^MTS, you and I have been the most vocal UOers against this project.  It's truly appalling that influential people, like Prof. Terry Schwartz, watched this project rushed through and didn't ask the questions she and others are asking now.  Why are people NOW asking whether cheap, undesirable businesses may pop up along this un-zoned road or that it doesn't appear pedestrian-friendly or that it looks like, as the article noted, like simply what it is: a freeway-like, high-speed roadway of the type are outdated in modern cities. Why was the guy who authored the thoughtful, extensive study (noting the history going back to Porter's Clark Freeway) ignored?   

 

Why is only lip-service being paid for TOD at Rapid stations near the OC, yet nobody connected to the OC, including RTA's Joe Calabrese who publicly supported the OC and who simply wants to run BRT buses on the OC (competing against the parallel Red Line), is coming forth with any TOD specifics ... or even TOD plans?

 

In a state with a lot of citizens financially hurting, Gov Kasich (who otherwise could care less about Cleveland) and local elites, like the Cleveland Partnership, rammed this project through on the backs of taxpayers; making it seem like this road was "imperative" for the health of the otherwise very healthy/growing University Circle. 

 

Meanwhile, as is noted in the Ohio Transit Funding thread, fellow Kasich Republicans are squeezing every penny away from needed urban transit support while making it seem like transit spending -- even the tiny bit Ohio spends -- is wasteful.  In a state, city and county where we in Cleveland couldn't even pony up a comparatively measly $50 million (as opposed to $350M for the OC), to build an inter-modal Amtrak train/intercity bus/rail transit center directly connecting to the recently finished Convention Center, when Amtrak, the Waterfront Line pass and buses pass within a few hundred feet of the Convention Center.  People just accept this bass-ackwards thinking with a 'that's just the way it is' mentality.

 

NOW people questioning the OC... My answer: too late.

Our county and local voter turnout is abysmal.  Until urban dwellers decide that voting is more important than today's espisode of Jerry Springer, the downstate farm and freeway sect will continue to ignore our needs and relegate us to another century of flyover status....

What are the demographics of Ohio?  i't seems like its 4 to 1 suburban/rural voters for every urban voter.

 

We talk about how big cleveland's msa is, but how many of those people would vote for urban-oriented legislation?

What are the demographics of Ohio?  i't seems like its 4 to 1 suburban/rural voters for every urban voter.

 

We talk about how big cleveland's msa is, but how many of those people would vote for urban-oriented legislation?

 

Not sure what the MSA had to do with Cuyahoga county project.  I do think people understand what is good fro Cleveland is good for the county and MSA.  The number of people who understand that, is a different question.  Which is the question you're asking.

What are the demographics of Ohio?  i't seems like its 4 to 1 suburban/rural voters for every urban voter.

 

We talk about how big cleveland's msa is, but how many of those people would vote for urban-oriented legislation?

 

I think that's where marketing comes in.  People will vote for what they perceive as being in their best interest, and I don't think it's all that hard to sell people on the notion that what's good for the city is good for the region.  The real problem is that people can't seem to connect the dots or see the bigger picture, and there just isn't anybody visible out there making the arguments for our cities.

The project "isn't for you" because they don't want payday lenders or fast food joints?  That's silly and reading way too much into it. Do you think it's ok to line this road with lowest common denominator businesses?

 

So what exactly do they want? A bunch of Starbucks drive-throughs and Whole Foods stores? This is the point, the type of businesses that are affordable for and appealing to the people already living in the area seem to be the ones that the OC leaders are looking to box out.

The type of businesses I'd like to see here is light manufacturing companies that offer low skill but decent to good paying jobs that residents in or near the area can easily get jobs at. This corridor doesn't need any fast food restaurant s be they Popeye's or Starbucks!

Sometimes it's amazing the answer is so difficult to envision. Sadly, many property owners will accept the first site use proposal to come calling. That's as much of a failing of imagination by the property user as it the property owner.

The type of businesses I'd like to see here is light manufacturing companies that offer low skill but decent to good paying jobs that residents in or near the area can easily get jobs at. This corridor doesn't need any fast food restaurant s be they Popeye's or Starbucks!

 

Low skill but decent to good paying?  There's not much of that left.  Most assembly, for example, has gone overseas. 

