I've seen other places (weekly papers, etc.) that have something like a "Cheers and Jeers", so I thought maybe this would make for an interesting thread. This isn't a "random rant" thread, more like a "here's a concrete example of how NOT to do things". Since this forum enjoys visibility, perhaps we can use this thread as a "gentle nudge" to the people who could be doing things a little better. :-) I'll start with the sidewalks in front of the WT Grant Lofts - it's ice from where I took the photo all the way to Bang and Clatter. As pope would say "enjoy your @sshat, folks!":

 

 

 

Yeah, I nearly posted something about this very stretch myself. I've seen several people slip the past few days here; it seems like a liability nightmare. If City Blue can maintain a clear sidewalk, why can't Theresa's and Jimmy John's?  :-P It's also frustrating that the (currently) empty buildings along Euclid are not clearing their sidewalks either. Surely there has to be a city ordinance which requires them all to, regardless of occupancy level, no?

Here's my take - if you were the owner of a building/rental company and your livelihood depended on potential residents and their impressions of your property, why WOULDN'T you clear the walks? If I was a potential renter and saw this sh!t, I'd think that if this is how they maintain the sidewalks, they might not maintain the rest of the property either. :?

When it comes to clearing sidewalks what role does the "downtown ambassadors" take?

Funny you should ask - because I asked two of the "Clean" ambassadors shortly after I took the photo. According to them, they are only able to clear off crosswalks, curb cuts, etc. and the sidewalk proper is the responsibility of the respective property owner. 

So who do we contact to make them aware their sidewalk is a hazard?  Sh!t, where is your "pal" Carl, when we need him?  :wtf:

I don't think the ambassadors have anything to do with this... it really is ridiculous.  Go to home depot, invest in a few 5lb bags of salt and a shovel.  Spend 10 minutes a day maybe... maybe.... 15 days a year and it's a non issue.

This is a good thread- the spouse just told me he had an icy, sloppy walk home though down town. That and the big piles of ice in front of bus stops...are you supposed to climb an ice hill to get on?

I'm not sure how things work downtown. I've seen the Ambassadors clearing snow. I've seen my building's maintenance staff clearing snow. I've also seen City pick up trucks plowing sidewalks. Nonetheless, if it is not cleared then the landowner ought to step up.

This is a good thread- the spouse just told me he had an icy, sloppy walk home though down town. That and the big piles of ice in front of bus stops...are you supposed to climb an ice hill to get on?

 

OK...then alert Jerry.  He's made himself, available here for constructive criticism, comments and concerns, correct?

I don't think the ambassadors should be responsible but - maybe the folks at DCA (since they're an organization of and for downtown property owners) could have (or maybe already have?) a liaison to say "hey jack@ss, clear your walks - you're making the rest of us look bad!".

^^Jerry responded to similar comments before: RTA's position is that RTA cannot afford to do what is legally the City's job.  I agree (and I'm sure Jerry would agree) that this is a serious problem though.  Talk about feeling like a second class citizen.

Yeah I was looking for his post.  I forgot he said to call or email but that we need the bus shelter number and location.  I'll look for that thread

I posted something on the rta thread. As a side note, my scrappy little corner of town-Ohio City seems to do a better job of keeping the street clean-not perfect but better. Of course there is a much greater bond and respect between business owner and resident, we have no problem saying Shame on you, to their face (with kindness of course)

I have been delicately picking my way around the Brookpark rapid station for the last several days.  Women are moving slowly through knee deep snow and very, very icy, snow-covered sidewalks, driveways, etc.  When you get inside it is wet and hazardous.  Today when I came home I noticed the whole wood part of the walkway had FINALLY been cleared and salted heavily, which was a lovely change, but I'm guessing the bus stop part must belong to the city and that's why it's so awful.  It's like a minefield when you're in a dress and carrying a purse and another bag on top of it.

