Whatever happened to talks of two housing projects on either side of the bridge?

For that matter, wasn't a transit study being conducted for W. 25th/Pearl? I believe, among other things, they were examining potential for light rail or BRT. Any update on that?

According to oldbrooklyn.com the transit study is still part of the Planning Initiative with a $90,000 grant from NOACA TLCI. 

 

There's been a lot of talk about possibly creating a SID or BID for the area in 'downtown' OB to improve aesthetics, i.e. fix sidewalks, landscaping, and litter control.  This has worked great in University Circle, Downtown, and other areas throughout the city.

 

Whatever happened to talks of two housing projects on either side of the bridge?

 

The one on the south side, in the Krather (sp?) Building is pretty much done. The one on the north side, in the Masonic Building, hasn't gone anywhere. I believe an agreement with the neighboring McDonald's is the issue there. I just saw the guy from Marous last week who's heading up that project but I completely forgot to ask him about it.

 

According to oldbrooklyn.com the transit study is still part of the Planning Initiative with a $90,000 grant from NOACA TLCI. 

 

The transit study's total cost is $90,000. NOACA TLCI grants are limited to $75,000.

 

However, there are small infill projects throughout OB.  On my side of the neighborhood ("Parkview") near the metropark, there are several infills on Park Dr., Brookside, and I know there is a whole new development that was built in the Southills area off of Spring. 

 

Not much left after that, in terms of low-hanging fruit (ie: easily developable properties).

I'm kind of concerned, too, that there's not much said about planned new housing projects.  I'd hate for OB to stagnate like the city of Brooklyn, which has only seen the construction of about 20 homes in the last 20 years.  It's good for the neighborhood to offer the opportunity for move-up housing within OB as an alternative to suburbia.

 

Where would you build housing in Brooklyn or Old Brooklyn? There's very little undeveloped land in either area. You'll probably see something announced soon for the Memphis School site, but that's about it. The other vacant pieces of land (such as the large, terrific site on Pearl across from the zoo entrance that has a great view of the valley). But the owner of that parcel isn't interested in selling, nor are others who are sitting on much smaller vacant parcels that could be returned to productive use.

 

And, for parcels that have abandoned buildings on them, developers will go to the suburban fringe first unless they really really want to build in the city. But they still have to jump through more hoops (time/cost of land assembly, cost of demolition, cost of remediation, time/cost of securing financing/tax credits, etc and so on). By the time a housing development in the city opens a model house, a subdivision on a huge, clean piece of ex-farmland at the suburban fringe can have dozens of homes built.

 

That's life in a state without managed growth.

 

Again, I look at what's happened in Brooklyn (where I grew up).  There's been nothing happening except for a little infill housing here and there, and the city has stagnated completely.  A lot of families I know have booked for Ridgeville, Medina, Strongsville, etc. because their quality of life has improved and they can afford more house, but the city doesn't offer it.  There aren't a whole lot of homes in Brooklyn that top $200k, and not a lot of land on which to build.  We've had recent success here in OB, but just because we have doesn't mean we should stop the improvement.

 

There are a couple of key sites for which I'd like to see a plan for new housing, like the one at Spring and Jennings.  I'm not sure whether OBCDC's master planning has addressed that site or other areas where property isn't at its highest and best use.  But I'd love to be excited about something big in the pipeline...something that will excite potential new residents like some of the other neighborhoods do. 

 

Believe me...I'm totally aware of the difficulties of urban development and experience them on a daily basis.  But I think you can agree that there are several success stories in the city.  I have no idea about OBCDC's track record on engaging property owners and developers. 

Did anyone go to the OBCDC annual meeting tonight and care to give a quick summary of what transpired?

no - i was in FL for work and connecting flight in ATL got cancelled last night and got back in to town too late. I know people who should of went and I will get an update.

Could you or someone else post what transpired?

I know it's technically not O.B., but does anyone know what are they building on the corner of Biddulph and Ridge?  I don't see any signs, but they do have a rather large hole...

