Recently a building was demolished at W26th/Lorain-across the street from the Greek store.  The old building used to be a bar a couple years ago.  Any word on what's going on? 

Recently a building was demolished at W26th/Lorain-across the street from the Greek store. The old building used to be a bar a couple years ago. Any word on what's going on?

 

See the random demolitions thread.

Failing Cuyahoga River hillside is highlighted in bold....

 

http://www.cleveland.com/westsidesun/news/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1231445328181590.xml&coll=4

 

Cleveland submits wish list of projects for federal funds

Thursday, January 08, 2009

By Ken Prendergast

[email protected]

West Side Sun News

 

Among $1.56 billion worth of infrastructure projects submitted by the city for federal economic stimulus funds, Mayor Frank Jackson singled out four projects as his highest priorities.

 

......

 

Jackson submitted his 66-project list Dec. 22 to President-elect Barack Obama, Gov. Ted Strickland and Ohio's Congressional Delegation. In it, he highlighted these four projects:

 

+ $350 million for construction of a new westbound Innerbelt-Central Viaduct (Interstate 90) bridge over the Cuyahoga River valley.

 

+ $50 million for repair of the slumping Riverbed Road hillside in Ohio City which threatens to close the Cuyahoga River to shipping traffic.

 

+ $300 million for the Opportunity Corridor boulevard from Interstate 490 to University Circle.

 

+ $30 million for rebuilding the West Shoreway (state Route 2) between West 25th Street and Clifton Boulevard.

 

"The first two projects are very real public safety threats," Jackson wrote in his letter to Obama. "We seek action now to avoid tragedies such as the bridge collapse in Minneapolis."

 

He added that the latter two projects would score high on at least three of the Ohio Department of Transportation's new criteria for grading transportation projects. Those criteria include community development, improving access to business development and improving new employment opportunities.

 

The 10 biggest remaining infrastructure projects, in dollar terms, in the mayor's request are:

 

+ $100 million for starting passenger rail service between downtown Cleveland, Hopkins Airport, Columbus and Cincinnati.

 

+ $100 million to conduct design and engineering to complete environmental work for a statewide high-speed rail system.

 

+ $60 million for phase one of relocating the Port of Cleveland away from downtown.

 

+ $55 million divided among two requests to complete infrastructure, plazas and structured parking to restart the $500 million Flats East Bank development.

 

+ $50 million for extending Euclid Corridor-type bus rapid transit service along Buckeye Road, East 55th Street and Clifton Boulevard.

 

+ $40 million for two phases of storm sewer meter automation and upgrades citywide.

 

+ $40 million to extend the Towpath Trail from Harvard Road to Canal Basin Park downtown.

 

+ $40 million for construction of a new air traffic control tower at Hopkins International Airport.

 

+ $33 million to rehabilitate sewer lines downtown.

 

+ $30 million to upgrade several rail rapid transit stations.

 

Numerous other projects involved improving water mains, storm sewers, bridges, streets, trails, streetscapes and other infrastructure in neighborhoods citywide.

 

......

 

Sorry to keep returning to the subject:  10 months since this post--any updates on the stimulus wish list?

 

It just grinds my gears that I see SR 2 currently being COMPLETELY rebuilt and widened out in Lake County and we have trouble here in Cleveland getting the funding to fast-track rebuilding of the busiest bridge crossing in the state.....

EDIT: I don't follow all of these projects anymore since I'm not a Sun News staff writer (I do freelance for them, but just writing about West Park). Since I now work full-time for All Aboard Ohio, I have followed the rail projects on the above list. Here they are.....

 

The state submitted a $564 million request (to be decided in January) for the first item and got funding for the second item....

 

+ $100 million for starting passenger rail service between downtown Cleveland, Hopkins Airport, Columbus and Cincinnati.

 

+ $100 million to conduct design and engineering to complete environmental work for a statewide high-speed rail system.

