Would love to see water features as long as bums don't choose to urinate and possibly bathe in them.

yo - this is grant money

 

"This plan is being funded through a grant from NOACA’s Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI)."

 

yo - this is grant money

 

"This plan is being funded through a grant from NOACAs Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI)."

 

 

NOACA isn't a charity... and that quote refers to the $75k transportation planning study rather than the park, for which Cleveland itself has budgeted $1.5 million per the PD article.  Two separate things.

I am not sure that the final renderings for the project have been released. What we're looking at with that water element was a very early rendering in the process. I think what we'll get in the end is a lot more iconic than that first image.

Redesign does look nice, an improvement over the park we already have there.  Point remains though... this city is laying off young teachers like there's no tomorrow.  But there is a tomorrow.  And the police force was already gutted a few years back.  I'm not against beautification, but when people are asked why they don't move themselves or their businesses to Cleveland they don't say "dammit the city just hasn't put enough money into Market Square park!"  Instead they say crime, they say schools, they say housing, they say retail.  We've got crises on multiple fronts.  I don't think the answer is more landscaping, I just don't.  If you want to help Ohio City... spend this money on retaining teachers in the schools that serve it.  How many teachers could be saved with $1.7 million?

 

What does the school have to do with this?  Not a damn thing.  I'm pretty sure that if the budgetted number is not used, any remaining funds can not/will not be allocated to the schools.

Redesign does look nice, an improvement over the park we already have there.  Point remains though... this city is laying off young teachers like there's no tomorrow.  But there is a tomorrow.  And the police force was already gutted a few years back.  I'm not against beautification, but when people are asked why they don't move themselves or their businesses to Cleveland they don't say "dammit the city just hasn't put enough money into Market Square park!"  Instead they say crime, they say schools, they say housing, they say retail.  We've got crises on multiple fronts.  I don't think the answer is more landscaping, I just don't.  If you want to help Ohio City... spend this money on retaining teachers in the schools that serve it.  How many teachers could be saved with $1.7 million?

 

What does the school have to do with this?  Not a damn thing.  I'm pretty sure that if the budgetted number is not used, any remaining funds can not/will not be allocated to the schools.

 

The schools are a responsibility of the City of Cleveland and are underfunded.  The parks are another responsibility of the city and they appear to be overfunded, given the crisis in the school system.  Parks and Rec should not have to "burn off" appropriations with needless projects at a time when the schools can't keep teachers on board.  For the most part, money is fungible.  All budgetary decisions, specific and general, are made by the elected officials in Cleveland City Hall.  It does not appear to me that they have their priorities straight at this time.  Cleveland does not have an imploding park system, it has an imploding school system.  And this park in particular is plenty functional as is.  Vendors, musicians, crowds, the works.  Could it be improved?  Of course.  Does it need to be?  No. 

 

If your car has a dead battery and a perfectly good paint job... you don't solve that with a new paint job.

^ Agreed. I also am concerned about ongoing maintenance of new parks....  while spaces we already have are poorly maintained.....litter all over, little to no follow-up. This would be the case with/without funding as it is a philosophy issue, civic pride/ethic issue which is apparently not instilled in the mindset of many employees or those who live nearby and certainly not the transient element who poops on the neighborhood and moves on. Look at the spot along Detroit at 25th across from Massimo near bus stop. Its horrible...and all from those who think their city is a garbage can. Tired of cleaning up after them.

327, you should know that certain grants (especially from federal sources or private donations) cannot legally be used for unintended purposes. And if we want to increase funding for schools (which comes mostly from property taxes), don't you think a responsible city investment is to increase the value of properties? And don't you think better parks increase the value of surrounding private properties? And don't you think this is a more sustainable funding source over the longer-term than using parks funding as a one-time shot-in-the-arm to support the schools?

The schools are a responsibility of the City of Cleveland and are underfunded.  The parks are another responsibility of the city and they appear to be overfunded, given the crisis in the school system. 

