Cuyahoga County Planning Commission Weblog

Ohio passenger rail debate continues

2010-09-02T03:50:41Z

Ohio Department of Transportation leaders envision increasing the top speed of the planned 3C Corridor passenger rail line from 79 mph to 110 mph, but the freight railroads are unenthusiastic about the idea. Rail suppliers back the planned line, while Republican state legislators continue to oppose it. In early August, Republican gubernatorial candidate John Kasich said he would cancel the plans if elected and Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Yvette McGee Brown voiced her support for passenger rail. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood downplayed the dispute.

Health indicator reports

2010-09-02T03:49:31Z

The Center for Community Solutions and Cleveland State University jointly published An Analysis of Health Disparities in Northeast Ohio (PDF). They found that "African Americans, and to a lesser extent, Hispanics, have significantly poorer health status, access to care and health care utilization than do Whites" in the eight-county Greater Cleveland area. Earlier this year, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health released an update of its Child and Family Health Services Indicators Report (PDF). It includes an analysis of maternal and child heath indicators for each community in the county.

Macedonia Commons expansion

2010-09-02T03:36:40Z

Several retailers, including Wal-Mart, plan to open or expand stores at Macedonia Commons. Wal-Mart's 46,000-square-foot addition should be finished this year.

More upcoming demolitions

2010-09-02T03:27:48Z

Information about some planned demolitions in Greater Cleveland:

The Parma City School District intends to demolish its former administration building near Ridge Road and Day Drive. It was built in 1921 as an elementary school.
After a prolonged dispute, developers in Twinsburg obtained permission to raze an 1828 farmhouse and a 1911 barn on the former Corbett Farm property on Darrow Road.
Cleveland Area History posted a document that describes the significance of the Cleveland Cold Storage Building, one of several historic structures that will be demolished for the new Innerbelt Bridge.
Cleveland Area History also pointed out three historic Cleveland buildings that have been condemned: the Stanley Block in downtown Cleveland, the Langston Hughes house in Fairfax, and the Frankie Yankovic house in Collinwood.

Red Brick school building to be torn down

2010-08-27T21:20:37Z

Plans for redeveloping Westlake's historic Red Brick school as an arts center fell through. The Westlake City School District plans to demolish the building, and may raze it as early as next month.

Cities in Transition

2010-08-27T03:45:07Z

The German Marshall Fund's Cities in Transition Initiative is "a three-year project designed to build a sustained network of leading policymakers and practitioners" in Cleveland, Detroit, Flint, Pittsburgh, and Youngstown. Greater Ohio is participating in the project, which will be launched in October at a one-day meeting in Detroit.

A port authority conversation

2010-08-27T03:32:06Z

Participants on Thursday's Sound of Ideas program discussed the future of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority and shipping issues in Cleveland. The guests, including new port CEO William Friedman, also discussed dredging plans.

Huntington Reservation waterfront planning

2010-08-27T03:13:33Z

Cleveland Metroparks officials and consultants are continuing work on the Huntington Reservation Shoreline Management Plan. The Metroparks hosted a public meeting in June and will hold a second on September 21 at Bay Village City Hall. The work is partially funded by an ODNR coastal management grant.

Berea zoning code overhaul

2010-08-27T02:49:23Z

Berea officials are preparing to embark on a review and rewrite of the City's zoning code. The City hired consultant Jay Stewart to help guide the process.

Solon political action committee

2010-08-27T02:36:48Z

A group of Solon residents formed Solon Citizens Against Rezoning to oppose the proposed rezoning of a property at the southeast corner of SOM Center and Miles roads.

Grant applications

2010-08-26T03:58:43Z

A coalition of 20 Northeast Ohio stakeholders submitted an application for a regional planning grant from the federal Sustainable Communities Initiative. Meanwhile, the Ohio Department of Transportation filed $259 million in grant requests through the federal TIGER II program, including a request for $12.3 million to develop a statewide electric vehicle readiness plan. None of the 12 projects are specific to Cuyahoga County.

Summer ozone levels

2010-08-26T03:58:23Z

This summer's hot weather has led to more days with poor air quality. There have been 11 ozone action days in Northeast Ohio so far this year, compared to three in 2009. There have also been three days with elevated particulate levels.

John Carney and the Port Authority

2010-08-26T03:51:52Z

In this week's issue of Scene, Michael Roberts revisits the history of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority's fruitless lakefront planning efforts. He attributes many of the problems to the machinations of board member John Carney.

GRC groundbreaking

2010-08-26T03:42:10Z

NASA's Glenn Research Center will break ground for its new Centralized Office Building on Friday. The LEED silver building is the centerpiece of the campus master plan. NASA Chief Technologist Robert Braun said that Glenn's future is bright.

Update: the News Sun has additional information.

Artistic board-ups

2010-08-26T03:24:48Z

Cleveland Housing Court started a pilot project to paint boarded-up windows and doors of vacant houses so that they blend into their neighborhoods.

More Rivergate Park grants

2010-08-26T03:09:46Z

The Cleveland Rowing Foundation announced two additional gifts for its planned seven-acre Rivergate Park in the Flats. The owners of the former marina lowered the purchase price from $3.2 million to $3 million. A mid-September closing is planned.

