Jerry, Can you answer (or let us know the reason) why the language on the signage INSIDE THE AIRPORT for our mass transit (ie train) is not universal as in other cities around the world? I wish I had a picture.

 

I cannot answer, as I rarely fly, and only in the U.S. Perhaps others can respond.

Jerry, I think RTA and yourself do a great job with the resources you have, and friends from out of town are always amazed (especially with the Rapid) with RTA.  Don't let some of the piss-and-moaners on this site get you down.  Keep up the great work!

A simple cleanup would do wonders.  The amount of trash, including larger debris, along the line is shameful.

The week of April 28, RTA crews will work with Maingate, a neighborhood Chamber of Commerce-type organization, to clean up the rail right-of-way between the East 55th Street railyards and the East 34th Street Station. Those tracks are used by both light-rail and heavy-rail, and are RTA's busiest.

And I was asking you to not react to a complaint, but to encourage you to say something along the lines of "yep, the trash is ugly. Even though we didn't put it there, we will investigate ways to address it without increasing our costs and reducing our service levels to all you fine Clevelanders. Maybe we could investigate grants, sponsorships, and partnerships with groups like ParkWorks (formerly Cleanland, Ohio), Norfolk Southern Corp., Court Community Services (www.ccservice.org) and some of the various CDCs that have done trash clean-up programs in conjunction with area schools. We recognize, as the railroads do, that trash-filled rights of way represent a safety concern as larger pieces of disposed garbage can be placed by vandals on our tracks and be a threat to our trains and our customers. Who knows? Maybe our insurance company will give us a break if we can show how conscientious we're being and the PR value could be great."

 

See how easy that was?

Jerry, I think RTA and yourself do a great job with the resources you have, and friends from out of town are always amazed (especially with the Rapid) with RTA.  Don't let some of the piss-and-moaners on this site get you down.  Keep up the great work!

 

There are very few "piss-and-moaners" here, we're looking for a way to help and give constructive critism to make the system work better for ALL.

 

Yes we have to hear the good, the bad and the ugly.

 

Darn it, KJP beat me to the "clean the trench" issue

 

is there a way to use those who must serve community service as way to have more regular cleaning of the trench?  I know all working on or near the train must be supervised and service altered, but I think the benefit outweighs the service disruption.

 

Have them clean early in morning or overnight?  Have the service scheduled for once a month.

 

 

I don't know whether he takes public transit in Detroit and I don't know why he thought the signage wasn't clear enough. 

 

without meaning to sound snarky, WHAT public transit in Detroit? that was a town that had their attempt at creating a regional transit authority declared illegal by the courts... DDOT only provides bus service within the city limits of Detroit, and if you want to see an urban wasteland, that's a "shining" example of one... the rest of the area is still incredibly fragemented when it comes to providing public transit services

 

he who lives by the automobile, dies by the automobile, I guess...

 

MTS and others, if you have or can locate examples of what you consider to be good, clear signage, please share...

can we all take a deep breath before posting again? the air in here (along with some people's heads) is gettin' a little THICK...

I don't know whether he takes public transit in Detroit and I don't know why he thought the signage wasn't clear enough. 

 

without meaning to sound snarky, WHAT public transit in Detroit? that was a town that had their attempt at creating a regional transit authority declared illegal by the courts... DDOT only provides bus service within the city limits of Detroit, and if you want to see an urban wasteland, that's a "shining" example of one... the rest of the area is still incredibly fragemented when it comes to providing public transit services

 

he who lives by the automobile, dies by the automobile, I guess...

 

MTS and others, if you have or can locate examples of what you consider to be good, clear signage, please share...

 

AMEN JET DOG AMEN. 

 

When I fly next I'll remember to snap pictures.

As a visitor I fly into Hopkins 3 or 4 times a year. I'm pretty sure the signs say "rapid to downtown." Perhaps the word "train" could help those that don't know what the "rapid" is. I know what to look for so I usually don't have a problem.

A simple cleanup would do wonders.  The amount of trash, including larger debris, along the line is shameful.

The week of April 28, RTA crews will work with Maingate, a neighborhood Chamber of Commerce-type organization, to clean up the rail right-of-way between the East 55th Street railyards and the East 34th Street Station. Those tracks are used by both light-rail and heavy-rail, and are RTA's busiest.

