Announcement of Public Meetings "Listening Tour", December 12, 2014.
Announcement of Listening Tours, December 10, 2014.
See - Link to Department of Justice Documentation
Executive Summary (English and Spanish), a Table of Contentsformatted for quick reference and full copy of the Department of Justice Investigation Report of the Cleveland Division of Police issued December 4, 2014; and, the the Joint Statement of Principles executed December 2, 2014.
NOTE: Documents formatted and presented by Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Statements on the Department of Justice and Cleveland Policing
U.S. Justice findings, the need for accountability and change in leadership
Cleveland, Ohio - The U. S. Department of Justice has released their investigation report that concludes, “the Cleveland Division of Police engages in a pattern or practice of the use of excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment.”
The report describes a pattern of excessive use of deadly force including shootings and head strikes with impact weapons; excessive force against persons who are mentally ill; and, employment of poor and dangerous tactics that place officers in situations where avoidable force becomes inevitable and places officers and civilians at unnecessary risk.
The scathing report follows the recent tragic deaths of Tanesha Anderson and Tamir Rice and comes two years after the car chase and shooting deaths of Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams.
Mayor Frank Jackson is credited for requesting an investigation in late December 2012. However, his request came on the heels of pressure from community organizations that sent a letter to the Department of Justice asking for an investigation weeks earlier.
Now, two years later, after 58 pages of details and growing protests, the Mayor’s response has been insufficient. The gravity of the report, the police department’s history with problems of excessive force, and the city’s inability to improve oversight and management require stronger actions.
The Mayor should heed the calls from the public to have Safety Director Michael McGrath, Chief of Police Calvin Williams and Martin Flask, Assistant to the Mayor for Special Projects, step down from their posts.
Director McGrath and Assistant Flask (former Safety Director) both retired in 2010 and 2001, respectively then were re-hired by the city in a practice known as “double-dipping.” McGrath first joined the force in 1981 and Flask in 1973.
Calvin Williams has served as Chief since February of this year. He previously held the second most powerful position in the Department, as Deputy Chief of Field Operations beginning in 2011, and he entered the Command staff as Third District Commander in 2006. Williams joined the force in 1986.
All three received promotions in February with no competitive process, in the middle of the Justice investigation. The timing of their promotions and their continued leadership of the Public Safety and Division of Police is troubling and an example of an entrenched administration that is reluctant to change.
Their presence reflects a broken and dysfunctional system of government, a system lacking accountability. One that allows “double-dipping” by retired chiefs, directors and others to stay on, often stifling creativity, new ideas, and opportunities for innovation and substantive change.
The same system has also allowed officers to move up through the ranks without having to take promotional tests, skipping over several ranks on the ascent to command positions. Combined, these practices undermine respect for the command staff and send the wrong message to the rank and file – that political loyalty can trump new ideas and innovation that are unlikely to be welcomed by supervisors or the brass.
Without change at the top, Mayor Jackson is stuck in a position of denial of the severity of the Justice findings. By not holding the command staff accountable, the Mayor risks losing credibility and jeopardizes the process of community reconciliation and re-building of trust and cooperation required for community-centered policing.
The problems described in the Justice report signify troubles with the deep-rooted culture of the Division of Police and is reflective of other divisions of city government. A culture that places value on trust and loyalty above competency and accountability; a pattern of behavior that maintains and manages status quo systems while reacting to problems, as opposed to developing and rewarding talent and being proactive in adopting new technologies and modern best practices.
In addition to troubles within the Division of Police, there are significant problems within the leadership and management of the Division of Fire. There are strained relations with unions and the 2010 announced integration of Fire and EMS is stalled, compounding Public Safety challenges.
Throughout the past year there has been a strong feeling of a city on the rise, with major development projects happening downtown. Several neighborhoods are seeing great gains; we achieved a renewed commitment to our young students and public school system; and, as a result, witnessed an increase in civic pride. Consider the important preparations and management of the RNC convention in 2016 and all that it will bring.
There is great risk now of losing momentum and credibility, along with jeopardizing the hope of re-building trust and collaboration between our residents and safety forces.
Without strong confidence in city government we will not move forward at a pace that is competitive with other regions and world-class cities. As someone once said, a leader must lead, follow or get out of the way.
The future – Community Policing Commission, bias-free policing and a community centered policing strategy
There is a pressing need to turn our attention to the hard work we need to do to ensure substantive change in the way our police and citizens interact in ensuring our communities are safe for all. Here are three things that should be given serious consideration in how we move forward in negotiating and implementing a consent decree agreement with the Department of Justice.
Community Policing Commission
In 2012, Seattle Washington’s City Council and Mayor enacted legislation to form a Community Policing Commission to be a vehicle by which a diverse representation of community members could be joined together to shape and influence the negotiations and implementation of the Seattle consent agreement. Cleveland needs to follow that best practice and learn from cities like Seattle and Cincinnati how trust and collaboration can be re-built between the police and residents.
