The Observation Deck

Photos from the 04.12.07 Field Trip (00485) to Parma, Steelyard Commons and Lakewood have been posted in the Photo Galleries.

http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/jim-obryan/field-trip-00485-parma-lakewood-steelyard-commons

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By coincidence....

One of my kids has soccer practice over in Independence. Last Thursday I took my bike, and biked north on the Towpath Trail while she practiced. Usually I go south. My goal was to get to Steelyard Commons, as I thought they had put the trail thru there. But I was stopped at Harvard. Later I learned that the 3/4 mile stretch from Harvard to the south end of Steelyard Commons won't be done until 2010.

The six or so miles of the trail from Rockside to Harvard is an interesting trip. Even though it pretty much winds thru Cleveland, because it's in the valley it's fairly natural in most spots. Then you come upon sights that are pure urban/industrial, like those big oil storage facilities, railways, overpasses, the very south end of Cleveland Works, a big landfill with little methane pipes sticking out, stuff like that. There's some good picture-taking down there and not everyone can get there, so next time I'll take my camera and snap some.

JOB / "Proof" Readers-Viewers


MOST of pics are MIS-identified as to LOCATION .

Would / should expect better from LO and/or photographer -pix taker ?

Just as Lakewood is NOT Rocky River or Fairview Park or Kamms Corner or West Cleveland

so also

Parma is NOT Parma Hts etc


DJ Kampe - Parma

Dennis J Kampe wrote:JOB / "Proof" Readers-Viewers

Parma is NOT Parma Hts etc


DJ Kampe - Parma

Dr. Kampe

Do you remember the name of that development? I wish we had your number would of grabbed you for the insight on the community.

"Parma is NOT Parma Hts etc"

Are you sure?


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Jim and Dennis,

OK boys, let's call a truce to this Lakewood-Parma thing.

I've had a foot in each 'burb, for more years than I probably can pull out of a hat; having taught in one, and lived in the other.

I feel honored to have been a part of both communities.

For those unaware, the Parma City School District comprises the communities of Parma, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills. Those are fantastic places where citizens enjoy their homes and neighborhoods, much as we do in Lakewood. These communities, along with Lakewood, comprise four bright, diverse and outstanding facets of the Cuyahoga County "diamond".

Their schools strive for excellence year after year. Although a much larger district than Lakewood's, the Parma City School District is very much a quality organization that I feel very fortunate to have been a part of.

The Parma Memorial Day Parade is also a sight to behold. The community really pulls together with an admirable spirit!

I really wish we could get to know our surrounding suburbs better. (as they need to know about us) We all bring good stuff to the table.

JOB

Project is still called Cornerstone at Pearl Rd + W130 th. Much more info via Google - Cornerstone Parma Heights

As I recall ( and my brain cells rapidly dying ) local "Parma" real estate couple with major community ties issued millions in shares for Cornerstone development project . Construction delays , new monies needed , co-mingling of funds etc lead to guilty plea to fraud for couple and shut down of project for past 2-3 years as per your pixs

Then Blame finger pointed toward various P Hts politicians and other civic leaders in addition to couple . Since securities involved both Cuy Courts and State Ohio got involved

1st County auction and winner defaulted at $10M offer . Again finger pointing then 2nd auction and winner will modify original semi completed construction . Pols also want to expand lot size to include additional businesses just south of Cornerstone on Pearl Rd

Pretty much a "what can go wrong - will or has already "

re your offer to check/confirm "Parma" activities - at best Kampe an interested observer who reads PD and SunPost , occasionally attend council meetings and has/will "comment on things" be it your/our buddy denny and/or other shared Lwood - Parma shared / common things

However unlike you and as per our earlier e-mails LO not in my top 1 or 2 or 3 things to do . Apparently being "anal retentive" and a scientist- I strive toward correctness and facts not opinions

Finally - am only Kampe - Parma in open listings of Phone Book so if I win the Million dollar LO Tee shirt , I can be contacted or item mailed .

re Gary Rice observations - IMO electronic LO operates much differently than typical regular newspaper Letters to editor column . and although JOB claims to be just a submitter , I and a few others ( non Dem Non Lwood ) have complained that some like JOB are more equal than others. As such and considering my above comments - I resist commenting on Lwood doing like elections , Lwood schools and police matters except when/if me (Parma) are also directly involved . Thus our differences of opinions on the present Ohio-10 Congressional REPRESENTative .

Sorry - too long winded but easier to type than type edit retype etc.

Dennis J Kampe wrote:JOB

Project is still called Cornerstone at Pearl Rd + W130 th. Much more info via Google - Cornerstone Parma Heights

As I recall ( and my brain cells rapidly dying ) local "Parma" real estate couple with major community ties issued millions in shares for Cornerstone development project . Construction delays , new monies needed , co-mingling of funds etc lead to guilty plea to fraud for couple and shut down of project for past 2-3 years as per your pixs

Then Blame finger pointed toward various P Hts politicians and other civic leaders in addition to couple . Since securities involved both Cuy Courts and State Ohio got involved

1st County auction and winner defaulted at $10M offer . Again finger pointing then 2nd auction and winner will modify original semi completed construction . Pols also want to expand lot size to include additional businesses just south of Cornerstone on Pearl Rd

Pretty much a "what can go wrong - will or has already "

Dr DK(wow same intials!)

Making corrections as I input.

Thanks for the story. The only reason I was curious is people have asked in the past what happens when a developer fails? We had uncovered some information about a developer who was going to work in Lakewood, that had defaulted on Shaker Square, almost the exact amount we were going to pay them up front. Other information indicates the mayor of Cleveland held back filing charges against them until after a vote in Lakewood on the Lakewood development. As if Cleveland was willing to wait for the developers to get our money, so they could finish Shaker Square and default on Lakewood!



Dennis, thanks for the information.

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JOB

Sounds like the same script . re developer , major project , monies up front , direct/indirect mayoral involvement , default / shady dealings - only final chapter to be written


re DJK: Dennis J Kampe 61 (7/45) - Dennis J Kucinich 60 (10/46)

so I and only I am the ORIGINAL DJK

Dennis J Kampe wrote:JOB

Sounds like the same script . re developer , major project , monies up front , direct/indirect mayoral involvement , default / shady dealings - only final chapter to be written


re DJK: Dennis J Kampe 61 (7/45) - Dennis J Kucinich 60 (10/46)

so I and only I am the ORIGINAL DJK

Dr. Kampe

I can respect that, now I understand the outrage.

What is so very troubling is as my homies and I travel around the country, we are seeing more and more unscrupulous developers, ready to sell magic beans to any city dumb enough to buy in.

I applaud our Mayor on no-abatement. The madness has to stop.

What is even scarier, is the number of city Re-Development Snake Oil sales people that we run in to. It would is like the new way to make fast cash. All cities in trouble, tell them some single event or thing will save their cities and rebuild.

It is like the cities of America are desperate to help that poor Nigerian prince that needs to hid 25 million in your bank account because he might need it later.

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I’ve been following the “Claire’s Follyâ€Â