Author Topic: Cleveland: Old Brooklyn Neighborhood Discussion (Read 64464 times)

musky · « **on:** August 13, 2007, 04:25:03 PM »

Discussion thread for the Old Brooklyn neighborhood.

JeffreyT · « **Reply #1 on:** August 13, 2007, 05:21:43 PM »

Where I grew up

KJP · « **Reply #2 on:** August 15, 2007, 11:16:08 PM »

Continuing from the demolitions thread in Projects/Construction....

Malley's is a great idea. What other family-oriented businesses could be located in downtown Old Brooklyn to capitalize on the proximity of the zoo?

Theo's should do more advertising. I'll do my part with the word-of-mouth variety of advertising.... Had a burger at Theo's about a year ago. If I remember right, it was one of the best burgers I'd had in a long time.

jar3232 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 15, 2007, 11:35:30 PM »

I would like to see the old go kart place turned into a little park or community area/square...I think just cleaning up that corner could do a lot for downtown...and put lot of "Cleveland Only" type places down there...A Hotsauce Williams, sylmans, Whatever the best pizza place is in Cleveland...A mini GLBC bar...A really nice pierogi dinner/coffee joint...A reallllllly good hot dog shop...A sonic (They advertise around here enough, about time we get one)...stuff like that...Wouldn't be bad to get a Cleveland memorabilia store like the one in the arcade in one of those storefronts...

Memphis has a ton of bars, don't think downtown need a bunch more...

cd-cleveland · « **Reply #4 on:** August 16, 2007, 07:32:46 AM »

I would guess that the go kart place is pretty dirty. And the view of the valley isn't the best from that site with all of the junk industry down there...otherwise, I'd suggest a nice patio overlooking the valley. Why doesn't the city or OBCDC push some of those property owners to do something?

MyTwoSense · « **Reply #5 on:** August 16, 2007, 07:52:46 AM »

Quote from: cd-Cleveland on August 16, 2007, 07:32:46 AM

I would guess that the go kart place is pretty dirty. And the view of the valley isn't the best from that site with all of the junk industry down there...otherwise, I'd suggest a nice patio overlooking the valley. Why doesn't the city or OBCDC push some of those property owners to do something?

Are you on your community board or in good standing with them? You have good ideas, maybe your joining could be the catalyst for change?

Have a relationship with your councilperson? Contacting his office again could be a catalyst for change. Bring others in your neighborhood that are vocal and care.

Sometimes all it takes is one person to get the ball rolling.

musky · « **Reply #6 on:** August 16, 2007, 09:24:22 AM »

There was talk of putting a starbucks, or something similar in the old burger joint across the street from the go cart place a few years ago, but was decide the ability of traffic to get in and out of from the south of the street does was not marketable.

lewarctj · « **Reply #7 on:** August 16, 2007, 09:31:25 AM »

This is just perception, so please don't jump all over me if I'm off base. My perception of "downtown" OB being neglected is the fact that OB is one of the most stable areas of Cleveland, as far as housing stock and % of homeowners.

It is my hunch that directing city money to a "stable" neighborhood to redevelop the commercial areas have been difficult to obtain. You look at where money is being invested in the City and it is in some of the more historically neglected neighborhoods which have resulted in some significant improvements in those areas (Ohio City, Tremont, Detroit Shoreway, etc.).

Unfortunately, it has taken a long time for the City to realize that it must focus significant resources on keeping the nice/stable areas of the City "nice and stable" so that those residents with means to leave, don't leave. I see the redevelopment of Kamms Corner/Westpark as the first shift towards this...and I hope OB is next.

Old Brooklyn is split between two wards 15/16 with half of downtown OB in both of those wards. I would hope that the combined strength of Cummins and Kelley could help turn it around. Maybe demolishing some of these long-neglected buildings is a start.

musky · « **Reply #8 on:** August 16, 2007, 09:39:03 AM »

First big story for the new thread:

Quote

Datacore Relocates Its Headquarters from Independence to Cleveland

Cleveland -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release- Cleveland, OH – July 26, 2007

Datacore relocates its headquarters from Independence to Cleveland.– Datacore Consulting, a premier Managed Service Provider, is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Corporate Service Center.

The recent addition to Datacore’s facilities is located in the heart of Cleveland, just minutes away from all four of Cleveland’s major highways. Datacore’s team of engineers will now be able to service a wider array of markets with a 50% quicker response time.

Posted on:
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 12:08 PM

http://cleveland.dbusinessnews.com/shownews.php?newsid=129789&type_news=latest

KJP · « **Reply #9 on:** August 16, 2007, 09:44:51 AM »

The press release doesn't say anything about Old Brooklyn. How do we know that's where it's going?

musky · « **Reply #10 on:** August 16, 2007, 09:51:24 AM »

Because I am dummy and forgot to add to the post that I called and asked where they are moving.
4861 Broadview Avenue.

