Streetscape in Front Of the Renovated Baiiley Building

[sharon kinsella]

Beautiful, free form mosaic planters in staggered sizes. Grid type benches, lovely bus shelter with drawings in an abstract style and a bike rack that almost looks sculptural.

Then go down the street to the block with the Root Cafe, peer in, or go in to this homey, well designed space. Then there is a spa with stunning statuary and beautifully upholstered chairs, the always lovely Lion and Blue and on to Record Exchange where all these artsy types recycle their toons and get more. Pass the dancing orange chipmunk (please don't look at the Drug Mart Plaza but look on the South side of the street at our award winning Lakewood Library.

Somehow, none of this reminds me of that Main Street design that was rolled out a couple of years ago.

Whatever is going on, it's good.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Sorry, camera finally let me down after 200,000 shutter clicks! New one is here so getting
caught up on some loose ends.

















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[Stan Austin]

WOW--- I'm watching the Ed Sullivan Rock and Roll stuff on WVIZ from the '60s and now I'm seeing a whole new Baily's looking just as hip and cool as WIXY 1260.

He he, let's see if anybody can relate

[Jim DeVito]

Sorry Stan. You got me there As far as the new street scape goes. Looks like the concrete and metal version of ikea vomited on the sidewalk. Not saying it looks bad. Just seems out of place looking.... Maybe with time it will grow on me.

[sharon kinsella]

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Ikea does not do mosaic.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Ikea does not do mosaic.

Sharon

While I am not familiar with Ikea, art is always in the eye of the beholder.

I would suggest everyone stop down and look for themselves, the photos do not do the installation justice.

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[Bryan Schwegler]

I'm just hoping the city plans to carry some of the momentum to the rest of the stops, benches, and bike racks. It's sorely needed.

[Jim O'Bryan]

I'm just hoping the city plans to carry some of the momentum to the rest of the stops, benches, and bike racks. It's sorely needed.

Bryan

Carrying the big MO from this past year is desperately needed but will get tougher as the word is still another
$4 million in cuts needed. It will be an interesting year, the VAL came out with another great idea which is
being written up, and submitted to the new Mayor after the first of the year.

Like any household in this economy, are we comfortable right now? What do we really need? Do our plans match
tomorrow's economy or are we stuck in mind sets from 10 years ago? 20 years ago? 50 years ago? We need
to continue the MO and build self esteem.

.

[Bryan Schwegler]

I'm just hoping the city plans to carry some of the momentum to the rest of the stops, benches, and bike racks. It's sorely needed.

Bryan

Carrying the big MO from this past year is desperately needed but will get tougher as the word is still another
$4 million in cuts needed. It will be an interesting year, the VAL came out with another great idea which is
being written up, and submitted to the new Mayor after the first of the year.

Like any household in this economy, are we comfortable right now? What do we really need? Do our plans match
tomorrow's economy or are we stuck in mind sets from 10 years ago? 20 years ago? 50 years ago? We need
to continue the MO and build self esteem.

.

Can't wait to hear what you came up with.

There's always creative ways to make big things happen.

[Bill Call]

Cities don't have to be ugly. I like the new look. On the other hand downtown also needs tenants.

Sakura has moved to Westlake leaving the Drug Mart Plaza 50% vacant. The owners of the plaza are $1 million behind in property taxes. There has to be an opportunity there somewhere.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Can't wait to hear what you came up with.

There's always creative ways to make big things happen.

Bryan

I always hate going into detail about Visionary Alignment for Lakewood Programs, because they are built on
a ton of hard work, vetting, studying, and finally implementation. We feel they are cutting edge programs to such
an extent, that others could copy and beat us to the punch. 8 years ago, The Observer was a project that was
cutting edge, demanding real names, civic journalism, owning words, hyper local. 8 years ago, vague concepts,
today, the norm to such a level that most cities have many projects going on.

So after months of discussion and studying: Market this walkable city, with parks and central districts, new
libraries and great schools to the visually impaired. No city is currently doing that, that are good law abiding
people that would welcome a friendly city like Lakewood. Heavily subsidize. A win, win, win, win for Lakewood.

How we do it is very easy and quite amazing. The VAL at work.

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