 

 

RTA submitted for this item, but the application hasn't been decided yet by the feds....

 

+ $50 million for extending Euclid Corridor-type bus rapid transit service along Buckeye Road, East 55th Street and Clifton Boulevard.

 

 

RTA has received funding for rail rapid transit stations, bridges, trackwork, retaining walls....

 

+ $30 million to upgrade several rail rapid transit stations.

 

....but I don't remember the amounts. I seem to recall the figure was $60 million but don't hold me to that.

Thanks KJP.

 

I keep checking that Recovery.gov site and no updates really in recent weeks.  Certainly none of the "big ticket" projects like the innerbelt bridge, the collapsing riverbank or the west shoreway.  It's all small time loans, grants etc, which while helps, does not make drastic impacts on Cleveland that we'd all like to see.

The hillside has been / is undergoing a lot of studying from the army corps of engineers. they are slow.  And the innerbelt bridge won't recieve funds from stimulus because it isn't "shovel ready" however a ridiculous chunk of the state stimulus money was earmarked for it until they were told it wasn't eligible because it isn't shovel ready... now when it happens it's basically taking place because of stimulus, even though the state will really be applying the stimulus funds to other road projects throughout the state to free up already budgeted money to now go to the innerbelt.

 

let's please try to keep this thread to ohio city developments... thanks.

Looks like 4110 John is getting renovated.  It's a small commercial building built into an older house.  Should be good for that part of OC, as that has been an eyesore for years.

Also looks like work has begun at the old Middle Eastern Foods building. The Bier Markt owner is turning it into another restaurant.

I suppose this could go here.....

 

Cleveland seeks $219 million to fix sliding Cuyahoga River bank

By John Mangels, The Plain Dealer

December 03, 2009, 9:00AM

 

The city of Cleveland is seeking $219 million to permanently fix a crumbling slope above the Cuyahoga River that threatens the waterway's vital shipping traffic, a major sewer line, two roads and several buildings along West 25th Street. 

 

The slow-motion landslide in the Irishtown Bend area has been under way for decades, but several spots along Riverbed Street have grown markedly worse since 2006. The collapsing bank – parts of which have slumped 18 inches in the last seven months -- has forced the street's closure and installation of an emergency sewer bypass pipe in case the main line ruptures. 

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.cleveland.com/science/index.ssf/2009/12/cleveland_seeks_219_million_to.html

One of the many projects that our mayor and city leadership have been having trouble securing stimulus funding for.  I saw this riverbank project in the initial wish list earlier this year.

 

How is it that the GOP congressional delegations fight these sorts of handouts in front of television cameras, but when it comes time for the money to actually be distributed they have their hands out sending all the money to their rural districts?  I think if you look up hypocrisy in the dictionary....

I hope the slope can be fixed.  Many stakeholders in the area have been really concerned. Once (or if) it fails everyone will be crying the blues  of how could this happen?? sign me up for any advocacy efforts.

I really hope Cleveland can get the stimulus funding needed for this. This could be a very serious problem if it collapses.

I took the Red Line down to the game yesterday so got the birds eye view coming over top of the collapse site--scary!

Major re-development at 43rd and Lorain nearing completion.. hopefully. And by major, I mean very small with minimal street impact.

 

Regardless, my brother and my building: 4309 Lorain Ave, is in the finishing stage. We plan on putting it on the Ohio City home tours, and anybody who wants a personal tour is always welcome to contact me. (shameless promotion: anybody looking for a 1,000 square foot loft apartment with higher end finishes for reasonable rent, please contact!)

Major re-development at 43rd and Lorain nearing completion.. hopefully. And by major, I mean very small with minimal street impact.

 

Regardless, my brother and my building: 4309 Lorain Ave, is in the finishing stage. We plan on putting it on the Ohio City home tours, and anybody who wants a personal tour is always welcome to contact me. (shameless promotion: anybody looking for a 1,000 square foot loft apartment with higher end finishes for reasonable rent, please contact!)

