The Observation Deck

Joan and Ken

When I first heard about the issue, I'll admit, I thought turning the Shoreway into a Boulevard sounded appealing.....and even though I use the Shorewy frequently, I wasn't too concerned over the added time factor. But I can see where now, my vision was clouded by the exact mind set identified by Joan...if its good for Cleveland, it must be good for Lakewood.....

The mere hope of development spillover is not a peg on which I'll hang my hat, especially when those being displaced will be knocking on our door. I never thought about in those terms. But, there's only so many "urban pioneers" willing to live along Chester, where vacant land to develope abounds. There's no doubt a great many more who would go for a Lakefront view, even if it means displacing the entire Detroit-SHoreway neighborhood. So, I'm changing my vote (if I had one).

But I should point out Joan, that as far as the Brown's stadium and the Jake are concerned, Lakewood got some real spin offs. I mean there was Jose Mesa using Lakewood Motels and Jeff Garcia patronizing Lakewood bars.

Jeff

Out of curiosity I checked out the Odot website at www.innerbelt.org/lakefrontwest to find out some more about the reasoning behind this proposal. While this is only a surface observation, I thought their goals were interesting.
1. Satisfy purpose & needs
Balance east/west movement with north/south multi-modal access to Lakefront and adjacent neighborhoods.
Improve non-motorized travel along the Lakefront
Provide access to adjoining sites to promote development
2. Accomodate pedestrians and bicycles
3. Consider funding and maintenance
4. Consider effects on adjacent infrastructure and facilities
5. Design infrastructure as art.

When it comes down to it I question the benefits of the argument that Cleveland is trying to stick it to us. Questioning the logistics and if this proposal will effectively and efficiently accomplish their objectives seems to be a more welcome approach that may produce better results.

Shawn Juris wrote:Out of curiosity I checked out the Odot website at www.innerbelt.org/lakefrontwest to find out some more about the reasoning behind this proposal. While this is only a surface observation, I thought their goals were interesting.
1. Satisfy purpose & needs
Balance east/west movement with north/south multi-modal access to Lakefront and adjacent neighborhoods.
Improve non-motorized travel along the Lakefront
Provide access to adjoining sites to promote development
2. Accomodate pedestrians and bicycles
3. Consider funding and maintenance
4. Consider effects on adjacent infrastructure and facilities
5. Design infrastructure as art.

When it comes down to it I question the benefits of the argument that Cleveland is trying to stick it to us. Questioning the logistics and if this proposal will effectively and efficiently accomplish their objectives seems to be a more welcome approach that may produce better results.

They're very nice, warm, and fuzzy goals. And truly, I have nothing against the city of Cleveland. I want everyone to leave in peace and fulfilllment. And the phrase "design infrastructure as art" arouses sensations I am embarrassed to acknowledge in public.

But I find it disingenous that nowhere in this blueprint for Sausalito-on-Erie does it mention "big expensive lakefront condos", which is really the only motivation. Do you have any idea what those new ones ALREADY sell for, compared to the average Lakewood working stiffs' frame house?

I should temper my comment about Cleveland money and politics "screwing Lakewood" because the reality is, they truly don't know we exist, other than as cartoon characters from "Suburbia".. According to them, everyone past 117th is lightng their fireplaces withi $100 bills while we dine on caviar and chilled champagne.

Does the city of Cleveland really care if the kids at Max Hayes can go eat their lunchtime sandwiches on a lakefront picnic bench?

Look, if John Doe buys a house near the Lakewood tracks then bellyaches about the noise, I'm the first to point out if he didn't notice the choo-choos when he signed the papers, hes got no gripe.

But likewise, if you settled in Lakewood (particularly northern/eastern Lakewood) because you wanted a quick commute and spend more time with your familiy, Cleveland changing the rules post facto (remember Lakewood has NO voice in this) just seems wrong.

Just wrong.