 

That which exists gets huge abatements and will need full protection from CERCLA issues, something I'm not sure the city can provide.

True, but maybe even some sort of call center jobs that pay around $14/hour plus benefits. I'd be satisfied if we got several large businesses like that with a sprinkling of retail and restaurants in between.

True, but maybe even some sort of call center jobs that pay around $14/hour plus benefits. I'd be satisfied if we got several large businesses like that with a sprinkling of retail and restaurants in between.

My company has been hiring for call center and struggling to fill the open positions. They were trying for a class of 10 I believe a few months ago and were only able to get 4 qualified applicants. They're trying again for July. It seems pretty standard here in CLE...there are jobs available but nobody to take them.

True, but maybe even some sort of call center jobs that pay around $14/hour plus benefits. I'd be satisfied if we got several large businesses like that with a sprinkling of retail and restaurants in between.

My company has been hiring for call center and struggling to fill the open positions. They were trying for a class of 10 I believe a few months ago and were only able to get 4 qualified applicants. They're trying again for July. It seems pretty standard here in CLE...there are jobs available but nobody to take them.

 

Where are these jobs located, and what is the pay range?

True, but maybe even some sort of call center jobs that pay around $14/hour plus benefits. I'd be satisfied if we got several large businesses like that with a sprinkling of retail and restaurants in between.

My company has been hiring for call center and struggling to fill the open positions. They were trying for a class of 10 I believe a few months ago and were only able to get 4 qualified applicants. They're trying again for July. It seems pretty standard here in CLE...there are jobs available but nobody to take them.

 

Where are these jobs located, and what is the pay range?

Our office is in Independence. I believe they start at $30,000 a year and great benefits....401k match, cheap insurance and starting with 4/5 weeks vacation plus holidays.

Our office is in Independence. I believe they start at $30,000 a year and great benefits....401k match, cheap insurance and starting with 4/5 weeks vacation plus holidays.

 

I love how low-skill employers keep trying to put their jobs in sprawling, unwalkable, transit-inaccessible areas and then complain about not being able to get people to apply for jobs. Sure, the job pays enough to afford a car -- if you already have a car before applying.

 

EDIT: Or then they ask the underfunded transit agency to spread themselves out even thinner by cosmetically extending a few trips of a bus route to their job site.

All the more argument for trying to get those types of employers to the Forgotten Triangle/Opportunity Corridor.

Our office is in Independence. I believe they start at $30,000 a year and great benefits....401k match, cheap insurance and starting with 4/5 weeks vacation plus holidays.

 

I love how low-skill employers keep trying to put their jobs in sprawling, unwalkable, transit-inaccessible areas and then complain about not being able to get people to apply for jobs. Sure, the job pays enough to afford a car -- if you already have a car before applying.

 

I was guessing these jobs were in such a place.  I bet on the east side they'd get plenty of applicants.

It's true...such a mess! When I lived downtown, it was very easy to take public transit to work. After I moved to Florida and nothing was available in the city anymore, I had to move to CH coming back and now it's nearly impossible to take transit. I know for my company, they try to keep it at the center of the majority of workers and as cheap as possible as well. While it would be nice for our company to move there, I don't see it happening as we only have around 100 call center/back office processing staff and 150+ other staff, most of which are higher earners. The office was downtown prior to M&A which ultimately brought us to Independence. I do like the idea of call center type jobs in the OC, but seems unlikely for companies with in-house call centers who do not want additional real estate expenses. 

Our office is in Independence. I believe they start at $30,000 a year and great benefits....401k match, cheap insurance and starting with 4/5 weeks vacation plus holidays.

 

I love how low-skill employers keep trying to put their jobs in sprawling, unwalkable, transit-inaccessible areas and then complain about not being able to get people to apply for jobs. Sure, the job pays enough to afford a car -- if you already have a car before applying.

 

EDIT: Or then they ask the underfunded transit agency to spread themselves out even thinner by cosmetically extending a few trips of a bus route to their job site.

well said. lots of folks don't understand what a real issue this is for so many people.

Our office is in Independence. I believe they start at $30,000 a year and great benefits....401k match, cheap insurance and starting with 4/5 weeks vacation plus holidays.

 

I love how low-skill employers keep trying to put their jobs in sprawling, unwalkable, transit-inaccessible areas and then complain about not being able to get people to apply for jobs. Sure, the job pays enough to afford a car -- if you already have a car before applying.

