A recent documentary highlights the legacy of sprawl in Cleveland, and by extension, urban areas nationwide. In the corresponding Urban Ohio thread (http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=10576.0), several forumers expressed enthusiasm for rolling up our online sleeves by doing something meaningful in the real world of Ohio cities.

 

This thread is open for discussions of what kinds of service projects we might be interested in doing, protocol for getting one done and a general timeline that we have in mind. Do we want to volunteer with an established effort? Are people interested in doing projects in multiple cities? If so, collectively, or with only the forumers of each respective city? How can we maximize the impact and the longevity of such a service project? Is it appropriate to brand this as Urban Ohio efforts, or are we just a group of "concerned citizens"?

 

Hopefully, by garnering the expertise and dedication of Urban Ohioans, we'll be able to have a direct positive effect on Ohio's great cities.

The obvious, regardless if it's a statewide or city-specific event:

 

1. Must within the city limits.

2. Must be reasonably accessible via transit.

3. Must be in an area conducive for MayDay to take pics ;)

4. Highly recommend a social element even if it's just beers after the project - it's always nice to get to know other people, but it's not always easy if you're busy with said project.

 

I guess my question would be - what kind of service projects are people interested in? I think it should be something that gets the participants out into the city (as opposed to a soup kitchen). Other issues to address - i.e. would a cleanup project be better if we worked alongside Downtown Cleveland Alliance, rather than on our own? We'd also want to check ahead to be sure we have any necessary permission, supplies, etc. I think it would be neat if each of the big 3 cities had events on the same day but it's hard to organize schedules sometimes.

Cool idea!! I'd be interested in doing something.

 

Personally, I'd like to improve the landscaping downtown but as we're going into fall, this is probably not such a good idea.

 

I need to think about this...

Killing pigeons on Public Square.

well I think a clean up project could be cool and have a sign posted like "sponsored by Urbanohio.com" or such. Or maybe a sponsoring firepit out on the viaduct ? (hee hee selfish me).  the other thing after seeing that documentary on PBS I am glad I am living in the city spending $ and all, but feeling even guiltier about tax abatement. Maybe I should volunteer at St Malachi in the after school program? This is assuming I do not spontaneously combust walking into a church. should we inspire one  another by helping in areas where tax $ fall short?

8SOG, you know I love it.

 

What about something simple, like cleaning up trash in Ohio City or some other visible, transit-accessible neighborhood?

I like the idea of partnering with a neighborhood group to co-sponsor a community clean-up :clap:.   

 

 

I'm game for that. It's small and manageable. My first idea was to pair with the Cleveland Neighborhood Development Coalition for a "Shopping in Cleveland" day, under the auspices of their Got It In the Neighborhood program. But that might be a little heftier. A neighborhood clean-up would probably be a lot easier to plan. Now are we going to have to arm wrestle to pick a neighborhood?  :-D

I'd certainly be up for something, but it looks like our Cincinnati contingent is not.

http://www.blightbusters.org/

So are we talking Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus? 

 

I know that we probably can't do it now since the cold season is fast approaching.  However, in 2007 I say UrbanOhio sponsor a community clean-up of each of Ohio's distinct urban areas.

"I know that we probably can't do it now since the cold season is fast approaching."

 

Ha! Maybe you freezebabies down south aren't up for it, but I laugh at the cold season (as long as I have beer to warm my blood) :-D Just kidding.

 

Seriously though - I agree - I don't think we'd want to do some major house renovation but maybe an hour tops just spent cleaning up litter in a prominent urban hood wouldn't be too bad. I think Ohio City would be a great place for the Cleveland contingent. Does it get much better than providing community service within one block of Great Lakes Brewing Company? Depending on when we can get something together, they may be serving Christmas Ale!!!

Thanks for the link, Pope. Looks like a great program. Does anyone know of similar coordinated efforts in the 3 Cs (or other Ohio urban areas)? In Cleveland, I am not aware of any similar comprehensive efforts. Downtown Cleveland Alliance has their new program, but as far as I'm aware, has not engaged volunteers. And most other neighborhoods do clean-up projects at the CDC level or even the block club level. Am I missing anything? We need Blightbusters!

