When I was talking to them, they seemed kind of clueless about all the neighborhood developments throughout town.

 

That usually doesn't add up to a successful development team. But if they could pull something off, then more power to them.

^Let them know about this site, it is probably one stop shopping to let people know everying that is going on in Ohio

I was going to plug the site, but I got distracted and they left.

This is positive:

 

From Cool Cleveland:

 

...four Ohio City businesses are pitching in to hire 2 off-duty police officers to walk the beat around the West Side Market during late night hours. Congrats to Sam McNulty, owner of McNulty’s Bier Markt, Jeff Allison, owner of the Garage Bar, Alex Gleason, owner of the Old Angle, and Mike Roman, owner of the ABC Tavern, for their initiative. Why not pop in for a drink at one of these fine establishments, and toast the owners. These are the heroes of the neighborhood, and hopefully the rest of the community will follow suit.

go have a drink at ALL these places? that sounds like a lot of work and a big commitment, but I am willing to roll up my sleeves and do my part for the community. I am just that kind of person  :-D

^I knew I liked you! :-D

Anyone going to the Ohio City Neighborhood meeting tonight? 

7:30 (I think), Carnegie West Library.

Refreshments and drinks.

They will be talking about developments of Jay Avenue Lofts, Wine Store in old Middle Eastern Foods space, public safety, etc.

^ I had not heard anything about it. Is it a block club meeting? Or something larger/near west development corp.? If you have any info and get this in time thanks (or update us on the forum tomorrow!)

They will be talking about developments of Jay Avenue Lofts, Wine Store in old Middle Eastern Foods space, public safety, etc.

 

Wine store, eh?  Now that sounds like a good idea.  It will be interesting to see how they coordinate the space with the WSM as it certainly is a natural fit next door.

Hopefully they will carry beer too.

If we think hard enough we can build an entire agglomeration economy around food.  yum!!

 

On that note, anyone want to open a bagel stand in the WSM? I think we could make a mint.  Where does one buy bagels on the west side anyhow?

^Bagel on the Avenue; between Terminal Tower and the Renaissance from a little stand in the corridor off Public Square. I buy a bagel there 2x a week at least. Not the greatest bagels in the world, but pretty cheap.

The Ohio City meeting I was refering to yesterday was a block club meeting, (filled with all white residents over 45 years old) and was basically centered around the fact that nobody in Ohio City wants that liqour store to open next to the West Side Market.

The guy that wants to open the store has 79 felony charges including money laundering pending in Summit County, and seems like a shady character.  He is saying this establishment will be an up scale wine store, but in actuality it will be a state sponsored liqour store, and we all know what 95% of the clientel of that will be.

Also in the meeting, was the eventual owner of the West Side Community House, explaining his plans for the building when WSCH moves to its new location at W93rd and Lorain. 

There will be 18 total units including the new construction of 4 penthouse suites ontop of the existing building.  15 parking spots will replace the playground currently on site (access will be off of Waco Ct.).  The English basement of the building will become either retail (gelato store someone mentioned) or something like an architect/lawyer/graphic designer office.

So it looks like that project will move swiftly once WSCH vacates the premises.

liquor store? I tend to agree not a good idea, esp coupled with the background of the owner. Not that I am judgemental mind you put as we learned form MODA lots of criminal charges, fueled with alcohol = bad.  I wonder if they are trying to pull one over on people b/c they clearly stated cigar and wine bar when I asked. this conjures a very different picture than the corner liquor store. this is not what we need to scare already gun shy suburbanites away from the market and other establishments for good. Anyway while a nice wine store with great beers would be great, a liquor store with wine? no thanks. Dave's and esp Constintino's already have good wine selections. W28, if it is not to much trouble, could you message me at some point? I think my area is actually part of the same block club, and maybe I will start coming to meetings!

Hmm, yeah that's really too bad about the store. What a disappointment. When I heard "cigar bar" I really thought it was going to be something like 806 in Tremont or Club Macanudo in Manhattan.

W28th,

 

Was there any mention of the Jay Avenue Lofts??

 

I am not too happy about the liquor store.  Will they sell those little samplyer bottles?  Those are always bad news. 

Not too much information on Jay Avenue Lofts other than the fact that the demolition workers wrote an interesting little warning in spray paint to those who have ideas to take the scrap to the effect of "your ass is mine if you take my scrap."

 

Speaking of Jay Lofts, is the whole project going to be built at the same time, or will it be done in phases?  Hopefully it is done all at once so we don't have to deal with an empty slab where the metal sheds were.  If that happens I'm sure it would be utilized as yet another surface parking lot until the next phase is built.