 

I was guessing these jobs were in such a place.  I bet on the east side they'd get plenty of applicants.

Our office is in Independence. I believe they start at $30,000 a year and great benefits....401k match, cheap insurance and starting with 4/5 weeks vacation plus holidays.

 

I love how low-skill employers keep trying to put their jobs in sprawling, unwalkable, transit-inaccessible areas and then complain about not being able to get people to apply for jobs. Sure, the job pays enough to afford a car -- if you already have a car before applying.

 

I was guessing these jobs were in such a place.  I bet on the east side they'd get plenty of applicants.

And if these offices were located downtown or near downtown, they would be in a better located to attract people from all over the region.

HUD's Harriet Tregoning urges Cleveland to improve plans for Opportunity Corridor roadway and development

 

By Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer

Follow on Twitter

on June 30, 2015 at 9:18 AM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio – A senior federal official from the Department of Housing and Urban Development praised Northeast Ohio planners Monday for creating the Vibrant NEO 2040 vision in 2014, a framework that calls for a more compact and less sprawling future across the region.

 

But she also challenged Cleveland and Cuyahoga County to do a better job of designing the city's Opportunity Corridor so the $331 million road project helps create jobs and dense, walkable neighborhoods in a long blighted part of the city.

 

"You could either get it gloriously right or horribly wrong," Harriet Tregoning, principal deputy assistant secretary for community development at HUD, said in an interview during her daylong visit.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2015/06/huds_harriet_tregoning_urges_c.html

Our office is in Independence. I believe they start at $30,000 a year and great benefits....401k match, cheap insurance and starting with 4/5 weeks vacation plus holidays.

 

I love how low-skill employers keep trying to put their jobs in sprawling, unwalkable, transit-inaccessible areas and then complain about not being able to get people to apply for jobs. Sure, the job pays enough to afford a car -- if you already have a car before applying.

 

I was guessing these jobs were in such a place.  I bet on the east side they'd get plenty of applicants.

Our office is in Independence. I believe they start at $30,000 a year and great benefits....401k match, cheap insurance and starting with 4/5 weeks vacation plus holidays.

 

I love how low-skill employers keep trying to put their jobs in sprawling, unwalkable, transit-inaccessible areas and then complain about not being able to get people to apply for jobs. Sure, the job pays enough to afford a car -- if you already have a car before applying.

 

I was guessing these jobs were in such a place.  I bet on the east side they'd get plenty of applicants.

And if these offices were located downtown or near downtown, they would be in a better located to attract people from all over the region.

 

And if GCRTA ran that 271-480 flyer we've talked about, more people could get to jobs in Independence, which is the "other" freeway hub in this region.

And if GCRTA ran that 271-480 flyer we've talked about, more people could get to jobs in Independence, which is the "other" freeway hub in this region.

 

It's still a distant third in employment in Cuyahoga County, behind University Circle and Downtown. Walking from bus stops along the decidedly pedestrian unfriendly Rockside Road (or from a transitway on I-480) and down office park driveways where many urban residents fear they are not welcome is a situation that needs more remedies than just a circumferential transit route on I-480/I-271. It would certainly help, but it's only a piece of a puzzle to increase job accessibility. Cleaning and clearing abandoned industrial properties in Cleveland, East Cleveland, Euclid, Newburgh, Cuyahoga Hts., Brook Park, etc. to make those sites competitive with suburban greenfields is another piece of the puzzle. Many of those troubled industrial properties are along the Opportunity Corridor/Red Line.

 

I get the sense that cleaning/clearing of vacant industrial sites is part of Opportunity Corridor. But is it? When this policy is implemented and funded county-wide as an ongoing program and tied to transit and pedestrian accessibility, then I will be more excited.

I have never understood why E 79th between Kinsman and Woodland has been in a state decline and dis-repair for so long.  It has two light rail stations on it, and an active bus route, but continues to turn more rural (urban-farming) than urban.  If people board at those stations, I have no clue where they're coming from. 

I have never understood why E 79th between Kinsman and Woodland has been in a state decline and dis-repair for so long.  It has two light rail stations on it, and an active bus route, but continues to turn more rural (urban-farming) than urban.  If people board at those stations, I have no clue where they're coming from. 

