Enhance Clifton

Courtesy of www.enhanceclifton.com - Thats me in the back row

Tonight, I attended the #1 public meeting on the Clifton Boulevard Transportation Enhancement Program.  It was also my first public meeting for a program in Lakewood since my move here in late 2009.  I am trying to emerge myself in this community to better understand it and am interested in helping Lakewood continue to make strides in economic and aesthetic development.  I have grown to love this city, especially Lake Ave.  As stated in the previous post, with the warmer weather upon us, Lakewood has much to offer.  I don’t usually drive on Clifton; too busy with vehicles and not as visually appealing as Lake.  Which is why I find the proposed plans to enhance the natural beauty of Clifton great.

The meeting started with opening remarks from Nathan Kelly, Head of Planning and Development for the City of Lakewood.  The current plan is to find ways to improve the 4 mile Clifton stretch spanning from West Boulevard to the Rocky River bridge, focusing on Identity, Safety and Comfort.  ”Re-creating a street that belongs to the neighborhood and community” through the use of medians, curb appeal and crosswalks.  Partnering with RTA, both Lakewood and Cleveland have set up a Steering Committee composed of Public Officials, Clifton residents and Clifton shop owners.

Courtesy of www.enhanceclifton.com

After the overview of the project – past, present, and future – were discussed, the floor was opened for questions and comments.  (Cue overly aggressive and angered citizen).  I’ve only been to a few forums and this was pretty much similar, those who don’t like change and those that are all for it.  Both sides raised great questions and comments.  The opposition was concerned about money and RTA’s involvement.  ”How will this affect parking on Clifton?”  ”How is this stimulus money being used to stimulate the economy?”  ”How did it get this far into planning, when people don’t want it?”

On the other side we had “I want to walk safely from one side of Clifton to the other.”  ”Can we hide overhead wires, like they did near Kamm’s Corner?”  ”I want it, I hope it happens.”

Coming from a younger mindset and understand the advances that can come in the future, the discussion excited me.  As one individual said, “WE have to start somewhere.”  I agree with this!  I have small ideas here and there, but so far what I see I like.  In attendance at the meeting was the owner of Flower Child on Clifton who empowered the crowd with the words “We need to step it up!”  Lakewood is a fine city, and these enhancements will make it that much better.  We have all seen the influx of people walking around after work, bike riding, running with their dogs, all due to the spring weather.  So why not we give everyone some peace of mind and provide them ample areas to cross the 7 lane traffic of Clifton.

Tonight is the launch of www.enhanceclifton.com Be sure to check it out to review the full scope of the project, view tonight’s meeting minutes, and see everyone opinion through the web forum.

My ideas are small for this project:  Use recycled materials and allow corporations in Lakewood and Cleveland to sponsor a median or have established block parties help keep each median and RTA bus stop clean and tidy.  They may be small but they could be helpful.

What are your ideas? Are you FOR or Against?

Let your voice be heard!