Transportation
When it comes to attracting talent from outside the city, Cleveland "has room for improvement," according to recruiters and other pros tasked with the job. But numerous developments currently taking place in the city are major steps in the right direction, say those same pros.
Mention Rivergate Park in the Flats in conversation and you'll likely be met with blank looks. Yet an eclectic alliance of skateboarders, cyclists and urban recreation groups are trying to change that with Rollin' on the River, an event that aims to put Rivergate on the map as a recreation destination.
Rollin' on the River, which takes place Saturday, September 29th at 1785 Merwin Avenue, will bring together skateboarding, cycling and music for an afternoon of fun.
"A lot of change has come to the Flats over the summer and 2013 will hold even more," said Vince Frantz, Executive Director of the skateboarding advocacy organization Public Square Group, in a release. "We wanted to celebrate that and highlight the amazing recreation organizations doing awesome work in the city.”
Rivergate Park is a new, 2.4-acre Cleveland Metropark that lies adjacent to the Columbus Road bridge along the Cuyahoga River in the Flats. The Cleveland Rowing Foundation also owns acreage there which includes its boathouse. In the coming months, there are big plans for this small slice of urban waterfront.
The City of Cleveland will break ground on the long-awaited Crooked River Skatepark by the end of the year. The Metroparks also plans to develop its new park and offer programming that will include adventure sports, canoeing and kayaking. Rivergate Park is already home to the Head of the Cuyahoga regatta race, the Ohio City Bike Co-op and the Cleveland Dragon Boat Association.
The free, all-ages event starts at 2 p.m. with a pop-up skateboard park, dragon boat rides on the river, live music, beer and food. Bike Cleveland is also organizing rides to Rivergate, and a contest will be held for the best bike carrier for a skateboard.
Source: Vince Frantz
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Rollin' on the River, which takes place Saturday, September 29th at 1785 Merwin Avenue, will bring together skateboarding, cycling and music for an afternoon of fun.
"A lot of change has come to the Flats over the summer and 2013 will hold even more," said Vince Frantz, Executive Director of the skateboarding advocacy organization Public Square Group, in a release. "We wanted to celebrate that and highlight the amazing recreation organizations doing awesome work in the city.”
Rivergate Park is a new, 2.4-acre Cleveland Metropark that lies adjacent to the Columbus Road bridge along the Cuyahoga River in the Flats. The Cleveland Rowing Foundation also owns acreage there which includes its boathouse. In the coming months, there are big plans for this small slice of urban waterfront.
The City of Cleveland will break ground on the long-awaited Crooked River Skatepark by the end of the year. The Metroparks also plans to develop its new park and offer programming that will include adventure sports, canoeing and kayaking. Rivergate Park is already home to the Head of the Cuyahoga regatta race, the Ohio City Bike Co-op and the Cleveland Dragon Boat Association.
The free, all-ages event starts at 2 p.m. with a pop-up skateboard park, dragon boat rides on the river, live music, beer and food. Bike Cleveland is also organizing rides to Rivergate, and a contest will be held for the best bike carrier for a skateboard.
Source: Vince Frantz
Writer: Lee Chilcote
As city dwellers, we tend to focus on buildings. But it's the spaces in between those structures that matter most, say urban planners. Public spaces bring communities together, improve our physical and mental well-being, and drive social and economic change. The presence and quality of our public spaces is a measure of the desirability of a city.
new data reveals that travel and tourism is on the rise in cle
According to The Economic Impact of Tourism Study, organized by the research firm Tourism Economics and coordinated by the Ohio Tourism Division, Northeast Ohio tourism is up significantly
Visitor volume to Cuyahoga County has jumped to 14.9 million visitors in 2011, compared to 13 million in 2009. Those visitors generated $6.7 billion in related business activity, which constitutes a 12-percent jump in the same time period.
The travel and tourism industry is Cuyahoga County’s fourth largest employer, with tourism supporting 1 in every 11 salaried jobs. In 2011, tourism employment accounted for more than 60,946 individuals, generating $1.8 billion dollars in wages.
Tourism in Cuyahoga County contributed more than $886 million in taxes, with $265 million for state taxes and $194 million in local taxes in 2011.
“The tourism industry is a major contributor to the economic vitality of our region,” Positively Cleveland’s President/ CEO David Gilbert said. “Visitors to our region buy local products and services, support area amenities, generate tax revenues and sustain jobs.”
More on the way
With $2 billion in visitor-related development underway throughout Northeast Ohio, numbers are increasing in both business and leisure travel. Visitors to Downtown Cleveland are expected to double in 2013, equating to a projected six million visitors.
Read the rest of the report here.
Visitor volume to Cuyahoga County has jumped to 14.9 million visitors in 2011, compared to 13 million in 2009. Those visitors generated $6.7 billion in related business activity, which constitutes a 12-percent jump in the same time period.
