Man, I hate how this whole thing has got me paranoid, however, I read this little blurb from the comments section of the above article.  It has me thinking that maybe the PR firm trying to throw this project wasn't some company FCE went out and hired, maybe it is "Positively Cleveland"  They are housed at Tower City, does anyone know who is on thier board?  Who runs them?

 

 

Posted by CityGirl1986 on 04/21/09 at 8:58AM

I just had to finally say something to all of you. I cannot believe how much ignorance exists in this place. I moved here for business and have fallen in love with Cleveland. I moved here for Chicago and yes, I completely agree that we should be a planned city like Chicago.

 

In regard to this project, none of you have any idea as to what the game plan is in any of these sites. This city needs the properly planned convention center. "Clustering" as Mr. Gilbert has said is absolutely correct. Convention planners need to look at all aspects of planning, especially in the winter months. Not having to walk outside in the elements is key. We lose conventions all the time to Indianapolis and Pittsburgh(who has the center on the water). Why would we want to have a center that is underground? This project needs to be done right from the get-go. Quite frankly the civic leaders in this place is what has Cleveland looking like idiots, not only to MMPI, but the rest of the residents who live here who are dying to see this city thrive and revitalize itself.

 

Yes it is true that Gilbert and Forest City would thrive, but so would the rest of the city BECAUSE we would be getting more business(trade shows and convention) in to the market. As far as I can see, we all win if this all properly planned out. I think everyone should just stop the complaining, get yourselves educated on all the planning and then have an opinion. Attend some of these public forums, speak to the people at Positively Cleveland, who have been helping the city put the plans together. They know exactly what's going on, not just what the PD or the media tells you. Believe me the media is only telling you what they want and not the whole truths.

 

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Positively Cleveland (the Cleveland's a Plum people) is basically a arm of GCP. A large part of their funding comes from the hotel bed tax that MMPI wants for the facility marketing department.

The biggest question is: why is the location still a story? Who's in charge of this project? Why haven't they put their fist down and said "this is the way it's going to be"?

 

If I'm a developer/investor/employer from another city and watching all of this, I'm going to be very reluctant to devote any money or time to investing in Cleveland or Cuyahoga County. I believe that, even if this project is suddenly and magically resolved today and everyone is all handshakes and smiles, that too much has already happened to cause long-term damage this city and county.

 

Our local "leaders" in politics and the corporate community have turned lemonade back into lemons by wrecking what could have been a nice asset for the region (it's not a silver bullet -- there's no such thing). Even if it gets built, it will be a monument/reminder to the horrific struggle it took to get it built.

^Very true.

It seems like the underground issue needs to be addressed.  I think most here see that as an advantage since CCs are just ugly warehouses anyway.  Who knows how many PD commentators are real, but they seem confused across the board about this aspect.  We want it underground because it can't and won't be attractive.  That picture FCE has up in tower city looks like garbage.  And the out-of-doors thing needs to be dealt with too, because it's patently false via the waterfront line.  To say the mall location requires more outdoor walking than tower city is not an opinion-- it's a lie.

The biggest question is: why is the location still a story? Who's in charge of this project? Why haven't they put their fist down and said "this is the way it's going to be"?

 

If I'm a developer/investor/employer from another city and watching all of this, I'm going to be very reluctant to devote any money or time to investing in Cleveland or Cuyahoga County. I believe that, even if this project is suddenly and magically resolved today and everyone is all handshakes and smiles, that too much has already happened to cause long-term damage this city and county.

 

Our local "leaders" in politics and the corporate community have turned lemonade back into lemons by wrecking what could have been a nice asset for the region (it's not a silver bullet -- there's no such thing). Even if it gets built, it will be a monument/reminder to the horrific struggle it took to get it built.

 

In actuality... the people in charge have said "this is where we're doing it."  They've actually said it pretty emphatically.  They are moving forward in that direction.  The problem is the local paper won't leave it alone, which more than anything is causing angst.  I mean just because Dan Gilbert, or Jacobs, or FCE, or Maron, or whomever says loudly in the paper "WE SHOULD PUT IT HERE!" Doesn't change the fact that the commissioners have in fact chosen a location, signed a development agreement with the developer, and are working towards purchasing necessary real estate.  If the local paper would stop giving a megaphone to everyone with an opinion this whole process would appear to be going a hell of a lot smoother.  So really it is very much on track.  The only true delay or bump in the road to this point, was the absolutely wasted 6 months of having the GCP conduct a "site evaluation".  The GCP should have never been involved in this process, and we will never get those 6 months back.  Aside from that the project really has been on a pretty standard timeline for a project of this magnitude.  But the paper apparently won't let the site selection issue be put to bed so it seems to be dragging out when it fact it was settled some 4 months ago. 