 

Not really...the schools are responsibility of the CMSD.  I don't think the City of Cleveland plays any part in funding or running the schools, other than Mayor Jackson's power to appoint the school board and approval rights of certain decisions.  It's like saying we should stop funding the zoo because our roads have potholes.

 

Anyway, to bring this back on topic... that park across from the WSM does seem to be an underachiever when there's no event scheduled there.  Unclear if the design is the problem though.  Really, there don't seem to be any successful small urban parks in Cleveland (meaning, non destination parks).  I don't know if it's because of their design (most are terrible, from Public Square and the old Perk Park, to the Settlers Landing), their location, lack of population density or because Clevelanders just don't like spending time in parks.  Will be interesting to see what a redesign does for Market Square.

The best small park in Cleveland (imho) is the reading garden next to the library downtown. If OCNW is successful in getting its BID off of the ground, the new park would be well taken care of.

 

327,

 

You need to understand funding sources better before you throw an entire thread off topic. Asking the mayor to divert capital budget monies to the school system is as possible as asking the governor of Indiana to divert money to CMSD.

I understand the funding sources better than you might think.  The complexities of it are indeed off topic and I wasn't trying to get into them here.  Long story short, there are rules and there are holes in them.  There are alternatives.  Cleveland is not required by law to spend this money on this park, and even though I wouldn't mind seeing this plan happen, it's a questionable expenditure right now.   

The best small park in Cleveland (imho) is the reading garden next to the library downtown. If OCNW is successful in getting its BID off of the ground, the new park would be well taken care of.

 

Such a nice park!! I love that little garden. I also really like the art in the park across from the WSM. Does anyone know if they are going to salvage any of it or no?

 

Anyway, to bring this back on topic... that park across from the WSM does seem to be an underachiever when there's no event scheduled there. Unclear if the design is the problem though. Really, there don't seem to be any successful small urban parks in Cleveland (meaning, non destination parks). I don't know if it's because of their design (most are terrible, from Public Square and the old Perk Park, to the Settlers Landing), their location, lack of population density or because Clevelanders just don't like spending time in parks. Will be interesting to see what a redesign does for Market Square.

 

The best small park in Cleveland (imho) is the reading garden next to the library downtown. If OCNW is successful in getting its BID off of the ground, the new park would be well taken care of.

 

I think the common thread to both these observations is that you aren't allowed to sleep in the reading garden with you junk under the bench or sit there with a forty in a brown bag.

 

Anyway, to bring this back on topic... that park across from the WSM does seem to be an underachiever when there's no event scheduled there. Unclear if the design is the problem though. Really, there don't seem to be any successful small urban parks in Cleveland (meaning, non destination parks). I don't know if it's because of their design (most are terrible, from Public Square and the old Perk Park, to the Settlers Landing), their location, lack of population density or because Clevelanders just don't like spending time in parks. Will be interesting to see what a redesign does for Market Square.

 

The best small park in Cleveland (imho) is the reading garden next to the library downtown. If OCNW is successful in getting its BID off of the ground, the new park would be well taken care of.

 

I think the common thread to both these observations is that you aren't allowed to sleep in the reading garden with you junk under the bench or sit there with a forty in a brown bag.

 

WHAT?! ARE YOU SERIOUS?! Guess I'll just have to leave the 40 at home next time ;)

So what do you get when you mix Amish farmers, Burma Immigrants, and Cleveland Businessmen??

 

http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=138805&catid=45

OK, I've got to say that using urban agriculture as a means of supporting incoming resettled refugees is one of the more ingenious ideas I've heard recently.  It'd be great if this idea spreads and we could use it for more large tracts of land like this.

This is good. I often think of how much space is wasted on turf grass when such could be space used for growing food as in "edible estates"

That article just made me so happy! I love the Amish and seeing the influence they will have in Cleveland is going to be amazing! Maybe it will influence others to start planting their own gardens as well!!  :D

^ Yes, just like most people's grandparents did in their backyards..fruit trees and all. This past year I had the pleasure of helping to process olives from olive trees. Its an experience.

The site is pretty amazing ... I was out taking footage yesterday, and it's just crazy to see farmland of this size (something like 3.5 acres!) getting tilled between the W. 25th corridor and a backdrop of the city skyline and the Flats.