The travel and tourism industry is Cuyahoga County’s fourth largest employer, with tourism supporting 1 in every 11 salaried jobs. In 2011, tourism employment accounted for more than 60,946 individuals, generating $1.8 billion dollars in wages.
Tourism in Cuyahoga County contributed more than $886 million in taxes, with $265 million for state taxes and $194 million in local taxes in 2011.
“The tourism industry is a major contributor to the economic vitality of our region,” Positively Cleveland’s President/ CEO David Gilbert said. “Visitors to our region buy local products and services, support area amenities, generate tax revenues and sustain jobs.”
More on the way
With $2 billion in visitor-related development underway throughout Northeast Ohio, numbers are increasing in both business and leisure travel. Visitors to Downtown Cleveland are expected to double in 2013, equating to a projected six million visitors.
Read the rest of the report here.
west shoreway a 'freeway without a future'
In an article titled "Which Urban Freeways Are Ready to Go?" Next American City writer Alex Vuocolo highlights an issue near and dear to many a Clevelander's heart.
"To many city-dwellers, the obsolescence of aging urban highways is obvious. Here in Philadelphia, for instance, I-95 is fast-approaching the end of its design life. What will become of it -- particularly a three-mile stretch along the Delaware River that divides the city from its waterfront -- has occupied the concern and imagination of residents and city planners alike."
Cleveland's West Shoreway is just such a stretch -- and we aren't the only ones who think so.
The Congress for the New Urbanism, a proponent of more walkable and less automobile-oriented cities, identifies urban freeways primed for demolition crews. In its most recent listing of "2012 Freeways Without Futures," a dozen urban American freeways are called out for the following factors: “The age and design of structures, redevelopment potential, potential cost savings, ability to improve both overall mobility and local access, existence of pending infrastructure decisions, and community support.”
Here are the freeways included:
1. I-10/Claiborne Overpass, New Orleans
2. I-895/Sheridan Expressway, New York City (Bronx)
3. Route 34/Oak Street Connector, New Haven
4. Route 5/Skyway, Buffalo
5. I-395/Overtown Expressway, Miami
6. I-70, St. Louis
7. West Shoreway, Cleveland
8. I-490/Inner Loop, Rochester
9. I-81, Syracuse
10. Gardiner Expressway, Toronto
11. Aetna Viaduct, Hartford
12. Route 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct, Seattle
Read the rest here.
"To many city-dwellers, the obsolescence of aging urban highways is obvious. Here in Philadelphia, for instance, I-95 is fast-approaching the end of its design life. What will become of it -- particularly a three-mile stretch along the Delaware River that divides the city from its waterfront -- has occupied the concern and imagination of residents and city planners alike."
Cleveland's West Shoreway is just such a stretch -- and we aren't the only ones who think so.
The Congress for the New Urbanism, a proponent of more walkable and less automobile-oriented cities, identifies urban freeways primed for demolition crews. In its most recent listing of "2012 Freeways Without Futures," a dozen urban American freeways are called out for the following factors: “The age and design of structures, redevelopment potential, potential cost savings, ability to improve both overall mobility and local access, existence of pending infrastructure decisions, and community support.”
Here are the freeways included:
1. I-10/Claiborne Overpass, New Orleans
2. I-895/Sheridan Expressway, New York City (Bronx)
3. Route 34/Oak Street Connector, New Haven
4. Route 5/Skyway, Buffalo
5. I-395/Overtown Expressway, Miami
6. I-70, St. Louis
7. West Shoreway, Cleveland
8. I-490/Inner Loop, Rochester
9. I-81, Syracuse
10. Gardiner Expressway, Toronto
11. Aetna Viaduct, Hartford
12. Route 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct, Seattle
Read the rest here.
The City of Cleveland has developed a plan to create bike lanes along Detroit Avenue between West 25th and West 75th streets to cater to the growing number of two-wheeled commuters using the thoroughfare.
The idea was developed as a temporary alternative to the stalled West Shoreway project, but has now taken on a life of its own. City officials say that even if more money is found to complete multi-modal paths along the Shoreway, the Detroit bike lanes are here to stay.
"This really is a new day in the City of Cleveland for cycling," Planning Director Bob Brown told the audience at a recent public meeting. "For decades, Cleveland put the priority on cars and cyclists were treated as second class citizens. The big change was the complete and green streets ordinance -- now it's the law of the land that every time we plan a roadway project, bikes have to be a priority."
"If we want to create a mode shift [away from driving and towards cycling], then we need to create the facilities to do it," added Jacob Van Sickle, Executive Director of Bike Cleveland. "Bike Cleveland will continue to push the city."
The complex project, which will span 1.7 miles and cost $76,000, includes a mixture of bike lanes and sharrows (painted arrows in the roadway indicating that cars must share the road with bikes). The five foot lanes allow for on-street parking while providing enough room for cyclists to avoid the "door zone" (the area where they could be hit if the driver of a parked car opens the door).