 

On a completely unrelated note, I am want to look into how start a business in O.B., what would be the best way to go about this and the best place to find information?

I know it's technically not O.B., but does anyone know what are they building on the corner of Biddulph and Ridge?  I don't see any signs, but they do have a rather large hole...

 

 

 

I noticed that too.

In fact, yesterday there were Amish/Mennonites working on the basement.

Not sure what is going there though.

FAMILY DENTAL IS MOVING FROM THE PLAZA TO A NEW BUILDING ON THE CORNER.

denial?

 

 

dental

 

On a completely unrelated note, I am want to look into how start a business in O.B., what would be the best way to go about this and the best place to find information?

 

Why not talk to Tom Collins at OBCDC?  He's been in the position for quite some time, and I believe that he has relationships with other business owners and property owners.  Or go straight to the councilman.

I know it's technically not O.B., but does anyone know what are they building on the corner of Biddulph and Ridge?  I don't see any signs, but they do have a rather large hole...

 

 

 

I noticed that too.

In fact, yesterday there were Amish/Mennonites working on the basement.

Not sure what is going there though.

 

Did anyone notice see any of the environmental remediation being done?  There used to be a gas station there until a few years ago, and I know there were a couple of underground storage tanks.  Knowing the City of Brooklyn, the building department probably issued a permit without a plan for the environmental issues to be mitigated.

 

On a side note, I heard that Brooklyn put a new boiler system into the ice rink for a good chunk of change.  The state came out to approve it, and found that the boiler had an open flame in a room with ammonia.  The building department didn't catch that minute detail!  It had to be dismantled and a new one installed, costing the city over a $100k!

IIRC, they took out the underground tanks when they tore down down the station.

FYI

I picked up a paper copy of the Old Brooklyn News, and an article in it said that a name change of the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation to the Brooklyn-Brighton Development Corporation was voted down by members at the annual meeting. 

 

I know that, when he was executive director, Brian Cummins was pushing for the name change.  The OBCDC board actually passed the name change and the City was recognizing the organization under the new name.  But someone else had possession of the name, and wouldn't sign it over without approval from the membership.

 

REMINDER - pd:

 

Valley views exchanged

 

Discussions of how the Lower Big Creek Valley between Pearl and Jennings roads could be redeveloped to serve residents, businesses and tourists, will be aired during a public meeting at 6:30 today at the Reinberger Education Center at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The topics will include connecting the Towpath Trail to the Brookside Reservation, how the Big Creek can be restored and protected and flooding reduced, and on long-term land use for recreation. The meeting is sponsored by the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corp.

Again, I don't know if this is technically OB, but the old WVIZ building has a pending sign in the front...Anyone know what is happening there?  I always liked this building...

 

 

 

Anyone going to the meeting tonight?

Again, I don't know if this is technically OB, but the old WVIZ building has a pending sign in the front...Anyone know what is happening there?  I always liked this building...

 

Anyone going to the meeting tonight?

 

Yep, that's technically Old Brooklyn.  I went to a meeting in which OBCDC reps were talking about how there are two trailer parks in their service area.  Both are on Brookpark.  But no, I'm not sure what's happening there.

 

I plan on attending part of the meeting tonight.  I will try to post a quick summary about what was discussed tomorrow.

This was in the Community News Briefs section of the Plain Dealer this morning.  This is what the councilman said is that "soft opening" of the Treadway Connector.

 

 

Treadway Creek trail complete

 

Neighbors and supporters will meet at Harmody Park in Old Brooklyn from noon to 3 p.m. today to celebrate the opening of a new all-purpose trail that connects the park to the Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway's Towpath Trail. The official opening of the Treadway Creek Greenway won't be until spring. The neighborhood opening is to celebrate the completion of the $1.3 million project, promote trail use and begin to organize community support for its maintenance, group officials said. The park is at 1700 Mayview Ave.