Bias Free Policing
Bias Free Policing is a strategy and policy that requires a police offer to make decisions based on reasonable suspicion and grounds rather than stereotypes. Biased-based policing is when a police officer is motivated by characteristics of a protected class of people under state, federal and local laws, as well as other characteristics to include but not be limited to:
- Age
- Disability status
- Economic status
- Familial status
- Gender
- Gender Identity
- Homelessness
- Mental illness
- National origin
- Political ideology
- Race, ethnicity, or color
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Use of a motorcycle or motorcycle‐related paraphernalia
- Veteran status
Community Centered Policing
Across the nation police misconduct has eroded public trust and with tight budgets and layoffs Cleveland’s Division of Police did away with police mini-stations and other tools that were used for community policing. There are some good initiatives and programs that the city of Cleveland’s Community Policing Unit is engaged in, but a Community Centered Policing strategy goes further to develop proactive policies and uses technology and organizing to ensure deep involvement and connections are made between the police and members of our diverse community.
Ref: PolicyLink Resources on Community-Centered Policing Strategies for Advocates and Organizers
Monday, December 8, 2014
Investigation of the Cleveland Division of Police - Investigation Report and Related Documents
The following are the Executive Summary (English and Spanish), a Table of Contents formatted for quick reference and full copy of the Department of Justice Investigation Report of the Cleveland Division of Police issued December 4, 2014; and, the the Joint Statement of Principles executed December 2, 2014.
DOJ Table of Contents - Letter & Investigation, Cleveland Division of Police 12.04.2014 by Brian Cummins
The full report -
DOJ Cleveland Division of Police Findings Letter, Investigation, 12.04.2014 by Brian Cummins
DOJ Table of Contents - Letter & Investigation, Cleveland Division of Police 12.04.2014 by Brian Cummins
The full report -
DOJ Cleveland Division of Police Findings Letter, Investigation, 12.04.2014 by Brian Cummins
Monday, November 17, 2014
NuCLEus project - initial project overview presented to Council, preliminary legislation approved for title transfers
Today, Cleveland City Council heard and approved this evening Ordinance No. 1410-14 in a joint hearing of the Development, Planning and Sustainability and Finance Committees. The legislation was introduced last month. The ordinance authorizes the City to acquire and re-convey properties presently owned by Gateway Huron LLC for purposes of entering into the chain of title prior to the adoption of tax increment financing legislation.
The project's conceptual plan passed the Cleveland Planning Commission on November 7th. Today's Council hearing and approval is a preliminary step with additional design and financing details to be introduced for future hearings.
In summary the project is a collaboration of Stark Enterprises and J-Dek Investments Ltd. of Solon, It is estimated to represent an investment of between $250 - 350 million. The major components or uses are represented in the diagram above. It would be located primarily on two blocks sandwiched by Prospect Avenue and Huron Road, just north of the Q and east of East 4th Street.
Preliminary plans for financing include passage of a non-school Tax Increment Financing that is estimated to generate between $10 to 15 million. In addition, there are media reports of other potential funding that could include Casino funds that could be authorized by the County as well as other funding from the City's Vacant Property Initiative. See the media reports referenced below.
Project Site: Stark Enterprises, NuCLEus, 501 High Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115
Media Coverage:
The project's conceptual plan passed the Cleveland Planning Commission on November 7th. Today's Council hearing and approval is a preliminary step with additional design and financing details to be introduced for future hearings.
 |
| A colored diagram shows the general shape, or "massing" of the proposed nuCLEus development in downtown Cleveland, and the arrangement of uses within the project. Source: Stark Enterprises of Cleveland and J-Dek Investments Ltd. of Solon |
In summary the project is a collaboration of Stark Enterprises and J-Dek Investments Ltd. of Solon, It is estimated to represent an investment of between $250 - 350 million. The major components or uses are represented in the diagram above. It would be located primarily on two blocks sandwiched by Prospect Avenue and Huron Road, just north of the Q and east of East 4th Street.
Preliminary plans for financing include passage of a non-school Tax Increment Financing that is estimated to generate between $10 to 15 million. In addition, there are media reports of other potential funding that could include Casino funds that could be authorized by the County as well as other funding from the City's Vacant Property Initiative. See the media reports referenced below.
Project Site: Stark Enterprises, NuCLEus, 501 High Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115
Media Coverage:
- So Good to be Attacked by Flaks. By Roldo Bartimole, The Cleveland Leader, 11/17/2014.