^Funny, because the guy who lives across from the site is a scrapper...he drives around the city all day and picks up scrap metal and other assorted junk.  I always wonder if people were actually using the stuff or if he just took things from porches and yards!

 

The last block club meeting I was at where the WSCH developers were there, they were very clear in stating that they wanted to keep the neighbors informed about their plans, but that there were still a lot of details (contracts, finances, etc) to work out.  That said, they were 100% committed to the project if they could work it out and planned to start as soon as WSCH moved down Lorain...sometime in September, I believe.  So, W. 28th, did they say that the negotiations were further along?  Complete?

I walked by the mystery wine and or Liquor store place next to the market today. I looked in and I have to say the finishes they have put in thus far look kind of cheap..more liquor store like. Also shelves in back looked like a liquor store.  if anyone else checks it out, let me know what you think.

"Ohio City" what a creative name.

"Ohio City" what a creative name.

 

David,

 

With the amount of posts that you have graced us with in the past day or so, you really are in love with Cleveland!

 

By the way, Ohio City was originally its own municipality back in the early 1800s.

I was wondering if that was why. Thanks

"New York City" what a creative name.

 

Apparently, the WSCH is theirs immedietely after they move out, but they don't have any concrete time frame as of yet.  They stated that it would take approximately a little under a year of construction to get people in there.  So I would say worst case scenario January 2008. 

so it sounded like much more of a "done" deal? 

Yeah, seems rather solid.

A few updates:

 

Work is moving along steadily on the conversion of the YMCA building on the corner of W. 32nd & Franklin into apartments and condos.  This is being done by the same local guy who recently opened the beautiful Detroit Avenue Lofts. 

 

Barely a block away from the YMCA, the Vine Industrials sign is up on Vine Court, just east of W. 32nd, behind the proposed expansion of the Townhomes of Ohio City, whose sign is still up, but has been overtaken by weeds...

 

And just east of the existing Townhomes of Ohio City and the beautiful red Victorian home whose details are coming together slowly but surely (it's gorgeous, inside and out!), is a new sign from the Coral Company, announcing presales for loft townhomes starting around $249,900.  Unfortunately, their sign on the old proposed Dexter Townhomes site hasn't reappeared.  I fear that one's been relegated to the back burner for now!

 

Add the impressive new home that's risen on an empty lot just west of 32nd on Clinton, the Rysar Clinton plan just west of 38th and the other substantial proposals for 28th and Church/Detroit and this little corner of Ohio City is really moving!

Does anyone know what's going on in the old Metro Joe's/Cafe Noir space beside St. Pat's? There have been people working in there and today I noticed some wood frame has been installed inside the entrance way, apparently for a new wall or vestibule...

ah, yes.  There's a personal fitness guy/gal moving in there.  I don't really know what that means.  I just asked one of the workers last week!

 

still no tenant for the laundromat across the street and there's also that cute new retail space on the corner of Whitman & W. 38th that's just itching for a cafe or something to move in!

From the Jay Hotel thread:

check this out while it lasts. It looks like the ohiocity.com site has been vandelized by someone objecting to this project. i am sure someone will catch this any second and it will be gone.  http://www.ohiocity.com/

 

here it is copied and pasted:

Councilman Joe Cimperman Doesn't Care About Ohio City Residents as Shown by His Actions

 

The vast majority of Ohio City residents are not in favor of allowing the requested variances to be granted for the proposed structure below to be built on Ohio City's most historic street!

 

Jay Avenue is one of the most historic streets in all of ohio city. It is filled with lovely victorian homes and lots of character and charm that people want to see when they visit Ohio City. Lolly the Trolley even comes down the street several times a day to talk it up.

 

I'm Dave Stack and as a long time resident of Ohio City speaking on behalf of the majority of Ohio City residents who have an opinion on this matter, we do not want to see such a massive structure built on such a small lot on the corner of Jay and W30th. Having such a large structure there will not only be an eye sore, it will take away charm from our historic street and lower our property values.

 

We are not at all opposed to having a structure built in the space, but we would like to see one built where a 17 foot variance (among many others) are not being asked for. We see this as being a totally reasonable request and the current requested variances being asked for as extremely unreasonable which would have a very negative impact on the neighborhood if granted.

 

Joe Cimperman knows this is how the vast majority of Ohio City feels, but yet he continues to throw his full support behind this project even though those who elected him do not want this building to be built in its current size.

 

Why does Joe Cimperman fully support this project when most of Ohio City doesn't support it????????

 

Many people feel that Joe Cimperman and the owner of the property (Jim Evangelista) are friends and Joe Cimperman is putting his friendship and his friends financial interest ahead of the thoughts and feelings of Ohio City residents. This is not right! If this is true, Shame on Joe Cimperman for totally ignoring the wishes of what the neighborhood wants in order to help his friend make a quick dollar.