 

I'd also like to know why the big light poles on the E side of key tower (just S of the marriott entrance) are surrounded by big, square metal grating that becomes a death trap when covered in snow.  Not even ice is necessary to make this a dangerous slide that can quickly leave you on your a*s, just a covering of snow so you don't know they are there.  Hello, metal is SLIPPERY.  Every time I forget and step on the grates I'm reminded of my fall down the flight of metal stairs at one of my apartments in lakewood, which was how we were FORCED to take out the trash and it was like some kind of Cirque du Soleil test getting a heavy bag of trash down several flights of stairs (I was in a 4th floor walk-up) without falling on the icy, wet metal stairs.  One time I fell down a whole flight and ripped a gash in my hand so deep I had to go to the ER for several stitches.  Ah, Lakewood living. :)

That's ridiculous! I have a question, on residential property is it the renter's responsibility or the owner's responsibility to clear sidewalks? Maybe it has to do with responsibilities listed in the lease agreement. I don't want to get sued by someone slipping on the sidewalk in front of my house.

It's usually who ever is in "residence", unless it is put into your rental contract.  If you live in a townhouse/condo/apartment complex your lease or addendum usually states it's the leasing company's responsibility.

That's ridiculous! I have a question, on residential property is it the renter's responsibility or the owner's responsibility to clear sidewalks? Maybe it has to do with responsibilities listed in the lease agreement. I don't want to get sued by someone slipping on the sidewalk in front of my house.

 

Depends if the occupant is renting a "private residence - single family home" or in a "apartment complex".

 

If in a single family home, most likely the occupant will take responsibility for lawn care/maintenance, sidewalks,etc. However, a good landlord would pay for that themselves. 

 

In an apartment complex the management company you and your fellow tenants are paying is responsible.

 

Thats the one thing I love about my building.  The snow can accumulate 2 feet but every stinking sidewalk, driveway and entrance is clean and clear.  If our maintenance people had responsibility for the RTA stop I'd never complain.  Shaker Square is also pretty good about their sidewalks and walkways, however, those bricks are slipper as a M------F-------!  I've taken a tumble or 6 myself.

 

One time I fell down a whole flight and ripped a gash in my hand so deep I had to go to the ER for several stitches.  Ah, Lakewood living. :)

 

Ms. Thing, is your name danger prone Daphne? :wink:

That's ridiculous! I have a question, on residential property is it the renter's responsibility or the owner's responsibility to clear sidewalks? Maybe it has to do with responsibilities listed in the lease agreement. I don't want to get sued by someone slipping on the sidewalk in front of my house.

 

Depends if the occupant is renting a "private residence - single family home" or in a "apartment complex".

 

If in a single family home, most likely the occupant will take responsibility for lawn care/maintenance, sidewalks,etc. However, a good landlord would pay for that themselves. 

 

In an apartment complex the management company you and your fellow tenants are paying is responsible.

 

Thats the one thing I love about my building.  The snow can accumulate 2 feet but every stinking sidewalk, driveway and entrance is clean and clear.  If our maintenance people had responsibility for the RTA stop I'd never complain.  Shaker Square is also pretty good about their sidewalks and walkways, however, those bricks are slipper as a M------F-------!  I've taken a tumble or 6 myself.

 

One time I fell down a whole flight and ripped a gash in my hand so deep I had to go to the ER for several stitches.  Ah, Lakewood living. :)

 

Ms. Thing, is your name danger prone Daphne? :wink:

 

Not usually.  But so many bad things happened in this building we started calling it Haunted Villa.  I got robbed in that building, got my outgoing mail/checks stolen and re-used (don't leave your mail for the mailman in a public place - lesson learned), etc.

Stopped by the scene of the crime today - still an ice rink AND they've added a piece of plywood for extra fun-filled action! :roll:

Surfs up!

I really can't believe this isn't being taken more seriously by whatever organization is responsible for enforcement. If I owned a downtown business that depended on foot traffic I would be going bananas over the people that don't clear their sidewalks. It simply adds another roadblock to getting people off their butts and into my establishment. Man, having a clear walk from E12th to Tower City to workout is like one of my wildest fantasies. I think I need to get out more.