- CLE Matters, A nuCLEus of grandeur? By Brian Tucker, 11/17/2014
- Enter nuCLEus: The Massive Downtown Development Project of the Hour. By Eric Sandy, Cleveland Scene, 11/7/2014. Stark and J-Dek's nuCLEus project wins unanimous conceptual approval from Cleveland planning commission. By Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer, 11/7/2014.
- Stark Enterprises seeks early approvals for 'nuCLEus,' large mixed-use project near The Q. By Michelle Jarboe McFee, The Plain Dealer, 11/5/2014.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Nov. 13th Public Meeting - Design Concepts for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge Malls to the Lakefront
There will be a public meeting regarding Design Concepts for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge Malls to the Lakefront from 6:00 - 7:30 pm on Thursday, Nov. 13, in the County Council chambers on the fourth floor of the county administration building, 2079 East 9th Street, Cleveland, Ohio.
For in-depth coverage of the project see the following article as well as the Group Plan Commission site. The announcement and presentation provided last week to the County are provided below.
City, county seek public response to three concepts for lakefront pedestrian bridge,
Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer, 11.06.2014.
Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer, 11.06.2014.
Related post:
Redevelopment of Public Square, Malls B, C and the Construction of a new Pedestrian & Bicycle Bridge, Brian Cummins 09.17.04
Redevelopment of Public Square, Malls B, C and the Construction of a new Pedestrian & Bicycle Bridge, Brian Cummins 09.17.04
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Nov. 12th U. S. Army Corps of Engineers information session - Harshaw Chemical Company FUSRAP Site
The following is a public notice and information regarding a meeting scheduled Wednesday, November 12th.
Who: Special Projects Branch, Environmental Project Management Team, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1776 Niagara Street, Buffalo, NY 14207, 1-800-833-6390.
What: Public Meeting, Information/Poster Session regarding the Harshaw Chemical Company Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) Site and the upcoming deconstruction of Building G-1 to allow further investigation of the groundwater at the site.
When: Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Where: Double Tree by Hilton, 6200 Quarry Lane, Independence, Ohio 44131.
Why: See information below, and refer to the Army Corps' web site for this project.
Also see the related EPA site:
BASF Corporation [Region 5 Cleanup Sites]
October Q& A document -
Who: Special Projects Branch, Environmental Project Management Team, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1776 Niagara Street, Buffalo, NY 14207, 1-800-833-6390.
What: Public Meeting, Information/Poster Session regarding the Harshaw Chemical Company Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) Site and the upcoming deconstruction of Building G-1 to allow further investigation of the groundwater at the site.
When: Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Where: Double Tree by Hilton, 6200 Quarry Lane, Independence, Ohio 44131.
Why: See information below, and refer to the Army Corps' web site for this project.
Also see the related EPA site:
BASF Corporation [Region 5 Cleanup Sites]
October Q& A document -
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Information regarding photo enforcement of traffic laws - Vote NO on Issue 35
The following information clarifies the City of Cleveland's use of photo traffic enforcement technology.
Based on the facts of the program reducing collisions and increasing safety, I urge voters to VOTE NO on Issue 35 on Tuesday, November 4th.
If there are any questions or you or your organization would like to sign on as supporters for defeating Issue 35 please feel free to contact me at brianjcummins@clevelandcitycouncil.org.
Save a Life, Vote No on Issue 35
See below the fact sheet for additional information.
Additional information:
In 2013 the City renewed its Automated Photo Enforcement Contract with Xerox. This renewal allowed the City to place additional photo enforced cameras at those previously identified intersections from the NOACA report as well as intersections identified from the City’s Computer Aided Dispatch Calls for Accidents report, Citizens and Council members. A 16-hour video analysis was completed at each site before any photo enforced equipment was installed.
Regarding the timing of Yellow traffic signal lights
As of 2011 (and with a compliance deadline of 2014), states are required to adopt the National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). These guidelines address how yellow light timing durations are set, which may help resolve some of the arguments by motorists claiming they were cited for going through intersections with unreasonably quick yellow lights. Per federal regulations, tickets are issued only if the driver enters the intersection once the light has turned red.
In Cleveland, following national best practices, the yellow traffic light phase has been extended to all intersections with photo enforcement equipment. The yellow time’s for all of the city of Cleveland's red light photo enforcement cameras are generally around 4 – 4.3 seconds.
Total citations issued and revenue received for the photo enforcement program. Note that as indicated in FACT 2. The number of collisions and tickets issued has declined since the program was initiated.
Elaborating on - 1. FACT: The program places a priority on high crash intersections and major arterial streets and has proven to reduce collisions and improve safety. 80% percent of Cleveland’s traffic safety cameras are in use at high crash intersections or on major arterial corridors that have been identified to be high speed and crash areas. REF: 2007 and 2009 Crash Reports from The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency
The following streets are the main corridors where photo enforcement cameras are being utilized:
References:
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency
* 2009 Crash Report; * 2007 Crash Report
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, February 1, 2011.