Sorry

MayDay · « **Reply #11 on:** August 16, 2007, 09:59:04 AM »

"It is my hunch that directing city money to a "stable" neighborhood to redevelop the commercial areas have been difficult to obtain."

You're not too far off base - I don't have a lot of the details, but acquiring funds to redevelop a blighted area are much easier to obtain than funds to stabilize an already stable area. It's not always in the City's hands, though - a lot of available funds (especially anything from the feds) have certain restrictions about what can and can't be done.

8ShadesofGray · « **Reply #12 on:** August 16, 2007, 10:11:01 AM »

All I recall along these lines is the typology that Cleveland recently used to determine how to concentrate its community development dollars. The rationale that came out of this analysis was that the city's dollars would be best used in transitional, emerging, etc. neighborhoods, rather than those that were most distressed and those that were most stable. Some dollars are being spread citywide (I think neighborhoods across the city are eligible for "Model Block" funds), but the majority of funds will go to those neighborhoods that are successfully building on their amenities but who are not strong enough yet to rely exclusively on private investment. As the city's sole neighborhood to earn the "Choice Neighborhood" typology, I think it's unlikely that they will be getting a substantial portion of the funds the city doles out. That being said, the city accounts for only a portion of the funds available to neighborhoods. Still, I think OB will be relying heavily on private investments at this point.

Anyone have any news on the housing developments that were slated for that area? I seem to recall housing development on either side of the bridge by the zoo, as well as one adjacent to a church (name escapes me).

cd-cleveland · « **Reply #13 on:** August 16, 2007, 12:54:39 PM »

Excellent explanation, 8Shades! Just to clarify a couple of items...

Quote from: 8ShadesofGray on August 16, 2007, 10:11:01 AM

The rationale that came out of this analysis was that the city's dollars would be best used in transitional, emerging, etc. neighborhoods, rather than those that were most distressed and those that were most stable.

I'm looking at a spreadsheet of the Model Blocks that have been awarded, and OBCDC received $20k for two of its Model Blocks (Marvin Av in Clark-Fulton and Spokane Av in OB). I think this has to do with either 1) OBCDC doesn't really do development, or 2) there aren't enough vacant and abandoned properties that warrant the full $120k (revolving loan) for acquisition. Collinwood & Nottingham CDC also received $20k for "home repair rebates" for residents. Other CDCs, even ones serving fragile and distressed neighborhoods, received $80k-$120k for rebates and acquisition.

All Model Blocks had to possess an anchor upon which the neighborhood could be built. And the program only addresses residential properties.

Mayday, I think you're on target with the blight. I don't know the full details, but different project applications from the state and feds that I've completed award points based on if the census tract is of a certain income level or is in a blight area.

cd-cleveland · « **Reply #14 on:** August 16, 2007, 12:58:53 PM »

Anyone have renderings of the Treadway Connector from OB to the Towpath? Musky?

KJP · « **Reply #15 on:** August 16, 2007, 03:41:28 PM »

Quote from: 8ShadesofGray on August 16, 2007, 10:11:01 AM

Anyone have any news on the housing developments that were slated for that area? I seem to recall housing development on either side of the bridge by the zoo, as well as one adjacent to a church (name escapes me).

The housing redevelopment on the south side of the Pearl Road bridge is the Krather Building and the one on the north side is in the Masonic Building. I regret to say I have not reported on those projects in a while and have no updates on them (EDIT: BBCDC says renovation work is continuing on the Krather Building). But the Krather Building is owned and being redeveloped by the owner of Yorktown Lanes. The Masonic Building is being redeveloped by Marous Brothers.

Was the one next to the church the redevelopment of the RTA Brooklyn Bus Garage? If so, that's still VERY early in the process.

jar3232 · « **Reply #16 on:** August 16, 2007, 03:44:08 PM »

Quote

Was the one next to the church the redevelopment of the RTA Brooklyn Bus Garage? If so, that's still VERY early in the process.

In the process of, if you don't mind me asking...

KJP · « **Reply #17 on:** August 16, 2007, 03:45:49 PM »

Another update: The Krather Building is for sale!!

http://www.progressiveurban.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?view_details.x=1&mls=2373429&current_page=1&OfficeName=Progressive+Urban+Real+Estate&searchtype=Search_PURE_Listings&listcount=&sort=&resolution=

List Price: $675,000

4138 Pearl Rd.
Cleveland, oh, 44109

MLS Number: 2373429
Offered By: Progressive Urban Real Estate

Historic H. Krather Building!

Historic H. Krather bldg located in the heart of Old Brooklyn. 3 storefronts plus 2nd & 3rd flrs. Attached annex as well as stone-block outbuilding. Additional rear lots for parking. Full basement. Phase I & Phase II completed. In process of re-hab. Many of the major repairs completed. Downtown views.