 

That's why some want to close them and they probably should be.  They and the area near the 105th Red Line stop prove that transit is not enough to jump start a neighborhood.

 

Van Dorn dominated that area and when they shut down, a lot of ancillary activity was lost too.  Orlando expanded some but chemicals and foundry sand limited them.

 

Plus, E. 79th itself has somewhat of a bad rep since the Hough riots started at 79th and Hough.  Yes, I know that's far from there, but not everyone does.

I have never understood why E 79th between Kinsman and Woodland has been in a state decline and dis-repair for so long.  It has two light rail stations on it, and an active bus route, but continues to turn more rural (urban-farming) than urban.  If people board at those stations, I have no clue where they're coming from.

 

Full of old industrial brown fields. Currently no incentive to clean them and reutilize as modern industrial, commercial or residential space when its cheaper to do so on Greenfields in the 'burbs or elsewhere in the city.

 

If money is spent to clean the land around this new road, the incentive may be there.

 

Not sure how much post industrial clean up is involved in this project.

That's why some want to close them and they probably should be.  They and the area near the 105th Red Line stop prove that transit is not enough to jump start a neighborhood.

 

Van Dorn dominated that area and when they shut down, a lot of ancillary activity was lost too.  Orlando expanded some but chemicals and foundry sand limited them.

 

Plus, E. 79th itself has somewhat of a bad rep since the Hough riots started at 79th and Hough.  Yes, I know that's far from there, but not everyone does.

 

An extensive roadway network isn't enough to sustain or jump start a neighborhood either.

 

I doubt many remember the details of the Hough riot. And if the bad rep of the Hough riots was a factor, Cleveland Clinic never would have stayed in the area and invested billions since then. The clinic is closer to East 79th/Hough than the area of 79th between the two rail lines. And furthermore, if you've spent anytime in the area of East 79th/Hough, it bears little resemblance to the neighborhood which existed in the summer of 1966.

 

Only in recent years has any effort been made to attract investment to the area near the East 105th Red Line station but the juvenile justice center is surely more of a hindrance to development than not. The only entrance to the Red Line station was on Quincy, facing the juvenile justice center. Fortunately, a second entrance will be added, this time on 105th to tap into development south of the Clinic as more offices are built there to avoid traffic in the heart of UC and so that suburban workers will have an easy car-oriented escape from work.

Van Dorn dominated that area and when they shut down..

 

There's a name I haven't heard in a while. What ever happened to them?

 

I have never understood why E 79th between Kinsman and Woodland has been in a state decline and dis-repair for so long.  It has two light rail stations on it...

 

The Shaker lines are light rail. The red line is heavy rail.

 

There's a name I haven't heard in a while. What ever happened to them?

 

Their operations were scaled back and moved to a smaller facility in Strongsville. More.....

 

http://abandonedonline.net/2013/02/12/the-van-dorn-iron-works-company/

That's why some want to close them and they probably should be.  They and the area near the 105th Red Line stop prove that transit is not enough to jump start a neighborhood.

 

Van Dorn dominated that area and when they shut down, a lot of ancillary activity was lost too.  Orlando expanded some but chemicals and foundry sand limited them.

 

Plus, E. 79th itself has somewhat of a bad rep since the Hough riots started at 79th and Hough.  Yes, I know that's far from there, but not everyone does.

 

An extensive roadway network isn't enough to sustain or jump start a neighborhood either.

 

I doubt many remember the details of the Hough riot. And if the bad rep of the Hough riots was a factor, Cleveland Clinic never would have stayed in the area and invested billions since then. The clinic is closer to East 79th/Hough than the area of 79th between the two rail lines. And furthermore, if you've spent anytime in the area of East 79th/Hough, it bears little resemblance to the neighborhood which existed in the summer of 1966.

 

Only in recent years has any effort been made to attract investment to the area near the East 105th Red Line station but the juvenile justice center is surely more of a hindrance to development than not. The only entrance to the Red Line station was on Quincy, facing the juvenile justice center. Fortunately, a second entrance will be added, this time on 105th to tap into development south of the Clinic as more offices are built there to avoid traffic in the heart of UC and so that suburban workers will have an easy car-oriented escape from work.