Q & A - Red light running- Camera enforcement works to curb this dangerous behavior.
March 2014, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Automated Enforcement Myths
Michele Fields, J.D., Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, March 2001
States using red light and speed cameras
Red light running, Camera enforcement works to curb this dangerous behavior.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Automated enforcement, October 2014
Speeding and Red Light Camera Tickets
FindLaw
Excerpt -
Federal Law & Regulation
"...In a 2008 appeal to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, car owners in Chicago claimed the city's red light camera system violated the equal protection and due process clauses of the 14th Amendment. They received a $90 citation in the mail for running a red light (someone else had been driving their car at the time).
The federal judges ruled against the appellants, stating the following in their opinion:
"No one has a fundamental right to run a red light or avoid being seen by a camera on a public street."
Therefore, federal courts have affirmed the right of municipalities to use speeding and red light cameras. Additionally, lawsuits challenging the use of private companies to operate red light cameras have been dismissed or defeated..."
Institute responds to criticism of red light camera research
Status Report, Vol. 47, No. 3 | April 12, 2012, ,
Excerpt -
Red light running is a serious traffic safety problem that kills about 700 people and injures an additional 130,000 each year. Solid, published research by the Institute and other experts demonstrates that red light cameras save lives.
Based on the facts of the program reducing collisions and increasing safety, I urge voters to VOTE NO on Issue 35 on Tuesday, November 4th.
If there are any questions or you or your organization would like to sign on as supporters for defeating Issue 35 please feel free to contact me at brianjcummins@clevelandcitycouncil.org.
Save a Life, Vote No on Issue 35
See below the fact sheet for additional information.
Additional information:
In 2013 the City renewed its Automated Photo Enforcement Contract with Xerox. This renewal allowed the City to place additional photo enforced cameras at those previously identified intersections from the NOACA report as well as intersections identified from the City’s Computer Aided Dispatch Calls for Accidents report, Citizens and Council members. A 16-hour video analysis was completed at each site before any photo enforced equipment was installed.
Regarding the timing of Yellow traffic signal lights
As of 2011 (and with a compliance deadline of 2014), states are required to adopt the National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). These guidelines address how yellow light timing durations are set, which may help resolve some of the arguments by motorists claiming they were cited for going through intersections with unreasonably quick yellow lights. Per federal regulations, tickets are issued only if the driver enters the intersection once the light has turned red.
In Cleveland, following national best practices, the yellow traffic light phase has been extended to all intersections with photo enforcement equipment. The yellow time’s for all of the city of Cleveland's red light photo enforcement cameras are generally around 4 – 4.3 seconds.
Total citations issued and revenue received for the photo enforcement program. Note that as indicated in FACT 2. The number of collisions and tickets issued has declined since the program was initiated.
Elaborating on - 1. FACT: The program places a priority on high crash intersections and major arterial streets and has proven to reduce collisions and improve safety. 80% percent of Cleveland’s traffic safety cameras are in use at high crash intersections or on major arterial corridors that have been identified to be high speed and crash areas. REF: 2007 and 2009 Crash Reports from The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency
The following streets are the main corridors where photo enforcement cameras are being utilized:
- Carnegie Avenue
- Cedar Avenue
- Chester Avenue
- Clark Avenue
- East 105th
- East 55th Street
- Euclid Avenue
- Harvard Avenue
- Lee Road
- Martin Luther King
- Pearl Road
- Shaker Boulevard
- St. Clair Avenue
- West 65th Street
- West Boulevard
- Woodland Avenue
Pertaining to - 11. FACT: The photo enforcement program is carried out in a fair, public and transparent manner to serve as a strong deterrent to violating traffic laws.
The City of Cleveland puts out public notices of where portable photo enforcement units are being deployed. Public notices are sent out through press releases and posted on the City's blog - http://clecityhall.com. Here are the current locations of the portable photo enforcement cameras. Area block clubs, civic groups, and Council members can request locations to be covered by calling the City's Traffic Enforcement Division at 216-664.
All camera locations, (fixed and mobile) are listed and mapped at this link.
The City of Cleveland puts out public notices of where portable photo enforcement units are being deployed. Public notices are sent out through press releases and posted on the City's blog - http://clecityhall.com. Here are the current locations of the portable photo enforcement cameras. Area block clubs, civic groups, and Council members can request locations to be covered by calling the City's Traffic Enforcement Division at 216-664.
All camera locations, (fixed and mobile) are listed and mapped at this link.
PCU (Portable Camera Unit) Locations 10/20/2014 – 11/07/2014. The following will be active locations for the city’s Portable Camera Units (PCUs) beginning Monday, October 20, 2014. Legislation passed in May, 2013 increased the number of fixed camera sites from 24 to 49 and increased portable sites from 6 to 15. These locations will be active from October 20 to November 7, 2014.