 

It's great to hear that.  I know trash is an ongoing problem, but there appears to be an accumulation that has built up over a substantial time down there.  It would be great if the community could get behind something like Riversweep for the Rapid system, but I don't know if it could happen.  I would think that, as suggested above, community groups could be brought in for more limited cleanups.

As a visitor I fly into Hopkins 3 or 4 times a year. I'm pretty sure the signs say "rapid to downtown." Perhaps the word "train" could help those that don't know what the "rapid" is. I know what to look for so I usually don't have a problem.

 

Thats what I'm talking about.  I was looking for pictures you posted as i thought you once brought that up.

I don't know whether he takes public transit in Detroit and I don't know why he thought the signage wasn't clear enough. 

 

without meaning to sound snarky, WHAT public transit in Detroit? that was a town that had their attempt at creating a regional transit authority declared illegal by the courts... DDOT only provides bus service within the city limits of Detroit, and if you want to see an urban wasteland, that's a "shining" example of one... the rest of the area is still incredibly fragemented when it comes to providing public transit services

 

he who lives by the automobile, dies by the automobile, I guess...

 

1) The 133,000 Daily riders must not exist then.

2) Detroit has a locally preferred route ready for the next phase of review for LRT

3) This website does not promote the bashing of other cities. Consider yourself warned.

 

Back on Topic (Airport Signange discussion is fine and dandy)

I know trash is an ongoing problem, but there appears to be an accumulation that has built up over a substantial time down there.  It would be great if the community could get behind something like Riversweep for the Rapid system, but I don't know if it could happen.  I would think that, as suggested above, community groups could be brought in for more limited cleanups.

 

I believe that's how Parkworks got it's start.  Per its web site, its original name was "Rapid Recovery"  : http://www.parkworks.org/aboutus.html

 

At least along the Shaker lines, summer foliage helps hide the garbage, but then come winter...there it is again.

At least along the Shaker lines, summer foliage helps hide the garbage, but then come winter...there it is again.

"foliage".  Thats funny!

From today's Columbus Dispatch

 

COTA gets aboard streetcar planning

 

Despite some doubts, agency will provide $50,000 to study line along High Street

 

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/04/24/COTABOARD.ART_ART_04-24-08_B1_K0A10MF.html?sid=101

 

 

Jerry,

 

This isn't meant to be rude or to chastise you, but I'm not clear why you posted information about Columbus in this thread?

 

Are you giving us a sign of some sort?

From THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

 

Streetcar plan approved

 

Cincinnati City Council voted 6-2 Wednesday for a plan to build streetcar lines linking downtown, Over-the-Rhine and Uptown (the area around the University of Cincinnati), putting council on record as wanting to build the system.

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080424/NEWS01/804240355

 

Jerry, no offense, but there's 131 pages on the Cincinnati streetcar here at UrbanOhio....

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,9.0.html

 

You should browse this site sometime. Fascinating stuff! ;)

JMasek,

 

Can you guys get the the ECTP construction workers to update the Pedestrian Route, Signage and barricades at the Euclid and 9th Intersection, especially the SE Corner.

 

I know there's always moving pieces and perhaps the Ameritrust site/work complicates things, but there's people walking all over the place, through broken barricades, in the road, everywhere. its been this way for at least a week now.

Jerry, no offense, but there's 131 pages on the Cincinnati streetcar here at UrbanOhio....

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,9.0.html

 

You should browse this site sometime. Fascinating stuff! ;)

 

You are correct, I have not yet had a chance to browse this huge collection, and I should not have posted news from other cities on this thread. In the future, I will be more selective.

Can you get the the ECTP construction workers to update the Pedestrian Route, Signage and barricades at the Euclid and 9th Intersection, especially the SE Corner. I know there's always moving pieces and perhaps the Ameritrust site/work complicates things, but there's people walking all over the place, through broken barricades, in the road, everywhere. its been this way for at least a week now.

 

I am telling them now, thanks.

I'd like to know (sorry if this has been covered before) if there are any plans to at least clean up the parking lot of glass at the brookpark rapid station, if not repave the lot, at least the half of the lot closest to the building (the lot on the side closest to Ford drive).  There are so many parking spaces with the teeny shatters that come from someone smashing someone's window, it not only makes it tough to drive through it and/or park, but makes it really seem like a place you're not comfortable leaving your car.  and the potholes/patching are really getting bad.