 

"Rep" means perception and that's what IMO still holds 79th back, even though as you say 79th and Hough is extremely different now.  They even took down the green, red, and black flag down from by the obelisk.  :)

 

Good point about the juvy center, one thinks of it being further away (93rd) but it's so big it impacts that area too.  Though I am not sure 105th is much better until the OC goes through.  Even a Google Maps trip down the street (no, I did not sign the side of the "PNG Supermarket" lol) makes it clear that not too many Clinic employees are going to be too interested in even taking a shuttle ride that way.

 

Their operations were scaled back and moved to a smaller facility in Strongsville. More.....

 

http://abandonedonline.net/2013/02/12/the-van-dorn-iron-works-company/

 

Thanks KJP. Interesting (and sad) website. Looks like they were ultimately bought out by Sumitomo:  http://www.vandorndemag.com/

 

Another post on that site caught my eye:

 

http://abandonedonline.net/2015/05/22/onward-to-cleveland/

 

Their operations were scaled back and moved to a smaller facility in Strongsville. More.....

 

http://abandonedonline.net/2013/02/12/the-van-dorn-iron-works-company/

 

Thanks KJP. Interesting (and sad) website. Looks like they were ultimately bought out by Sumitomo:  http://www.vandorndemag.com/

 

Another post on that site caught my eye:

 

http://abandonedonline.net/2015/05/22/onward-to-cleveland/

 

We've talked about National Acme here before.  There's thousands of their machines out there running and they are built like tanks.  Our fire was in the bay ours were in and about 95% of them survived.

July 9th Opportunity Corridor Bus Tour

As part of the Connecting with the Corridor series, in partnership with the City Club of Cleveland, register to get an informational overview tour of the Opportunity Corridor's general path. See the possibilities for catalytic economic development! There is a $10 fee and seating is limited. The Bridgeport Cafe is open before the tour begins.

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eb3sirg73e307c9a&oseq=&c=c6624c50-092c-11e5-b464-d4ae527b79b7&ch=c66ea860-092c-11e5-b465-d4ae527b79b7

07-27-15 Posting Date

CUY-10-20.98

PID No. 98695

 

The Ohio Department of Transportation will be delivering the CUY‐10‐20.98 (PID No. 98695) Opportunity Corridor Project #2 Design‐Build (OC2) utilizing a Value‐Based Design‐Build delivery. This project was previously advertised as project 15-3037. This project will now be Value-Based Selection utilizing a two-phase procurement. Selection of a Design‐Build Team (DBT) for this project will consist of (1st) shortlisting of Offerors by the evaluation of a Statement of Qualifications (RFQ), and (2nd) a Technical Proposal evaluation to determine, in the judgment of the Department, the Bidder’s Technical Proposal and Bid combination which addresses the Project’s best interest.

A Payment for Preparation of Responsive Preliminary Design Concept (stipend) is anticipated at a value of $250,000.

 

This process will consider DBT’s qualifications, solutions to technical issues, as well as managerial solutions & new strategies for inclusion of a more diverse workforce from and within the community, more diversity among and within the Design‐Build Team(s), and methods and ideas for small/new/local business development. The project will have significant specific goals for New Business, Small Business, Local Businesses; and for all other socially and economically disadvantaged businesses.

 

The anticipated delivery schedule will be:

 

Informal One‐on‐One Meetings Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Advertise RFQ Wednesday, August 19, 2015

SOQ submission Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Begin Advertise (RFP) Wednesday, November 04, 2015

Tech Proposals Due: Wednesday, January 13, 2016

 

Prior to issuing a final RFQ, the Department is posting a DRAFT RFQ for industry review and comment. The DRAFT RFQ, a DRAFT Scope of Services, a full Draft Delivery Schedule, and additional information can be found at the following location:

 

ftp://ftp.dot.state.oh.us/pub/Construction/OppCorr2/

 

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Engineering/Consultant/Consultant/announce.pdf

Traffic alert from ODOT:

 

#OpportunityCorridor Update! On Tues, Aug 4, traffic will be restricted on E105th b/w Carnegie & Euclid. Details here http://t.co/ZTXYWO8fIw

Members of Opportunity Corridor Steering Committee cite need for clearer redevelopment vision

By Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer

on August 26, 2015 at 8:05 AM, updated August 26, 2015 at 8:11 AM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio – It's time to clarify how building a $331 million boulevard across some of the city's poorest and most depopulated neighborhoods could boost redevelopment and create new jobs.

