since my first posting way way back in the fall of 2004, i've taken rather long hiatus and look at what has happened in the life of neo pedestrians!
nothing.
yet.
but hope certainly permeates the air as two new developments with nearly one thousand units between are nearing construction. they have the potential to change the walkability of our downtown over the next 5 years. wolstein's east bank and zaremba's avenue district.
a refocused and slowly awakening Cleveland State University is determined to build a university worthy of it's namesake with promises of a walkable and aesthetically pleasing downtown campus this renwed spirit is evidenced in the parking master plan which proposes the eventual consolidation of 25 acres (30% of CSU's campus) of surface parking to 7.5 acres of structured parking. as CSU practices residential development, the euclid corridor promises connectivity btwn dwntwn and univ circle while Midtown (hopefully) begins to implement its pedestrian friendly zoning overlay. the exciting options surrounding downtown's burgeoning enterntainment hub @ e.4th st. and the arcades should finally begin to connect the gateway district with the warehouse district. all that stands in the way are a few acres of parking lots and word on the street say "mr. crocker park" may just have a fix for that as well. and don't forget all the entreprenurial muster happening on the near east side in our own little asia.
2010 should indeed bring a very different downtown environment for walkers, strollers, cyclists, and hopefully families. the pieces of the puzzle are gradually beginning to fit together.
our Regional Tranist Authority, on the other hand, hasn't changed much, though it has been forced to spread out the same amount of service to an ever sprawling populace. density is certainly a precursor for mass transit.
however, consider the facts from the perspective of a rider:
still frustrating to learn new bus routes (how about maps in/on the bus?)
still not utilizing available technology (announcinng stops sure would be nice)
still not providing riders with expectations (please exit through the rear door)
hence, still an inferior public transit system
what gives?
how will we ever have a truly connected city with an inferior (it's their mindset, i swear) public transit system? what can we do to fix it? aside from attending and voiceing your opinion at the monthly (open to the public) volunteer action committee meetings (VAC), i'm not quite sure....but stay tuned.
also, good conversation on transit happening at REALneo
1 comment:
Thanks for voting for Ohio City/Cleveland on my Best City Poll for Northeast Ohio. I'm glad to see someone recognizing Cleveland itself! You're right, Cleveland has much to offer and is seeing a delightful change. Many of my out of town clients ask about Tremont/Ohio City. The interest is growing, I hope to keep it strong with whatever help I can offer. Thanks again for the vote! Walk on! =) - I loved the Ipod post.
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