- 11327 Martin Luther King Drive
- 11400 Block Edgewater Drive
- 2300 Block of St. Clair Avenue
- 1500 Block of West 25th Street
- 4300 Block of Payne Avenue
- 2100 Block of Clark Avenue
- 15900 Lorain Avenue
- 6411 St. Clair Avenue
- 7600 Clark Avenue
- St. Clair Avenue and Lancelot Avenue
- East 177 Block of Villaview Road
- 2600 Block of North Moreland Boulevard
- West 104th Street & Madison Avenue
- 4900 Block of Rocky River Drive
- 6600 Fleet Avenue
References:
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency
* 2009 Crash Report; * 2007 Crash Report
Q & A - Red light running- Camera enforcement works to curb this dangerous behavior.
March 2014, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Automated Enforcement Myths
Michele Fields, J.D., Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, March 2001
States using red light and speed cameras
Red light running, Camera enforcement works to curb this dangerous behavior.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Automated enforcement, October 2014
Speeding and Red Light Camera Tickets
FindLaw
Excerpt -
Federal Law & Regulation
"...In a 2008 appeal to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, car owners in Chicago claimed the city's red light camera system violated the equal protection and due process clauses of the 14th Amendment. They received a $90 citation in the mail for running a red light (someone else had been driving their car at the time).
The federal judges ruled against the appellants, stating the following in their opinion:
"No one has a fundamental right to run a red light or avoid being seen by a camera on a public street."
Therefore, federal courts have affirmed the right of municipalities to use speeding and red light cameras. Additionally, lawsuits challenging the use of private companies to operate red light cameras have been dismissed or defeated..."
Institute responds to criticism of red light camera research
Status Report, Vol. 47, No. 3 | April 12, 2012, ,
Excerpt -
Red light running is a serious traffic safety problem that kills about 700 people and injures an additional 130,000 each year. Solid, published research by the Institute and other experts demonstrates that red light cameras save lives.
Monday, October 6, 2014
MetroHealth Public Meeting Sat. 10/11/14 - Transforming MetroHealth - Let your voice be hear | Hágase escuchar!
MetroHealth is planning a series of meetings to get community input and they hope you’ll join them for the first meeting:
WHEN: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Saturday, October 11th, 2014
WHERE: The Family Ministry Center located at 3389 Fulton Road (at Trowbridge Ave).
WHO: The whole family is invited.
Lunch will be served and fun childcare will be provided with games and crafts.
MetroHealth needs your help. Share in the vision of transforming a hospital that will revitalize your neighborhood. MetroHealth wants to hear from you and your family. What opportunities for physical activity would you like to see on the hospital campus? What do you need so you and your family can be healthy?
What you have to say is important and it will impact their Transformation plans. It’s about more than just changing the way the hospital looks and how it delivers care. It’s about improving our local economy and making our community more vibrant.
_____________________
MetroHealth anunció el año pasado sus planes de transformar el campus principal mediante la construcción de un nuevo hospital y la demolición de los edificios antiguos que ya no cumplen con las necesidades actuales. Es un gran proyecto en el cual no podemos embarcarnos solos.
Estamos planeando una serie de reuniones para conocer el sentir de la comunidad y esperamos que usted pueda participar en la primera reunión del sábado, 11 de octubre de 11 am a 1:00 pm, en el local del Family Ministry Center, ubicado en la 3389 Fulton Road cerca de Trowbridge. Toda su familia está invitada. Serviremos almuerzo y tendremos un lugar de juegos y actividades para los niños. Haga su reserva por teléfono llamando al 216-778-8118 o por email a metromeeting@metrohealth.org, no más tarde del jueves, 9 de octubre.
Necesitamos su ayuda. Comparta la visión de transformar un hospital que revitalizará su vecindario. Queremos escuchar su opinión y la de su familia. ¿Qué tipos de recursos quisiera ver usted en el campus del hospital para llevar a cabo actividades fÃsicas? ¿Qué cree que necesitan usted y su familia para vivir una vida más saludable?
Su opinión es importante para nosotros y puede tener un impacto en nuestros planes de transformación. Esto va más allá de un simple cambio estético del hospital y la manera en que atiende a sus pacientes. Es acerca de mejorar nuestra economÃa local y crear una comunidad con más vitalidad.
_____________________
See more information regarding MetroHealth's Transformation Plan.
From MetroHealth -
From MetroHealth -
- Our Vision - What's possible, our vision for the W 25th Street Campus.
- Your Input - Join Our Community, our goal is to engage our community so we can work together to transform MetroHealth's W 25th Street campus.
- The Rational - Making the Case, why we can't live without MetroHealth (whitepaper).