 

Congrats, you know we love pics...hint..hint.  lol  ;)

Major re-development at 43rd and Lorain nearing completion.. hopefully. And by major, I mean very small with minimal street impact.

 

Regardless, my brother and my building: 4309 Lorain Ave, is in the finishing stage. We plan on putting it on the Ohio City home tours, and anybody who wants a personal tour is always welcome to contact me. (shameless promotion: anybody looking for a 1,000 square foot loft apartment with higher end finishes for reasonable rent, please contact!)

 

WW, everyone is apparently asking for details, cuz your inbox is full :)  Send me a pm, if you don't mind.

I hope any stabilization of that slope is done with appropriate design sensitivity.  If it's just some buried retaining walls, then fine.  But if there ends up being visible concrete walls all over the place on on a conspicuous natural feature...grrrr. 

Major re-development at 43rd and Lorain nearing completion.. hopefully. And by major, I mean very small with minimal street impact.

 

Regardless, my brother and my building: 4309 Lorain Ave, is in the finishing stage. We plan on putting it on the Ohio City home tours, and anybody who wants a personal tour is always welcome to contact me. (shameless promotion: anybody looking for a 1,000 square foot loft apartment with higher end finishes for reasonable rent, please contact!)

 

Congrats, you know we love pics...hint..hint. lol ;)

 

I have things posted on the old Facebook account:

 

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=157830&id=751840216&l=3c455926b6

 

I believe this is a public link, let me know if it isn't.

Major re-development at 43rd and Lorain nearing completion.. hopefully. And by major, I mean very small with minimal street impact.

 

Regardless, my brother and my building: 4309 Lorain Ave, is in the finishing stage. We plan on putting it on the Ohio City home tours, and anybody who wants a personal tour is always welcome to contact me. (shameless promotion: anybody looking for a 1,000 square foot loft apartment with higher end finishes for reasonable rent, please contact!)

 

Congrats, you know we love pics...hint..hint.  lol  ;)

 

I have things posted on the old Facebook account:

 

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=157830&id=751840216&l=3c455926b6

 

I believe this is a public link, let me know if it isn't.

 

Nice floors and water closet

Congratulations, Weepin! I know this has been a labor of love for you guys ... and a love of labor.

 

Everybody on Urban Ohio should be singing your guys' praises right now. These folks took an empty building with a beautiful exterior on a not-so-easy section of Lorain (that does, however, have tons of potential) and breathed new life into it. If more of us had the guts to roll up our sleeves like this, this town would look very different.

 

Can't wait to attend some raucous parties there ;)

 

 

Looks great!

very cool. some years when I am in town or available, I volunteer on the OC home tour. I hope I get to see it! The hound  is a big asset too.

very cool. some years when I am in town or available, I volunteer on the OC home tour. I hope I get to see it! The hound is a big asset too.

 

Thanks. I have not heard back from hidden cleveland about adding us to their hit list, I thought that would be a good tour to get on as well.

 

My dog Sleuth is a great asset, agreed.

Planners cooking up a 'Market District' around Cleveland's West Side Market

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Planners and advocates in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood want to season the melting pot around the West Side Market with more specialty food stores, independent businesses and international flavor.The historic market, which attracts more than a million visitors each year, will mark its centennial in late 2012.

 

As the city prepares for a party, community groups and developers are hatching plans to build up and brand the neighborhood as the Market District -- an eclectic blend of shops, restaurants and activity at the heart of the region's local food economy.

 

The Ohio City Near West Development Corp. hopes to create a seamless transition between the West Side Market and the surrounding streets, which still are speckled with vacant and little-used properties. During the next several years, the community development group hopes to promote the Market District brand, to put cleaning crews and safety forces on the streets, to install signs to guide pedestrians and drivers and to recruit more stores and other businesses.

