^^Whoa, you got a response from Rosales himself? That's pretty cool.  Nice working getting your ideas over to him.  Fingers crossed.

Straphangar

 

Mr Rosales has been a great architect whom has always been receptive to ideas of others.  I reached out to him when The City was looking for design proposals. I wrote to him and was excited to hear of this opportunity.  He really cares about Cleveland and his work.

That's the impression I got - in October, he emailed me to see if I had any photos of the site he could use for renderings. Typically, I ask clients to make a donation to one of my preferred 501c3 groups (in lieu of a licensing fee), and it turned out what I had wouldn't work based on angles/perspectives but he still offered to make a donation regardless.

That's the impression I got - in October, he emailed me to see if I had any photos of the site he could use for renderings. Typically, I ask clients to make a donation to one of my preferred 501c3 groups (in lieu of a licensing fee), and it turned out what I had wouldn't work based on angles/perspectives but he still offered to make a donation regardless.

 

Sounds like a great person.  Here's hoping the rework of the ramp is just as great.

Slightly off topic... kinda...

 

 

The Bright Future of the Pedestrian Bridge

Top engineer Ted Zoli says the era of shared-use structures has arrived.

 

A decade ago, it was unusual to design a bridge with space for pedestrians or cyclists, says Ted Zoli, National Bridge Chief Engineer for the architecture and civil engineering firm HNTB. Today it's unusual not to give these modes space—or, in some cases, the entire structure. Even bridges that seem primarily suited for vehicle traffic must include what Zoli calls, in the parlance of engineers, "shared-use path facilities"; the new Tappan Zee Bridge will have one, he points out, as will a bridge HNTB is designing on I-95.

 

"Now every major project I'm working on has a shared-use path—a bicycle- or pedestrian-defined path—integrated into the design," says Zoli. "I would say the future of pedestrian bridges is significant in the practice of bridge design in urban areas."

 

 

http://www.citylab.com/design/2015/01/the-bright-future-of-the-pedestrian-bridge/385016/

So the City and County both keep saying they would like to see this bridge done by June 2016, but there is still no firm that is wiling to design/build the thing! I have a funny feeling about this project and by funny I mean skeptical.

So the City and County both keep saying they would like to see this bridge done by June 2016, but there is still no firm that is wiling to design/build the thing! I have a funny feeling about this project and by funny I mean skeptical.

 

I don't think it's the end of the world if this isn't done by the Republican Convention. With the North Coast Transportation Center back in the game, delays in the bridge could be a blessing in disguise.

 

And furthermore, I'd rather have the North Coast Harbor redevelopment dictate the design and placement of the bridges northern terminus, rather than vice versa.

My sentiments exactly. I would think there could be some pooling of the money on the projects.  The bridge seems better funded at this point than the transportation hub.  My feeling is this is a MUCH better reason to have a ped bridge than just trying to get to the lake, rrhof, and glsc.  I'd love to see these co-exist in planning and development.

A few years ago, Amtrak was willing to put $4+ million into this project. I don't know if they still are. The redevelopment of the Greyhound station assumes a property-swap, in which the city would give Greyhound a city-owned piece of land to move. The land between the tracks and Shoreway west of East 9th including the Amtrak station is owned by the city, as is the Muny Parking Lot. And I believe the city would use tax/value-capture revenues from the redevelopment of the Greyhound station and surrounding city-owned lands to help finance construction of the new Greyhound station (perhaps a few million$). On top of that, multiple leases at the intermodal transportation center would at least be able to cover the operating and maintenance costs of the center, and when bonded and combined with the other revenue sources, provide a non-federal share to a federal grant application of unknown size.

KJP[/member] you said this in the NCTC thread

The pedestrian bridge will have provisions to add a mid-bridge stairwell/elevator to ground level, but no stairwell/elevator is funded at this time.

 

I follow this pretty thing closely. Did you hear someone confirm this in person? I haven't seen this anywhere. It's something I was thinking about early in the process.

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,3638.msg732740.html#msg732740

KJP[/member] you said this in the NCTC thread

The pedestrian bridge will have provisions to add a mid-bridge stairwell/elevator to ground level, but no stairwell/elevator is funded at this time.