Do not allow the requested variances to be approved. Come to the one and only meeting to stop this:

 

Board of Zoning Appeals

601 Lakeside Avenue, Room 516

Monday July 24th at 9:30 to voice your opposition to this!

 

Or send an email objection to me at [email protected] and I will print it out and hand deliver it for you.

 

We need your support!

 

Why This Project Is a Bad Idea:

• Proposed house is MASSIVE for the lot size. Not reasonable at all. Lot not even big enough for a single family, let alone a double!

• Will remove much needed parking spots from W 30th where curb cuts must be added.

• 4 car garage with huge garage doors are not attractive to look at from W30th.

• Asking for a 17 foot rear yard variance is outrageous! Will eliminate most all green space.

• Asking for another 7 foot side yard variance removed even more possible green space.

• Asking for a 4' 1" variance to build closer to the next door house is a FIRE HAZZARD!

• The owner (Jim Evangelista) doesn't have Ohio City's interest in mind - only finanical gain.

• Cimperman giving full support against the will of neighborhood is bad for future trust in our councilman.

• Having such a large eye soar will lower surrouding neighbors property values.

• The design of the house doesn't fit in well with surrounding homes on Jay Avenue.

 

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS JULY 24, 2006

9:30 Ward 13 - Calendar No. 06-123 - 2925 Jay Avenue

Joe Cimperman - 12 Notices

 

Jay & 30th Project LLC, owner, and Douglas Wahl, agent, appeal to erect a 34' x 20' two-story frame dwelling, proposed to be erected on a 40' x 51.66' parcel located in a Two-Family District on the southeast corner of Jay Avenue and West 30th Street at 2925 Jay Avenue; subject to the limitations of Section 349.05(a), there may be no parking space located within 10' of a residential building or structure if the wall facing the space contains a ground floor opening designed to provide light or ventilation; and contrary to Section 355.04(b), a minimum lot area of 2,246 s/f is provided and 4,800 s/f is required and a maximum gross floor area of 2,040 s/f is proposed, exceeding one-half of the lot size; and contrary to Section 357.08(2)(b)(1), there is a 3' rear yard depth where 20' is required; with a distance of 5'-11" provided contrary to 10' from a main building, and the proposed aggregate width of the total side yards equals 3' and the aggregate width of side yards on the same premises may not be less than 10' as stated in Section 357.09(2)B of the Codified Ordinances. (Filed 6-19-06)

 

9:30 Ward 13 - Calendar No. 06-124 - 1817 West 30th Street

Joe Cimperman - 12 Notices

 

Jay & 30th Project LLC, owner, and Douglas Wahl, agent, appeal go erect a 34' x 20' two-story frame dwelling, proposed to be erected on a 40' x 56.15' parcel located in a Two-Family District on the south side of West 30th Street near Waco Court at 1817 West 30th Street; subject to the limitations of Section 349.05(a), there may be no parking space located within 10' of a residential building or structure, if the wall facing the space contains a ground floor opening designed to provide light or ventilation; and contrary to Section 355.04(b), a minimum lot area of 2,246 s/f is provided and 4,800 s/f is required and a maximum gross floor area of 2,040 s/f is proposed, exceeding one-half of the lot size; and contrary to Section 357.08(2)(b)(1), there is a 3' rear yard depth where 20' is required; with a distance of 5'-11" provided contrary to 10' from a main building, and the proposed aggregate width of the total side yards equals 3' and the aggregate width of side yards on the same premises may not be less than 10' as stated in Section 357.09(2)B of the Codified Ordinances. (Filed 6-19-06)

 

And this was posted in the Ohio City Yahoo Group by Mr Stack.

 

Dear Ohio City, Joe Cimperman and OCNW:

 

I used to really like Joe Cimperman and thought he was doing a great job for Ohio City, but that has all changed with his recent backing of the enormous new construction double condo project that is being built on Jay and 30th.  For those who have never seen this, see pictures of this MASSIVE structure on the FRONT PAGE of www.ohiocity.com or www.pluggedincleveland.com

 

Every single neighbor and resident in the area that I have spoken to about this project is NOT IN FAVOR of having such an enormous double house built in such a small space/lot.    There is no objection to having a smaller more reasonable sized home built there, but when they are asking for a 17 FOOT, 4 FOOT and 7 FOOT variances to build what they want to build (again see pics at www.ohiocity.com) that is just way too much for this 40’ x 56’ size parcel.