I'd like to know (sorry if this has been covered before) if there are any plans to at least clean up the parking lot of glass at the brookpark rapid station, if not repave the lot, at least the half of the lot closest to the building (the lot on the side closest to Ford drive).  There are so many parking spaces with the teeny shatters that come from someone smashing someone's window, it not only makes it tough to drive through it and/or park, but makes it really seem like a place you're not comfortable leaving your car.  and the potholes/patching are really getting bad.

 

I am reporting this right now. Thank you.

I am reporting this right now. Thank you.

 

Just want to let you know that this connection to RTA is appreciated!

Can RTA update the Pedestrian Route, Signage and barricades at the Euclid and 9th Intersection, especially the SE Corner. I know there's always moving pieces and perhaps the Ameritrust site/work complicates things, but there's people walking all over the place, through broken barricades, in the road, everywhere. its been this way for at least a week now.

 

ECTP is aware of the irritation. Fences and barricades have been removed by people as shortcuts. Today, ECTP directed several construction supervisors to personally review the situation and see what can be done to improve it. Feel free to let me know what changes you see and if they improve the situation.

Question: I have a friend staying with me in Cleveland.  He lives on the East side and was going to take the rapid downtown tomorrow, stay at my place for the night, and then re-rerapid back to the Shaker/Green stop the next morning.  However, there are signs prohibiting keeping one's car at the Shaker/Green stop between 2-6am.  Is there some kind of permit or waiver my friend can get so that he can keep his car at the stop over night without worrying about its being towed?  Is this prohibition ever enforced?

 

Thanks.

Question: I have a friend staying with me in Cleveland.  He lives on the East side and was going to take the rapid downtown tomorrow, stay at my place for the night, and then re-rerapid back to the Shaker/Green stop the next morning.  However, there are signs prohibiting keeping one's car at the Shaker/Green stop between 2-6am.  Is there some kind of permit or waiver my friend can get so that he can keep his car at the stop over night without worrying about its being towed?  Is this prohibition ever enforced?

 

Thanks.

 

I would advise against overnight parking. My brothers friends and folks going to HB, parked overnight/latenight at Warrensville instead of parking on the street and their cars were either ticketed or towed.

Question: I have a friend staying with me in Cleveland.  He lives on the East side and was going to take the rapid downtown tomorrow, stay at my place for the night, and then re-rerapid back to the Shaker/Green stop the next morning.  However, there are signs prohibiting keeping one's car at the Shaker/Green stop between 2-6am.  Is there some kind of permit or waiver my friend can get so that he can keep his car at the stop overnight without worrying about its being towed? Is this prohibition ever enforced?

 

I just checked with the Transit Police dispatcher (216-566-5163, 24/7). Yes, the law is enforced.

 

"re-rerapid back"...a new phrase?

Question: I have a friend staying with me in Cleveland.  He lives on the East side and was going to take the rapid downtown tomorrow, stay at my place for the night, and then re-rerapid back to the Shaker/Green stop the next morning.  However, there are signs prohibiting keeping one's car at the Shaker/Green stop between 2-6am.  Is there some kind of permit or waiver my friend can get so that he can keep his car at the stop over night without worrying about its being towed?  Is this prohibition ever enforced?

 

Thanks.

 

I've left my car overnight there before, especially during the Indians post-season, and nothing happened and my car was fine at the Green road stop.

I've left my car overnight there before, especially during the Indians post-season, and nothing happened and my car was fine at the Green road stop.

 

The post season game is probably why they were lax, since the trains run later.  Again, I would take Jerry's warning.

Okay, I'll tell him to get a ride to the rapid station

Will Van Aken intersection be simplified?

Plan tries to work out the twists and turns

Thursday, April 24, 2008

By Laura Johnston

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

Shaker Heights- The signs tell the story: a mess of snaking arrows and street names, backed with shrill red circles of Do Not Enter. Van Aken and Chagrin boulevards and Warrensville Center and Northfield roads have collided at this East Side hub forever, it seems. About 65,000 cars navigate the jumble each day, dodging pedestrians headed to buses and trains, honking horns at confused drivers who just want to turn left, darn it.

 

......

 

 

Traffic calming isn't going to help with such a busy intersection.  The most cogent way to lessen traffic is dropping Northfield-Van Aken + the Rapid into an underpass.  With this traffic cut, there's more possibility to develop TOD on the surface.

