If you could add one thing to Lakewood What Would it Be?

[Lynn Farris]

Maryann,



Lake Forest had a cliff similar to ours. I gave Councilman Fitzgerald a video on how they reclaimed the cliff and built a beach and a marina. There obviously was some engineering involved, but the results are spectacular. The project occurred not too long ago.



We have attended Jr. Olympic events there among other events and while the values of the average home is higher than ours, it is a city that I think we should be considering as a model. They have used the architecture of the period and talked retailers into fitting into their style, rather than changing the city to fit into a McMall style.



Thanks for the clarifications on Tommy's. Maybe we can still coax them to build over here.

[Mark Crnolatas]

While we're adding to the suggestion box of ideas, here is another point.

Ever try to get a cup of coffee or have a meeting without going to a bar, after 11pm during the early part of the week in Lkwd? If anyone knows of a spot I missed, let me know. As I mentioned a couple of times at another forum, that Berea Rd, could be a great place to add some restaurants, quaint stores, cobblestone walks, and such, much like the French Quarter in Columbus, was, at any rate. (Havn't been there in awhile).



Idea 2) A "Lakewood Transit". SAFE public transportation within the boundaries of Lakewood ONLY, using smaller vehicles than a RTA bus.

These vehicles could transverse more city streets and cover more areas than just the main streets RTA does. Make that available 24 hrs. also.



Idea 3) We need more parking everywhere we can find, make or get it. I once owned a business on Madison, across from the old Lenards, currantly the Titanic. Ever notice how many of those small storefront businesses in that area come and go? On street parking isn't enough. Basic rule, location location location. While I did pretty well in that spot, as the shop became busier, I started losing clients due to lack of parking. I sold the business at a profit luckily, but the new owners had to re-locate to grow further. I think you all get the gist of this story.



Idea 3b) Let's NOT ignore Madison Ave. It has great potential in many wayws too. Think in terms from Warren & Madison and going west, both sides of Madison down to Rocky River Dr.

That strip serves a significant part of Lkwd. Alot of the residents in that half of Lakewood goes into Cleveland to spend their money.

Needed: A drug Store, supermarket, alot of what's on Detroit as there USED to be, but now there isn't.



To be continued.

[Lynn Farris]

Mark, great ideas.



1) IHOP should serve you, I think. But your point is well taken. The French Quarter died in Columbus for some reason. But for a moment there, I was thinking of Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter of New Orleans where you can sit in the middle of the night on the Mississippi and have cafe au lait and beignets. (I think I spelled Beignets correctly.) With all this talk about developing the Lake Front, I thought what a wonderful thing to do on a summer night.



2) At one time they talked about bringing trolley cars to Lakewood - or at least motorized versions of them. They were replaced with the community repsonsive transit because they were better for handicapped people. However, you can get trolleys that are handicapped accessible I believe and that would solve the parking issue, by replacing it with what was there before plus add loads of charm.



3) I agree with you about Madison. There are some charming buildings down towards West 117th. But it does need attention too.

[Mark Crnolatas]

General information. With a phone call to IHOP, they informed me they close at 11pm weeknights. Are we a city without coffee after 11pm?

[Stan Austin]

Mark--- You're pretty much righ. The only all nighter is the restaurant on W.117 by the RR tracks. (I forget the name).



Or the BP at Warren and Madison you can get gas with your coffee

[Lynn Farris]

I'm sorry, Mark. I worked for IHOP through HS and college and we were always open at least until midnight and 2 on the weekends. Then we were open 24 hours. I just assumed ... and you know the story about assumed.

[Mark Crnolatas]

Lynn, I was "on the road" for a long time, and IHOPs were always 24 hrs.

This one must be one of the exceptions. If we are going to hold our own as an independent and intend on being a re-born city, we should eliminate the "Lakewood rolls up the sidewalks before midnight" image.

[Stephen Calhoun]

If I could add one thing to Lakewood it would be vehicles for amplifying civic intelligence never realized by any community ever before in urban history.



Hoping here for a critical mass that would revolutionize how a community come to know what's possible, and, from within the context of substantial emancipation of all the orders of intelligence, would then be able to imagine, plan, implement, and realize possibilities from profound intentions, rather than superficial intentions.



undermine ideology

elevate creative relationship



"the only left to do, is to do"

[Mark Crnolatas]

We need a 24/7 volunteer or paid group of well experienced nurses that their sole job is to answer phone questions about newborns, and first time parents.

The type of questions where there is nothing " too simple to ask".



There is NOTHING more frustrating, than a precious little one who is totally dependant on you, doing something and you don't know what or how to handle it. I'm not referring to the obvious things that the hospitals and pediatricians all mention.

You all who have been in this position know what I am referring to.



I hope someone can or will step up to the plate on this one.

[Ruthie Koenigsmark]

Parking
Restaurants w/outdoor seating
Additional Community Events that extend to each corner of the city(like the Jazz fest in N. Orleans or the FÃÂ

[Lynn Farris]

Good news, maybe. It is my understanding that Harry Buffalo will be putting in an out door patio next to us. Like you, I think the idea of outdoor dining is really nice and the plans look attractive.

However, and it is big, the neighbors are very concerned. This bar is open until 2:00 and they have had problems with noise and unruly behavior. They are concerned that the patio will cause the problems to be worse. The noise will come into their homes all night long and they will never get to sleep again at a decent hour.

My suggestion had been to hold the bars to the same noise ordinances that citizens are held to. We can't swim for example after 10:00 because of the noise. Could they ask the bar owners not to use the patios after 10:00 so the residential neighborhoods that abut them can sleep at night too?

I think this can be a win/win situation if everyone looks out for each other.