Jim Blockside's Solstice Steps?

[Jim O'Bryan]

In 2009 Planning Director Nate Kelly asked employees to send in 3 ideas to Make Lakewood Better. Ideas came in including some from the Demolition Man for Dept. of Community Development, Jim Blocksidge.

Like many Lakewood employees, he gave more than asked for. He gave three answers and a bonus...

From a City of Lakewood document dated 10/12/2009

"#4 BONUS ANSWER!!!!!!! (no charge)
Get rid of that god awful rusted chain link fence that is part of the view of the lake from any point in Lakewood Park.
Why not terrace the whole northern extremity of the park to create an unobstructed view of the lake. The terraces would then create natural seating to watch sunsets etc..
Radically trim the trees at the eastern edge to take advantage of the dramatic views of the Cleveland skyline. Right not junk overgrown foliage blocks the views in two directions. I'm sure some genius can figure out how to trim trees without destabilizing hillsides.
Swap the location of the baseball field for a re-designed concert amphitheater so that people listening to concerts can enjoy a view of the lake and sunsets."

And included some photos from Brooklyn Bridge Park. He had just taken them while visiting his son in New York.





When the current Planning Director and crew landed in their positions he wanted some splash, and Jim once again mentioned the Brooklyn Bridge Park Steps, and was assured that nothing like that would happen in Lakewood, this would be different this would be better. Dru then sent out a request for $25,000 in plans, that came back looking like the Brooklyn Bridge Steps.

Jim reward, after 12 years working for the City was hurried out the door. Massive turnovers in the building department. Some of our best workers have left early. We have been talking with them and have some great look backs in Lakewood's history, but this story seemed important to get out, as so many have asked, "Where did the idea for the Solstice Steps come from?"

Jim thanks for giving the city the idea at no charge, and thank you for your 12 years of service to Lakewood.

Stay tuned, more insight into Planning and Development from people with over 75 years working for the City.

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[Bridget Conant]

That seems to be the MO for current city administrators and politicians. Take credit for anything good, whether they had anything to do with it or not.

Case in point - Summers claiming he's responsible for all of the "new business" in downtown. A lot of it had literally nothing to do with him or City Hall and would have happened no matter WHO was in office.

But when businesses close or leave, it's "Who, me?"

[Lori Allen _]

Bridget,

Summers talks about new businesses and jobs in Lakewood. How can you compare the wages of a clerk or bartender to hospitals professionals? Summers says that keeping the hospital open will cost taxpayers money. Actually, I think it is the other way around. I invite him to come on the deck and explain to all of us how he plans on making up the revenue we will loose from the loss of the payroll taxes from 1500 hospital jobs. No leader is ever perfect, but, you have a right to brag about the good things you have done, but, you have to come clean, and own your mistakes.

[Paul Schrimpf]

Ugh.

[cameron karslake]

Hey, how come they have hand rails in Brooklyn but not here in Lakewood? Is this public project handicapped accessible? Aren't all publicly funded projects such as this supposed be ADA compliant? Where does this project stand in regards to the ADA?

Oh yeah, and thanks Jim!

[Corey Rossen]

Hey, how come they have hand rails in Brooklyn but not here in Lakewood? Is this public project handicapped accessible? Aren't all publicly funded projects such as this supposed be ADA compliant? Where does this project stand in regards to the ADA?

Oh yeah, and thanks Jim!

Just a guess...but just like stadiums and arenas, not all levels have to be wheelchair accessible. Are any levels of the Solstice Steps accessible by wheelchair, I haven't been down there yet?

Corey

[Marguerite Harkness]

They are all wheelchair-accessible.
Bumpety-Chunkety-Bumpety-Chunkety-Bumpety-Chunkety-Bumpety . . . SPLASH!

[Stan Austin]

LFD water rescue!!

[cameron karslake]

Just a guess...but just like stadiums and arenas, not all levels have to be wheelchair accessible. Are any levels of the Solstice Steps accessible by wheelchair, I haven't been down there yet?

Corey[/quote]

From what I've been able to see, only the very top level, with access from the running path, and the very bottom level, with access from the switchback ramp, will be accessible to wheelchairs. Anywhere else on the steps would be a challenge, to say the least, for a wheelchair.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Having lunch with Jim tomorrow, story will be updated.

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[todd vainisi]

Folks, I don't understand all the bagging on this project on the deck. Why is everyone so against it and down on it? Is there something I'm missing? Okay, so this fellow that had this idea a 4 years ago isn't being given credit for his idea of copying someone's idea in New York. And forgive me, that person in New York doesn't get credit for coming up with the idea of improving the waterfront either - this occurs to all people who live in or visit a city where the waterfront is yucky. It occurred to me immediately upon moving to Lakewood in 1997 and seeing a chain link fence trying to keep me away from the water ('why is this fence here?' i thought, 'oh because the steep hill on the other side is not maintained and looks forgotten about, gee, i guess i'll just stay here in this grass covered in duck poop...') Shouldn't Summers get credit for taking action?

This is a fantastic development for Lakewood Park, even better than the skate park, and it's for everyone (and in regards to wheel chairs, I'd say it's still better than a rusted chain link fence, at least a person in a wheelchair can enjoy the view).

[Michael Deneen]

In my opinion, the Steps are fine (although some legitimate safety concerns have been raised).

However:
*They aren't a substitute for maintaining our neighborhood parks, which have been neglected. Not to mention the basketball situation.
*They CERTAINLY aren't a substitute for the hospital and its 1,100 jobs.
*Tomorrow's event is a blatant campaign event. It's timed to coincide with the election.
Keep in mind, these are the people that have given us fake phone polls and a fake newspaper.

[Dan Alaimo]

In my opinion, the Steps are fine (although some legitimate safety concerns have been raised).

However:
*They aren't a substitute for maintaining our neighborhood parks, which have been neglected. Not to mention the basketball situation.
*They CERTAINLY aren't a substitute for the hospital and its 1,100 jobs.
*Tomorrow's event is a blatant campaign event. It's timed to coincide with the election.
Keep in mind, these are the people that have given us fake phone polls and a fake newspaper.

When I had that very uncomfortable call with the incumbent mayor over the basketball courts and he said at the end he would withhold money from Kauffman because Kauffman Park Friends would not endorse his plan, he said - punitively - that money would be used for other parks. Now I know what he was talking about.

[Bridget Conant]

People need to know this side of Summers - a bully, vindictive, and manipulative.

[Jim O'Bryan]

When I had that very uncomfortable call with the incumbent mayor over the basketball courts and he said at the end he would withhold money from Kauffman because Kauffman Park Friends would not endorse his plan, he said - punitively - that money would be used for other parks. Now I know what he was talking about.

Dan

So much more will come out about the steps, actually many things, but people are waiting until after the election.

It is seriously way past, "please save the city the embarrassment..."


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