 

I follow this pretty thing closely. Did you hear someone confirm this in person? I haven't seen this anywhere. It's something I was thinking about early in the process.

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,3638.msg732740.html#msg732740

 

Yes, I'm close to the lead person in the consulting team.

Superman statue being planned in Cleveland near the Rock Hall.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/comic-books/index.ssf/2015/02/superman_statue_to_fly_in_clev.html#incart_river

 

Superman statue being planned in Cleveland near the Rock Hall.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/comic-books/index.ssf/2015/02/superman_statue_to_fly_in_clev.html#incart_river

 

This actually sounds pretty cool... At least it makes the terminus of the bridge more interesting.

Very nice.

Love how he is incorporating Siegel and Shuster as well as Joanne Carter, the model for Lois Lane, into the sculpture. I can imagine some pretty cool pics with the CLE skyline in the background. Like the article says, it will look like he is actually flying around.

Very cool. They actually listened to my Prague Charles Bridge statue idea... :)

it would be like Cleveland's version of the Rocky statue in Philly....  I like it...

Superman statue being planned in Cleveland near the Rock Hall.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/comic-books/index.ssf/2015/02/superman_statue_to_fly_in_clev.html#incart_river

 

I love this. People will love this. Cleveland still hasn't scratched the surface in playing up its iconic history. But this is a leap forward.

Does anyone know when Cumberland is supposed to unveil some solid plans for the first phase of Lakefront development?

 

The Pedestrian Bridge on Voinovich Park Begins Construction later this year:

 

"$5.7 million for a movable pedestrian bridge from Finger Pier to Voinovich Park on the lakefront"

 

Read more at: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/03/opportunity_corridor_is_launch.html#incart_river_mobile

 

The ODOT documents on that article show an April start month and will be completed by October.

Per Steven Litt-  Bridge to the lakefront pushed back, will not be finished before the convention.

 

Wonder if there will be any consideration given to a bridge that incorporates a more mixed use/multimodal structure.

^ I hope so. And while they're at it, I hope they change the termination point of the bridge. In my opinion, this delay is good news. Now we have time to more fully address some of its problems.

Per Steven Litt-  Bridge to the lakefront pushed back, will not be finished before the convention.

 

Wonder if there will be any consideration given to a bridge that incorporates a more mixed use/multimodal structure.

 

Here's the story: http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2015/03/its_official_construction_of_i.html?hootPostID=0926c89d8236bfb1bb9f0404da5d5995

With the city and GCRTA now undertaking a feasibility study of a lakefront intermodal hub, I hope the postponement of the bridge and a possible change in its design will allow each project to take the other into consideration.

^It would be nice, for once, that the City consider its rail system with regard to long-term planning.  Connectivity of transit modes along with the bridge, lakefront and convention center would be a major step, but I'm skeptical city planners have that kind of vision.... Hope I'm wrong.

Good news. The hallmark of past bad planning seems to be a tight time frame and a narrow focus. Having more time to consider the big picture should be a major benefit.

Regarding the bridge: I am definitely bummed about this. I don't share the optimism that this is a good thing. Delays are rarely a good thing. The passion changes, costs always go up and some will use it as a political football. We were that close. I put most of the blame on the new county leadership who I don't believe has the same understanding of how vital downtown Cleveland is to the region. Say what you want about Fitzgerald but he 'got' downtown. I would move forward with it as is, if it takes another 6 months so be it. At least it would be underway.

 

Meanwhile...this appeared on the recent CPC agenda:

 

Ordinance No. 194-15(Ward 3/Councilmember Cimperman): Authorizing the Director of Port Control to lease certain warehouses located at City Docks 30 and 32 to various companies for the purposes that may include storage, movie staging, construction staging, and special events, for a term of two years, with three one-year options to renew, the third of which is exercisable through additional legislative authority.

 

Which probably means Cumberland/Pace is at least 3-5 years away from any real movement on that property. Well at least Ingenuity Fest is safe for awhile.

 

 

Meanwhile...this appeared on the recent CPC agenda:

 

Ordinance No. 194-15(Ward 3/Councilmember Cimperman): Authorizing the Director of Port Control to lease certain warehouses located at City Docks 30 and 32 to various companies for the purposes that may include storage, movie staging, construction staging, and special events, for a term of two years, with three one-year options to renew, the third of which is exercisable through additional legislative authority.