Isn't what you have at that intersection? With the cluster housing recently built, all the retail within walkable distance, and offices surrounding, all built around the blue line with multiple bus lines running through as well, isn't that considered TOD? Maybe not. I don't profess to be an expert in this arena.

Traffic calming isn't going to help with such a busy intersection.  The most cogent way to lessen traffic is dropping Northfield-Van Aken + the Rapid into an underpass.  With this traffic cut, there's more possibility to develop TOD on the surface.

 

I respectfully disagree. The suggestion of an underpass conjures images of a limited-access intersection, which is so far away from the ideals of TOD. Also, the additional space taken up by the necessary interconnects between Warrensville and a reconfigured Northfield-Van Aken would actually reduce possibilities for future development. You'd also most likely kill (or greatly reduce) foot traffic through the area.

 

I don't believe anywhere in the plan is a suggestion to lessen traffic -- it's a busy area, and that's a good thing. Proper management of the traffic flow encourages use of the area as a destination, and not just a means of getting from point A to point B.

 

Per Mike Hoffman's words, "The new plan is really designed to re-create foot traffic." I would replace the word re-create with re-permit (if there is such a word). I was out that way last night, and found myself briefly caught in the midst of the "river of asphalt" that is Warrensville Center Rd just north of Chagrin. I'm a pretty nimble guy, but it was still an uncomfortable feeling.

 

If the worst thing that comes from this plan is the need to bulldoze a Starbuck's, sign me up to drive the 'dozer :evil: .

Isn't what you have at that intersection? With the cluster housing recently built, all the retail within walkable distance, and offices surrounding, all built around the blue line with multiple bus lines running through as well, isn't that considered TOD? Maybe not. I don't profess to be an expert in this arena.

 

AJ93, welcome aboard the discussion. You'll be much more of an expert before long, there's lots of very smart people here.

 

In my mind, what's currently there is transit-proximate development, but not transit-oriented development. Orientation refers to far more than just physical placement. It's a design concept that places personal transit alternatives of all kinds (bus, rail, bike, and ye gads, WALKING) on par with the automobile as transportation options, through such ideas as sidewalk placement, streetscaping, bike lanes, traffic calming measures, and storefront location -- i.e. no football-field sized parking fields between the sidewalk and the storefront. Ideally, build as close to the curb as possible, subject to usage (there's nothing wrong with sidewalk cafes).

Those parking lots aren't easy to walk across. 

 

I've still don't understand why we need so much parking along the line between Lee Road and Warrensville.  There are tons of apartements right on the line and home withing a three block radius.

 

I understand the parking on Shaker blvd. but not Van Aken.

Hi Jerry.

 

First I want to thank you and RTA for providing a great service. I take the Rapid from W117 to Tower City each day for work and find RTA employees to be most helpful and cosiderate.

 

The reason I am writing is because I am concerned about the considerable amount of garbage, tires, broken concrete and other assorted refuse that is clearly visible along my route.  Most of the trash appears to be the result of illegal household dumping, but there also appears to be a lot of construction debris as well. In my opinion, this unfortunate scenery paints the worst possible picture of our city, and furthermore, is inconsistent with how most of the people here feel about our surrounding environment.

 

My question is whether there is any future plan to improve the aesthetics or to clean up the trash on and along the tracks. Either RTA or the city should be taking care of this problem. The RTA route should feel like a welcoming, front door entrance into the city and not like a blighted wasteland.  If there is nothing official in place for addressing this, I (and many others I am sure) would be more than willing to help volunteer to at least clean things up a bit.

 

Thanks,

 

Scott in Lakewood

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott what a wonderful idea being proactive and not just raising a complaint but offering to volunteer to remedy the situation.

 

I wonder if your local CDC and Block association can arrange something with RTA/Cleveland?

 

Maybe a day of service you know a "get on track" or "rip the rails" with RTA community gathering.

 

Maybe each CDC/Block association near each station can assist with arranging volunteers?

 

I'm just throwing out ideas, I assume Jerry and the RTA Community relations group manages this.

Re: Van Aken/Warrensville/Chagrin intersection project. We've discussed it at the Cleveland TOD thread which you should visit AJ....

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,1977.msg213809.html#msg213809

 

Here's a graphic I produced from memory after seeing Stark's plan for the area. Based on the article above, it sound similar....

 

Great ideas MTS!!! "Get on Track" all right.