The long-term goal, Brown said during the meeting, is to create a network of bike lanes on major streets throughout the city. Planners are working on eventually extending the bike lanes along the Detroit-Superior bridge and Superior.
Source: Bob Brown, Jacob Van Sickle
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The idea was developed as a temporary alternative to the stalled West Shoreway project, but has now taken on a life of its own. City officials say that even if more money is found to complete multi-modal paths along the Shoreway, the Detroit bike lanes are here to stay.
"This really is a new day in the City of Cleveland for cycling," Planning Director Bob Brown told the audience at a recent public meeting. "For decades, Cleveland put the priority on cars and cyclists were treated as second class citizens. The big change was the complete and green streets ordinance -- now it's the law of the land that every time we plan a roadway project, bikes have to be a priority."
"If we want to create a mode shift [away from driving and towards cycling], then we need to create the facilities to do it," added Jacob Van Sickle, Executive Director of Bike Cleveland. "Bike Cleveland will continue to push the city."
The complex project, which will span 1.7 miles and cost $76,000, includes a mixture of bike lanes and sharrows (painted arrows in the roadway indicating that cars must share the road with bikes). The five foot lanes allow for on-street parking while providing enough room for cyclists to avoid the "door zone" (the area where they could be hit if the driver of a parked car opens the door).
The long-term goal, Brown said during the meeting, is to create a network of bike lanes on major streets throughout the city. Planners are working on eventually extending the bike lanes along the Detroit-Superior bridge and Superior.
Source: Bob Brown, Jacob Van Sickle
Writer: Lee Chilcote
What's next? It's a question we all wish we had the answer to. But for folks looking to settle down, that question undoubtedly refers to place. In this running series, Fresh Water explores emerging Cleveland neighborhoods that are primed for growth. This week, writer Joe Baur examines Slavic Village.
If Bike Cleveland, LAND Studio and business owner Sam McNulty have their way, a used shipping container will be transformed into sleek new bike parking in Ohio City sometime next month.
The Bike Box, which will feature parking for 15 bikes in a locally sourced shipping container fabricated by Rust Belt Welding, started off as a conversation among cycling advocates about converting a single car parking space into multiple bike parking on West 25th.
"To be honest, I thought the City was going to look at me cross-eyed," says Sam McNulty, who is chipping in money for the project. The Bike Box will be placed on Bridge, outside of Nano Brew, his soon-to-open microbrewery. "Surprisingly, they were very excited about it. This makes a statement and says, 'Instead of bicycles and pedestrians being an afterthought, we're flipping the script and creating a space for bicycles.'"
As far as timing goes, McNulty says the organizers still hope to have the Bike Box up in time for events celebrating the West Side Market's 100th birthday. "We're shooting to have it hit the curb in time for the Centennial next month," he says.
McNulty says the Bike Box will replace one unmetered parking space. He hopes to eventually remove another parking space or two and create a "parklet" -- a streetside pocket park with grass, trees and benches -- but he's focused on the Bike Box first. "The park is more controversial and cutting-edge," he says.
Source: Sam McNulty
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Bike Box, which will feature parking for 15 bikes in a locally sourced shipping container fabricated by Rust Belt Welding, started off as a conversation among cycling advocates about converting a single car parking space into multiple bike parking on West 25th.
"To be honest, I thought the City was going to look at me cross-eyed," says Sam McNulty, who is chipping in money for the project. The Bike Box will be placed on Bridge, outside of Nano Brew, his soon-to-open microbrewery. "Surprisingly, they were very excited about it. This makes a statement and says, 'Instead of bicycles and pedestrians being an afterthought, we're flipping the script and creating a space for bicycles.'"
As far as timing goes, McNulty says the organizers still hope to have the Bike Box up in time for events celebrating the West Side Market's 100th birthday. "We're shooting to have it hit the curb in time for the Centennial next month," he says.
McNulty says the Bike Box will replace one unmetered parking space. He hopes to eventually remove another parking space or two and create a "parklet" -- a streetside pocket park with grass, trees and benches -- but he's focused on the Bike Box first. "The park is more controversial and cutting-edge," he says.
Source: Sam McNulty
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cleveland an 'up-and-coming bike city' according to bicycling mag
Along with New York City, Albuquerque, Long Beach, and Miami, Cleveland was named by Bicycling magazine as an up-and-coming bike city.
"It's no joke," writes David Howard, "The city on Lake Erie has cycling dialed."
"What's to love?" he adds. "For starters, the stretch of bike lane that now runs the length of historic Euclid Avenue, linking the city's two employment hubs. A new towpath just beyond Cleveland's southern border reaches Akron—80 miles away. Plans call for webs of bike paths to unspool east and west as well. To lure tourists in, the Downtown Cleveland Alliance launched a bike-rental program last summer -- it will expand this year into a parking garage with showers and lockers."
"And then there's the diversity. In January, a nonprofit unveiled plans to build an indoor velodrome -- the third of its kind in the country and the only one east of the Rockies. The city is home to the vast Ray's Indoor Mountain Bike Park and Pedal Republic, which organizes bike-polo tourneys, tall-bike rides and alley cat races."