Property Features

Square Footage: 21,005

cd-cleveland · « **Reply #18 on:** August 16, 2007, 06:30:34 PM »

^ That's great news. Hopefully something can be done with the entire wedge up to the library, especially that old Scorchers.

I love that site for housing. It's only a short walk from the library, shopping, and Deaconess. It's hard for me to envision retail with all of the vacancy along Pearl, State, and Broadview. From experience, a lot of local businesses who would want to locate on the street can't afford the rent of a new-construction building, and the nationals who can afford the rent don't necessarily want to be on the street!

Hopefully OBCDC and the Councilman Kelley allows the community to offer input on the project and plan.

KTM · « **Reply #19 on:** August 16, 2007, 09:12:24 PM »

There is 11 acres of land for sale on Spring Road, Just off of I-176 exit/entrance. I looked into the property and the asking price is $800,000. That was the end of my conversation. I wonder what that piece of land will turn into....

musky · « **Reply #20 on:** August 16, 2007, 09:59:35 PM »

For now, it will turn into what it is - a construction debris land fill.

cd-cleveland · « **Reply #21 on:** August 17, 2007, 08:23:04 AM »

Quote from: KTM on August 16, 2007, 09:12:24 PM

There is 11 acres of land for sale on Spring Road, Just off of I-176 exit/entrance. I looked into the property and the asking price is $800,000. That was the end of my conversation. I wonder what that piece of land will turn into....

Are you referring to the property east of the I-176 on the north side of Spring or that on the west side south of Spring?

On the former, I've seen people take ATVs and bikes down there. I guess it's set up like a stunt track (or whatever the term is for it). I've only seen construction storage at the NW corner of Spring and Jennings where Foghorn Leghorn has been hanged.

DanB · « **Reply #22 on:** August 17, 2007, 11:13:10 AM »

Go see Earl,
Out on Pearl,
If you want a good deal
on an Oldsmobile!

jpop · « **Reply #23 on:** August 17, 2007, 11:47:20 AM »

Hahaha

I grew up in Old Brooklyn. I need to swing by there again .. it's been years. I grew up in a house on Bader Avenue that was just a couple houses down from the house that exploded a few years back because of a gas leak. We moved before that happened, but it was definitely surreal seeing it on the news.

JeffreyT · « **Reply #24 on:** August 17, 2007, 11:48:27 AM »

I played softball at Loew for many many years.

jpop · « **Reply #25 on:** August 17, 2007, 11:51:37 AM »

Sigh. Went to school at William Rainey Harper. Oh, the memories. I wonder if the neighborhood has changed much.

DanB · « **Reply #26 on:** August 17, 2007, 12:20:54 PM »

My uncle and his brother owned Dawning Pharmacy on the corner of Ruby and State. Actually started out across the street on the corner of Dawning.

I worked there in high school in the late 60's. Wonderful neighborhood at the time, started going downhill in the 70's. The store had large glass windows which were broken on numerous occasions. He finally had to replace them with Lexan, which would get scratched and cloudy. There was a gang that hung out at the school across the street which was the cause of most of the problems. Finally, wasn't worthwhile staying in business there and he retired.

musky · « **Reply #27 on:** August 29, 2007, 09:18:43 AM »

Old Brooklyn News:

Quote

Real estate changes coming to
Brooklyn Centre and Old Brooklyn

by Lynette Filips
lynettef@oldbrooklyn.com

Change — and potential change — is underway at a number of sites in our neighborhood. Memphis School, of course, has been demolished (to the delight of some folks and the distress of others). But nothing definitive has yet been announced for that parcel of land.

After being closed for just over a year, early last month the Brooklyn YMCA building (on the northeast side of the Brooklyn-
Brighton Bridge), was sold to a non-profit group called the Pearl Community Investment Corp. Inc. They purchased it for $125,000. This will “bear watching”, because the YMCA is one of the largest child care providers in Northeast Ohio and the new owners are working with the Y to resume some of their programs by this fall/winter.

The last potential for major change involves the block of Broadview Rd. on the southeast corner of Searsdale Ave. Fifth Third Bank is pursuing an option to purchase the property, and has until mid-October to decide what they will do. At this point in time, Fifth Third is midway in the due diligence phase of the process — investigating environmental concerns, obtaining approval from the City, getting regulatory approval, and dealing with all the other contingencies they’d have to satisfy before they could decide to close on the parcel and build a new branch.

No doubt future editions of the Old Brooklyn News will have more to say about all these topics.

jar3232 · « **Reply #28 on:** August 29, 2007, 08:43:39 PM »

Does anyone know when the next ward meetings is? I have been looking around this internet thing, but have yet to find it...Sorry for the stupid question, but I seriously can not find it anywhere...

MyTwoSense · « **Reply #29 on:** August 29, 2007, 09:13:50 PM »

What is that ward 15?

Try the Cleveland City Council internet site
www.clevelandcitycouncil.org/Home/CouncilMembers/FindMyWard/tabid/53/Default.aspx