The sidewalk in front of Tastebuds and the building next to it was a similar sheet of ice and snow, no concrete/sidewalk even visible.  Nice.

I understand there being snowcover on a day like today, but this is that packed-down, been-there-and-flattened-for-days ice pack.  :x

^ I could certainly forgive a dusting, yes. It does not seem unreasonable to me to expect a business to clear its sidewalk ever hour or two, though.

Stopped by the scene of the crime today - still an ice rink AND they've added a piece of plywood for extra fun-filled action! :roll:

 

that plywood is supposed to be covering the electrical vault underneath which had some work on it recently. Enjoy the fall down

Not sure how it goes in Ohio, maybe this is just an Illinois law/urban legend, but as it goes....If the property owner clears the sidwalk and someone still slips, it is the property owners fault and they can be sued.  If the sidewalk is not cleared, it is an act of mother nature and they cannot be sued.  How f***d up is that.  Most people are good about clearing the walk, but you have the occasional one that never does, and someone will always quote that so-called law/loophole. 

 

What really sucks is that I have seen people in wheelchairs trying to navigate in the street because they couldn't pass certain sections of the walk.  That's so not cool.

 

Heated sidewalks are always cool too, however someone recently got zapped by one here in the loop that malfunctioned.

I say the pope, rockandroller and MayDay stage a fall in front of the buildings in question.  I would bet Jpop(tart), David's and Move2Ohio's first born that those sidewalks will be cleared, shortly thereafter!

aww man i hate those long and dangerous icy walks. i have them in an industrial area in the bronx where i work somedays during the week.

 

i wonder if has anyone called the cops to come ticket the building owners?  :whip:

 

i say that because where i live the police are right on top of this situation --- and why not as ticketing is an easy source of revenue for the city. i think the parking meter cops are responsible. looking on the bright side its an opportunity for the city to make a little loot.  :police:

 

 

I say the pope, rockandroller and MayDay stage a fall in front of the buildings in question.  I would bet Jpop(tart), David's and Move2Ohio's first born that those sidewalks will be cleared, shortly thereafter!

 

I'm down with that. My theater degree is rusty from lack of use.

You can call (216) 664-2474 to make a complaint regarding poor sidewalk maintenance. They require a specific address and (supposedly) will send somebody out to "talk" with the business owner regarding clearing their sidewalk. I say supposedly because I'll bet my last dollar these businesses will get a pass because of the big-bad-ECP going on right now (IMO, that's just all the MORE reason to keep your sidewalks immaculate :roll:).

 

I was kind of hoping, as MayDay said in his OP, that the visibility of the forum might spurn people to pro-actively begin clearing their sidewalks since it feels kind of snitchy to just call the City on them. That being said I just lodged a complaint for this particular stretch as well as submitted a strongly worded complaint for Euclid sidewalks in general to the Mayor's Action Center online (link HERE). My cynical side doubts either will have an effect.

 

"I say the pope, rockandroller and MayDay stage a fall in front of the buildings in question.  I would bet Jpop(tart), David's and Move2Ohio's first born that those sidewalks will be cleared, shortly thereafter!"

 

What an absolutely absurd suggestion... I think if I donned some tights and did my best Brian Boitano impression - you know, a few triple lutzes, sow-tows or whatever the heck they're called... I'll be sure to bring some speakers and blare "Looking Through the Eyes of Love". :laugh:

"I say the pope, rockandroller and MayDay stage a fall in front of the buildings in question.  I would bet Jpop(tart), David's and Move2Ohio's first born that those sidewalks will be cleared, shortly thereafter!"

 

What an absolutely absurd suggestion... I think if I donned some tights and did my best Brian Boitano impression - you know, a few triple lutzes, sow-tows or whatever the heck they're called... I'll be sure to bring some speakers and blare "Looking Through the Eyes of Love". :laugh:

 

Brian Boitano?  You seem more like the Johnny Weir type!  The fall would be just as dramatic as you are! :-P

Can I wear a white trash blonde wig and bring a lead pipe so I can play Tonya Harding while you skate?