 

I can picture an after party for volunteers and getting a free RTA shirt out of this. Free lifetime passes would be good too lol.

 

I was just thinking, maybe local landscapers could be encouraged to improve the trackside embankments for advertising purposes. Or "adopt a spot" efforts like on the highways. Possibly a lot of bureacracy and safety issues involved I am guessing.

 

Scott what a wonderful idea being proactive and not just raising a complaint but offering to volunteer to remedy the situation.

 

I wonder if your local CDC and Block association can arrange something with RTA/Cleveland?

 

Maybe a day of service you know a "get on track" or "rip the rails" with RTA community gathering.

 

Maybe each CDC/Block association near each station can assist with arranging volunteers?

 

I'm just throwing out ideas, I assume Jerry and the RTA Community relations group manages this.

I am concerned about the considerable amount of garbage, tires, broken concrete and other assorted refuse that is clearly visible along my Rapid route. Most of the trash appears to be the result of illegal household dumping, but there also appears to be a lot of construction debris. In my opinion, this unfortunate scenery paints the worst possible picture of our city, and furthermore, is inconsistent with how most of the people here feel about our surrounding environment. Is there any future plan to improve the aesthetics or to clean up the trash on and along the tracks? Either RTA or the city should be taking care of this problem. The RTA route should feel like a welcoming, front door entrance into the city and not like a blighted wasteland. If there is nothing official in place for addressing this, I (and many others I am sure) would be more than willing to help volunteer to at least clean things up a bit.

 

Scott

 

Thanks for your note. I will make sure that people at the highest levels of RTA management read it and review it.

 

I have several comments.

 

Please visit http://www.parkworks.org/history.html. Here is a quote.

"Since ParkWorks' founding as Rapid Recovery in 1977, we have worked hard to earn a reputation as a community organization that delivers concrete results as we fulfill what has been a naturally evolving mission. From our first efforts to clean and beautify the rapid transit lines, to our leadership role in urban beautification, reforestation and environmental education as Clean-Land, Ohio, our history reflects our ability to engage grassroots constituents and civic leaders, and to rally corporate and philanthropic support for a menu of programs tied to community need."

 

Rapid Recovery > Cleanland > ParkWorks was formed because many people believed in the kind of things you mentioned, especially, "it's a terrible front door for visitors coming in from the airport."

 

I am not clear why Rapid Recovery changed its focus, not once but twice. Perhaps talking to someone there could shed some light on their thought processes.

 

I am guessing now, but some of the changes may have come from volunteer frustration...areas that were cleaned may not stay clean for long.

 

In my personal opinion, two things are needed.

 

1). More enforcement of littering and dumping laws. Wouldn't it be great to catch someone in the act of dumping tires, and have the courts rule that as punishment, the company behind the dumping  would have to pay for keeping the Rapid clean for one year?

 

2. Constant monitoring, as opposed to (or to follow-up on) a one-day massive cleanup effort. Just like groups "adopt" an area of a highway and keep it clean, perhaps groups would or could "adopt" an area of the Rapid, and take ownership of it, with cleanups on the first Saturday of each warm-weather month, April-November.

 

The role model for this is what the Rotary Club of Cleveland has done at the West 25th Street Station, with debris cleanup, plantings, painting the fence, etc. Their work will be easier to see and appreciate once the overhead bridge is reconstructed. The last time they painted the fence, Joe and Debra Calabrese joined them.

 

There is another aspect -- legality. Some of the areas you mention are not RTA's property, but belong to other railroads in the same corridor. There are all kinds of insurance and liability issues that I do not fully understand, but I know we have to address them. It's not impossible, it's just something we have to be aware of and take into account when forming a plan of action.

 

This all goes back to something I strongly believe. YOU -- as a resident and taxpayer in Cuyahoga County -- own RTA. We (the staff) are the caretakers of the system. If you want to take a more active role or responsibility in caring for your system, that's great.

 

If you or anyone else wants to contact me off-line, try [email protected], or call 216-566-5173.

 

 

Great ideas MTS!!! "Get on Track" all right.

 

I can picture an after party for volunteers and getting a free RTA shirt out of this. Free lifetime passes would be good too lol.

 

I was just thinking, maybe local landscapers could be encouraged to improve the trackside embankments for advertising purposes. Or "adopt a spot" efforts like on the highways. Possibly a lot of bureacracy and safety issues involved I am guessing.