 

Which probably means Cumberland/Pace is at least 3-5 years away from any real movement on that property. Well at least Ingenuity Fest is safe for awhile.

 

I wonder how much (if any) of Phase 1 can be built without demolishing the two warehouses on Docks 30 and 32? See pages 24 & 25 at....

 

http://www.portofcleveland.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Strategic-Plan_Web3.pdf

 

EDIT: Here's the phasing. Looks like one of the two warehouses is in the way of phase one (the new marina inlet at top-center)...

 

 

^Yeah idk, I have so much hope for that space. I like some parts of the Pace proposal, the marina, the phase1 layout. Phase 2/3 and what appears to be four or five story apartments I don't believe is the best use of that space. But that plan will probably change over the next 5+ years, who knows. If it was up to me and until a solid plan comes along I would like to see a Voinivich park/Perk park like setting. Something that could be used throughout the summer and as a place for before and after Browns games. Like a muni lot alternative w/o cars. And I know I can be accused of always proposing a park somewhere but I like urban green space/big city parks, not lawns but large places where ppl/residents gather. In a city that was once known as the Forest City and currently sits at about 95% covered in concrete it is very much needed.

If those spaces were needed, the ones we have would be full of people.  But they aren't.

Agreed^.

Per Steven Litt-  Bridge to the lakefront pushed back, will not be finished before the convention.

 

Wonder if there will be any consideration given to a bridge that incorporates a more mixed use/multimodal structure.

 

Here's the story: http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2015/03/its_official_construction_of_i.html?hootPostID=0926c89d8236bfb1bb9f0404da5d5995

 

More....

 

Pedestrian bridge to Cleveland’s lakefront won’t happen for RNC 2016

By JAY MILLER

March 17, 2015 4:27 PM

 

The bridge planned to carry pedestrians from Cleveland’s Mall to the lakefront won’t be ready in time for the Republican National Convention in July 2016.

 

Cuyahoga County, the city of Cleveland, the Group Plan Commission, the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland on Tuesday, March 17, announced in a news release that they expect to rebid the contract to build the $25 million project. That process will delay completion into 2017, according to the release.

 

As the team working on the design and construction plans started putting the project together under the tight deadline, the public and private partners concluded that “serious value engineering compromises” would have to be made to bring the project in on budget by the time of the Republican convention, said Jeremy Paris, executive director of the Group Plan Commission.

 

“The project, to be done right, would take more time,” he said.

 

MORE:

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20150317/FREE/150319856/pedestrian-bridge-to-clevelands-lakefront-wont-happen-for-rnc-2016

^Yeah idk, I have so much hope for that space. I like some parts of the Pace proposal, the marina, the phase1 layout. Phase 2/3 and what appears to be four or five story apartments I don't believe is the best use of that space. But that plan will probably change over the next 5+ years, who knows. If it was up to me and until a solid plan comes along I would like to see a Voinivich park/Perk park like setting. Something that could be used throughout the summer and as a place for before and after Browns games. Like a muni lot alternative w/o cars. And I know I can be accused of always proposing a park somewhere but I like urban green space/big city parks, not lawns but large places where ppl/residents gather. In a city that was once known as the Forest City and currently sits at about 95% covered in concrete it is very much needed.

 

The ppl/gathering aspect of your idea makes perfect sense.

 

If anyone has ever been to Ingenuity on the lake, you see how that area could function as a truly great space. And the best part is, it wouldn't require a drastic Nucleus type overhaul; it could start happening right away following the template that Ingenuity has already created.

 

The warehouses space could be used for any number of things from artists retail space to interactive exhibits, music venues, or any sort of grass roots purposes. Add a boardwalk and some element of improvements inside and out with greenspace and congrats Cleveland, you've finally got your true lakeside destination that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to visit.

^ Exactly. No shock here that surf 'gets' it.