 

So say members of the steering committee formed to guide the design and construction of the Opportunity Corridor boulevard, and to oversee redevelopment of hundreds of acres of vacant land flanking the three-mile roadway.

 

"I'm looking at something as transformational as this is intended to be, and sometimes I sense we lack a strong vision of where we are going," Marsha Mockabee said Tuesday at the committee's quarterly meeting.

 

MORE:

http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2015/08/opportunity_corridor_steering.html

Members of Opportunity Corridor Steering Committee cite need for clearer redevelopment vision

By Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer

on August 26, 2015 at 8:05 AM, updated August 26, 2015 at 8:11 AM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio – It's time to clarify how building a $331 million boulevard across some of the city's poorest and most depopulated neighborhoods could boost redevelopment and create new jobs.

 

So say members of the steering committee formed to guide the design and construction of the Opportunity Corridor boulevard, and to oversee redevelopment of hundreds of acres of vacant land flanking the three-mile roadway.

 

"I'm looking at something as transformational as this is intended to be, and sometimes I sense we lack a strong vision of where we are going," Marsha Mockabee said Tuesday at the committee's quarterly meeting.

 

MORE:

http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2015/08/opportunity_corridor_steering.html

 

It's not really their job.  Almost any development will help the neighborhood at this point, and the road's already been justified and budgeted.

Then make it their job.

"So say members of the steering committee formed to guide the design and construction of the Opportunity Corridor boulevard, and to oversee redevelopment of hundreds of acres of vacant land flanking the three-mile roadway."

 

Sounds to me like that is exactly their job.

Members of Opportunity Corridor Steering Committee cite need for clearer redevelopment vision

By Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer

on August 26, 2015 at 8:05 AM, updated August 26, 2015 at 8:11 AM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio – It's time to clarify how building a $331 million boulevard across some of the city's poorest and most depopulated neighborhoods could boost redevelopment and create new jobs.

 

So say members of the steering committee formed to guide the design and construction of the Opportunity Corridor boulevard, and to oversee redevelopment of hundreds of acres of vacant land flanking the three-mile roadway.

 

"I'm looking at something as transformational as this is intended to be, and sometimes I sense we lack a strong vision of where we are going," Marsha Mockabee said Tuesday at the committee's quarterly meeting.

 

MORE:

http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2015/08/opportunity_corridor_steering.html

 

It's not really their job.  Almost any development will help the neighborhood at this point, and the road's already been justified and budgeted.

 

Yep.  Fund a $331M road on taxpayers' backs, then define its purpose (see, justify it) later, after construction starts.  Makes sense to me.

All Aboard Ohio ‏@AllAboardOhio  5h5 hours ago

Consider @CMHA housing w/ sidewalk retail for this site @ East 55th @GCRTA #rail station? @steven_litt @slavicvillage

^that design looks awful!  It's a limited access freeway, which is something that I feared for this project.  It reminds me of Rt 21 cutting through downtown Massillon, Ohio and like all freeways creates a manmade barrier between neighborhoods. 

I still don't understand the point of that jughandle. There's no reason to extend I-490 an extra 500 feet under E. 55th.

Because, a traffic light there would make your commute to the clinic 45 seconds longer.

^that design looks awful!  It's a limited access freeway, which is something that I feared for this project.  It reminds me of Rt 21 cutting through downtown Massillon, Ohio and like all freeways creates a manmade barrier between neighborhoods. 

 

... and it does the usual negative things a limited access road (aka- freeway) does, like destroy more homes and divide neighborhoods... In this case, it also makes reaching the still-newish E. 55 Rapid station more challenging for Slavic Village residents.  (and the company line among OC backers was that the OC would "enhance transit" – right, now piss in my face and tell me it's raining)... In the end, it's an extravagant money waster that serves no positive purpose at that location for either the OC or E. 55.  As the saying goes, it's less than zero.

 

 

I still don't understand the point of that jughandle. There's no reason to extend I-490 an extra 500 feet under E. 55th.

 

I don't get the point of it either.  It's already an at-grade intersection coming off 490.  Add some rumble strips if they're so worried about approach speeds.