 

Not to steer us too far off topic, but if you guys are interested in this, you should also check out Reimagining Cleveland (http://reimaginingcleveland.org/). Neighborhood Progress, Inc. has funded around 55 projects citywide that convert vacant lots into community gardens, pocket parks, expanded side yards, etc. Really interesting stuff ... a vineyard in Hough, a community garden in Asiatown, a market garden in Ohio City, an orchard in Detroit-Shoreway ... the list goes on and on.

 

And from what I understand, it appears NPI is now also going to be focusing on getting some catalytic projects up and running ... projects that are more on the scale of what you're seeing with this farm. Really cool stuff and not really being done anywhere else in the country at this scale (although Detroit and Pittsburgh are also working on some large-scale projects like these).

That's cool. Anybody know anything about the organization involved, the Refugee Response?

http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2010/07/crop_bistro_bar_moving_to_ohio.html

 

 

More Market District progress, with Crop relocating to Ohio City and opening "Local Crop Market" to sell local produce and artisanal items.  Also, "Market at the Fig," a prepared food and retail expansion of Flying Fig, looks ready to open any day now on Market Ave.  These two, combined with Baricelli Inn's enhanced presence in the Market are really adding to the higher-end items and local products available in the neighborhood. 

 

Finally, planting began at Ohio City Farm behind Riverview Towers today, if you haven't been there to see it yet, you should take a look as it really is something to behold.  We are in talks with two more potential farm tenants and the whole 6-acre site should be fully leased this year.

This is great. I hope these areas will be watched carefully and that no one tries vandalizing the plants.

This is great. I hope these areas will be watched carefully and that no one tries vandalizing the plants.

 

I work on the urban garden at West 10th St and the Superior Hill by the Veteran's Memorial Bridge.  We've had little to no problems with plants being vandalized, despite the fact that many "interesting" people walk by there every day.

So, does anyone know anything about this?  From the agenda for an upcoming Board of Zoning Appeals meeting:

 

Ward 15

 

Calendar No. 10-129:  4219 Orchard Avenue 

Matthew Zone 12 Notices

 

Michael Rastatter owner appeals to erect a 21’ x 109’ two-story metal single family residence, using commercial storage cars, on a 30’ x 178’ lot in a Two-Family District; subject to Section 349.07© access to off-street parking space requires approval from the Cleveland Division of Engineering and Construction; pursuant to Section 357.09(2)B the total width of side yards may not be less than 10 feet and  8.5 feet is provided; and contrary to the Fence Regulations, a living wall height of 11.1 foot is proposed where not more than 4 feet is allowed in the front yard and not more than a height of 6 feet is allowed in the interior side yard, according to Section 358.04(a) of the Cleveland Codified Ordinances. (Filed

^ Huh! I know Michael (he's becoming more involved in the Cleveland sustainability community. Good fella.), but I had no idea that he was thinking about doing this.  By "commercial storage cars", I wonder if this means "shipping containers". He'll need at least four 40' containers to make a decent (1280 s.f.) house.

 

http://ask.metafilter.com/106853/Can-I-convert-a-boxcar-into-a-house

 

 

EDIT: Duh, there are dimensions right there on the notice. 21'x109' footprint indicates (if these are indeed boxcars) using 15 7'x20' shipping containers per floor. That's a crapload of containers, provided that's his medium of choice.

WHOA

NOT IN MY BACK YARD! (joking)

Maybe I am seeing things but it looked like there was something different about the Jay Lofts building (Jay Ave & West 26th) when I drove by the otherday.  It appears as if all the windows have new plywood hung on them from the inside.  Also, I noticed a big pile of old bricks from the buliding behind in the lot that I never noticed before.

 

Maybe I'm seeing things but is this a sign of progress or simply reboarding up the structure or am I crazy?

^it was an effort to stabilize the structure before any further damage was done to it. There is nothing going on iwth the Jay currently.

^ Yes, just like most people's grandparents did in their backyards..fruit trees and all. This past year I had the pleasure of helping to process olives from olive trees. Its an experience.