 

What I can’t understand is why Joe Cimperman insists on showing his support for Jim Evangelista, the owner of the property, when there is absolutely no support from the neighborhood on it?  One would think that Joe Cimperman would be reversing his stance on this with so much opposition to this project.  It is beyond me and really upsetting to know that our very own councilman is putting the financial well being of Jim Evangelista over what the neighborhood wants, and it is also not like Joe Cimperman doesn’t know how the neighborhood feels about this too as we have been shouting very loudly about this issue.

 

Another thing that really upsets me, is that I know for a fact that people involved with OCNW are unhappy about this project also and sympathize with the rest of the ohio city neighborhood on it, but that they are being told to KEEP QUIET and NETURAL on the issue.  And with OCNW’s funding conveniently coming up for renewal in very near future (with Joe Cimperman having a lot to do with how much they receive), I can understand why every person I speak to at OCNW is quiet as a mouse “on the record” about this issue. 

 

I feel very let down and betrayed by Joe Cimperman right now.  I feel he is not listening to what the neighbors want and is using his political might and connections to steam roll over what the neighborhood wants to push along this massive size building project which is clearly not in the best interest of Ohio City and its most historic street, Jay Avenue.  Simply put, we do not want to be left looking at this massive building which has the sole purpose of being built and then ‘flipped’ in order to make some quick money.  Having this structure in it current size does nothing to help our neighborhood unlike the Jay Avenue lofts which everyone (from what I’m hearing) supports. 

 

We (as a neighborhood) are SHOUTING very loudly about this, but Joe Cimperman is not listening.

 

To help get the word out about this, I have dedicated the entire web site of www.ohiocity.com to this issue of how Joe Cimperman doesn’t care about what ohio city residents wants and this project.  Also I have given significant front page real estate (HUGE OVERSIZED RED LETTERS) on www.pluggedincleveland (which gets over 250,000 people a month to it) to help the residents of Cleveland and Joe Cimperman know what the neighbors of Ohio City want to happen with this proposed property.

 

As many of you know there is a zoning board meeting on Monday morning at 9:30 at Board of Zoning Appeals, 601 Lakeside Avenue, Room 516

 

We have a large group of residents planning to attend this meeting.  I urge you also to attend this meeting and show your support against letting Joe Cimperman push this project through when there is no support for it by the residents.

 

If you can’t make this meeting, please email me your letters so that they can be printed out.

 

Additionally, TV media, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Cleveland blogger have all been notified about this issue.  Henry Gomez (the real estate person) from the PD has already confirmed that he will be attending the meeting on Monday.

 

I would love to hear other comments on this and theories why Joe Cimperman isn’t supporting the neighbors on this issue when all we want is for a reasonable sized home to be built on that property (and not some monster house who’s only purpose is to be built to flip and earn Jim Evangelista quick money).

 

Dave Stack

 

2920 Jay Avenue

 

216.575.1480

 

 

I think he has every right to fight for his (and his neighbors, apparently) interests, however 2 points that strike me:

 

1) i think he should be signing these letters with every single resident in the area (or OC) that is not in support of this project.  i haven't followed this issue at all, but it looks way too one sided as it stands now.  If "everyone" is against this, why does the only person charging ahead live next door to the planned project?

 

2) i also think that taking over his over websites hurts his credibility in providing information (which both ohiocity.com and pluggedincleveland.com do).   "Councilman Joe Cimperman Doesn't Care About Ohio City Residents - Click to Read" is a sensationalized headline, and shows no objectivity.  Should probably read, "OC residents supporting zoning click here to support effort"

 

[edit]: fixed typos.

like all politicians, I am sure JC wants to play nice in the sand box with developers and the city, which leaves the little guy(s) aka residents unhappy with some of the outcomes. trust me. I think overall he does a good job and hope he doesn't get voted off the island for some of the relationships I imagine he has nurtured with developers and city code folks.

As a property owner, Mr. Stack is definitely entitled to his opinion concerning the proposed structure. However, his form of communication greatly detracts from his credibility. By using the ohiocity.com website for his own propagandga, I lose respect for him and his message.  I know that he controls the website's content, but his actions are legally inappropriate because the website's content is associateed with the cdc. Additionally, his representations of Mr. Cimperman are inappropriate and disrespectful. 

maybe he is reading the uo...the headline on pluggedincleveland.com has now changed to:

 

"Ohio City Residents in Disagreement with Proposed New Construction in Historic District - Click To Read" 

 

anyway, at least the message is more objective.  also, the redirect to ohiocity.com has been tamed a bit as well, providing a better background to the situation. 

