March 13, 200817 yr Again, if the convention center is built behind towercity....will it ever have room to expand?
March 13, 200817 yr Yeah I know, but what Im saying still applies... incorporating what should be an asset into the concept, instead of figuring out hodge podge uses for something that wont have one. If they came up with some grand plan for production studios and incorporated the Public hall spaces into things associated with that, (movie premieres etc..) then I would feel better about it. We shall see....
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