 

The city of Cleveland has budgeted $1.5 million to remake Market Square Park, a small public space across from the market.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2010/05/planners_cooking_up_a_market_d.html

 

 

Great news! On the negative but important side of the issue....We need to acknowledge that some of the problematic transient element/crime...excessive litter in areas.... needs to be cleaned up if this neighborhood will ever make it to the next level like seeing people walk through the neighborhoods in larger numbers after sunset, (other than on 25th street because Ohio City is more than just W. 25th) And, to attract businesses. There is no reason someone should own a business and have to deal with individuals outside their door asking for money, prostituting....dealing drugs, drinking or taking a leak in the entrance of a vacant store. That's just some of the reality that we'd like to curb in the neighborhood and cannot pretend it does not exist. Go ask Dean Rufus what he had to deal with at his shop on 29th... He has done a great job leading the charge in cleaning up that spot lately.

Hi everyone, this is Eric Wobser from Ohio City Near West.  Glad to see this posted on the site.  Can we rename this thread  as Cleveland: Ohio City Market District Developments?  We are trying to move away from West 25th as it doesn't reflect the entire neighborhood or highlight the Market's presence in the neighborhood.  We are working hard to move the neighborhood in a positive direction and look forward to participating on the site.

I saw a nice article about the Ohio City Home Tour in Friday's PD. Good to see the positive press. With the Ohio City Run & Crawl following in mid June, there are a lot of fun and interesting events bringing people into the neighborhood.

well great, where do I post all the great things done over on Lorain in the 40's if this is the "OCMDD" now? And what's my brand? <sarcasm>The Ohio City Antique and Meth Corridor?</sarcasm>

 

On a serious note, we're excited to be part of the home tour this Sunday! Hope to see some UO users!

you put them right here.  :)

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,9289.1410.html

 

This thread was for primarily w. 25th st developments... if the folks at OCNW prefer it be Market District for things in and around the wsm area... that's cool with me.  Now developments outside of the "market area" will just go in the general OC developments thread.

Great news! On the negative but important side of the issue....We need to acknowledge that some of the problematic transient element/crime...excessive litter in areas.... needs to be cleaned up if this neighborhood will ever make it to the next level like seeing people walk through the neighborhoods in larger numbers after sunset, (other than on 25th street because Ohio City is more than just W. 25th) And, to attract businesses. There is no reason someone should own a business and have to deal with individuals outside their door asking for money, prostituting....dealing drugs, drinking or taking a leak in the entrance of a vacant store. That's just some of the reality that we'd like to curb in the neighborhood and cannot pretend it does not exist. Go ask Dean Rufus what he had to deal with at his shop on 29th... He has done a great job leading the charge in cleaning up that spot lately.

 

I agree, but what changes would you suggest?  Some would recommend removing all public housing and social services from the area but I don't know if that's going to happen and it's probably not the right/ethical thing to do either.  So Ohio City will probably always be home to an interesting and diverse crowd...

Great news! On the negative but important side of the issue....We need to acknowledge that some of the problematic transient element/crime...excessive litter in areas.... needs to be cleaned up if this neighborhood will ever make it to the next level like seeing people walk through the neighborhoods in larger numbers after sunset, (other than on 25th street because Ohio City is more than just W. 25th) And, to attract businesses. There is no reason someone should own a business and have to deal with individuals outside their door asking for money, prostituting....dealing drugs, drinking or taking a leak in the entrance of a vacant store. That's just some of the reality that we'd like to curb in the neighborhood and cannot pretend it does not exist. Go ask Dean Rufus what he had to deal with at his shop on 29th... He has done a great job leading the charge in cleaning up that spot lately.

 

I agree, but what changes would you suggest? Some would recommend removing all public housing and social services from the area but I don't know if that's going to happen and it's probably not the right/ethical thing to do either. So Ohio City will probably always be home to an interesting and diverse crowd...