^Yeah idk, I have so much hope for that space. I like some parts of the Pace proposal, the marina, the phase1 layout. Phase 2/3 and what appears to be four or five story apartments I don't believe is the best use of that space. But that plan will probably change over the next 5+ years, who knows. If it was up to me and until a solid plan comes along I would like to see a Voinivich park/Perk park like setting. Something that could be used throughout the summer and as a place for before and after Browns games. Like a muni lot alternative w/o cars. And I know I can be accused of always proposing a park somewhere but I like urban green space/big city parks, not lawns but large places where ppl/residents gather. In a city that was once known as the Forest City and currently sits at about 95% covered in concrete it is very much needed.

 

The ppl/gathering aspect of your idea makes perfect sense.

 

If anyone has ever been to Ingenuity on the lake, you see how that area could function as a truly great space. And the best part is, it wouldn't require a drastic Nucleus type overhaul; it could start happening right away following the template that Ingenuity has already created.

 

The warehouses space could be used for any number of things from artists retail space to interactive exhibits, music venues, or any sort of grass roots purposes. Add a boardwalk and some element of improvements inside and out with greenspace and congrats Cleveland, you've finally got your true lakeside destination that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to visit.

 

Lakefront residential is so much more valuable. People are going to pay stupid amounts of money to live off the lake. Pace going in that direction is common sense. He's not spending the money that he's going to spend to develop a park. Hopefully he could do both but anything without the residences are woefully unrealistic

^Yeah idk, I have so much hope for that space. I like some parts of the Pace proposal, the marina, the phase1 layout. Phase 2/3 and what appears to be four or five story apartments I don't believe is the best use of that space. But that plan will probably change over the next 5+ years, who knows. If it was up to me and until a solid plan comes along I would like to see a Voinivich park/Perk park like setting. Something that could be used throughout the summer and as a place for before and after Browns games. Like a muni lot alternative w/o cars. And I know I can be accused of always proposing a park somewhere but I like urban green space/big city parks, not lawns but large places where ppl/residents gather. In a city that was once known as the Forest City and currently sits at about 95% covered in concrete it is very much needed.

 

The ppl/gathering aspect of your idea makes perfect sense.

 

If anyone has ever been to Ingenuity on the lake, you see how that area could function as a truly great space. And the best part is, it wouldn't require a drastic Nucleus type overhaul; it could start happening right away following the template that Ingenuity has already created.

 

The warehouses space could be used for any number of things from artists retail space to interactive exhibits, music venues, or any sort of grass roots purposes. Add a boardwalk and some element of improvements inside and out with greenspace and congrats Cleveland, you've finally got your true lakeside destination that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to visit.

 

Lakefront residential is so much more valuable. People are going to pay stupid amounts of money to live off the lake. Pace going in that direction is common sense. He's not spending the money that he's going to spend to develop a park. Hopefully he could do both but anything without the residences are woefully unrealistic

 

Yet no rendering of this area has ever been exclusively residential. Public access to the water is already recognized by everyone to be woefully inadequate. So in any plan I guarantee you're going to see public promenades and the like to go along with what I hope is some amazing and unique residential and retail components.

Lakefront residential is so much more valuable. People are going to pay stupid amounts of money to live off the lake. Pace going in that direction is common sense. He's not spending the money that he's going to spend to develop a park. Hopefully he could do both but anything without the residences are woefully unrealistic

 

Is there data showing this?  Do people pay more to live at Quay 55 than on Euclid Ave?    I personally would rather live near restaurants, retail and nightlife than on the lake, even with the upgraded view.

Not sure if Flats East Bank is charging more because it is next to the water or because of overall downtown demand, as The 9 is also charging +/- $2/sf.

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,1823.msg748900.html#msg748900

Lakefront residential is so much more valuable. People are going to pay stupid amounts of money to live off the lake. Pace going in that direction is common sense. He's not spending the money that he's going to spend to develop a park. Hopefully he could do both but anything without the residences are woefully unrealistic

 

Is there data showing this?  Do people pay more to live at Quay 55 than on Euclid Ave?    I personally would rather live near restaurants, retail and nightlife than on the lake, even with the upgraded view.

You can't compare Quay to either the Pace development nor the Flats.  They are both near the water, and within walking distance to restaurants (per Pace proposal).  Quay is essentially on an "island" near nothing but the shoreway. 