Personally, I'd be up for a longer event, something like 3-4 hours. I'd spend more time driving to Cincy than working.

^I hear what you're saying, but hear me out. Having coordinated forum meets in the past, I've found that it's difficult enough just narrowing down a day that everyone agrees on.

 

Adding the volunteer/cleanup/labor portion doesn't make it any easier - you can't just have a group show up at the area of your choice with bags in hand and start cleaning away. In some cases, permits (or permission) may be needed, trash containers may need to be provided by the city, etc. Suppose ten people say they'll be there, but only three show up - but you've agreed in advance to cover a large area? Plus - the only exertion from forum meets is from walking - imagine how tired people would be if they were doing something labor-intensive for three hours?

 

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see each group have a big turnout, and have a major event that creates impact - but for the first time out, I'd err on the side of caution. A small project would still be more than us doing nothing at all :)

Perhaps the Columbus chapter could arrange something in conjunction with the CD101 Green Team?

 

http://www.cd101.com/sections/events/greenteam/index.asp

2006 Annual Hoover

Reservoir Litter Clean Up

 

Join Columbus Watershed Management

Saturday, October 14th 2006, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

at Hoover Reservoir.

 

There will be drinks and snacks. Gloves and bags will be provided.

All volunteers should meet at the west side of Hoover Dam, bottom lot.

 

Another option might be to work with the Downtown Residents Association.  They are in charge of planting Bicentennial Park and may have some ideas for cleanup or maintenance.

 

If any other Columbians are interested in this, speak up!  :-D

 

^ "Columbians"? EVERYONE knows we're "Columbusites"  :wink: About your post, that sounds like a good idea to me!

 

Hey I'm in for cincinnati.  I can whistle up some paint from keep cincinnati beautiful or we can come up with another project.  How about Oct 18th?

How about a weekend?

Atlanta Not the weekend of the 15th (Marathon) or the 22nd (Trip to atlanta to see the Louvre Exhibit) but any other one works for me.  Let's get Nick Spencer to sponsor the event.  Which means something in Northside.  Okay.  At least we can get a blurb in CityBeat/ Cin Weekly but we have to have to articulate a project.  Burnet Woods Cleanup is easy and CTM will gladly endorse us, but that seems pretty banal.  OTR cleanup might work, but the prisoners are doing that and volunteers would be tough to come by. 

 

How about this, we make it blatantly political and work with the John Cranley Campaign to clean up a westside neighborhood.  The campaign volunteer coordinator could get us some warm bodies and the media would eat this up. 

 

The tagline would be something like, 'hey our volunteers don't just want to say "Go Cranley" we want to make a difference win or lose.'  seems like a good idea, but we offend half of the potential volunteers.

 

(Then again the Urban Ohio[pretend that was in italics] site shouldn't have that many republicans, they tend to not do well in urban environments)

For the Cleveland outing, I checked with the contacts at City Hall (kudos to Marina Marquez-Zenkov, Cimperman's executive assistant for her quick reply) and here is some basic info if anyone's interested in doing a Ohio City/Market Square cleanup:

 

1. We'll want to check with the folks at Ohio City Near-West just to be sure the area isn't scheduled for events which would interfere.

2. Permits aren't needed to clean up litter. However, we'd need to coordinate with the Commissioner of Waste Collection who can coordinate a pick-up site(s) for the litter.

3. The intersection of Lorain Avenue and W.25th Street are in both Ward 14 and Ward 13. We might want to contact Councilman Santiago (Ward 14) to see if we can use the Westside Market dumpsters for the drop off of the litter.

 

 

^there are city recycling bins just behind the market. I'm sure that a lot of the stuff could be recycled.

How about this, we make it blatantly political and work with the John Cranley Campaign to clean up a westside neighborhood.  The campaign volunteer coordinator could get us some warm bodies and the media would eat this up. 

 

The tagline would be something like, 'hey our volunteers don't just want to say "Go Cranley" we want to make a difference win or lose.'  seems like a good idea, but we offend half of the potential volunteers.

