Lakewood's 5th Ward

[Jim O'Bryan]

Over the past 4 years I have mentioned and even joked with other about liberating Ward 18 and a little more from the city of Cleveland and making



Jay Westbrook, Councilman for Lakewood's Ward 5.

The plan as it is drawn out in backrooms and on movie scrips, is we grab W45th to the lake and south to 5 lots south Madison Avenue.

As Cleveland is trying to manage decline, and as Lakewood is in desperate need of more space, and for some reason unwilling to take a good look at the Peninsula, let's grab Ward 18.

Here is what was written in the Atlantic back in 1995.
http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/95oct/rybczyns.htm


Found while cleaning computer.


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[chris richards]

Why does Lakewood need more space? What would we do with it? As I see it, we already have many vacant store fronts, plenty of houses for sale and in foreclosure.

I'd like to know what hypothetical good adding that land to Lakewood would do.

As for the Peninsula, while it's nice to look at on paper, I think the costs would be too great to actually produce it. Not only that, but the environmental disturbance it would cause in our area of Lake Erie. Here's a nice article http://audubonmagazine.org/incite/incite0711.html

[Jim O'Bryan]

Chris

One reason is we need to build a new jail, that some are saying could take up a block or more.

Also the "need" for big box stores, access to the lake, water rights etc.

As for the peninsula, it would cost far less to build than it is worth. Cost estimates from the Army Corp of Engineers was under $50 million, and Bob Stark said the property would easily be worth $250-$300 million. He did suggest more acres, would be better.

Also some funding was available at the time for building and the study.

I will read the Link in a bit, it would be interesting to see what they say.


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[chris richards]

Huh, I thought there would be more discussion about this topic. It's really intriguing, even though I don't think the city of Cleveland would go for it since they continue to push toward regionalism.

As for the peninsula, I would want to see a study on the possible environmental impact it would make. If it is as financially feasible as you say, then it should seriously be looked at.

I was struck off guard this election season, not realizing underwater private property rights (issue 3) was going to be on the ballot. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't hear more about it, and surprised there were not activist groups speak against it.

And I'll leave this post by restating that I don't believe Lakewood needs big box stores within it's boundaries. Especially when there are already plenty all around us. But that's just me.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Huh, I thought there would be more discussion about this topic. It's really intriguing, even though I don't think the city of Cleveland would go for it since they continue to push toward regionalism.

Of course Cleveland pushes for regionalism, it saves their ass a little.

Check this piece out.

http://www.slate.com/id/2129636/?nav=navoa

You will be shocked to see Cleveland mentioned as a prime example of a city that needs to shed land space.

For art's sake i think it should be more dramatic, a small war and border skirmish by the Rockport Militia.

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[dl meckes]

Are we taking Gordon Square?

[Jim O'Bryan]

Are we taking Gordon Square?

you bet.

Villa Zapata's

and the water treatment plant too!

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[Ruthie Koenigsmark]

slightly off course...........

I think we need to reconfigure our wards for better representation for our neighborhoods. Lets take bird town instance, wouldn't it be great for them to have someone who lived in the neighborhood representing their interests??? I dunno know...just a thought...

R