 

Will olive trees grow and produce in NEO's climate?

 

If so I am moving back!

I ididn't know they expanded.

 

Maha's Cafe in Cleveland expands on popularity of West Side Market falafel stand

Published: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 4:29 PM   

 

 

Soul-satisfying fare takes all sorts of forms. For years, food-savvy Clevelanders have known where to find one of the best falafel sandwiches in town: Head for the West Side Market and look for space G-13. For those who find the simple but cunning combination of deep-fried patties of ground chickpeas and a few spices truly intoxicating, Maha's Falafil is a beacon.

 

Topped with a simple yet luxurious tahini (ground sesame seed) sauce and tucked in a tender-chewy round of pita bread, Maha's falafel sandwich is an affordable indulgence. You waddle away, full and happy, for around four bucks.

 

Maha's light shone so brightly, in fact, that owners Maha and Sam Zayed recognized there could be room for a full-service restaurant featuring Maha's take on Middle Eastern cuisine. Last fall, they quietly opened Maha's Cafe in a building next to MetroHealth Medical Center on West 25th Street.

 

"They had a sign in the window 'for lease,' and I thought it would be a good location because of the hospital," says Zayed, a soft-spoken man with a low-key, self-effacing sense of humor. "It turned out, the man who was handling leasing was a good customer of ours at West Side Market. That was a good sign."

 

http://www.cleveland.com/taste/index.ssf/2010/09/mahas_cafe_in_cleveland_expand.html

 

 

A Thai restaurant will be opening up at West 28th & Clinton in October. I don't know the name of the place. It will be going into the location that previously housed Halite and Jazz 28.

I miss Jazz 28, but nice to see this corner not remain a ghost for too long.

that is a tough spot.. it's a nice venue but it needs to be a destination place, it seems. Hi-Lite and Jazz 28 felt like neighborhood bars in a non-neighborhood area (ok, sort of a neighborhood but also a business sector). If the same building/venue was on Bridge, it probably would have lasted. Hopefully the Thai place does well.

anybody know what's going on with the school over on Orchard between 41st and 44th, South of Lorain? Is it renovations or demolition?

D

anybody know what's going on with the school over on Orchard between 41st and 44th, South of Lorain? Is it renovations or demolition?

 

It will be demolished and rebuilt.

oh. Is it going to be a grade school, middle school, HS? Charter, private or public? I should know more about this.. but I don't. Thanks.

k-8 public school

jumbo falafel with hot sauce, yeah

I posted about this location of theirs in the restaurants thread.

jumbo falafel with hot sauce, yeah

 

Actually it's called the "Fully Loaded."

For anyone in OC for lunch next Wednesday (9.29) there will be a major anouncement regarding the market district taking place at Noon from the south produce wing of the West Side Market.

any speculators care to speculate?  park rennovation?  new proclamation as beer capital of Ohio? record sales at cleveland vibrator company?

I vote unnecessary park renovation!

What the park really needs is better maintenance of its existing condition. W/O better ethic regarding this basic issue....what will we eventually have? A renovated park that will be poorly maintained.... So, maybe more litter control, fresh coat of paint here and there and refreshing of the planters and cleaner bus stops and an occasional walk through of security would do wonders and cost a lot less than a total renovation. And, it is a better example of sustainability. So until the example is shown that this current space can be maintained and presented as best as possible....  Creating a whole new space is not really necessary.

 

 

Disclaimer: Naturally, this is my personal assessment of the current given situation based on continual observation of the subject at hand, and such comments are not to imply being "anti-Cleveland" or "Negative Cleveland"...  Rather, just simply holding the standards higher.

How about we wait for the announcement before we all go off.

cos real work is boring and it's much more fun to argue over speculation

How about we wait for the announcement before we all go off.

 

Fair enough. :-)

I understand the point of maintenance here, but really, other than the trees this is really one of the ugliest parks I've ever seen.  It's location demands something better.  An open design competition would really be interesting, especially if they tried to integrate the bus shelters into the mix.