MetroHealth’s Mission: Leading the way to a healthier you and a healthier community through service, teaching, discovery and teamwork.
CEOGC Job Leads 10/3/2014
The following job leads are a weekly service of the The Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland (CEOGC) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to serving the low-income people of Greater Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.
Additional information on employment can be obtained at the following link:
Friday, October 3, 2014
Ebola Notice and Guidance from Cleveland Department of Public Health
Cleveland Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues statement on Ebola and Health Guidance Information.
For additional information and links see: http://clevelandhealth.org
REF:
For additional information and links see: http://clevelandhealth.org
REF:
- CDC and Texas Health Department Confirm First Ebola Case Diagnosed in the U.S., 9/30/14
- CDC's Ebola (Ebola Virus Disease) - What's New Page
- CDC's Ebola (Ebola Virus Disease) - for Healthcare Workers
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Redevelopment of Public Square, Malls B, C and the Construction of a new Pedestrian & Bicycle Bridge
The following information has been received by Cleveland City Council as it pertains to Ordinance # 1061-14: Authorizing the Director of Public Works to enter into one or more agreements with the Group Plan Commission for the redevelopment of Public Square, the construction of improvements to Malls B and C, and the construction of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge to connect Mall C to the North Coast Harbor District
 |
| Rendering of a re-designed Cleveland Public Square with Ontario Avenue (N-S) closed to vehicular traffic. |
The City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and other partners involved in the project have an intention to complete the improvements by June 2016, in preparation for the RNC Convention.
PowerPoint Presentation received Tuesday 9/9/2014.
Term Sheet received Tuesday, 9/9/2014.
Term Sheet RDVLP Public Sq Malls B C Ped Bridge by Brian Cummins
Cleveland City Council Progress Report Schedule - Note that the transportation/transit study is expected to be finalized and released the week of 10/13/2014.
Related links and media coverage:
- Group plan Commission
- Cleveland City Planning Commission - Group Plan Commission
- Land-Studio, Public Square Redesign
- Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
- The Cleveland Group Plan of 1903 - Cleveland Memory Project, Cleveland State University
- "The Group Plan of 1903" as provided by D.H. Ellison Co., Architects
- The Public Square debate continues: The Group Plan Commission's Jeremy Paris responds to reader comments
By Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer, August 19, 2014 - Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and Group Plan Commission launch search for firm to design walkway from downtown to lakefront
By Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer, July 18, 2014 - Cuyahoga County, Cleveland partner to spur convention center hotel, public-space overhaul
By Michelle Jarboe McFee, The Plain Dealer, June 05, 2013
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
The Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland Services and Job Leads September 15, 2014
The following document provides summary information and job leads provided by the The Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland.
CEOGC 1228 Euclid Ave, Suite 700, Cleveland, OH 44115 (216) 696-9077
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
NOACA Traffic Accident Report information for 2000 - 2009
In an effort to begin to analyze the City of Cleveland traffic red-light and speed camera issue that will be on the ballot in November, the following is some preliminary summary information based on a review of the 2007 and 2009 Crash Reports from The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA).
Of the City's 53 fixed cameras, 80% are at the region's high crash intersections or within 15 of the City's major artieral streets.
For the period 2000 to 2009, crashes in Cuyahoga County have decreases 27.2% (42,626 to 31,037). The City of Cleveland's share of total crashes for Cuyahoga County for 2009 was 42% or 13,174 crashes. Cleveland's camera program began in 2005.
This post will be updated as additional information is obtained and reviewed.
Of the City's 53 fixed cameras, 80% are at the region's high crash intersections or within 15 of the City's major artieral streets.
For the period 2000 to 2009, crashes in Cuyahoga County have decreases 27.2% (42,626 to 31,037). The City of Cleveland's share of total crashes for Cuyahoga County for 2009 was 42% or 13,174 crashes. Cleveland's camera program began in 2005.
Crash data for 2010 - 2012 is currently being reviewed and prepared for publication by NOACA. The goal before the November vote regarding traffic red-light and speed cameras should be to work with NOACA and the City's Safety and Street's Divisions to conduct a thorough analysis of the interactions the City's cameras are located and to ensure the City is maximizing the data along with other safety concerns to maximize safety impacts.
This post will be updated as additional information is obtained and reviewed.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Council to meet next week to vote on emergency authorization to place traffic-camera ban on November ballot
Cleveland City Council is scheduled to meet Wednesday, September 3rd under a Special Meeting for the sole purpose of consideration and passage of an ordinance authorizing the submission to the electors of the City of Cleveland a propose amendment, bu initiative petition, to the Charter of the City of Cleveland, enacting new section 204 in Charter 40, limiting the use of photo-monitoring devices to detect certain traffic law violations.
