I very rarely comment, but there are some very relevant issues that don't seem to have even been considered. Keep in mind that the city, in addition to its 66,982 residents, has a daytime influx of around 20,000 who work in the city -- for government, YSU, hospital, etc. -- or attend YSU. Additionally, the city is an entertainment district and draws thousands to events at the Covelli Center, Powers, football games, etc - and those people are often looking for entertainment before or after the shows. These things seem to suggest that there may be a real demand for the issuance of permits that exceed the formula of x per thousand residents.
I'm not suggesting that we need to keep all of the permits that have been issued, particularly in the cases where the establishments are contributing to blight, but when making correlations, at least try to define all of the factors before publishing such a myopic piece.
Seems backward, though, doesn't it? Potential to cause documented societal harm -- in this case gambling -- yea. Potential to demonstrate acceptance and equality -- in this case gay marriage -- nay?
This hardly seems like a good candidate for demolition given that the original church is in sound condition (and occupied until very recently)and its in such a strategic location, seen coming up Wick Avenue from downtown.
I think this is a wise move by Council. The City has been paying too much for too long to subsidize parking for events. This will free up some of the City's money for other things; my suggestion is that a portion of the savings go to a) improved signage in the downtown to point the public to the numerous parking areas available in the immediate area and b) a few patrolmen walking the downtown on event nights simply to have a presence and give directions to folks who may not have been downtown in 20 years. Those would be minor costs compared to the contract with USA parking and would have a much more positive effect on the vibrancy of the City.
And, for those who may not know, street parking in the City is FREE in the evenings and there are dozens of lots that cost no more than $2 for the entire day.
Good point about the other property owners, bellab. This really is a systemic problem, and not necessarily a case of one poor landlord. Everyone in the Central Business District needs to be held to a high standard of maintenance; even moreso when the buildings they own are on the National Register of Historic Places. Without strict, enforceable standards, owners have no incentive, positive or negative, to maintain their properties. Negative incentives (i.e. fines) can be just as successful as positive ones in encouraging landlords to maintain their property properly.
I also have to applaud the City for their actions. I was very encouraged to hear Mayor Williams felt very strongly about the situation when he phoned into the Dan Rivers Show. This problem is not insurmountable and, as a community, I am quite confident that we will correct it. "Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility."
Towns in Valley loaded in liquor
I very rarely comment, but there are some very relevant issues that don't seem to have even been considered. Keep in mind that the city, in addition to its 66,982 residents, has a daytime influx of around 20,000 who work in the city -- for government, YSU, hospital, etc. -- or attend YSU. Additionally, the city is an entertainment district and draws thousands to events at the Covelli Center, Powers, football games, etc - and those people are often looking for entertainment before or after the shows. These things seem to suggest that there may be a real demand for the issuance of permits that exceed the formula of x per thousand residents.
I'm not suggesting that we need to keep all of the permits that have been issued, particularly in the cases where the establishments are contributing to blight, but when making correlations, at least try to define all of the factors before publishing such a myopic piece.
April 4, 2011 at 8:59 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Ohioans’ opinions: gambling yes, gay marriage no
Seems backward, though, doesn't it? Potential to cause documented societal harm -- in this case gambling -- yea. Potential to demonstrate acceptance and equality -- in this case gay marriage -- nay?
May 8, 2009 at 11:08 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Wrecking ball may loom for church building owned by YSU
This hardly seems like a good candidate for demolition given that the original church is in sound condition (and occupied until very recently)and its in such a strategic location, seen coming up Wick Avenue from downtown.
February 5, 2009 at 2:32 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Prepare to pay to park at The Chevy
I think this is a wise move by Council. The City has been paying too much for too long to subsidize parking for events. This will free up some of the City's money for other things; my suggestion is that a portion of the savings go to a) improved signage in the downtown to point the public to the numerous parking areas available in the immediate area and b) a few patrolmen walking the downtown on event nights simply to have a presence and give directions to folks who may not have been downtown in 20 years. Those would be minor costs compared to the contract with USA parking and would have a much more positive effect on the vibrancy of the City.
And, for those who may not know, street parking in the City is FREE in the evenings and there are dozens of lots that cost no more than $2 for the entire day.
October 30, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Valley residents turn to stoves, fireplaces to warm home, save cash
Are "thrid graders" in "highs chool?" I guess they are just writing for their audience, Dr.G.
August 19, 2008 at 3:55 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Our ‘Incredible Shrinking City’ need not continue to shrink
A perfectly crafted editorial.
July 14, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Plans for building arouse concern
Good point about the other property owners, bellab. This really is a systemic problem, and not necessarily a case of one poor landlord. Everyone in the Central Business District needs to be held to a high standard of maintenance; even moreso when the buildings they own are on the National Register of Historic Places. Without strict, enforceable standards, owners have no incentive, positive or negative, to maintain their properties. Negative incentives (i.e. fines) can be just as successful as positive ones in encouraging landlords to maintain their property properly.
June 13, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Plans for building arouse concern
I also have to applaud the City for their actions. I was very encouraged to hear Mayor Williams felt very strongly about the situation when he phoned into the Dan Rivers Show. This problem is not insurmountable and, as a community, I am quite confident that we will correct it. "Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility."
June 12, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. permalink suggest removal