 

Scott what a wonderful idea being proactive and not just raising a complaint but offering to volunteer to remedy the situation.

 

I wonder if your local CDC and Block association can arrange something with RTA/Cleveland?

 

Maybe a day of service you know a "get on track" or "rip the rails" with RTA community gathering.

 

Maybe each CDC/Block association near each station can assist with arranging volunteers?

 

I'm just throwing out ideas, I assume Jerry and the RTA Community relations group manages this.

 

Good idea, I say get one of Cleveland find cultural organizations - the botanical garden - to help map out a no maintance garden (ie greenery) along the route.  The greenery can be voted on by the neighbors.  Giving the community a "seat at the table" would make them more protective of the area.  I would also suggest better greenways (for walkers, bikers, roller bladers) to each station as well.

 

In addition, you could enlist, oh I don't know, the folks at Nela Park to help with lighting solutions around the approach to each station so the greenery can be seen.

 

Sherwin Williams could donate say, paint and materials.

 

I could go on.....

 

kjp and jetdog, thanks for the feedback. I'll check out the link.

Can RTA update the Pedestrian Route, Signage and barricades at the Euclid and 9th Intersection, especially the SE Corner. I know there's always moving pieces and perhaps the Ameritrust site/work complicates things, but there's people walking all over the place, through broken barricades, in the road, everywhere. its been this way for at least a week now.

 

ECTP is aware of the irritation. Fences and barricades have been removed by people as shortcuts. Today, ECTP directed several construction supervisors to personally review the situation and see what can be done to improve it. Feel free to let me know what changes you see and if they improve the situation.

 

Situation was remedied yesterday and today. Yesterday the barricades were re-established, and today signange indicating pedestrian walkway and detours were posted. Thanks JMasek.

 

I completely understand that theres always going to be people knocking and hopping over the orange fences. And i also understand that people are going to be idiots and walk in the street, but I appreciate yours and RTAs/Constructions Cos efforts to make it safer.

Hey - JMasek, Jetdog and other RTA crew:

 

Just wanted to let you know the re-scheduling of bus 24 to minimize the morning interchange time between the blue line arriving at Van Aken/Warrensville and the 24 bus departing from 13 minutes to 4 minutes has gained you 1 more rider.  So Cheers!

 

Bill

Hey - JMasek, Jetdog and other RTA crew:

 

Just wanted to let you know the re-scheduling of bus 24 to minimize the morning interchange time between the blue line arriving at Van Aken/Warrensville and the 24 bus departing from 13 minutes to 4 minutes has gained you 1 more rider.  So Cheers!

 

Bill

 

your accolades have been passed along to our planning staff -- thank YOU for taking the time to express yourself!

I respectfully disagree. The suggestion of an underpass conjures images of a limited-access intersection, which is so far away from the ideals of TOD. Also, the additional space taken up by the necessary interconnects between Warrensville and a reconfigured Northfield-Van Aken would actually reduce possibilities for future development. You'd also most likely kill (or greatly reduce) foot traffic through the area.

 

I don't believe anywhere in the plan is a suggestion to lessen traffic -- it's a busy area, and that's a good thing. Proper management of the traffic flow encourages use of the area as a destination, and not just a means of getting from point A to point B.

 

Per Mike Hoffman's words, "The new plan is really designed to re-create foot traffic." I would replace the word re-create with re-permit (if there is such a word). I was out that way last night, and found myself briefly caught in the midst of the "river of asphalt" that is Warrensville Center Rd just north of Chagrin. I'm a pretty nimble guy, but it was still an uncomfortable feeling.

 

If the worst thing that comes from this plan is the need to bulldoze a Starbuck's, sign me up to drive the 'dozer :evil: .

 

I disagree because I'm talking about decreasing waking distances rather than lengthening them.  My plan is to not only put Van Aken and the Rapid underground through the intersection, but well before it on both sides, allowing buildings and pedestrian walkways & plazas to be built over top and/or encroach upon the upon what is the ocean-like concrete & rail divide of the current Van Aken and the wide Rapid car lot (which currently sits with mainly rusting, uses tracks).  But as I said, one of the big advantages, also, is removing severe traffic from 2 key points by putting it underground, which also would speed the Rapid and make its extension to the Highlands even more viable.  Mere traffic calming, or further traffic diversion, simply isn't going to work at this intersection because it’s the vertex of too heavy of traffic from several different directions.  If you pinch a human artery, the blood is going to back up into other organs.  That's not unlike what will happen here if you expect to 'calm' it with narrower streets and a surface running through the middle of the Rapid, a la Shaker Square, which is much, much less challenging from a thru (auto) traffic POV.