A copy of the proposed amendment is provided below:
Current Ordinances related to automated cameras for red light and speeding violations:
(Note: 53 permanent camera locations under 413.031 g, see below for listing of current 15 temporary locations).
Chapter 413 - Excerpts automated cameras for red light & speeding violations by Brian Cummins
PCU (Portable Camera Unit) Locations 08/14/2014 – 09/04/2014
The following will be active locations for the city’s Portable Camera Units (PCUs) beginning Thursday, August 14, 2014. Legislation passed in May, 2013 increased the number of fixed camera sites from 24 to 49 and increased portable sites from 6 to 15. These locations will be active from August 14 to September 4, 2014.
Media:
Cleveland City Council will meet next week to place traffic-camera ban on November ballot
Andrew J. Tobias, Northeast Ohio Media Group, August 27, 2014
Proposed Cleveland traffic-camera ban could head to city voters this November
By Andrew J. Tobias, Northeast Ohio Media Group, August 19, 2014
A copy of the proposed amendment is provided below:
Current Ordinances related to automated cameras for red light and speeding violations:
(Note: 53 permanent camera locations under 413.031 g, see below for listing of current 15 temporary locations).
Chapter 413 - Excerpts automated cameras for red light & speeding violations by Brian Cummins
PCU (Portable Camera Unit) Locations 08/14/2014 – 09/04/2014
The following will be active locations for the city’s Portable Camera Units (PCUs) beginning Thursday, August 14, 2014. Legislation passed in May, 2013 increased the number of fixed camera sites from 24 to 49 and increased portable sites from 6 to 15. These locations will be active from August 14 to September 4, 2014.
- 4100 Block of Superior Avenue
- 6800 Block of Franklin Boulevard
- 2400 Block of East 55th Street
- 7800 Block of St. Clair Avenue
- 11400 Block of Edgewater Drive
- 4300 Block of Payne Avenue
- 5300 Block of Lorain Avenue
- 8500 Block of Hough Avenue
- 7000 Block of Bessermer Avenue
- 2940 Martin Luther King Drive
- 12500 Block of Berea Road
- 4900 Block of Rocky River Drive
- 4100 Block of West 150th Street
- 6517 Denison Avenue
- 612 Spring Road
Media:
Cleveland City Council will meet next week to place traffic-camera ban on November ballot
Andrew J. Tobias, Northeast Ohio Media Group, August 27, 2014
Proposed Cleveland traffic-camera ban could head to city voters this November
By Andrew J. Tobias, Northeast Ohio Media Group, August 19, 2014
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Opportunity Corridor Project Presented to Cleveland City Council
Representatives from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Greater Cleveland Partnership provided yesterday the first of what will be multiple presentations regarding the Opportunity Corridor Project to Cleveland City Council through Council's Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee.
The project represents an estimated $330 million, 3.5-mile 35-mph, four to five-lane new roadway/boulevard that will link Interstate 490 and University Circle.
The presentations (see below) focused on an overview of the ODOT portion of the project, namely the design, alternative analysis, community engagement to-date, other technical requirements and issues (environmental and transportation regulations), funding and planning for the implementation of the roadway construction and affiliated improvements.
In addition to the presentations provided below, the following is the anticipated scheduling of the project in three phases as well as the major internet sites and resources for the project.
ODOT, Opportunity Corridor Fact Sheet - excerpt, schedule:
The presentations summarized the 10-year long process (some would argue 50 years) that has led to the recent funding support and commitments from Govenor John Kasich and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission. The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission approved $39 million of a total commitment from the State of $263 million for phase I on 9.16.2013.
The discussions and questions from Council members included partial consensus that although there is hesitation to fully embrace the project, that due to the strong support from the business community and funding commitments from the State, the City should do everything possible to capitalize and leverage the investment to benefit local residents, property owners, business and future economic and community development opportunities. The project's focus is to:
ODOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved the project's Final Environmental Impact Statement on May 7th, 2014 and the FHWA issued a “Record of Decision” by FHWA that allows the project to move forward with construction.
The bulk of my comments and questions dealt with the following issues:
Planning Level Project Cost Estimates for the Opportunity Corridor (PDF)
Ohio Department of Transportation
March 2013
Summary of Cost Estimates (see link above for additional line item and calculation details)
Click on the image for a larger view
Note: The Draft Environmental Impact Statement, August 2013 lists the Total Project Cost as $331 million, leaving a $32 million difference in the Project Cost Estimates from March 2013. ODOT's been requested to identify the difference in these stated estimates.
REF:
Other related news
Opportunity Corridor Update - Thursday, 8/28/2014, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, at the offices of OneCommunity, 800 W. St. Clair Avenue - Cleveland
The following handout (5 pages) was provided to the Committee by Marie Kittredge, the new Project Director for the Opportunity Corridor project working for the Greater Cleveland Partnership.