FYI, the latest issue of the Old Brooklyn News is posted on the OBCDC website at http://www.oldbrooklyn.com/OBN/07DecOBN.pdf. 

 

There's an article about the meeting for the planning of the Lower Big Creek Valley that occurred a few weeks ago.

The 2006 MUPDD Capstone at the Levin College focused upon the Lower Big Creek, and a lot of the concepts presented were studied by the students.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find the presentation online. 

 

Old Brooklyn now has three Tarot Card readers/psychics.  Must be a pretty lucrative business or property owners can't find anyone else to rent their spaces.  Anyone see the latest on Broadview across from Speedway?  Looks like they spent some serious money on signage and building the space out.

I attended the opening of the treadway creek trail this past saturday.  this is the first trail in cleveland to connect to the towpath.  the 3/4 mile asphalt trail begins at Harmody Park and ends about 1000 ft from Zelezniks tavern/Harvard Rd. terminus of the towpath.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Broadale+Rd+%26+Mayview+Ave,+Cleveland,+OH+44109,+USA&ie=UTF8&ll=41.438142,-81.692426&spn=0.007384,0.014591&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1

 

I would highly recommend a visit to anyone interested in how the future of Cleveland may very well look/function.  Very exciting prospects indeed. 

 

http://www.pluggedincleveland.com/restaurants/2146+zelezniks+tavern.html

Not that anyone cares, but I got my street plowed twice today...I don't think I have even had it plowed once in 3 years...Nothing against them, I am just some random side street...It's the little things that make me happy...Go Frank Jackson...

These are the things (along with timely trash pickup, emergency response, etc) that most people notice and use as the measuring sticks for their city's effectiveness. If our city officials can't do the basics, then how confident should we be in them accomplishing other, more complicated things effectively? Glad to hear they're out plowing.

My street, too. But it was only because it stopped snowing much sooner then it was forecast.

 

Not that anyone cares, but I got my street plowed twice today...I don't think I have even had it plowed once in 3 years...Nothing against them, I am just some random side street...It's the little things that make me happy...Go Frank Jackson...

 

In what part of the neighborhood do you live, Jar?

 

I give the City props on removing the snow on the Jennings Road hill that descends into the Industrial Valley.  Over the last year, I only remember it not being treated well once, and that was during that Valentine's Day storm (I coincidentally slid down the entire thing trying to get to work).  Was probably too difficult for the crews to keep up with the snowfall that day.

 

I guess mine was plowed too, but not very well.  I'll take it though. 

 

I know it took 2 or 3 days before my road was plowed after the Valentines Day storm - i couldn't get out of the driveway because of 18 inches of snow.  I think a lot of residents were upset and the City has really made a diligent effort in servicing the residents, not only the downtown workers. 

In what part of the neighborhood do you live, Jar?

 

I live over by Rhodes High School, on the south side of OB...

 

I have noticed an increase in services lately around the neighborhood...Does anyone know where the recycling is being piloted and where it is going to be expanded to this summer...I see billboards around town, but they don't say much other than it is coming to Cleveland...

I have noticed an increase in services lately around the neighborhood...Does anyone know where the recycling is being piloted and where it is going to be expanded to this summer...I see billboards around town, but they don't say much other than it is coming to Cleveland...

 

I know of at least one street in Central (E. 35th) where the ginormous city-supplied lift-bins (in black for trash and blue for recycling) have been supplied and used for the last couple of months, and I think that some streets in Archwood Denison have also been piloted.

In Old Brooklyn, the area west of Pearl and Fulton Parkway, south of Memphis and north of Biddulph all have the recylcing containers.  I live west of Fulton Parkway and north of Memphis and DO NOT have the new containers. 

 

I'm not sure if an area of the South Hills area has it or not. 

Most of the southern end of Tremont (south of 490) is part of that as well. It's so much easier to chuck the Great Lakes empties in the containers than schlep dozens a few down to Pilgrim Church!

Speaking of snow removal, anyone see this paragraph in Henry Gomez's article in the Plain Dealer today?