 

RTA to outfit rapid transit trains with surveillance cameras

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Sarah Hollander

Posted by cseper April 27, 2008 12:22PM

 

Video link: http://videos.cleveland.com/plain-dealer/2008/04/rta_surveillance_video.html

 

When a bus passenger asked a loud and obnoxious teenager to calm down, the teen threatened to return with a .38 special. The next day, the teen found herself staring down the barrel of a disorderly-conduct charge.

 

.......

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/04/rta_to_outfit_rapid_transit_tr.html

Thanks for your thoughtful respnse Jerry.

 

I am concerned about the considerable amount of garbage, tires, broken concrete and other assorted refuse that is clearly visible along my Rapid route. Most of the trash appears to be the result of illegal household dumping, but there also appears to be a lot of construction debris. In my opinion, this unfortunate scenery paints the worst possible picture of our city, and furthermore, is inconsistent with how most of the people here feel about our surrounding environment. Is there any future plan to improve the aesthetics or to clean up the trash on and along the tracks? Either RTA or the city should be taking care of this problem. The RTA route should feel like a welcoming, front door entrance into the city and not like a blighted wasteland. If there is nothing official in place for addressing this, I (and many others I am sure) would be more than willing to help volunteer to at least clean things up a bit.

 

Scott

 

Thanks for your note. I will make sure that people at the highest levels of RTA management read it and review it.

 

I have several comments.

 

Please visit http://www.parkworks.org/history.html. Here is a quote.

"Since ParkWorks' founding as Rapid Recovery in 1977, we have worked hard to earn a reputation as a community organization that delivers concrete results as we fulfill what has been a naturally evolving mission. From our first efforts to clean and beautify the rapid transit lines, to our leadership role in urban beautification, reforestation and environmental education as Clean-Land, Ohio, our history reflects our ability to engage grassroots constituents and civic leaders, and to rally corporate and philanthropic support for a menu of programs tied to community need."

 

Rapid Recovery > Cleanland > ParkWorks was formed because many people believed in the kind of things you mentioned, especially, "it's a terrible front door for visitors coming in from the airport."

 

I am not clear why Rapid Recovery changed its focus, not once but twice. Perhaps talking to someone there could shed some light on their thought processes.

 

I am guessing now, but some of the changes may have come from volunteer frustration...areas that were cleaned may not stay clean for long.

 

In my personal opinion, two things are needed.

 

1). More enforcement of littering and dumping laws. Wouldn't it be great to catch someone in the act of dumping tires, and have the courts rule that as punishment, the company behind the dumping  would have to pay for keeping the Rapid clean for one year?

 

2. Constant monitoring, as opposed to (or to follow-up on) a one-day massive cleanup effort. Just like groups "adopt" an area of a highway and keep it clean, perhaps groups would or could "adopt" an area of the Rapid, and take ownership of it, with cleanups on the first Saturday of each warm-weather month, April-November.

 

The role model for this is what the Rotary Club of Cleveland has done at the West 25th Street Station, with debris cleanup, plantings, painting the fence, etc. Their work will be easier to see and appreciate once the overhead bridge is reconstructed. The last time they painted the fence, Joe and Debra Calabrese joined them.

 

There is another aspect -- legality. Some of the areas you mention are not RTA's property, but belong to other railroads in the same corridor. There are all kinds of insurance and liability issues that I do not fully understand, but I know we have to address them. It's not impossible, it's just something we have to be aware of and take into account when forming a plan of action.

 

This all goes back to something I strongly believe. YOU -- as a resident and taxpayer in Cuyahoga County -- own RTA. We (the staff) are the caretakers of the system. If you want to take a more active role or responsibility in caring for your system, that's great.

 

If you or anyone else wants to contact me off-line, try [email protected], or call 216-566-5173.

 

 

This is very good.  While there's always the risk of some privacy invasion, and we'd hope RTA doesn't ever fall into the hands of Big Brother, more security than less can never be a bad thing... Hard to believe so many nutcases use system.  We've probably all had some brush with one/some of them...  It'd be nice if everybody would realize it exists to take you from Point A to Point B, but...