Read all the news here.
This on top of the recent good news from HGTV..
"It's no joke," writes David Howard, "The city on Lake Erie has cycling dialed."
"What's to love?" he adds. "For starters, the stretch of bike lane that now runs the length of historic Euclid Avenue, linking the city's two employment hubs. A new towpath just beyond Cleveland's southern border reaches Akron—80 miles away. Plans call for webs of bike paths to unspool east and west as well. To lure tourists in, the Downtown Cleveland Alliance launched a bike-rental program last summer -- it will expand this year into a parking garage with showers and lockers."
"And then there's the diversity. In January, a nonprofit unveiled plans to build an indoor velodrome -- the third of its kind in the country and the only one east of the Rockies. The city is home to the vast Ray's Indoor Mountain Bike Park and Pedal Republic, which organizes bike-polo tourneys, tall-bike rides and alley cat races."
Read all the news here.
This on top of the recent good news from HGTV..
In the best of cases, getting a book published can take one to three years from start to finish. Or, you can do it the way Richey Piiparinen and Anne Trubek did with Rust Belt Chic: The Cleveland Anthology. The pair of Cleveland writers managed to compress the entire Sisyphean process into an implausible three-month timeframe.
Voss Industries, an employee-owned aerospace and industrial applications company on West 25th Street in Ohio City, is replacing all the windows on its century-old building -- all 650 of 'em.
The investment will help the company to make key improvements to its headquarters on Cleveland's near west side, where it has been since 1957.
"It's been a rather long project," says Voss President and CEO Dan Sedor with a chuckle. "It's a 100-year-old building, so we're refacing it. What's going on in Ohio City is definitely a renaissance, and our company wants to play a small part in it."
"Small" is not the word that accurately describes the outsized ambitions of this half-century-old company that occupies 240,000 square feet in Ohio City, however. Voss has experienced 20-percent growth annually for the past several years, and has hired 80 workers in the last two years alone. The progress, says Sedor, is due to the improving economy and Voss's competitiveness in the marketplace.
"We're a metal manipulator -- we bend it, roll it, stamp it and machine it," says Sedor. "We've been steadily gaining market share by diversifying the markets we serve and also by providing engineering solutions to many of our customers."
Voss has more than 330 employees. Sedor says he likes Ohio City because it offers a convenient, centralized location for employees, who live throughout the region.
Source: Dan Sedor
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The investment will help the company to make key improvements to its headquarters on Cleveland's near west side, where it has been since 1957.
"It's been a rather long project," says Voss President and CEO Dan Sedor with a chuckle. "It's a 100-year-old building, so we're refacing it. What's going on in Ohio City is definitely a renaissance, and our company wants to play a small part in it."
"Small" is not the word that accurately describes the outsized ambitions of this half-century-old company that occupies 240,000 square feet in Ohio City, however. Voss has experienced 20-percent growth annually for the past several years, and has hired 80 workers in the last two years alone. The progress, says Sedor, is due to the improving economy and Voss's competitiveness in the marketplace.
"We're a metal manipulator -- we bend it, roll it, stamp it and machine it," says Sedor. "We've been steadily gaining market share by diversifying the markets we serve and also by providing engineering solutions to many of our customers."
Voss has more than 330 employees. Sedor says he likes Ohio City because it offers a convenient, centralized location for employees, who live throughout the region.
Source: Dan Sedor
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The phenomenon of 400-plus cyclists riding past East 4th Street, where diners at Lola and other high-end restaurants have valet-parked their cars, is not something you see every day in Cleveland.
But you do see it once a month -- the last Friday of the month, to be exact. That's when Cleveland Critical Mass, a free monthly ride in which cyclists travel en masse through the streets of downtown and other city neighborhoods, kicks off from Public Square at 7 p.m. Riders normally conclude at a low-key tavern, where the revelry continues.
The Friday, July 27th Critical Mass event, which coincides with a new, day-long event dubbed Car-Free Friday, promises to be one of the biggest yet. Organizer Shawn Mariani, who works at Parker Hannifin, hopes to best the 500 mark.
"When I joined Critical Mass in 2008, we had about 5 to 10 people," says Mariani. "Just through word of mouth, social networking and the Internet, we've been able to grow it based on people going out, having a good time and bringing friends."
Mariani says Critical Mass is a non-intimidating ride that encourages people to get on their bikes and patronize local businesses in the city. "It's a safe ride and all riders are welcome," he says. "We get people on tandems and BMX bikes, too. It's a way to meet people and see parts of the city you might not see otherwise."
This Friday's ride will wrap up at the Cleveland Velodrome. Riders are also invited to check out the Street Repair music festival at East 55th and Broadway Ave.