 

Now... when FCE decides to file a law suit to put a stop to this going forward because their site wasn't chosen (and I'll be shocked if they don't)... then we've got some real problems.  In the meantime this is really more a case of the local paper causing everyone undue strife and making an issue out of this than some "lack of leadership".  I mean how many times since the site selection HAS Hagan come out and basically said... "THIS IS OVER! WE'RE MOVING FORWARD!" And yet the local paper keeps trotting out one story after another about different locations... but no... no agenda there.  :roll:

I think the "strolling" factor is a plus. I love walking around downtown summer and winter,  even during winter storms. Get good and cold then find a cozy place with a fire and cocktails:) that's a nice evening.

I have spent the last 15 minutes trying to find a listing of who's on the board of Positively Cleveland. I'm pretty good at finding stuff on the web but have had no luck. Is it run by the same folks who run GCP? If so, then Forest City Enterprises has a great deal of influence over it. That's a shame. There is too much power over local government and Cleveland-area business dealings concentrated at FCE. How does this get lessened without chasing away FCE?

 

EDIT: Sorry, don't answer that question here. Take it to a FCE thread. I'm sure there is one.

Man, I hate how this whole thing has got me paranoid, however, I read this little blurb from the comments section of the above article.  It has me thinking that maybe the PR firm trying to throw this project wasn't some company FCE went out and hired, maybe it is "Positively Cleveland"  They are housed at Tower City, does anyone know who is on thier board?  Who runs them?

 

 

Posted by CityGirl1986 on 04/21/09 at 8:58AM

I just had to finally say something to all of you. I cannot believe how much ignorance exists in this place. I moved here for business and have fallen in love with Cleveland. I moved here for Chicago and yes, I completely agree that we should be a planned city like Chicago.

 

In regard to this project, none of you have any idea as to what the game plan is in any of these sites. This city needs the properly planned convention center. "Clustering" as Mr. Gilbert has said is absolutely correct. Convention planners need to look at all aspects of planning, especially in the winter months. Not having to walk outside in the elements is key. We lose conventions all the time to Indianapolis and Pittsburgh(who has the center on the water). Why would we want to have a center that is underground? This project needs to be done right from the get-go. Quite frankly the civic leaders in this place is what has Cleveland looking like idiots, not only to MMPI, but the rest of the residents who live here who are dying to see this city thrive and revitalize itself.

 

Yes it is true that Gilbert and Forest City would thrive, but so would the rest of the city BECAUSE we would be getting more business(trade shows and convention) in to the market. As far as I can see, we all win if this all properly planned out. I think everyone should just stop the complaining, get yourselves educated on all the planning and then have an opinion. Attend some of these public forums, speak to the people at Positively Cleveland, who have been helping the city put the plans together. They know exactly what's going on, not just what the PD or the media tells you. Believe me the media is only telling you what they want and not the whole truths.

 

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Punch you're making yourself paranoid.  Nobody else can do that.  Thats not a smart remark, just the truth.

 

This young lady is wrong, we lose conventions because we con't have the necessarily facilities to house a large convention.  Pittsburgh is losing money, even with a new center they don't have the amenities Cleveland does.

 

Why Cleveland loses?? 

[*]Not enough hotels.  We don't have the size (convention hotel) or enough brand coverage (no starwood, no morgans, no klimpton, no Fairmont, etc.) to effectively house attendees.  This hurts our marketing to business and leisure travelers.  Leisure travelers want stay at a W, not a Hampton.  Business travelers want options.  We have no full service Hilton, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Accor, Holiday Inn or Best Western.

[*]Our current center is located outside the CBD.  Visitors & trade reps show at the IX center.  Not every drives, so that limits their exposure.  Because of location people come one day, where as locations in the CBD, the average attendees visits a show three times (home and Garden, Boat, Car, etc. experience even more visits).  There are no ancillary business near the IX to support secondary meetings, meals or excursions.

Unless this is built downtown and on the mall we wont see any of the above.

Can we assume 1986 is when she was born?  I'm willing to forgive youthful indiscretion.