Not sure if Flats East Bank is charging more because it is next to the water or because of overall downtown demand, as The 9 is also charging +/- $2/sf.

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,1823.msg748900.html#msg748900

And, we can add, was fully leased at opening.

Lakefront residential is so much more valuable. People are going to pay stupid amounts of money to live off the lake. Pace going in that direction is common sense. He's not spending the money that he's going to spend to develop a park. Hopefully he could do both but anything without the residences are woefully unrealistic

 

Is there data showing this?  Do people pay more to live at Quay 55 than on Euclid Ave?    I personally would rather live near restaurants, retail and nightlife than on the lake, even with the upgraded view.

 

That's not even close to being the same. Come on now. I know u can do better than that. Over at Quay 55 there's Quay and nothing else. I'm borderline stunned that it's even controversial that people want to live off the water and willing to pay a premium to do it. I didn't think that was earth shattering news. And just because you would prefer something else doesn't make my point any less valid. People get so caught up in what they want and can't see the forest from the trees.

I'm borderline stunned that it's even controversial that people want to live off the water and willing to pay a premium to do it. I didn't think that was earth shattering news.

 

Agreed. Waterfront property costs more. Open Zillow and look at home prices along the lakeshore compared to just slightly south.

Lakefront residential is so much more valuable. People are going to pay stupid amounts of money to live off the lake. Pace going in that direction is common sense. He's not spending the money that he's going to spend to develop a park. Hopefully he could do both but anything without the residences are woefully unrealistic

 

Is there data showing this?  Do people pay more to live at Quay 55 than on Euclid Ave?    I personally would rather live near restaurants, retail and nightlife than on the lake, even with the upgraded view.

 

That's not even close to being the same. Come on now. I know u can do better than that. Over at Quay 55 there's Quay and nothing else. I'm borderline stunned that it's even controversial that people want to live off the water and willing to pay a premium to do it. I didn't think that was earth shattering news. And just because you would prefer something else doesn't make my point any less valid. People get so caught up in what they want and can't see the forest from the trees.

 

Is anyone on here arguing that there will be no residential component?

Lakefront residential is so much more valuable. People are going to pay stupid amounts of money to live off the lake. Pace going in that direction is common sense. He's not spending the money that he's going to spend to develop a park. Hopefully he could do both but anything without the residences are woefully unrealistic

 

Is there data showing this?  Do people pay more to live at Quay 55 than on Euclid Ave?    I personally would rather live near restaurants, retail and nightlife than on the lake, even with the upgraded view.

 

That's not even close to being the same. Come on now. I know u can do better than that. Over at Quay 55 there's Quay and nothing else. I'm borderline stunned that it's even controversial that people want to live off the water and willing to pay a premium to do it. I didn't think that was earth shattering news. And just because you would prefer something else doesn't make my point any less valid. People get so caught up in what they want and can't see the forest from the trees.

 

If they build some residences now, it would be pretty similar.  The residents would be down there on an island, with a great view, and pain in the arse traffic 10 days a year, but not much else.  That's all I was getting to.  Questioning the "stupid amounts" of money. 

^I think it's a good question. Everyone agrees lakefront property commands a premium rent all else equal, but until there are more amenities nearby, there's going to be a trade-off signing a lease in Pace's neighborhood. You get lakefront views, but you also can't comfortably walk to the grocery store, top restaurants/bars, stores, etc. especially Nov-March.  FEB really nails it by offering waterfront plus proximity to a lot of well-established (and new) stuff.

 

On the other hand, I suspect some people will be happy to pay a premium to be super close to downtown but in a bit of an isolated enclave. Hopefully things continue to move along so we can find out soon.

Lakefront residential is so much more valuable. People are going to pay stupid amounts of money to live off the lake. Pace going in that direction is common sense. He's not spending the money that he's going to spend to develop a park. Hopefully he could do both but anything without the residences are woefully unrealistic

 

Is there data showing this?  Do people pay more to live at Quay 55 than on Euclid Ave?    I personally would rather live near restaurants, retail and nightlife than on the lake, even with the upgraded view.

