On Cleveland's lakefront Many would think a city nicknamed the home of rock and roll would be bustling with activity. On the contrary, Cleveland, Ohio, primarily the lakefront area, is a ghost town and quite unpleasant after dark. This area needs a nightlife landscape to bring in visitors and people from the outside communities. City planners are once again meeting and deliberating about the future landscape in this section of the city. The controversy stems from the lack of development and activity in the area. There is minimal housing available on the lakefront, and downtown attractions standing solo with no activity around them. The city planners want to take away even more activity from the area by planting trees rather than constructing buildings. Whatever the planners decide, it will impact the city and surrounding communities. Cleveland is in desperate need of a facelift and city planners should open their eyes. The current lakefront area consists mainly of concrete, concrete, and more concrete. Burke Lakefront Airport occupies more than 12,000 feet of prime lakefront property. This area should be used for housing or attractions.

The airport caters only to small private and corporate planes which are not generating enough income to make an impact. This particular area of the lakefront is adjacent to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The area would be ideal to build restaurants and concert clubs to keep with the rock and roll atmosphere. Instead, the city is entertaining the idea of a boardwalk lined with trees and park benches. What purpose will these serve to those seeking a lively nightlife? Housing is another lacking backbone on the lakefront. Cleveland�s industrial past has enabled the city to turn a handful of lakefront warehouses into lofts and apartments. The rent is not affordable and there are not options to buy. There needs to be a balance with renters and homeowners in the city to ensure growth and commitment. The option to purchase these properties would be vital to ensure loyalty and growth to the area. In addition, tax abatements should be offered to those who invest in the properties as an incentive. Another hot topic is the waterfront. Presently, the lakefront is home to several marinas which have also become targets of the new improvement plans. Most of the lakefront's six privately held boat clubs and marinas are members-only, nonprofit ventures that operate under leases on city- or state-owned land. Most are long-time fixtures. Keep in mind; these marinas are in area far away from the 12,000 feet of potential lakefront property taken up by an unprofitable airport. The city claims the views of the water are being restricted due to the private clubs in these areas and are seriously considering eliminating the present marinas. What about the views Burke Lakefront Airport is blocking? The marinas are being used by citizens of the city. The airport is giving scenic views of the water to corporate business people who fly out of the city as fast as they flew in. The marinas should stay since they are staples of the community and do draw large crowds. In general, the plans are not well-thought out and do not involve the input of those business currently on the lakefront. Change is needed, but not with already established attractions. The long-term success and implementation of the plans must include input of those present business and the patrons. The city needs to let the plans go to a vote. This could be accomplished through questionnaires, surveys, or meetings held throughout the city. Webster�s defines a city as: an inhabited place of greater size, population, or importance. Cleveland�s lakefront has the potential of being an important part in the cities growth in population and size. The only way for this to take place is for the planners to build on what the lakefront already has. The planners must take into consideration what revenue would be generated by the plans to ensure the city continues to grow. Bring more housing, restaurants, clubs and activities; the people are sure to come. Clevelanders; get out and let your voice be heard!
from Cool Cleveland reader Deb Drobnick sugaree330@yahoo.com (:divend:)