Source: Shawn Mariani
Writer: Lee Chilcote
But you do see it once a month -- the last Friday of the month, to be exact. That's when Cleveland Critical Mass, a free monthly ride in which cyclists travel en masse through the streets of downtown and other city neighborhoods, kicks off from Public Square at 7 p.m. Riders normally conclude at a low-key tavern, where the revelry continues.
The Friday, July 27th Critical Mass event, which coincides with a new, day-long event dubbed Car-Free Friday, promises to be one of the biggest yet. Organizer Shawn Mariani, who works at Parker Hannifin, hopes to best the 500 mark.
"When I joined Critical Mass in 2008, we had about 5 to 10 people," says Mariani. "Just through word of mouth, social networking and the Internet, we've been able to grow it based on people going out, having a good time and bringing friends."
Mariani says Critical Mass is a non-intimidating ride that encourages people to get on their bikes and patronize local businesses in the city. "It's a safe ride and all riders are welcome," he says. "We get people on tandems and BMX bikes, too. It's a way to meet people and see parts of the city you might not see otherwise."
This Friday's ride will wrap up at the Cleveland Velodrome. Riders are also invited to check out the Street Repair music festival at East 55th and Broadway Ave.
Source: Shawn Mariani
Writer: Lee Chilcote
vote for land studio's novel bike box urban bike corral
Voting is underway for a $5,000 Do Good Outdoors Challenge grant on the website GOOD Maker. LAND studio is competing against 115 other ideas for outdoor projects that promote social change.
"Spending time outside can make us all happier and healthier, and many of us don’t do it nearly enough. That’s why we have $5,000 to help you use the great outdoors to do GOOD in your community."
LAND studio's Bike Box concept "will encourage recreational and commuter cycling by providing safe, sheltered bike parking along a busy retail corridor in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood."
Made from a locally-sourced, used shipping container and placed in an existing parallel parking spot, will enclose the sidewalk, providing an intimate gathering area and focal point. The bold graphics facing the street will announce the presence of an active bike community. On top will be a living roof.
Vote for the idea here until 3 p.m. August 3.
"Spending time outside can make us all happier and healthier, and many of us don’t do it nearly enough. That’s why we have $5,000 to help you use the great outdoors to do GOOD in your community."
LAND studio's Bike Box concept "will encourage recreational and commuter cycling by providing safe, sheltered bike parking along a busy retail corridor in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood."
Made from a locally-sourced, used shipping container and placed in an existing parallel parking spot, will enclose the sidewalk, providing an intimate gathering area and focal point. The bold graphics facing the street will announce the presence of an active bike community. On top will be a living roof.
Vote for the idea here until 3 p.m. August 3.
However momentous they might be, groundbreaking ceremonies typically are not very interactive affairs. Project leaders and public officials give speeches and take advantage of photo opportunities before they pose gripping the symbolic, all-too-clean shovels.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the first publicly funded leg of the Towpath Trail to be built in Cleveland promises to be different. Community members have been clamoring for this project to be completed for years, and trail backers want to give them a chance to participate in the grand occasion. So after the project leaders and public officials take their turn, it's a B.Y.O.S. (Bring Your Own Shovel) event, and everyone is invited to join in.
The event is scheduled for Monday, July 30th at 11 a.m. at 1871 Scranton Road.
"We wanted to figure out a way to involve the many people who have anxiously awaited the project," says Tim Donovan, Executive Director of Ohio Canal Corridor, the nonprofit spearheading the effort with the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Metroparks and Cuyahoga County. "I don't sit on a boatload of shovels, but if you bring your own, then we can capture it. If you can't be there, send us a photo of you with your shovel, and we'll print them up and have them on site."
So far, Donovan has received photos of supporters with shovels from as far away as New Mexico. Those bringing a shovel will be eligible to have their names entered into a raffle to win a $100 gift certificate from Lockkeepers restaurant.
The .6 mile trail will follow Scranton Road from Carter Road south to University Road along the Scranton Peninsula. A portion of the $9.1 million total price tag will be used to restore 11 acres of polluted industrial land. The project will also replace a portion of decrepit river bulkhead with a more natural stone and plant terrace.
The project was funded by the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the State of Ohio, among other funding sources.
Source: Tim Donovan
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The groundbreaking ceremony for the first publicly funded leg of the Towpath Trail to be built in Cleveland promises to be different. Community members have been clamoring for this project to be completed for years, and trail backers want to give them a chance to participate in the grand occasion. So after the project leaders and public officials take their turn, it's a B.Y.O.S. (Bring Your Own Shovel) event, and everyone is invited to join in.
The event is scheduled for Monday, July 30th at 11 a.m. at 1871 Scranton Road.
"We wanted to figure out a way to involve the many people who have anxiously awaited the project," says Tim Donovan, Executive Director of Ohio Canal Corridor, the nonprofit spearheading the effort with the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Metroparks and Cuyahoga County. "I don't sit on a boatload of shovels, but if you bring your own, then we can capture it. If you can't be there, send us a photo of you with your shovel, and we'll print them up and have them on site."