 

I've always told my friends I wish I had the money to buy the "Riverview Apartments" from CMH and turn them into renovated non-government funded apartments.  If that ever happened I can't imagine how much the area would take off.

 

^well you would need to disclose the units are going to fall in the river if the hillside is not fixed. The only bizarre observation I have about Riverview is few enjoy the river view! I have been in and around the property a number of times and it seems like all the drapes are drawn and no one is out in the back of the builiding enjoying the view.

 

and no I do not think social services should be removed from Ohio City. What are we, animals? That said poverty is moving out to the burbs so hard core social services will be coming to a neighborhood near you. Lets hope the main focus is on education, safe housing, treatment etc as opposed to only crisis survival-ie food pantry etc. 

In no way was I saying get rid of the housing. I'm saying West 25th is a destination area and I think the low income housing holds the area back in terms of developing towards Detroit Ave. I'm also not saying they should be moved to the ghetto.

In no way was I saying get rid of the housing. I'm saying West 25th is a destination area and I think the low income housing holds the area back in terms of developing towards Detroit Ave. I'm also not saying they should be moved to the ghetto.

 

I think they should stay there.  the perception that low income/subsidised housing makes things harder.

 

I think a more inclusive neighborhood with people of various incomes makes a better neighborhood as that leads to a better mix of stores in a real urban neighborhood.

^ What I find opposite here to many places I have been to...(overseas) is that the closer to the city you get, the more expensive it is...Here...the trend is reversed due to associations with suburban flight. But Riverview is not the biggest problem in OC in my opinion. It is the housing north of Detroit and the transient element that it often invites into the neighborhood, much of which are individuals who are a part of creating a host of problems. Most homeowners in Ohio City are OK...the problems, many of which I talk about, are perpetuated by many who don't even live in the neighborhood---or are "guests" of those who do, and do not know how to behave in a communal setting.

 

Living by The Guernsey Apartments was a microcosm example of the problem. Unreal some of the behavior, or lack there-of by those who hung out at the building but didn't even live there. Most were ok in that place and a few bads spoiled the bunch. Luckily, with the assertiveness of watchful/nosy concerned neighbors, these people who were causing problems and associated  with the "guests" who were coming around adding to the issues, were evicted.

 

As for the help centers, these are not really attracting anything that may be an immediate physical or property threat to anyone....other than the depressed image of destitution it casts on the neighborhood...as well as a lot of trash ranging from Styrofoam plates and cups/plastic utensils from carry-out meals, to the most prevalent flower in Ohio City, the "Wild Irish Rose"...to a host of 40 oz. bottles and Cheetos bags, etc. littering alleys. (granted, some if from wind blowing trash..so this is why we need the pilet recycling program to get going in more neighborhoods) Indeed, these things can be linked to tarnishing the image too and other things. And this is wreaking havoc on our shores and water resources as well as devaluing the look of the place..and perceptions and first impressions go a long way.

 

What to do? Enforce the existing laws... housing and building codes, and fine larger properties who refuse to keep up their property. This means pressure on departments.

 

Here is way to help clean up things like trash and litter.... Instead of just handing over a free meal to the homeless,(not that they're the only source of litter, because many school kids are as well) if they're able...have them go out and clean up some trash...then bring it back for the free meal. He gets a free meal to trash the neighborhood? What do others get for constantly cleaning it up? (not that I expect anything) But there should be some extra positive that comes out of this.

 

Maybe more background check into renting a public housing unit if possible because from what I found out at The Guernsey....and the goings on,  it just seems too easy for those with some unsavory backgrounds to get a place. Until one knows how to act in accordance with respecting basic rules and others, then such a person has not earned the right to live in a place where everyone else does respect such. More block club/watch involvement and walking in the neighborhood....Not just the scenario of go home, get out of the car and head straight into the house. Guardian Angels do wee hour patrols, so this helps as well.