 

(Then again the Urban Ohio[pretend that was in italics] site shouldn't have that many republicans, they tend to not do well in urban environments)

 

Do you think it's really a good idea to turn this into a political event?  I don't see a purpose in doing so other than trying to endorse your candidate.  It would discourage some potential volunteers.

I was just throwing out about four suggestions.  The political aspect is only to drum up interest.  Or we could do a bi-partisan thing.  Have two nearly identical projects and give one to each party.  that way we can use political motivation to get volunteers, but appeal to a wider range of people.

I agree with MayDay that meets should be meets. Columbus Meet, ColDayMan?

 

Having logged many years in the community trenches, I've found that one of the better ways to establish awareness of your organization and its commitment to the cause is to support a pre-existing community event.

 

For example, there's a local clean-up being organized. I volunteer my time in Urban Ohio's name. UO posts notices of the clean-up on the boards and rallies local members in exchange for sponsorship recognition. The UO name/logo begins to appear in flyers and on T-shirts and in press releases and news coverage alongside other, recognized Preservation/Blightbusting/Greening-type groups.

 

Maybe UO is already doing this sort of thing. I dunno. Either way, it's a good way to build the UO name in the arenas we care about, AND return something to the communitay.

 

As far as the political aspect, fear not. Good politicians always flock to roll-up-the-sleeves community-building events. Indulge them their photo-op and then squeeze them later. All the way down at the community level, party affiliation is meaningless. Take help where you can get it, and a politician's job is to help.

ColDay...day of service?  Are you out of your damn mind?!?  Over 400 years of oppression, civil rights, and now you want me (excuse me, US) to clean up the damn place YOU people left?!?

 

Fine.  But you organize it!

How about cincinnati just volunteers to help with ReSTOC one saturday morning?  they fix up properties in Over then Rhien.

ColDay...day of service?  Are you out of your damn mind?!?  Over 400 years of oppression, civil rights, and now you want me (excuse me, US) to clean up the damn place YOU people left?!?

 

You know what?  I've been saying the same thing since August 30 of last year.

For the Cleveland meet, you might be able to partner with Parkworks, they seem to have beautification and cleanup programs in place already:

 

"ParkWorks has long been a leader in urban beautification and making the City of Cleveland more beautiful remains a primary focus of the organization. We know that the look of our city can have a direct impact on our economic vitality and that it is integral to building community.

 

City Side Gardens

Since 1984, this program has transformed unsightly vacant lots and street corners into colorful gardens located along highly visible intersections and thoroughfares. ParkWorks offers local businesses a unique opportunity to showcase their investment in Cleveland through a sponsorship of a City Side Garden. Sponsors receive the following benefits:

Attractive signage bearing their name that provides exposure to thousands of Clevelanders passing by each day on some of our most heavily traveled streets;

High profile name recognition within a well-maintained garden setting; and

 

Landscape maintenance and year-round litter collection provided by ParkWorks crews.

 

 

Vacant Lot Program

Funded by the City of Cleveland, ParkWorks manages this innovative program which employs local residents to maintain vacant lots in their neighborhood during summer months.  As many as 400 city residents beautify a total of 1,000 vacant lots throughout the city by cutting grass and picking up debris.

 

Reforestation

From 1994 to 1998, our reforestation efforts include the planting of more than 50,000 trees throughout the city. Thousands of volunteers helped plant 10,000 trees in honor of the city's Bicentennial and nearly 40,000 have been planted in partnership with Cleveland Public Power. This ambitious endeavor was recently completed with the final replacement of non-thriving trees.

 

Upkeep of Signature Spaces

ParkWorks' grounds crews provide garden and landscape installation and a variety of ongoing landscape and maintenance services for many of Cleveland's signature open spaces, including Public Square, Star Plaza at Playhouse Square, and MidTown Cleveland.

^Speaking of... http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=10745.msg131866#new

One option for Cincinnati might be to team up with the Downtown Residents Council.  They've done this sort of thing before, and know what needs to be done from a coordination, permission, city support point of view.