 

That's not even close to being the same. Come on now. I know u can do better than that. Over at Quay 55 there's Quay and nothing else. I'm borderline stunned that it's even controversial that people want to live off the water and willing to pay a premium to do it. I didn't think that was earth shattering news. And just because you would prefer something else doesn't make my point any less valid. People get so caught up in what they want and can't see the forest from the trees.

 

If they build some residences now, it would be pretty similar.  The residents would be down there on an island, with a great view, and pain in the arse traffic 10 days a year, but not much else.  That's all I was getting to.  Questioning the "stupid amounts" of money. 

 

I disagree.  I think the residents down here could be some of the most connected in the area...AND have great waterfront living.  First, Pace's plan does call for restaurants and some retail, so this won't be an island.  Second, if residents want more action, they are one Waterfront line stop away from the new FEB action and it's only 2 more stops to Tower City for access to the new Public Square and East 4th, plus walkway to the Q, and Pro Field...

 

^I think it's a good question. Everyone agrees lakefront property commands a premium rent all else equal, but until there are more amenities nearby, there's going to be a trade-off signing a lease in Pace's neighborhood. You get lakefront views, but you also can't comfortably walk to the grocery store, top restaurants/bars, stores, etc. especially Nov-March.  FEB really nails it by offering waterfront plus proximity to a lot of well-established (and new) stuff.

 

On the other hand, I suspect some people will be happy to pay a premium to be super close to downtown but in a bit of an isolated enclave. Hopefully things continue to move along so we can find out soon.

 

I think StrapHanger makes a good point.  FEB offers both amenities and waterfront living, but the Pace development is really not that far away.  Not really walkable because of the port, but it's only one rapid stop to FEB.  What if a sliver of port land were carved out to create a pleasent pedestrian greenway between FEB and the harbor area.  That would be a great benefit to this whole area.  Especially with the Waterfront line right there connecting it all.

Was Cuyahoga County right to delay construction of an iconic lakefront pedestrian bridge?

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Of all the no-brainers on the civic agenda, this one was easy to spot.

 

Throughout last summer and fall, project managers had said that an iconic, $25 million lakefront pedestrian bridge designed by Boston architect Miguel Rosales and recently funded by the city, state and Cuyahoga County, would be ready in time for the 2016 Republican National Convention.

 

But it just didn't make sense. A selection committee of city, county and officials from nonprofit organizations didn't even pick the team of Rosales and the engineering firm of Parsons Brinckerhoff to design the bridge until late last summer.

 

Getting the bridge built by 2016 would have required lightning speed in design, engineering, fabrication of huge steel beams and cables, and construction of the bridge over active lakefront railroad lines.

 

The remaining story:  http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2015/03/was_cuyahoga_county_right_to_d.html#incart_river

I think StrapHanger makes a good point.  FEB offers both amenities and waterfront living, but the Pace development is really not that far away.  Not really walkable because of the port, but it's only one rapid stop to FEB.  What if a sliver of port land were carved out to create a pleasent pedestrian greenway between FEB and the harbor area.  That would be a great benefit to this whole area.  Especially with the Waterfront line right there connecting it all.

 

I'm all for this.  And think it should continue around the perimeter of Burke Lakefront to fully connect with the 72nd St park/marina.

I think StrapHanger makes a good point.  FEB offers both amenities and waterfront living, but the Pace development is really not that far away.  Not really walkable because of the port, but it's only one rapid stop to FEB.  What if a sliver of port land were carved out to create a pleasent pedestrian greenway between FEB and the harbor area.  That would be a great benefit to this whole area.  Especially with the Waterfront line right there connecting it all.

 

I'm all for this.  And think it should continue around the perimeter of Burke Lakefront to fully connect with the 72nd St park/marina.

 

Okay, that would be pretty great. And I think it's kind of a neat challenge to have good aesthetic coexistence with the airport, port, rail, etc. I mean, these things are all a part of what makes the area interesting and they don't necessarily need to be surrounded by barbwire fencing.

^I agree 100%  It would be challenging to get right but if we did the results could be great.  Can you imagine if the greenway from FEB to Rockefeller Park included viewing platforms along the way where people could not only view downtown but also view the river and the lake, watching boats floating by, ore boats at the port, planes landing at Burke...its a pretty unique setting that I think would draw people to the area.