 

I also don't like the idea of putting a general CMHA project right next door to the E. 55th street station.  It sends a wrong message and yes, it does increase the risk to passengers.  A senior citizen one maybe, but IMO a better use would be a hub/transit center.

All Aboard Ohio ‏@AllAboardOhio  5h5 hours ago

Consider @CMHA housing w/ sidewalk retail for this site @ East 55th @GCRTA #rail station? @steven_litt @slavicvillage

 

After I tweeted that yesterday, I got some feedback saying the OC steering committee is trying to figure out what to do with that green patch of land. My suggestion of CHMA housing was well received.

I still don't understand the point of that jughandle. There's no reason to extend I-490 an extra 500 feet under E. 55th.

 

I don't get the point of it either.  It's already an at-grade intersection coming off 490.  Add some rumble strips if they're so worried about approach speeds.

 

I also don't like the idea of putting a general CMHA project right next door to the E. 55th street station.  It sends a wrong message and yes, it does increase the risk to passengers.  A senior citizen one maybe, but IMO a better use would be a hub/transit center.

 

Actually, there are

I still don't understand the point of that jughandle. There's no reason to extend I-490 an extra 500 feet under E. 55th.

 

I don't get the point of it either.  It's already an at-grade intersection coming off 490.  Add some rumble strips if they're so worried about approach speeds.

 

 

Actually there are already several rows of rumble strips on I-490's approach to E.55.

ODOT Cleveland ‏@ODOT_Cleveland  1m1 minute ago

#OpportunityCorridor Project Update - Additional restrictions coming to E105th St. on 8/31

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/districts/D12/Deputy%20Director/News/Pages/Opportunity-Corridor-Project-Update-Additional-Restrictions-Coming-to-Eat-105th-Street!.aspx

 

View looking south on East 105th Street from Clinic parking garage at Cedar Avenue....

 

I still don't understand the point of that jughandle. There's no reason to extend I-490 an extra 500 feet under E. 55th.

 

I don't get the point of it either.  It's already an at-grade intersection coming off 490.  Add some rumble strips if they're so worried about approach speeds.

 

I also don't like the idea of putting a general CMHA project right next door to the E. 55th street station.  It sends a wrong message and yes, it does increase the risk to passengers.  A senior citizen one maybe, but IMO a better use would be a hub/transit center.

 

Actually, there are

I still don't understand the point of that jughandle. There's no reason to extend I-490 an extra 500 feet under E. 55th.

 

I don't get the point of it either.  It's already an at-grade intersection coming off 490.  Add some rumble strips if they're so worried about approach speeds.

 

 

Actually there are already several rows of rumble strips on I-490's approach to E.55.

 

Hence, add "some".  I don't quite understand how it's sufficient now, but won't be later.

 

If you're hoping for some TOD to grow around the 55th station, sticking a CMHA project there (except, perhaps, a senior citizen one) would be a show stopper.  I'd recommend green space or a connected and controlled access transfer hub.

If you're hoping for some TOD to grow around the 55th station, sticking a CMHA project there (except, perhaps, a senior citizen one) would be a show stopper.  I'd recommend green space or a connected and controlled access transfer hub.[/color]

 

 

Green space doesn't produce ridership. And 60% of transit ridership comes from walk-in trade. If you don't have residential, workplaces, retail, etc. within walking distance of transit, then your transit won't perform. And given rail is a higher capacity transit mode, it needs to have a higher density of uses within walking distance of stations. This is all fundamental Urban Geography 101 stuff I learned in college and have seen it proven time and again in my 30-year career since. A subsidized housing project can be TOD, as could any (industrial, warehousing, offices, market-rate housing, retail or, more likely a mix) depending on its design and site placement.

 

A CMHA development doesn't mean the rise of the old King-Kennedy (aka Dodge City) projects or the Woodland Estates. Today, they are mixed income, subsidized and market units like Tremont Pointe or rebuilt Garden Valley Estates (including the new four-story apartment building at East 79th and Kinsman). It's similar to this one, South Pointe Commons, a permanent supportive housing/retail building on West 25th at Sackett Avenue, just north of Metro's main hospital. It's for disabled homeless people and it has a coffee shop on the ground floor...

 

SouthPointeCommons_W25-Sackett_Cleveland by Ken Prendergast, on Flickr