It really gets to me when the level of discourse is so dumbed down.  Anyways, on to the house. I actually agree about some aspects.  The parking thing is ridiculous though--infill developments should never be discouraged because they will make it more difficult to find parking.  The garage is rather ugly--I hope that they make him change it so that access is created via the alley.  I don't think that the height should be such an issue. Mr. Stack's house towers over the rest of the street.

ohiocity.com is back to its normal format, but with a clickable link to the page that was posted yesterday.  also, as was mentioned in the other thread, I don't think ohiocity.com is an OCNW-affiliated website.  I think it's just a website for the neighborhood, created/managed by Dave Stack and perhaps other neighborhood residents.  Therefore, I don't think there's anything legally questionable about the changes made.  It may not have been the most prudent way to do the thing, but prudence often gets left by the wayside in situations that are viewed as desperate.

I think the height is a valid issue.  When Stack's house was built way back when, there were no height restrictions (to my knowledge) and his was (to my understanding) the house that the developer of much of the neighborhood built for himself, so it kinda makes sense that it sticks out in and around Jay, where it wouldn't so much if it were on Franklin.  Basically, the height that would match Dave's wouldn't be height because of turrets and parapets and ornate details, but instead of a massive third floor roofline with little or no character or detail to speak of.  This is what neighbors will be looking at, in addition to the 2 2-car wide garages that will face W. 30th.  Why make the zoning regulations if you're not going to enforce them in a case like this where they seem to be perfectly applicable?

I take biggest issue with garages. I hate that look where the garage is the dominant feature you see. But I guess that is the American way with our love affair with cars. as Wimwar mentioned it would look better in the alley.

ah, yes.  There's a personal fitness guy/gal moving in there.  I don't really know what that means.  I just asked one of the workers last week!

 

That would be disappointing if s/he were just making it a living space or office, but could be cool if s/he offered classes, sold vitamins and other fitness stuff, etc.

From OCNW..

 

Dear resident,

 

Please take a moment to read the following letter from the OCNW Board President,

Anthony Fossaceca:

 

Neighbors,

 

I wanted to take a moment this weekend to respond to the comments and

actions of one of our neighbors on Jay and West 30th. Yesterday, Dave Stack

sent a letter to the Ohio City Yahoo Group detailing his concerns regarding

a proposed development at the corner directly across the street from his

home. The project would create a rather tall, multi-family home with two

multi-car garages on the west side of the house (the West 30th side). The

structure, which would be built on a currently vacant, but maintained parcel

adjoining the multi-family home owned by Jim Evangelista. To create the

driveway and access for the two garages, a curb cut would be required for

West 30th. Anyone familiar with this corner would likely agree that this

development would create an immediate visual impact on both blocks.

 

In his letter, Dave Stack made several critical comments about Councilman

Joe Cimperman and his support of this project and the developer. I cannot,

and will not speak for the Councilman, but I felt that his characterization

of Joe Cimperman as uncaring towards Ohio City residents was well over the

line. In the time I have served on the Board of Trustees of OCNW, I have

come to find Councilman Cimperman to be responsive and engaged in way that

other communities only wish they saw from their own councilpeople. He stood

with us in closing the Jay Hotel, forcing a peaceful transition of the YMCA

community facilities, redeveloping Fairview Park, and opposing liquor

licenses in obvious trouble areas. He has also taken the side of neighbors

in recent battles to close moda and resist the excessive density of the Hope

VI plan at the RTA tracks.

 

Having said that, I respectfully disagree with the Councilman's position on

the Evangelista development. I say this not as President of the Board, but

as a concerned resident. The reason I make the distinction is because our

board has not yet taken a position on that development. We have not taken

steps to oppose it, nor have we supported it. While Dave Stack would suggest

it is because our funding from the Councilman is pending, I would

wholeheartedly disagree. I would be lying if I said opposing a councilperson

didn't give me concerns. It does. However, we have taken opposing positions

from the councilpeople in our service area on a number of critical issues.

This past year, we have opposed the density of Hope VI at Church and 28th

(disagreeing with Councilman Cimperman) and the density of Hope VI at the

RTA site (disagreeing with Councilman Santiago). We disagreed with

Councilman Santiago on his support of moda, and his desire to convert the

property at 41st and Lorain to 12 subsidized housing units instead of

creating a mixed income development. We took these positions because they

were what the majority in the surrounding block clubs wanted and because

they were consistent with our Strategic Plan. While we certainly do not

enjoy opposing our councilpeople, we do so carefully and respectfully. We

also do so with the understanding that our councilpeople will not use their

funding allocation as a weapon, but rather as a tool for improving their

portion of Ohio City. Cutting their allocation to make an example of OCNW

for taking an opposing stance on an issue serves no one - certainly not the

people in their wards served by the outreach and program support OCNW

provides. Drastically cutting that funding means everyone suffers.