 

http://www.ilivedowntown.com/meetings.lasso

Since spring is here, I thought it might be time to revisit this idea and plan a spring cleanup of some neighborhood or park?  Any Cleveland UOers interested?

I'm in! Thanks for resurrecting the thread!

Since spring is here, I thought it might be time to revisit this idea and plan a spring cleanup of some neighborhood or park?  Any Cleveland UOers interested?

 

you guys can come clean up my yard.

We can take the empties to Michigan and get the deposit back as a fundraiser.

We can take the empties to Michigan and get the deposit back as a fundraiser.

 

the scanners at most groceries (that's how they count them nowadays), can recognize out of state UPCs

This would be a suggestion for the Cincinnati Day of Service....I know the Downtown Residents Council just had their spring cleanup event.  Maybe we could volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club downtown Cincinnati on a Saturday?  I don't know if there would be kids around, but I bet they have a need for some small constructions/painting/gardening projects.  Just a thought.  I used to volunteer at a Boys and Girls Club and I really like the ideas it promotes. 

In Cleveland, we could piggyback onto the Riversweep event on Sat, May 12th from 9:00-12:00.  Maybe not the "UrbanOhio Day of Service" (UDOS) per se, but it could be a warm up for those of us interested, and give us some ideas of how an event of this sort is run.

I think that's a great idea, X. Here's a link to the event for those that might be interested: http://www.ohiocanal.org/riversweep%202007.htm. Preferred neighborhood?

X, I think that's a great idea. I've sent an email asking about specific areas - I think Ohio City, Tremont or the Flats would be the most easily accessible (and central) for everyone.

I heard back from one of the coordinators - she said that Ohio City has the greatest need. I'm waiting to get specific details on the work area, but if we can get a tentative headcount, that'd be great.

Dangit!  I'm going to have to work that Saturday... :whip:

Hmm, I think this could be cool - let me know if anyone is available and interested!

 

..............

This is the proposed scope and area for the Ohio City portion of the Riversweep event:

 

9:00 am - 9:20 am  Convene at West Side Market Cafe. The Cafe is located on the Lorain side of the West Side Market.  There is convenient parking in the WSM parking lot, and transit users can take the RTA Red Line to the 25th St / Market Station, or use any of the following bus lines:  20-all, 22, 25-all,35,79all,81,807(Tremont/West Side Community Circulator).  For more information on routes, see www.GCRTA.org

 

Clean up areas and routes would be:

 

West 25th Street - north from the West Side Market to the Detroit Superior Bridge.

 

Riverbend Road, along the Cuyahoga River.  Route to get there would start at West Side Market, and then proceed for a brief time along Abbey Road. Then left onto Columbus Road and down to RiverBend Road/the Cuyahoga River. Additional side bar route is Franklin, which connects West 25th and Riverbend Road.

 

Riverbend, West 25th, and Franklin (framed the Detroit Superior Bridge to the north and Columbus Road to the South) form an area called "Irishtown Bend".  This area is largely undeveloped and, at a number of vista points, offers spectacular views of the River and the City skyline.  This is a very doable and fun area given the timeframe on Saturday.

 

Teams will be formed based on the number of participants who show up.

...............

 

I think I am in! lets keep everyone posted so I don't show up at a vacant lot all alone!

I'm in ... unless my closing show at the gallery the night before is rowdier than expected  :lol:

I'm in.  See you guys there.

Mayday, I hope you don't mind me piggybacking on your avatar.  Maybe other participants could do the same to let people know what is happening and that there will be UO people there.  I just right clicked and saved the gif than uploaded it back to the site.

Here's an info page I made in case anyone wants to pass it along: http://www.clevelandskyscrapers.com/riversweep.html

Great cause!

 

Depending on my schedule, I might contribute.  But the way I see it, Ohio City and Tremont get all of the buzz and glory.  I'm going to try to help in the Treadway area of Old Brooklyn/Industrial Valley and meet up with the Urban Ohioans later (since I know several of you).

I will not be coming in this time.

Saturday is graduation day.... FINALLY!!!