 

"East Ninth Street was a mess," said Cathy Mahaney, who drives downtown from North Ridgeville. "It took me about an hour to get to work. It's normally 30 minutes tops."

 

I swear that exubanites care only about themselves and how convenient things are for them.  Who cares about us city dwellers!

30 extra minutes because East 9th was a mess.  OK, sure.

There's no way she's getting from North Ridgeville to downtown in 30 minutes during rush hour.

I live on East 9th/ Prospect and the street was not that bad.

^JMC do you live in the osborn or huron square? very kind of them to not even touch Huron Road though... it was a disaster.

Pointe at Gateway

I also posted this in the Towpath Thread.  But I thought that, because I'm so excited about this project in our neighborhood, that I'd cross-post it here:

 

I walked the Treadway Connector tonight, and it is absolutely awesome!

 

The path seems like a leveled-out side of a cliff, with a ravine containing the creek (which is sometimes shallow, sometimes deep) directly south of it.  The topography and landscape is pretty cool, and if you travel up the path towards Old Brooklyn, you just sort of emerge into Harmody Park.  Since the valley is only about 50 feet wide and most of the time you're 20 feet below the edges, it feels pretty intimate and quiet.

 

My only critique is that, if this is a connector, the stretch between Crestline and the Towpath trailhead is not exactly friendly for biking and especially walking.

 

Treadway has to be one of my favorite stretches of Metroparks.  Definitely worth checking out.  I'll try to take photos for posting one of these weekends.

Here's some pictures I took at the Treadway Trail's unofficial opening in December. I didn't walk the whole thing, but I wanted to get some newsy images, since I was taking these for Sun Newspapers.

 

A poor photo I took of the map on display (I left it large, so click on the image and scroll right)...

 

 

 

The scene at Harmody Park...

 

 

 

Ward 15 Councilman Brian Cummins (on the bicycle) tries out the trail...

 

 

 

Everyone else tries out the trail...

 

 

 

 

 

At the bottom of the trail, along Crestline Road near the Jennings Freeway...

 

 

I wrote an article about it after the opening. Don't know if it got posted here on UO.

^ Excellent photos, KJP.  You can see the interesting topography to which I've referred in my previous post.

 

So is the connector actually a City of Cleveland park, not a Metropark?

on Sunday I was walking my dog through the central part of OB and came across something I never noticed before.  On Stanford Ave, a small street near the State/Pearl intersection, there appears to have been some new construction townhomes that were being built but apparently were halted a while ago.  There is only the press-board walls, no installation and only one or two of the buildings have siding.  The rest have the doors boarded up and most of the 'new' windows have been busted out.

 

After a quick "google" search, it appears that these were on the planning commission docket back in 2004.  I'm just curious if anyone here has any information on what the heck happened to these and if there have been any efforts to demolish them.  Due to the weathered nature of the wood, i would doubt these are able to be completed in their current condition.

^ Excellent photos, KJP.  You can see the interesting topography to which I've referred in my previous post.

 

So is the connector actually a City of Cleveland park, not a Metropark?

 

Yes, it's a Cleveland park. That has a downside, in that Cleveland doesn't have snow removal equipment for this trail so the trail is technically closed in winter.

I too attended this opening and was really impressed with the topography, quality of materials, and design innovations.

 

However, I've never really been to this area before, so I parked my car on Mayview and decided to take a walk around the neighborhood.  Walking east on Mayview past many tidy well kept homes (with not one vacancy!), I came to a dead end with a dirt path leading into the woods.  Of course I followed the path, thinking that maybe it would connect with Treadway.  Although it never did, it was a fascinating hike.  The dirt/paved path ran above a creek for about half a mile.  It looks like it was created for either sewer related work or perhaps for the construction of Jennings.  Anyway, where the trail ends, there is a lowhead dam on the river, which means you can walk the rest of the riverbed and get an understanding of how (it appears) they dammed the natural flow of the river when they constructed the Jennings.  Some pretty revealing stuff that you just cannot appreciate from an aerial map.  I continued to hike along the ridge of a the river valley, along the Jennnings, separated only by one of those concrete/faux brick highway  fences.  I ended up in some guys back yard on Plymouth Rd.  I think it might have been a bit jarring for him to have someone appear in his back yard, but he was okay with it and gave me directions to Harmody Park.  It would have been helpful to have the attached map with me, but probably not as much fun!