Update: Gmail creator Paul Buchheit also made a contribution.

RPI discussion

2010-08-26T02:49:00Z

Tuesday's Sound of Ideas program on WCPN featured a spirited debate about municipal revenue sharing and the 16-county Regional Prosperity Initiative. The guests were Medina County Commissioner Stephen Hambley, Aurora Mayor Lynn McGill, and Professor Tom Bier, who recently wrote an op-ed about ideas for improving Northeast Ohio's older cities.

Nike Missile Site CL-59

2010-08-26T01:20:24Z

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed its environmental investigation of the site of the former Nike missile base on the Tri-C West campus in Parma Heights. The proposed plan recommends (PDF) no further action at the location. A public meeting was held on Tuesday, and the public comment period is open until September 4.

More than a bridge

2010-08-26T01:03:27Z

In a Plain Dealer op-ed, Kevin Cronin describes what bicycle and pedestrian advocates have learned in the debate over plans for the new Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland. He concludes that "it's not about a bridge, it's about a process, it's about livability and it's about people being counted."

Tudor Arms renovations

2010-08-21T00:05:25Z

Steven Litt toured the Tudor Arms building at Carnegie Avenue and East 107th Street. The University Circle landmark is currently under renovation, and is scheduled to reopen next year as a Doubletree Hotel.

Convention center plans approved

2010-08-20T21:51:22Z

The Cleveland City Planning Commission today approved preliminary plans for the new downtown Cleveland convention center under Malls B and C. Members have not voted on plans for the adjoining Medical Mart.

Master plan approval ordinance

2010-08-20T21:44:34Z

On Monday, Broadview Heights City Council is scheduled to vote on whether to approve the recently-completed Broadview Heights Town Center Master Plan (PDF).

Casino land deal

2010-08-20T03:58:13Z

Forest City Enterprises and Rock Gaming reached agreements regarding sites for the planned downtown Cleveland casino. Rock Gaming will purchase 16 acres and air rights behind Tower City Center, and the two parties agreed to a multiyear lease of space in the Higbee Building. Financial terms were not disclosed.

New foreclosure research

2010-08-20T03:56:59Z

Richard M. Todd of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis examined residential foreclosure trends for non-owner-occupied properties in Cuyahoga County. Building upon research conducted by Case Western Reserve University, he concluded that "the incidence of non-occupant foreclosures in Cuyahoga County was very high by national standards and was even higher for loans to minority borrowers made by non-local lenders in low-cost, low-income, minority neighborhoods" for loans originated in 2005–2006.

(via the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland)

Towpath Trail thoughts

2010-08-20T03:54:33Z

WKSU's Kabir Bhatia spoke with planners and potential users of the planned Towpath Trail extension through Cleveland.

Bicycling in the Heights

2010-08-20T03:44:36Z

Members of the new Cleveland Heights Bicycle Coalition asked Cleveland Heights City Council to make the City more sustainable and bicycle-friendly, and to paint sharrows on five of the City's busier streets. They also presented a 500-signature petition.

Solon retail redevelopment remains stalled

2010-08-20T03:19:10Z

Operators of Solar Shopping Center still intend to proceed with stalled redevelopment plans, but some members of Solon City Council do not share their optimism.

Condominium construction

2010-08-20T02:37:39Z

The Chagrin Falls Architectural Board of Review approved preliminary designs for the townhouses in the proposed River Walk development on West Orange Street. In Rocky River, construction continues on the Eleven River luxury condominiums.

Hunting Valley zoning

2010-08-20T02:12:50Z

In response to a lawsuit filed by a group of residents, the Village of Hunting Valley may create an institutional zoning classification. It would be applied to Case's Squire Valleevue Farm and the University School campus.

NEORSD stormwater program indefinitely delayed

2010-08-19T03:45:58Z

Because of the unresolved legal challenge, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District indefinitely delayed implementing its stormwater management program and impervious surface fee. The sewer district's board approved the program in January. It was initially scheduled to begin in July, and was later postponed until October. Sewer district officials hope to start the program later this year.

Broadband ARRA grants announced

2010-08-19T03:20:14Z

Cleveland's OneCommunity received a $44.8 million federal stimulus grant to expand its fiber optic network in 27 Northeast Ohio counties. The award will fund 64% of a nearly $70 million project that will add about 1,000 miles of new cable, including 111 miles in Cuyahoga County.

Another look at the Ohio City Farm

2010-08-19T03:03:58Z

NEOtropolis visited the new Ohio City Farm in Cleveland. Host Jennifer Boresz called it "a fantastic idea."

Dueling aquarium proposals

2010-08-19T02:41:08Z

This week's issue of Scene looks at the three competing concepts for a new aquarium in Cleveland.

Six Berea buildings razed

2010-08-19T02:27:17Z

The City of Berea and the Cuyahoga County Land Bank are demolishing the former Williams Ford complex on Front Street. It is the Land Bank's first project on a commercial site. The City hopes to eventually redevelop the area as a mixed-use district.