Posted by CityGirl1986 on 04/21/09 at 8:58AM

I just had to finally say something to all of you. I cannot believe how much ignorance exists in this place. I moved here for business and have fallen in love with Cleveland. I moved here for Chicago and yes, I completely agree that we should be a planned city like Chicago.

 

In regard to this project, none of you have any idea as to what the game plan is in any of these sites. This city needs the properly planned convention center. "Clustering" as Mr. Gilbert has said is absolutely correct. Convention planners need to look at all aspects of planning, especially in the winter months. Not having to walk outside in the elements is key. We lose conventions all the time to Indianapolis and Pittsburgh(who has the center on the water). Why would we want to have a center that is underground? This project needs to be done right from the get-go. Quite frankly the civic leaders in this place is what has Cleveland looking like idiots, not only to MMPI, but the rest of the residents who live here who are dying to see this city thrive and revitalize itself.

 

Yes it is true that Gilbert and Forest City would thrive, but so would the rest of the city BECAUSE we would be getting more business(trade shows and convention) in to the market. As far as I can see, we all win if this all properly planned out. I think everyone should just stop the complaining, get yourselves educated on all the planning and then have an opinion. Attend some of these public forums, speak to the people at Positively Cleveland, who have been helping the city put the plans together. They know exactly what's going on, not just what the PD or the media tells you. Believe me the media is only telling you what they want and not the whole truths.

 

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Honey, I also moved back to Cleveland from Chicago and I'll leave just as quickly if we ever try to model ourselves after some mid-size, vanilla, chain-loving city like Indy or WHATEVER!  The walk from Nordstrom to Bloomingdales on Michigan Ave. is WAY longer than the walk from E4 to Ontario/St. Clair!  And last time I checked, that city doesn't hibernate b/c it snows! JESUS!  :x

 

 

What really ticks me off about this whole debate is FCE hasn’t addressed the fact the City will be stuck with an abandoned Convention Center/Public Auditorium. What are we going to do with this? Who is going to maintain this eighty-year old structure? As we can see, Public Auditorium is a gem, and worked really well for the inductions.

At stake are hundreds of millions of dollars that project supporters say will be spent at hotels, restaurants and other amenities near the $425 million mart and convention center complex. Developers who own or have options on land closest to the project will be among the big winners.

 

Ughh. A quote from the above article from the peedee. At stake? How is anything at stake. The author of the article seems to suggest that only those at the doorstep of the proposed CC/MM will benefit from its success. Everyone will benefit. It starts from the time someone lands at the airport and then the process begins. The mall area is centrally located, it is accessible from all sides of town. Public Hall has been in place for about 85 years, the current CC about 50 years. It is where it should be.

/\ YES YES YES!  The location should not be the main

focus.  How sustainable is abandoning a huge site like the mall and can we afford to further isolate our most famous tourist attractions?

 

 

Ok, I've vented for the day, now back to work!

FCE also hasn't addressed their site's connectivity problems with regard to trucks.  You can only approach the back of tower city from one direction... but you can approach the mall from 3 directions, plus you can use the adjacent freight tracks.

I can vouch for cle2032, he does not wear northface, at least when he was drinking at Grace's

 

MTS, your statement is beyond fair.  It just kills me that something so important for the region like the medical mart can be shunned because one politically powerful family won't make the kinds of money that they want from it. 

 

One of the reasons I get so fired up, is becasue there is a good chance that medical device makers will look at Cleveland as a place to do business if the mart is there.  Since I am a welding engineer, who specializes in automated welding in stainless steels this could be my ticket home.  A casino will not bring me back.  (yes, I want to own a bar as well for those paying attention)

 

 

 

Anywho, these PD comments are predictable they start out complimenting Cleveland, telling people how much the love the city.  Then they argue, Connectivity, Underground, Parking, and mocking the county commisioners.  Parking has been less of an issue as of late, but the rest seem to roll right off the tounge.  When Gilbert read from that script, it nearly knocked me over.

 

I want Voinovich to kick GCP around a bit.  He helped form that group that initiated the "public private partnership" to grow Cleveland of tomorrow.  I doubt it was intended to be a protectionist group that kept outsiders out and a easy way for local companies to feast on tax dollars.

FCE does need to be publicly called out on this, as does the PD.  Both really seem to have betrayed their community.

If the idiots on Cleveland.com agree with FCE, then we know the Mall site is the most logical.

FCE does need to be publicly called out on this, as does the PD.  Both really seem to have betrayed their community.