The following handout (56 pages displayed in four files) was provided to the Committee by Myron S. Pakush – ODOT Districrt 12, District Deputy Director.
The project represents an estimated $330 million, 3.5-mile 35-mph, four to five-lane new roadway/boulevard that will link Interstate 490 and University Circle.
The presentations (see below) focused on an overview of the ODOT portion of the project, namely the design, alternative analysis, community engagement to-date, other technical requirements and issues (environmental and transportation regulations), funding and planning for the implementation of the roadway construction and affiliated improvements.
In addition to the presentations provided below, the following is the anticipated scheduling of the project in three phases as well as the major internet sites and resources for the project.
ODOT, Opportunity Corridor Fact Sheet - excerpt, schedule:
The presentations summarized the 10-year long process (some would argue 50 years) that has led to the recent funding support and commitments from Govenor John Kasich and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission. The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission approved $39 million of a total commitment from the State of $263 million for phase I on 9.16.2013.
The discussions and questions from Council members included partial consensus that although there is hesitation to fully embrace the project, that due to the strong support from the business community and funding commitments from the State, the City should do everything possible to capitalize and leverage the investment to benefit local residents, property owners, business and future economic and community development opportunities. The project's focus is to:
The bulk of my comments and questions dealt with the following issues:
- Realization that the State of Ohio is one of the lowest funders of all states in the U.S. for public transportation, particularly funding of transit in major cities.
- The State of Ohio has reduced funding for Public Transportation by 78% for the period from 2002 through 2014. And, for the same period according to the Ohio Public Transit Association, Cleveland has eliminated 24.6 percent of its services over the past decade and increased fares by 80 percent from $1.25 to $2.25.
- The irony, that in addition to the reduction and low funding in public transport, that as much as 40% of the residents that live in the impacted area do not own vehicles.
- A confirmation that the new roadway will receive a State Route designation that will make it eligible for maintenance funds.
- That there be follow-up with City officials and within our Council hearings to receive additional information regarding the planning and actions to be taken for economic and community development activities.
- Request for more information regarding areas of the proposed roadway where there are indicators for potential cul-de-sacs and sound barriers.
- Recommendations for limiting these types of treatments described in 6 above and for maximizing pedestrian and bike amenities in and around the new roadway, ensuring strong connectivity to RTA assets and adjacent residential and commercial centers.
- Recommendations for massing of commercial and residential development to create planned density of mixed use development that includes mixed income housing projects.
- Concern for advocacy of other major corridor improvements such as those proposed for W. 25th Street/Pearl Road (proposed $2 million street-scape improvements), portions of Lorain Road and Detroit Avenue as well as lack of funding from the State and flat funding at our local level for road maintenance and improvements.
Planning Level Project Cost Estimates for the Opportunity Corridor (PDF)
Ohio Department of Transportation
March 2013
Summary of Cost Estimates (see link above for additional line item and calculation details)
Click on the image for a larger view
Note: The Draft Environmental Impact Statement, August 2013 lists the Total Project Cost as $331 million, leaving a $32 million difference in the Project Cost Estimates from March 2013. ODOT's been requested to identify the difference in these stated estimates.
REF:
- Overview: Ohio’s 2014-15 Budget, Policy Matters (see Public Transit)
- Opportunity Corridor gets federal signoff, clearing way for 3.5-mile boulevard By Alison Grant, The Plain Dealer, 5.29.2014.
- A call for the Opportunity Corridor to be reevaluated with more transparency and honesty
- By Chris Stocking, 3.18.2014.
- CHART: The Best and Worst States in America for Transit Funding
- ODOT urged to add transit, TOD in Cleveland’s ‘Opportunity Corridor’
By Ken Prendergast, All Aboard Ohio, 1.9.2014. - What's the economic development potential of the opportunity corridor?
By Lee Chilcote, freshwater, 12.12.2013. - Can Cleveland realize the benefits of Opportunity Corridor and avoid pitfalls?
By Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer, 9/26/2013. - Gov. John Kasich says Opportunity Corridor in Cleveland should get state cash
By Tom Breckenridge, The Plain Dealer, 7.22.2013. - Cleveland Revisits 1960s With Urban Renewal-Style “Opportunity Corridor”
By Angie Schmitt, Streetsblog USA, 6.5.2013.
Other related news
Opportunity Corridor Update - Thursday, 8/28/2014, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, at the offices of OneCommunity, 800 W. St. Clair Avenue - Cleveland
The following handout (5 pages) was provided to the Committee by Marie Kittredge, the new Project Director for the Opportunity Corridor project working for the Greater Cleveland Partnership.
The following handout (56 pages displayed in four files) was provided to the Committee by Myron S. Pakush – ODOT Districrt 12, District Deputy Director.
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