Hmm... broken leg from "Tonya" or the ice... no offense but I think I'll take my chances on the "rink" :lol:

talk about street theatre of the absurd! All of you are getting punchy-It is Friday afternoon  and you need to  to pack up and call it a day

Can I wear a white trash blonde wig and bring a lead pipe so I can play Tonya Harding while you skate?

 

Classic!

:angel:

You can call (216) 664-2474 to make a complaint regarding poor sidewalk maintenance. They require a specific address and (supposedly) will send somebody out to "talk" with the business owner regarding clearing their sidewalk. I say supposedly because I'll bet my last dollar these businesses will get a pass because of the big-bad-ECP going on right now (IMO, that's just all the MORE reason to keep your sidewalks immaculate :roll:).

 

I was kind of hoping, as MayDay said in his OP, that the visibility of the forum might spurn people to pro-actively begin clearing their sidewalks since it feels kind of snitchy to just call the City on them. That being said I just lodged a complaint for this particular stretch as well as submitted a strongly worded complaint for Euclid sidewalks in general to the Mayor's Action Center online (link HERE). My cynical side doubts either will have an effect.

 

 

thanks for 'splainin it jax.

 

even at it's most crass what a shame -- so many building fronts & so many lost opportunities for the city to make easy money ticketing....

 

IIRC, there was an interview with the city law director on the news last year. He essentially said never ever has the city enforced that ordinance. Furthermore, parking ticket cops don't have the authority to enforce that, it would have to be full fledged officers. All four of them downtown probably have better time spent.

ridiculous. way to turn their back on easy money with lame excuses.

I would love to see enforcement, but I am sure the next thing you would hear would be the businesses crying about how unfriendly Cleveland is for business.  Suburbinites eats that stuff up (even though their sidewalks are clear)

Suburbinites eats that stuff up (even though their sidewalks are clear)

 

None of the sidewalks are clear in my suburb, except within my apartment complex proper. 

well I guess I was a little hard on the heights when I lived there, but they keep things in front of businesses clear (-I am talking the business districts). 

Suburbinites eats that stuff up (even though their sidewalks are clear)

 

None of the sidewalks are clear in my suburb, except within my apartment complex proper. 

 

Only short sections of sidewalk are clear in Lakewood. The sidewalks in front of numerous apartment complexes along Clifton are especially bad. People usually just walk in Clifton for days after a big snow.

Yes, my Mom and I went to the Clinton rally on Saturday (she lives in Lakewood) and we had to walk in the street most of the way.  It would be like one house had a shoveled walk, then the next 12 didn't, then another 1, then another 5, etc.

I would love to see enforcement, but I am sure the next thing you would hear would be the businesses crying about how unfriendly Cleveland is for business.  Suburbinites eats that stuff up (even though their sidewalks are clear)

 

The sidewalks east of coventry aren't exactly spectacular.  My nephew, neice, cousin and cousins girlfriend sun walked to my house, they said many sidewalks in Shaker aren't clear. 

so the whole area is one big stinking pile of SHAME.

cross posted on Cleveland.com

  :roll:  :wink:

Walked down W. 65th to Edgewater park on Saturday since it was so beautiful out.  The wind was pretty wicked, but the worst part of the journey was the bike path at the end of W. 65th down to the park.  I'm guessing they just abandon it in the winter months?  If I was a kid with a sled, that would've been one sweet ride, but my silly wife and I decided to bring our baby and a running stroller... so, yes, it was off-roading time!

 

The path through the park itself had been plowed pretty recently, but the wind had blown snow over a fair portion of it.  Can't fault the State Parks folks for that, though.

Very happy to report that Theresa's and Jimmy John's have been clearing the sidewalk fairly well after this latest ice storm. Of course they are surrounded by ice (in front of WT Grant Bldg and the to-be Bang & Clatter), but it's nice to have a little oasis of dry land between them to collect yourself.