 

And what plan to combat the PD and FCE?  This is a serious question.

How is Positively Cleveland funded?

 

Positively Cleveland is funded by a combination of membership dues and Cuyahoga County bed tax funds. The bed tax is collected from people who stay overnight in hotels so, in essence, we are funded by travelers and partner organizations.

 

County Bed Tax Distribution

 

County Bed Tax Distribution

 

The County Bed Tax is currently used for a number of funding needs. Positively Cleveland, the region’s only marketing organization for tourism, receives just 59.8%. However, quite a few community organizations and needs are funded out of that 59.8% right off the top, leaving Positively Cleveland with just $5.6 million of the bed tax.

 

    *

    *

    *

    *

    * Administrative Fund - $885,002.50 used by the County to cover the overhead costs of auditing and distributing the bed tax funds.

    * Municipality Fund - $26,370.99 distributed to each municipal corporation or township in the county that does not levy its own excise tax.

 

County Bed Tax Distribution

 

Positively Cleveland          59.8%

Rock'n Roll Hall                33.3%

Administration                  6.6%

Municipality Fund                .2%

 

http://www.positivelycleveland.com/contact_us/about_us

 

Note they are not giving dollar figures Rock Hall or their take.

FCE does need to be publicly called out on this, as does the PD. Both really seem to have betrayed their community.

 

And what plan to combat the PD and FCE? This is a serious question.

 

You answered part of it yourself.  Get the rest of the community at the table and let them speak up.  These old man networks are strangling us.

I know we're not privileged to this information, but does anyone have insight on the negotiations between the city and the county? How can the city refuse to sell the convention center? It sits empty most of the year, sucks money out of the city, and it's terribly antiquated. Also, the county is going to replace the center or their dime. How can Frank say no to the county? I haven't really thought too hard on this, but Frank doesn't have an out. We all know he is tied to FCE, but not selling the center will also look bad. How do you tell your constituents you didn't sell something that losses money every year? It's not like there are other firms looking to buy the center, and Frank was trying to get the best price. Whatever the county offers, within reason, will be the best price. Honestly, Frank is in a tough spot.

 

 

I know we're not privileged to this information, but does anyone have insight on the negotiations between the city and the county? How can the city refuse to sell the convention center? It sits empty most of the year, sucks money out of the city, and it's terribly antiquated. Also, the county is going to replace the center or their dime. How can Frank say no to the county? I haven't really thought too hard on this, but Frank doesn't have an out. We all know he is tied to FCE, but not selling the center will also look bad. How do you tell your constituents you didn't sell something that losses money every year? It's not like there are other firms looking to buy the center, and Frank was trying to get the best price. Whatever the county offers, within reason, will be the best price. Honestly, Frank is in a tough spot.

 

Pretty much as you state, we're not privy to the fine print details so we can only speculate.  Something I would rather not get into.

 

My only thought as indicated in yesterday's post in the PD is that the Mayor is making sure we get the best price and that long time conventions are not priced out.  In addition, he is asking what will happen to the built in taxes and staff.  Things I think he should be asking.  I would rather have him do a line by line item check than just sign on the dotted line.  Because the future plans negotiations will come back to him.  Example:  How we refer to Mayor Whites short sighted plans for the WFL.

We need to designate a dynamic spokesperson for UrbanOhio in Cleveland, schedule a press conference, and get as many UOers to stand behind this dynamic spokesperson (literally) at the press event. I will happily write the press release and even draft some of the main points for the spokesperson. Set the event soon!

 

It's time for this forum to do some real good, and not just be a bitch session to let off some steam.

We need to designate a dynamic spokesperson for UrbanOhio in Cleveland, schedule a press conference, and get as many UOers to stand behind this dynamic spokesperson (literally) at the press event. I will happily write the press release and even draft some of the main points for the spokesperson. Set the event soon!

 

It's time for this forum to do some real good, and not just be a bitch session to let off some steam.

 

I intend to do that with or without UO (no offense, I just can't be contained), as soon as I am able.  That means starting about 6 months from now.  I'm putting a team together.  Several pieces are already in place.  We're gonna rebuild this town!

 

Assuming I can find work here, that is...

We need to designate a dynamic spokesperson for UrbanOhio in Cleveland, schedule a press conference, and get as many UOers to stand behind this dynamic spokesperson (literally) at the press event. I will happily write the press release and even draft some of the main points for the spokesperson. Set the event soon!