 

Now, will OCNW take a stance on this development? That is still possible,

but we would prefer to work with the parties to reach an acceptable

compromise. Clearly, Jim Evangelista has certain rights to develop his

property. The questions facing the Board of Zoning Appeals involve the

exceptions above and beyond those rights - thus the request for several

variances. It has already passed Landmarks and Design Review - two entities

outside of OCNW control. (Ohio City Design Review is not part of OCNW. Our

Executive Director has a single vote on Design Review, but all other members

are appointed by the city. For the record, our Executive Director did vote

in support of this development - consistent with similar development

projects within the historic districts which did have broad support over the

past year. His votes on Design Review are based on his own conclusions, not

board action or influence.) As with all areas of conflict in Ohio City, we

are hopeful that OCNW can work to find a compromise which, at a minimum,

satisfies the effected parties and preserves the character of our community.

 

Finally, I would like to address the issue of the ohiocity.com website. As

many of you know, the website took a dramatically different look over the

weekend. For the past two years, the website was maintained by Whitman

Avenue resident, Bernie Thiel. Bernie has done a fantastic job listing and

highlighting businesses, neighborhood groups and events, and promoting our

community to not only the people living here but to residents of Northeast

Ohio. OCNW has NEVER owned the domain, but has forwarded content to Bernie

and others. At the end of the day, while the site's editorial control was

determined by Bernie, it was still owned by Dave Stack. This weekend, Dave

made a decision to resume control and replace the site with another version

that focuses solely on the opposition to the Evangelista proposal. I am

extremely disappointed in this decision and am hopeful that the ohiocity.com

website will return to its previous design and content, but OCNW HAS NO

CONTROL OVER THIS SITE!

 

I apologize for the lengthy letter. As always, OCNW will continue working to

find common ground and move this neighborhood forward together.

Why make the zoning regulations if you're not going to enforce them in a case like this where they seem to be perfectly applicable?

 

You need variances to build almost anything in OC.  If I were to tear down and rebuild my house, I would need a variance to build the same exact structure. 

 

Has Cimperman stated why he supports this project?  I put a lot of trust in Joe.  He doesn't do things for the wrong reasons. 

I like Cimperman too. As politicians go, I think he ranks up there in honesty and has a social conscience. But I think he is so excited to have development in his ward (as we all are) that he may not have as a discerning eye as some people would like. One big ugly townhouse (I am not saying it is, but for the sake of the argument) will not over take the community, but what about a whole street or block of them? look at Hough (actually the some of the town houses are not bad, but the houses, eek) . I know in FL a lot of this goes on. On the Davis Island neighborhood in Tampa, they have (had!) cute little bungalows and mid century modern homes. People are buying these, tearing them down and building mcmansions that abut the next property. they are nothing short of hideous. first there was one and then boom! Of course we not FL by any means but  we can learn some lessons. On the other hand, has anyone seen some of the historic Coronado Island neighborhoods in San Diego? somehow I think they managed to do a decent job of mixing genres/styles and home sizes (with the exception of the barrick style Navy apartments) . I saw some larger homes, but no mcmansions, and nothing looked the same either. Anyhow I met a realtor out there who said they are really strict in that community about what gets built or modified in my opinion it showed.

The BOZA did not approve the Jay/30th project.  They will have to redesign it (which just might kill the project).  The Clinton Court townhouse project did get the OK.

From:

 

History of Cleveland, Ohio

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Though not initially apparent—the city was surrounded by swampland and the harsh winters did not encourage settlement—the location proved providential. The city began to grow rapidly after the completion of the Ohio and Erie Canal in 1832, turning the city into a key link between the Ohio River and the Great Lakes, and particularly once the city railroad links were added. In 1822, a young, charismatic lawyer and politician, John W. Willey came to Cleveland and quickly became intimately tied with the city. He became a popular figure in local politics and wrote the Cleveland Municpal Charter as well as several of the city's orginal laws and ordinances. Willey was then elected the first mayor of Cleveland for two terms.