New state park to open

2010-08-19T01:17:46Z

Wingfoot Lake State Park, Ohio's newest state park, will open to the public on August 27. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife purchased the park and lake in Portage County's Suffield Township from Goodyear for $3.2 million in June 2009.

Lakewood planning events

2010-08-18T21:16:04Z

The City of Lakewood continues to gather public input on community planning initiatives, and recently held the second public work session for the Clifton Boulevard Enhancement Project. On August 21, a Birdtown Madison Community Action public meeting will take place.

Update: the Sun Post-Herald summarized the Clifton Boulevard work session.

Update 2: about 50 people attended the August 21 event. The City will hold two more community meetings.

Remembering Botzum

2010-08-18T20:35:17Z

The Akron Beacon Journal relates the history of Botzum, a former unincorporated village in northern Summit County's Cuyahoga Valley.

Technology Center nears approval

2010-08-18T20:20:22Z

Construction of the Cleveland Clinic's $15 million Independence Technology Center expansion could begin as early as next month.

FirstEnergy scales back

2010-08-14T03:59:46Z

Citing reduced demand and proposed federal regulations, FirstEnergy announced plans to reduce operations at four of its smaller coal-fired power plants in Ohio. The changes include plans (PDF) to temporarily idle the Lakeshore Plant in Cleveland and to operate the Eastlake Plant only during the summer and winter.

ODNR trails grants

2010-08-14T03:24:43Z

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources awarded $8.29 million in Clean Ohio Trails Fund grants (PDF), including $468,000 to the Cleveland Metroparks for the West Creek Greenway, $350,000 to the City of Euclid for a Lake Erie waterfront trail and $88,524 to ParkWorks for the Lake Link Trail in Cleveland. ODNR also awarded $1.87 million in grants from its Recreational Trails Program, which includes $150,000 (PDF) for the trail in Euclid.

Update: the News-Herald has more information about Euclid's plans.

More ODOT criticism

2010-08-13T22:02:52Z

A Plain Dealer editorial criticizes the quality of the proposed designs for the new Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland, saying that "all three proposals from prospective design-build teams are in keeping with the department's narrow vision of what can and should be accomplished here." Meanwhile, Mandy Metcalf detailed her concerns about ODOT's plans for the east end of the West Shoreway reconfiguration in Ohio City.

Housing restitution hearing

2010-08-13T21:25:56Z

At yesterday's Cleveland Housing Court hearing, three neighbors of a neglected house in Cleveland filed restitution claims. The City of Cleveland also filed a claim.

Casino development agreement

2010-08-13T21:08:52Z

Rock Gaming, LLC and Harrah's Entertainment reached a preliminary agreement on a joint venture to develop and operate downtown casinos in Cleveland and Cincinnati. Las Vegas-based Harrah's would manage the casinos.

West Shore Corridor consultant

2010-08-13T20:47:36Z

The West Shore Commuter Rail Task Force named Jeanette Corlett McGovern of MAC Development Associates as an adviser for a study of the proposed passenger rail line between Cleveland and Sandusky.

Fixing CSOs in Great Lakes cities

2010-08-11T20:43:17Z

Turning the Tide (PDF), a new report from the Healing Our Waters Campaign, says that between January 2009 and January 2010, combined sewer overflows in Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Gary, and Milwaukee discharged 41 billion gallons of untreated sewage and stormwater into the Great Lakes. The report recommends upgrading sewer systems and increasing implementation of green infrastructure techniques, and calls on Congress to fund the improvements.

Rising interest in urban agriculture

2010-08-11T20:14:35Z

This week's issue of Scene looks at the growth of the urban agriculture and local foods movements in Cleveland. The Northeast Ohio Local Food System Assessment is calculating the economic impacts of shifting to local food.

The importance of good design

2010-08-11T19:54:11Z

Urban design in Cleveland was the subject of Tuesday's Sound of Ideas program on WCPN. The guests, including CPC director Paul Alsenas, discussed plans for the Innerbelt Bridge, MOCA's new building, and the new convention center.

Update: panelists on Channel 3's Between the Lines also discussed the Innerbelt Bridge and convention center plans.

Restitution in Housing Court

2010-08-11T19:38:46Z

This morning, NPR's Morning Edition aired a report from Cleveland about Judge Pianka's plans to hold restitution hearings (PDF) for neighbors of neglected houses.

The Medical Center Company permitting

2010-08-11T19:07:41Z

The nonprofit utility that provides power to institutions in University Circle is seeking a permit renewal for its coal-fired power plant. Members of the Sierra Club and other environmental groups oppose the permit, and stated their opinions at a public meeting (PDF) yesterday. The company intends to complete a plan by the end of 2011 for how it will become a coal-free operation. The Ohio EPA posted the draft permit (PDF).

Update: a final decision could take several months.

Innerbelt Bridge proposals

2010-08-07T03:54:47Z

The Ohio Department of Transportation revealed renderings of the three proposals for the new Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland. Each of the designs developed by the competing design-build teams calls for a steel girder bridge supported by concrete piers. ODOT is accepting public comments through August 15. Steven Litt was critical of the designs and the planning process, and said that "ODOT has come up with several profoundly ho-hum options for one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the state's history."