 

It's time for this forum to do some real good, and not just be a bitch session to let off some steam.

 

I don't want to be in charge, but I'll help!

I intend to do that with or without UO, as soon as I am able. That means starting about 6 months from now. I'm putting a team together. Several pieces are already in place.

 

I'm pleased to hear that, but we don't have six months. We need to put something out there in as little as six days.

I intend to do that with or without UO, as soon as I am able. That means starting about 6 months from now. I'm putting a team together. Several pieces are already in place.

 

I'm pleased to hear that, but we don't have six months. We need to put something out there in as little as six days.

 

I can't help much with that.  I may be able to show up at a rally of some sort.  I really like this idea, KJP.  I wish I could do more to advance it.

If only we knew someone who considers themselves a fabulous public relations guru.  Shame we don't.

 

Can we just put out a news release?

 

(Does this need its own thread?)

If only we knew someone who considers themselves a fabulous public relations guru. Shame we don't.

 

Can we just put out a news release?

 

Why, so the PD can bury it? (that's a bash at the PD, not you, by the way)

 

I think, if possible, a public face would be a fantastic way to go.

This is a great idea. Who care if the PD buries it, something needs to be said.

We're probably not looking at the PD for coverage.  PBS, the networks, the weeklies, radio, that's all more likely.  A mentor once told me to forget all those secondary channels, that the big local paper is the only thing that has enough exposure to be concerned about.  But in a way that's yesterday's thinking.  Plus the local paper is the problem here, so we have to work around them anyway.

If only we knew someone who considers themselves a fabulous public relations guru. Shame we don't.

 

Can we just put out a news release?

 

Why, so the PD can bury it? (that's a bash at the PD, not you, by the way)

 

I think, if possible, a public face would be a fantastic way to go.

 

You have to have a public face -- lots of them, in fact. A press release can be ignored as the jottings of some lone radical with a keyboard and a printer (I've received plenty of these in my 15 years at Sun). But when you have a group of real live human beings who are a cross section of the community (not just grumpy old white men from the suburbs!), including some recognizable names, then it carries some weight.

Frank and Joe are astute political animals. They know where the money comes from. Fortunately for the citizens, moneyed support as important as it is(the milk of politics) does not equal votes. We are blessed this is a election year. Frank wants to be Mayor. Joe wants to be a future Congressman. There are bad vibes in Ward 13. He could wind up Former Councilman with too much involvement. Same for Frank'n crime. Frank was able to balance the budget with the discounted early payoffs from numerous projects. Okay for now, but a problem down the road. The City needs revenue. The Mall is cash + parking + increased tax base for City coffers. Frank walks a fine line. He rightly needs to get a good deal for the property. He now knows there are other interests besides FCE/PeeDee, whose influences are fading. He can not appear to have lost this project.  He can not lose it. It would be a financial disaster for the City. 

We're probably not looking at the PD for coverage.  PBS, the networks, the weeklies, radio, that's all more likely.  A mentor once told me to forget all those secondary channels, that the big local paper is the only thing that has enough exposure to be concerned about.  But in a way that's yesterday's thinking.  Plus the local paper is the problem here, so we have to work around them anyway.

 

• Sun Press
  
• Scene
  
• Atlternative publications in NE Ohio
  
• Facebook
  
• Myspace
  
• Twitter
  
• Bloggers
  
• Email - Those major business proponets that have already spoken out.  The Mayor, The state elected officials, federally elected officials, County Mayors that favor the site; and cleveland city council members
  
• Then contact each news bureau as they have printed or video op ed pieces.
  
• Contact restaurants, stores, hotels that would stand to gain from the mall site.
  
• Contact downtown residents, alonge with individual building and Neigborhood associations who stand to gain from the mall site.
  

Note many of the above are already on Facebook.

 

Remember to point out the facts and not make political or personal attacks.

KJP,

  Some of the people who I would reach out to, who have success motivating people for the public good would include

-Lillian Kuri, formarly of Cleveland Public Art

-Steven Litt, PD

-Kent State Urban Design Collective

-(Possibly) Chris Royanne

 

Maybe these groups are mulling the same thing that we are here, and maybe need footsoldiers.  If not, they would be a great resource on how to get things done in the public eye.  Since I am out of town, it would be inappropriate for me to contact them at this time.