 

With James Clark and several others, Willey bought a section of the Flats with plans to transform it into Cleveland Centre, a business and residential district. Willey then bought a piece of land from the southeast section of Ohio City, Ohio across from Columbus St. in Cleveland. Willey named the new territory Willeyville and subsequently built a bridge connecting the two sections calling it Columbus Sreet Bridge. The bridge siphoned off commercial traffic to Cleveland before it could reach Ohio City's mercantile district. This action aggravated citizens of Ohio City, and brought to surface the fierce rivalry between the small city and Cleveland. Ohio City citizens rallied for "Two Bridges or None!" and on October 1836, they sought, violently, to stop the use of Cleveland's new bridge by bombing the western end of it. The explosion, however, did little damage. A group of 1,000 Ohio City volunteers began digging deep ditches at both ends of the bridge, making it impossible for horses and wagons to reach the structure. Some citizens were still unsatisfied with this and took to using guns, crowbars, axes, and other weapons to finish off the bridge. They were then met by Willey and a group of armed Cleveland militiamen. A battle ensued on the bridge, with two men seriously wounded before the county sheriff arrived to end the violence and arrest many. A court injunction prevented any further confrontations to take place that may have lead to an all out war between Cleveland and Ohio City. The two cities eventually made amends and due to further economic issues, Ohio City became annexed by Cleveland in 1854.

 

 

Here's some info from the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History ... perhaps not as large a scope as Wikipedia, but still the first and best reference for anyone interested in Cleveland's history!

 

OHIO CITY (CITY OF OHIO), one of Cleveland's older neighborhoods, was originally part of Brooklyn Twp., founded in 1818. Historic borders of the city were: Lake Erie on the north; the CUYAHOGA RIVER on the east; Walworth Ave. and W. 44th St. on the south; and W. 65th St. on the west. On 3 Mar. 1836, 2 days before Cleveland's incorporation, the City of Ohio became an independent municipality; it remained so until 5 June 1854, when it was annexed to Cleveland. Although Cleveland had nearly 6,000 people to Ohio City's 2,000, the two cities became fierce competitors, especially in the area of commerce. This rivalry was best demonstrated in 1837, when Ohio City residents sought, violently, to stop the use of Cleveland's new COLUMBUS STREET BRIDGE, which siphoned off commercial traffic to Cleveland before it could reach Ohio City's mercantile district. Among the independent city's 11 mayors were JOSIAH BARBER†, NORMAN C. BALDWIN†, RICHARD LORD†, THOS. BURNHAM†, and WM. B. CASTLE†. The city's population grew from approx. 2,400 in the 1830s to 4,253 in 1850. Upon annexation, Ohio City became wards 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Cleveland.

 

After annexation, Ohio City became known as the near west side. A number of ethnic groups, including GERMANS, HUNGARIANS, and IRISH, lived in the area in the late 19th century. One of its focal points has been the WEST SIDE MARKET, which was built by 1912 on the site that Josiah Barber and Richard Lord deeded to the city on the condition it be kept a marketplace. Following World War II, the area entered a period of decline. In 1968 the Ohio City Redevelopment Assn. was chartered to stem the tide of neglect in the historic neighborhood and to strengthen a nascent trend of restoration that had begun in the early 1960s. From 1963-78, over 100 structures were restored or redeveloped, including ST. IGNATIUS HIGH SCHOOL and the Carnegie Branch of the CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY, as well as numerous private residences. As older structures were refurbished and occupied by upper-middle-class individuals and families, the resultant displacement of poorer groups led to charges of gentrification. By this time Ohio City was home to over 15 ethnic groups representing 25,000 people in a 4.5 sq. mi. area. Among the newer immigrant and migrant groups were Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans. As the Ohio City Development Corp. succeeded earlier redevelopment groups in 1992, the neighborhood was further revitalized by the construction of new townhouses on Fulton Rd. and the Market Sq. Retail Ctr. opposite the West Side Market at W. 25th St. and Lorain Ave.

 

 

Message from Mr. Stack on the Ohio City Yahoo Group:

 

 

Hello,

 

I wanted to send an update to the group for those of you who might not have heard the latest but have been following this large disagreement about the shaping of one of Ohio City’s most historic areas – Jay Avenue and 30th.

 

Yesterday morning (Monday July 24th at 9:30 AM) there was a zoning board meeting on the issue of building the proposed structure (see http://www.ohiocity.com/jay for pictures).

 

There was an amazing turn out with only standing room left.  Present in strong favor of the project was the owner (Jim Evangelista), the builder (Sammy Catania), the architect (Doug Wahl) and Councilman Joe Cimperman.  Those opposing the project was approximately 25 people from the neighborhood, along with a signed petition with 79 signatures and 24 written letters and one phone call in.  Also, present was a reporter from the PD, Free Times and Sun Newspaper.

 

From the reaction of the zoning board at the start of gathering, they even seemed a bit surprised by the turn out of large numbers to the meeting.

 

Each side went through their arguments on why they should or should not allow the project to be built.  I thought it was especially nice that that zoning board allowed each person in the room to give their opinion on the matter, especially given there were so many people there and this took quite some time.