So far, Donovan has received photos of supporters with shovels from as far away as New Mexico. Those bringing a shovel will be eligible to have their names entered into a raffle to win a $100 gift certificate from Lockkeepers restaurant.
The .6 mile trail will follow Scranton Road from Carter Road south to University Road along the Scranton Peninsula. A portion of the $9.1 million total price tag will be used to restore 11 acres of polluted industrial land. The project will also replace a portion of decrepit river bulkhead with a more natural stone and plant terrace.
The project was funded by the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the State of Ohio, among other funding sources.
Source: Tim Donovan
Writer: Lee Chilcote
rta healthline drives growth in cleveland, says urbanland
"Euclid’s role as an essential link between the central business district downtown and University Circle -- a hub of world-class medical facilities and arts and culture amenities -- rendered the corridor impossible to ignore," writes Jason Hellendrung for UrbanLand.
The resulting $200 million, 6.8-mile Euclid Corridor Transportation Project catalyzed a powerful transformation along the avenue. Since the BRT line opened in 2008, the corridor has attracted $5.8 billion in investment -- $3.3 billion for new construction and $2.5 billion for building rehab, together totaling more than 110 projects. Disproving naysayers and exceeding the expectations of supporters, the project has generated the economic growth that many thought could only be achieved with rail -- and at a fraction of the cost."
"Ridership has increased steadily over the years and now totals about 15,100 people per day. "
Read the rest of the article here.
The resulting $200 million, 6.8-mile Euclid Corridor Transportation Project catalyzed a powerful transformation along the avenue. Since the BRT line opened in 2008, the corridor has attracted $5.8 billion in investment -- $3.3 billion for new construction and $2.5 billion for building rehab, together totaling more than 110 projects. Disproving naysayers and exceeding the expectations of supporters, the project has generated the economic growth that many thought could only be achieved with rail -- and at a fraction of the cost."
"Ridership has increased steadily over the years and now totals about 15,100 people per day. "
Read the rest of the article here.
Ohio City attracts over three million visitors per year and has several thriving anchor institutions. Its population grew from 2000 to 2010 and the neighborhood has added 35-plus new businesses and 300 jobs in recent years.
All of this sounds pretty good, yet popularity inevitably comes with a price. This near west side neighborhood is now suffering the growing pains of any successful urban neighborhood that must balance the needs of residents, workers and visitors. In short, it's got a parking problem.
To address this problem, Ohio City is adopting a Multimodal Transportation Plan that places an emphasis on traffic calming, bike lanes, pedestrian friendly streets and public transportation. In acknowledgement of the fact that most of the area's visitors still arrive by car, the plan also offers remedies for the parking crunch.
The plan includes an emphasis on Complete Streets (bike lanes and traffic calming for pedestrians); transit oriented development (potential mixed-use housing adjacent to the West 25th rapid station); a comprehensive wayfinding system; parking solutions that include valet parking for visitors and employees, plus consolidation and paid parking in the West Side Market lot; a future structured parking garage; residential permit parking; and additional parking meters.
West Side Market tenants have expressed concerns about the notion of charging for parking in the market lot, yet Ohio City Inc. leaders are pushing for it. Free parking would be available in 90 minute increments for market shoppers. Right now, some people park in the market lot even when they aren't shopping there.
"The goal of the Plan is to provide as many transportation options as possible so that the community is not too dependent on surface parking as the only option for visitors," the plan states. "Increasing access to safe bike and pedestrian infrastructure will increase the number of trips to Ohio City by foot or by bike."
Discussions are ongoing, and vendors are pushing for two hours of free parking (the city prefers 90 minutes). The city would like to see the new parking system in place by spring of next year, but the vendors have the power to block the deal.
"We believe the plan provides smart solutions to eliminating parking congestion and will lead to a more easily navigable and safer neighborhood for all of our visitors," says Eric Wobser, Executive Director of Ohio City Inc. He adds that he hopes that an agreement with vendors will be hammered out this month.
Source: Ohio City Inc.
Writer: Lee Chilcote
All of this sounds pretty good, yet popularity inevitably comes with a price. This near west side neighborhood is now suffering the growing pains of any successful urban neighborhood that must balance the needs of residents, workers and visitors. In short, it's got a parking problem.
To address this problem, Ohio City is adopting a Multimodal Transportation Plan that places an emphasis on traffic calming, bike lanes, pedestrian friendly streets and public transportation. In acknowledgement of the fact that most of the area's visitors still arrive by car, the plan also offers remedies for the parking crunch.
The plan includes an emphasis on Complete Streets (bike lanes and traffic calming for pedestrians); transit oriented development (potential mixed-use housing adjacent to the West 25th rapid station); a comprehensive wayfinding system; parking solutions that include valet parking for visitors and employees, plus consolidation and paid parking in the West Side Market lot; a future structured parking garage; residential permit parking; and additional parking meters.