 

 

No one is suggesting to get rid of all the help centers and/or public housing, but something to remember.. Ohio City has among the largest concentration of such in the city (at the same time it wants to be the ambitious eclectic market area) and there are negatives associated with it and anyone who has lived near it knows this so no use in pretending the problems don't exist. That simple. Still, all this seems to be the 500 pound gorilla that is afraid to be talked about.

 

 

This is just speaking from my experience in living in the neighborhood.

In no way was I saying get rid of the housing. I'm saying West 25th is a destination area and I think the low income housing holds the area back in terms of developing towards Detroit Ave. I'm also not saying they should be moved to the ghetto.

 

I think they should stay there. the perception that low income/subsidised housing makes things harder.

 

I think a more inclusive neighborhood with people of various incomes makes a better neighborhood as that leads to a better mix of stores in a real urban neighborhood.

 

Agree.. Various incomes good. Illegal behavior and properties refusing to clean up their place...Bad.

In no way was I saying get rid of the housing. I'm saying West 25th is a destination area and I think the low income housing holds the area back in terms of developing towards Detroit Ave. I'm also not saying they should be moved to the ghetto.

sorry I did not want to imply you were saying that.

 

I have mixed feeling about congregate low income housing. On one hand some good services (ie early intervention for children, senior services)can be available if centralized near or in congregate housing , but on the other I do not think it is healthy to make a poor people live in large groups together w/o no exposure to different ways of living.

 

as a side note I agree with ES about litter around food sites. I live next to St Malachi and am tired of all the styrofoam coffee cups thrown around. I had to have picked up at least 100 walking down washington av for riversweep.  I feel like saying : yes give out the coffee (I am at the point where this is a life need), but use real ceramic cups that do not leave the building, and have recipients of the services take turns washing them...

Lutheran hospital also holds back West 25th.  That doesn't make Lutheran a bad thing.  But its location is bad for the neighborhood and bad for the city.  Same goes for those projects.  If they're so nice, let Mayfield Heights have them.  It isn't fair to concentrate the projects in Cleveland proper.  Not fair for the city and not fair for CMHA residents, who deserve more than one housing choice.  CMHA isn't a Cleveland housing agency, it's supposed to be county wide.

We are on the Home Tour over at 4309 Lorain. I tried to get some photos of the old Speak in Tongues while in operation, but it looks like that will have to happen next year. We are completely leased for the renovated units (note my relief) and are now looking for a viable first floor tenant.

 

In the mean time, the bar on the first floor was completely cleaned up and we are considering turning it into a private "club" of some sort. Still in formative idea stage..

Same goes for those projects. If they're so nice, let Mayfield Heights have them. It isn't fair to concentrate the projects in Cleveland proper. Not fair for the city and not fair for CMHA residents, who deserve more than one housing choice. CMHA isn't a Cleveland housing agency, it's supposed to be county wide.

 

The problem is that Mayfield Heights (and most suburbs) don't have the public transportation to support poor individuals who have no cars.  They need to be able to walk to Dave's and other social services.  The suburbs don't provide that.  It's a tough nut to crack.

 

But with all this talk of litter, what about the chicken bones.  Every time I walk my dog over the Veterans Bridge, down West 25th and back over the Lorain Bridge, it's like a contest between me and her of who can find the chicken bone faster.  Thanks, Linda's Superette.

Peabody says:

 

"as a side note I agree with ES about litter around food sites. I live next to St Malachi and am tired of all the styrofoam coffee cups thrown around. I had to have picked up at least 100 walking down washington av for riversweep.  I feel like saying : yes give out the coffee (I am at the point where this is a life need), but use real ceramic cups that do not leave the building, and have recipients of the services take turns washing them..."