This a small comment that isn't related to forming a press conference to call out the PD or FCE.  But FCE and all supporters of the TC site always talk about the convenience of taking the RTA from the airport right to TC and can go to their hotel, the convention center and eat without going outside.  Then they complain that nobody is going to want to walk the 3 blocks to the med mart outside.  Well how about MMPI run a free shuttle, or for a small fee, from the front door of TC over to the med mart/ cc entrance during inclement weather.  Or set up a route that passes by most or close to the hotels so that conventioneers have an option to walk during a nice day or take the CC-Medibus.

Or, they could lay train tracks that go from under tower city to the front of the convention center.  Except that we already have such a thing.  I can't understand how the waterfront line has disappeared so completely from the public consciousness-- particularly FCE's public consciousness. 

 

Tower City and the Mall are already linked with a rail line.  As far as I'm concerned that ends the connectivity argument before it begins.  But we keep operating in a world where that 10 year old train doesn't exist.  I'm flummoxed.

This a small comment that isn't related to forming a press conference to call out the PD or FCE.  But FCE and all supporters of the TC site always talk about the convenience of taking the RTA from the airport right to TC and can go to their hotel, the convention center and eat without going outside.  Then they complain that nobody is going to want to walk the 3 blocks to the med mart outside.  Well how about MMPI run a free shuttle, or for a small fee, from the front door of TC over to the med mart/ cc entrance during inclement weather.  Or set up a route that passes by most or close to the hotels so that conventioneers have an option to walk during a nice day or take the CC-Medibus.

 

That is absolutely ridiculous and then will lead to: 

• "Downtown is so unsafe/unwalkable that MMPI had to hire buses to go two blocks"
  
• "They are wasting our money on a shuttle bus"
  
• "instead of providing a shuttle, add more police to make downtown safer"
  
• "See, told you nobody wants to come to downtown Cleveland"
  
• "They said building on the mall would add more people to downtown streets.  But look they have a shuttle bus.  If downtown isn't safe for visitors, why should resident want to come down here?"
  

You have to make weather and building below ground a non issue.

 

People keep criticizing the fact that the commissioners want to "bury a billion dollars".  With "green" being the new black I'm surprised that they don't tout the fact that building the center underground results in huge energy savings.  I've heard it here and there, but not nearly enough.

^they have said it, our daily newspaper does not report it

Frank and Joe are astute political animals. They know where the money comes from. Fortunately for the citizens, moneyed support as important as it is(the milk of politics) does not equal votes. We are blessed this is a election year. Frank wants to be Mayor. Joe wants to be a future Congressman. There are bad vibes in Ward 13. He could wind up Former Councilman with too much involvement. Same for Frank'n crime. Frank was able to balance the budget with the discounted early payoffs from numerous projects. Okay for now, but a problem down the road. The City needs revenue. The Mall is cash + parking + increased tax base for City coffers. Frank walks a fine line. He rightly needs to get a good deal for the property. He now knows there are other interests besides FCE/PeeDee, whose influences are fading. He can not appear to have lost this project.  He can not lose it. It would be a financial disaster for the City. 

 

I think I was pretty close after reading the PeeDee's article on the City's financial condition, this morning. Positively Cleveland funnels 33% of the bed tax to the Rock Hall. This seems to be a high priority in negotiations. Why should MMPI pay for 2 marketing departments? These are the same folks that gave us the "Cleveland's a Plum" Campaign. I don't know how many plums are at City Hall, but there are plenty of dingleberries.

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/04/cleveland_faces_default_and_cu.html

http://www.newsnet5.com/video/19244817/index.html

 

Dan Gilbert interview on WEWS, he is talking about how you dont want people stuck underground, you want them out in the city, with the world class casino.

 

WTF

Shouldn't this be on the sports thread? ;)

I wonder if the city's looming budget issues will move along negotiations between the city and the county?

The Frank Jackson 2 Step is in full swing this morning. He has been playing the delay game, now he will play the victim. The County is trying take advantage of a weak City to gain unfair advantage in negotiations. 

^We'll see how long that dance last. Again, how do you go to your constituents and tell them you didn't sell the convention center while facing possible default and budget cuts? What possible leverage does he have? Frank has backed himself into a corner. 

Sell a public asset or let the city slide into default.

 

Where have I heard that before?

 

City council who was behind the mall site will now press for the sale rather than laying off firefighters and police.

I wonder if the city's looming budget issues will move along negotiations between the city and the county?

 

I don't see how this wouldn't speed things up, however, I wonder what the media backlash would be if the county bailed out the city somehow?