 

In the end after all arguments where heard, the planning commission recommended denying the variances and the zoning board agreed.

 

So I’m assuming that this means the proposed structure can not be built in its current form at the corner of Jay and 30th anymore.  I’m not exactly sure what the next steps are, but I assume the Jim Evangelista and the architect will have to come up with another design and get approval from the landmarks/design review board and zoning again if he wishes to pursue building on the lot.

 

As many of you know, I have become personally involved with this case and have been much more vocal then others in the neighborhood since the proposed building site is right across the street from my home and would directly affect me and my immediate neighbors on a daily basis.    I just want to thank everyone who showed their support by taking time out of their busy schedules to come down to the zoning board meeting, or to write a letter or sign the petition.  It means a lot to me personally and also the neighborhood.

 

Hopefully if Jim Evangelista decides to continue trying to design and build something on the lot, he will next present something that better fits with in the neighborhood and Jay Ave/30th when it comes to the design and scale.  If that can happen, I think the neighborhood would not be in such large disagreement and would actually support him in his efforts.

 

Dave Stack

 

2920 Jay Avenue

who is this dude?

Dave Stack is a local 30-something entrepreneur (you know, the kind that Cleveland needs?) who operates musicstack.com, pluggedincleveland.com, and a host of other successful sites as well as running the server that hosts clevelandskyscrapers.com. He purchased and rehabbed the grand home at the corner of West 29th and Jay which is one of the stateliest in the city, much less the neighborhood:

 

When civic leaders and everyone else in Cleveland says "we need more young entrepreneurs to get involved with Cleveland", well they don't get much more involved than Dave. He knows that if he uses his sites to make his voice heard, people will listen. I get a little concerned that some might imply that Cimperman is "beyond reproach" - do NOT get me wrong, Cimperman has done a fantastic job and is a great councilman. However, it is conceivable that maybe, for whatever reason he's giving preference to the developer in question. Is it unlikely? Sure. Does Dave have a point (albeit made a little harshly)? Maybe - but reading Dave's followup letter makes me think he's simply going with the notion that the "squeaky wheel gets the oil". He got everyone's attention, right? I do think it would be best if things get happily resolved, that Stack make amends if need be.

 

Maybe Dave has a style that's a little over the top for some tastes, and maybe he calls Cimperman out with a heavier hand than needed, but I seem to recall others with similar brashness (and just happen to be billionaires) but we aren't as quick to judge them, now are we?  :wink:

Dave Stack is a local 30-something entrepreneur (you know, the kind that Cleveland needs?) who operates musicstack.com, pluggedincleveland.com, and a host of other successful sites as well as running the server that hosts clevelandskyscrapers.com. He purchased and rehabbed the grand home at the corner of West 29th and Jay which is one of the stateliest in the city, much less the neighborhood:

 

When civic leaders and everyone else in Cleveland says "we need more young entrepreneurs to get involved with Cleveland", well they don't get much more involved than Dave. He knows that if he uses his sites to make his voice heard, people will listen. I get a little concerned that some might imply that Cimperman is "beyond reproach" - do NOT get me wrong, Cimperman has done a fantastic job and is a great councilman. However, it is conceivable that maybe, for whatever reason he's giving preference to the developer in question. Is it unlikely? Sure. Does Dave have a point (albeit made a little harshly)? Maybe - but reading Dave's followup letter makes me think he's simply going with the notion that the "squeaky wheel gets the oil". He got everyone's attention, right? I do think it would be best if things get happily resolved, that Stack make amends if need be.

 

Maybe Dave has a style that's a little over the top for some tastes, and maybe he calls Cimperman out with a heavier hand than needed, but I seem to recall others with similar brashness (and just happen to be billionaires) but we aren't as quick to judge them, now are we?  :wink:

 

Thanks MD, I saw those pictures on his site.  Cute house...but the decor is a lil "old lady with cat meets a broadway queen" on the inside.

^ouch you may be the cattiest queen on here. but that is a good thing

Saint Ignatius is currently raising money for two new construction projects. They plan on putting a performing arts center on the corner of West 30th and Lorain at a cost of roughly 10 million. Also, the school plans on building a student center on Carroll.

^ouch you may be the cattiest queen on here. but that is a good thing

 

thank you peabody!!  you flattery will get you everywhere!! I'll be dedicating my next "miranda moment" in your honor! :evil:

^I believe the SI student center expansion has already begun.

Saint Ignatius is currently raising money for two new construction projects. They plan on putting a performing arts center on the corner of West 30th and Lorain at a cost of roughly 10 million. Also, the school plans on building a student center on Carroll.

 

How many more gated/guarded parking lot spaces will be needed now?