 

I'd recommend this hike to anyone who heads out to Harmody.  It's a beautifully wooded area - maybe it will be preserved as well?

how long is the treadway connector trail? Does it connect with the towpath?

^ OBCDC says January 2008 newsletter says it's 2/3 of a mile.

 

In a sense, it's a connector, but not how you'd think.  From the bottom of the Treadway Connector, you'd have to walk through a desolate Crestline Road beneath the Jennings Freeway, to Jennings Road (which is only two lanes wide and has bikes lanes, but is industrial with somewhat fast traffic), over the Harvard bridge that seems to be under construction over the Cuyahoga for a year.  Harvard doesn't have bike lanes, and is somewhat beat from truck traffic.  I'd guess that it wouldn't be the most pleasant travel for families.

 

I couldn't tell you the distance, but I'd guess it's 1/2 a mile from the end of the trail to the trailhead of the Towpath.

I too attended this opening and was really impressed with the topography, quality of materials, and design innovations.

 

However, I've never really been to this area before, so I parked my car on Mayview and decided to take a walk around the neighborhood.  Walking east on Mayview past many tidy well kept homes (with not one vacancy!), I came to a dead end with a dirt path leading into the woods.  Of course I followed the path, thinking that maybe it would connect with Treadway.  Although it never did, it was a fascinating hike.  The dirt/paved path ran above a creek for about half a mile.  It looks like it was created for either sewer related work or perhaps for the construction of Jennings.  Anyway, where the trail ends, there is a lowhead damn on the river, which means you can walk the rest of the riverbed and get an understanding of how (it appears) they damned the natural flow of the river when they constructed the Jennings.  Some pretty revealing stuff that you just cannot appreciate from an aerial map.  I continued to hike along the ridge of a the river valley, along the Jennnings, separated only by one of those concrete/faux brick highway  fences.  I ended up in some guys back yard on Plymouth Rd.  I think it might have been a bit jarring for him to have someone appear in his back yard, but he was okay with it and gave me directions to Harmody Park.  It would have been helpful to have the attached map with me, but probably not as much fun!

 

I'd recommend this hike to anyone who heads out to Harmody.  It's a beautifully wooded area - maybe it will be preserved as well?

 

I think you're referring to the dead end at Treadway Avenue.  Thanks for the heads-up, Guv.  I will check it out next time I'm out walking around.

This is in the latest edition of the Old Brooklyn News, www.oldbrooklyn.com.  This master plan seems like it's taking a very long time!

---

 

Community Master Plan for Brooklyn Centre & Old Brooklyn

 

The Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation (OBCDC) has been overseeing

the development of a Master Plan encompassing both communities. The plan is

funded by Ward 15 and 16 Community Development Block Grant funds allocated by City

Council members Kevin Kelley (Ward 16) and Brian Cummins (Ward 15).

 

Preliminary work is being completed on gathering information on demographics,

commercial and residential structures. In early March there will be meetings to engage

the public in discussions about issues of common or neighborhood concerns, and general

goals for improving the quality of life in Old Brooklyn and Brooklyn Centre. The first of

the three public meetings will result in a Master Plan with achievable community goals, and

action steps for achieving the goals.

 

This first meeting will be repeated three times in different locations so as to solicit

the largest number of participants. Meeting locations are now being secured. The dates

and times will be announced in the March edition of the Old Brooklyn News, posted on the

Old Brooklyn web site (www.oldbrooklyn.com), and communicated directly to the businesses

and residents in each community. Watch this space next month for more details.