 

 

Anyone who has participated in these sweeps like Peabody gets it right away when they start paying closer attention to just how bad this problem is. What impression does it give to visitors? Nice city but you're filthy? Yes..the re-usable cups are a good idea, or, IF possible, serve meals at the particular help center and....not serve them as some sort of "take out" restaurant for the homeless or anyone else who frequents the joints.  It is a constant job cleaning up after someone else's messes, but if this was not done, I shudder to think what this neighborhood would look like in terms of that alone. Much ends up on our shoreline and in our water. 

 

Has anyone contacted the center?  Maybe they can mobilize those they support to help clean the area?

Well I can say that one of the things the folks at OCNW are working on is creating a special improvement district for the Market District area which would include a clean and safe component similar to the DCA SID.  Which I think is safe to say could have a substantial positive effect on the area.

^W25th/Market Square (sorry, I'm suffering from new district name fatigue) seems like an absolutely perfect fit for a SID.  Fingers crossed they can pull it off.

An SID here would be great!

 

Same goes for those projects.  If they're so nice, let Mayfield Heights have them.  It isn't fair to concentrate the projects in Cleveland proper.  Not fair for the city and not fair for CMHA residents, who deserve more than one housing choice.  CMHA isn't a Cleveland housing agency, it's supposed to be county wide.

The problem is that Mayfield Heights (and most suburbs) don't have the public transportation to support poor individuals who have no cars.  They need to be able to walk to Dave's and other social services.  The suburbs don't provide that.  It's a tough nut to crack.

 

This is a very good point, but the built-in response is OK put the projects by the grocery store.  If a burb has any multi-family housing at all, it's typically adjacent to the commercial area, in order to minimize traffic in areas zoned for sf homes.  Living adjacent to a suburban commercial cluster might present more options, with less complications, than living in inner-city Cleveland and having a bus pass.  There may not be as much access to Cleveland's large-scale social service operations... but this isn't the only way to deliver social services either.  It wouldn't hurt to at least examine an alternative model.  This would be another interesting item for the new county government to consider.

Well I can say that one of the things the folks at OCNW are working on is creating a special improvement district for the Market District area which would include a clean and safe component similar to the DCA SID.  Which I think is safe to say could have a substantial positive effect on the area.

 

This is excellent news, and I hope that the roll-out includes a marketing campaign.  Something along the lines of, "Ohio City- we're open the other six days of the week, too ya know!" ;)

 

In all seriousness, though, I was sitting at the Koffie Café and enjoying the hum of the pedestrian traffic on a Saturday morning a few weeks ago, and thought to myself, "There's no reason OC couldn't be like this every day."  I hope that better marketing could help catalyze that.

^W25th/Market Square (sorry, I'm suffering from new district name fatigue) seems like an absolutely perfect fit for a SID. Fingers crossed they can pull it off.

 

Would the "Ohio City Arts District" sound better?  ;)

Well I can say that one of the things the folks at OCNW are working on is creating a special improvement district for the Market District area which would include a clean and safe component similar to the DCA SID.  Which I think is safe to say could have a substantial positive effect on the area.

 

Well its been in the "working on" stages for about 15 years now, along with the Market District concept that I have kept bring up on here for the past couple years. 

 

I was one of the ones that did alot of the legwork for the BID in Ohio City, but there just wasnt enough occupied buildings and support to pass it.  It may have enough support today, but to be honest, the business district is maybe only slightly better then it was then.   

 

OCNW has had some pretty wimpy directors since Mike Dostal was there, so its no wonder not too much has happened, but hopefully this new one can inject some much needed life back into the organization. 

^Interesting.  Do you think having McNulty and some of the other more recent entrepreneurs in the area help?

 

^W25th/Market Square (sorry, I'm suffering from new district name fatigue) seems like an absolutely perfect fit for a SID. Fingers crossed they can pull it off.

 

Would the "Ohio City Arts District" sound better? ;)

 

The A-bomb!  OK, I won't complain about Market District.

How far down Lorain and Detroit (and Bridge, and the west bank) would this BID go?  If it includes all the commerial areas in Ohio City, maybe there's enough now to pull it off.