West Side Market tenants have expressed concerns about the notion of charging for parking in the market lot, yet Ohio City Inc. leaders are pushing for it. Free parking would be available in 90 minute increments for market shoppers. Right now, some people park in the market lot even when they aren't shopping there.
"The goal of the Plan is to provide as many transportation options as possible so that the community is not too dependent on surface parking as the only option for visitors," the plan states. "Increasing access to safe bike and pedestrian infrastructure will increase the number of trips to Ohio City by foot or by bike."
Discussions are ongoing, and vendors are pushing for two hours of free parking (the city prefers 90 minutes). The city would like to see the new parking system in place by spring of next year, but the vendors have the power to block the deal.
"We believe the plan provides smart solutions to eliminating parking congestion and will lead to a more easily navigable and safer neighborhood for all of our visitors," says Eric Wobser, Executive Director of Ohio City Inc. He adds that he hopes that an agreement with vendors will be hammered out this month.
Source: Ohio City Inc.
Writer: Lee Chilcote
submissions wanted for cleveland design competition: transforming the bridge
The Cleveland Design Competition invites professionals, students, firms and designers to re-imagine the abandoned lower streetcar level of Cleveland’s Detroit-Superior Bridge -- aka the Veterans Memorial Bridge -- as a dynamic public space, performance venue and pedestrian experience.
Suggested design proposals include:
Define a comprehensive vision for the lower level of the Detroit Superior Bridge as a public bicycle and pedestrian connection between Downtown Cleveland’s Warehouse District and Ohio City.
Transform the vacant lower level of The Bridge into a dynamic public space and performance venue.
Consider connectivity to Downtown Cleveland and Public Square, the Flats East Bank, Flats West Bank, Ohio City, the Cuyahoga River, the future Towpath Trail, and future Canal Basin Park.
Consider complementary programming ideas. These might include (but are not limited to) landscaping, temporary experiences, art-related uses and recreational amenities.
Illustrate how a new vision for the lower level will interact with the upper level of The Bridge.
Provide improved access at each end of The Bridge to provide maximum accessibility and project impact. This could include addition of and/or reconfigured entrances at each end of The Bridge.
Registration deadline is September 10th, with submissions due October 5th. An awards reception will take place October 26th.
Mail or deliver entries to:
ATTN: Cleveland Design Competition
c/o Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative
1309 Euclid Avenue, 2nd floor
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
For more info, click here.
Suggested design proposals include:
Define a comprehensive vision for the lower level of the Detroit Superior Bridge as a public bicycle and pedestrian connection between Downtown Cleveland’s Warehouse District and Ohio City.
Transform the vacant lower level of The Bridge into a dynamic public space and performance venue.
Consider connectivity to Downtown Cleveland and Public Square, the Flats East Bank, Flats West Bank, Ohio City, the Cuyahoga River, the future Towpath Trail, and future Canal Basin Park.
Consider complementary programming ideas. These might include (but are not limited to) landscaping, temporary experiences, art-related uses and recreational amenities.
Illustrate how a new vision for the lower level will interact with the upper level of The Bridge.
Provide improved access at each end of The Bridge to provide maximum accessibility and project impact. This could include addition of and/or reconfigured entrances at each end of The Bridge.
Registration deadline is September 10th, with submissions due October 5th. An awards reception will take place October 26th.
Mail or deliver entries to:
ATTN: Cleveland Design Competition
c/o Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative
1309 Euclid Avenue, 2nd floor
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
For more info, click here.
The National Park Service is proposing over $6 million of improvements to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, including up to 10 miles of mountain bike trails, the addition of boat launch sites, and several new bike-in and paddle-in campsites.
The ambitious plan "aims to develop a blueprint that will guide the expansion, restoration, management, operations and use of the trail system and its associated amenities over the next 15 years, while keeping with the purpose, mission and significance of Cuyahoga Valley National Park," according to the NPS website.
The proposal would also add up to 46 miles of new trails, remove 12 miles of existing trails and add 30-plus miles of bike lanes on public roads within the park.
Park officials are holding public meetings to garner feedback this month, and the public comment period lasts until mid-August. The plan requires buy-in from several neighboring communities and park authorities, since only 19,000 of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park's 33,000 acres are actually federally owned.
NPS officials hope to adopt a new plan by the end of the year.
Source: National Park Service
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The ambitious plan "aims to develop a blueprint that will guide the expansion, restoration, management, operations and use of the trail system and its associated amenities over the next 15 years, while keeping with the purpose, mission and significance of Cuyahoga Valley National Park," according to the NPS website.
The proposal would also add up to 46 miles of new trails, remove 12 miles of existing trails and add 30-plus miles of bike lanes on public roads within the park.
Park officials are holding public meetings to garner feedback this month, and the public comment period lasts until mid-August. The plan requires buy-in from several neighboring communities and park authorities, since only 19,000 of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park's 33,000 acres are actually federally owned.
NPS officials hope to adopt a new plan by the end of the year.
Source: National Park Service
Writer: Lee Chilcote
bar symon lands at pittsburgh international airport
Clevelanders certainly can remember the wonderful but short-lived Bar Symon, the eatery that shut its doors in Avon Lake nearly two years ago. The concept has been reborn, as Michael Symon has recently opened the “new” Bar Symon in the Pittsburgh International Airport, reports Clare Sheehan of The Daily Meal.
"I am so pleased to bring my passion for serving great food in a fun environment to airport travelers in Pittsburgh," said Symon. "Dining is all about the experience, and we've captured that with Bar Symon. I have no doubt it will quickly become a passenger favorite."
“The menu features many of chef Symon's signature dishes, such as the Lola burger with a fried egg and pickled red onions, Lola fries with sea salt and rosemary, and two varieties of baked macaroni and cheese, either with cheddar, pulled pork, hot sauce, and scallions, or blue cheese, bacon, and parsley.”
While Symon remains an avid supporter of our local sports teams, travelers and locals alike can now experience the tasty treats we have been enjoying in Cleveland for years.
Read the complete story here.
"I am so pleased to bring my passion for serving great food in a fun environment to airport travelers in Pittsburgh," said Symon. "Dining is all about the experience, and we've captured that with Bar Symon. I have no doubt it will quickly become a passenger favorite."
“The menu features many of chef Symon's signature dishes, such as the Lola burger with a fried egg and pickled red onions, Lola fries with sea salt and rosemary, and two varieties of baked macaroni and cheese, either with cheddar, pulled pork, hot sauce, and scallions, or blue cheese, bacon, and parsley.”
While Symon remains an avid supporter of our local sports teams, travelers and locals alike can now experience the tasty treats we have been enjoying in Cleveland for years.
Read the complete story here.
An Olympic-style cycling track is being assembled by a group of dedicated volunteers on a patch of scruffy, vacant land in Slavic Village where St. Michael's Hospital stood until it was demolished years ago.
The Cleveland Velodrome met its initial $300,000 fundraising goal for the 166-meter, wood and steel banked track thanks in part to a $50,000 grant from the Cleveland Foundation and generous lead donors.
Later this month, cyclists should be able to go for a spin on the velodrome, which is the only one of its kind between the East Coast and Chicago. Backers of the project hope to eventually construct a multipurpose domed athletic center that will allow avid Cleveland cyclists and area youth to ride during the winter months, as well.
“After many years of hard work, we are thrilled to bring a velodrome track to Cleveland,” said Brett Davis, Board President or Fast Track Cycling, in a release. “Phase I allows Fast Track to implement youth and adult programming and will serve as a tool to raise additional funds to enclose the track for year-round use. While we are very pleased to reach the Phase I target, fund-raising will continue towards the ultimate goal of an enclosed, year-round track and sports center.”
“This is a terrific opportunity for Broadway Slavic Village,” said Marie Kittredge, Executive Director of Slavic Village Development. “The velodrome is a perfect fit for us, because of our central location, and our community’s commitment to active lifestyles and physical fitness. The velodrome will complement the gymnastics programming at the adjacent Sokol Czech Cultural Center, the community’s two new athletic fields, the First Tee Golf Course, and the Morgana Bike Trail.”
Fast Track Cycling is leasing the 8.4 acre site from the City of Cleveland for $1 per year. The Cleveland Velodrome is located on Broadway Ave. near Pershing Ave.
Source: Brett Davis, Marie Kittredge
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Cleveland Velodrome met its initial $300,000 fundraising goal for the 166-meter, wood and steel banked track thanks in part to a $50,000 grant from the Cleveland Foundation and generous lead donors.
Later this month, cyclists should be able to go for a spin on the velodrome, which is the only one of its kind between the East Coast and Chicago. Backers of the project hope to eventually construct a multipurpose domed athletic center that will allow avid Cleveland cyclists and area youth to ride during the winter months, as well.
“After many years of hard work, we are thrilled to bring a velodrome track to Cleveland,” said Brett Davis, Board President or Fast Track Cycling, in a release. “Phase I allows Fast Track to implement youth and adult programming and will serve as a tool to raise additional funds to enclose the track for year-round use. While we are very pleased to reach the Phase I target, fund-raising will continue towards the ultimate goal of an enclosed, year-round track and sports center.”
“This is a terrific opportunity for Broadway Slavic Village,” said Marie Kittredge, Executive Director of Slavic Village Development. “The velodrome is a perfect fit for us, because of our central location, and our community’s commitment to active lifestyles and physical fitness. The velodrome will complement the gymnastics programming at the adjacent Sokol Czech Cultural Center, the community’s two new athletic fields, the First Tee Golf Course, and the Morgana Bike Trail.”
Fast Track Cycling is leasing the 8.4 acre site from the City of Cleveland for $1 per year. The Cleveland Velodrome is located on Broadway Ave. near Pershing Ave.
Source: Brett Davis, Marie Kittredge
Writer: Lee Chilcote