10-point plan proposed for Lorain

Editor’s note: Another Viewpoint is a column the Morning Journal makes available so all sides of an issue may be aired. Kevin Riley of Lorain is a land-use analyst and property consultant.

Lorain’s northernmost historic urban hub, generally notable as Erie Avenue, south to West Ninth Street, and Reid Avenue to Black River Lane, is at a crossroads regarding economic zone image.

This urban hub, a historic business and office/retail zone, is lacking a competent 20182019 re-invigoration program to spark an up-imaging.

Because Lorain city retains its downtown near either A.) Oberlin Avenue and Tower Boulevard; or B.) the newer downtown growth near Tower and Leavitt, this northernmost urban hub is disqualified as a downtown in terms of its capacities.

For the decades to come, Lorain’s downtown will be A or B above. This Broadway urban hub has been regressive since about 1980 to present. It struggles immensely as it is not effectively benefited from the north by mass use (access). A geographic center in Lorain resides near Central Park. Moreover, a Central Business District “downtown” is typically in the near/center of a town.

Historically, efforts such as facade programs, enterprise zones, block grants, and other municipal incentives were developed to stimulate an urban hub in Northeast Ohio. Sadly, until the regional economics of Northeast Ohio are broadly robust, many such outer urban hubs in peripheral suburbs do not gain substantial footing, subject to inducement programs.

Draw is the main element which invigorates an urban hub, such as Lorain’s. Draw can be exacted in varying forms, from art to eateries, to entertainment to cottage applications, such as micro-apartments or a bicycling emphasis, etc.

In Northeast Ohio, some historic urban hubs have “re-thrived” and some large urban centers have failed in “re-excitement” approaches. The city of Akron’s urban hub is propelling currently. The city of Amherst’s urban hub has sustained and surged, as has the city of Oberlin’s historic urban hub. A notable difference in these examples is mass access from the north to the urban hub to reach a draw matrix. Mingled factors enable an urban hub re-succeeding.

In recommendation, I have developed a 10-point plan as a utilitarian re-excitement program. Immediate Phase : 1.) Rename Broadway Avenue as Black River Boulevard from Route I-90/Route 2 north to Erie Avenue. This portrays immediate attention to the Black River basin/port.

2.) Install brilliant luminous lighting to brighten the urban hub and Black River Boulevard from West 10th to Erie to start as well from West 10th/Reid Avenue east to Black River Lane.

Engage FirstEnergy to participate in the brightening project. Please recall that from Nov. 1 to March 31 of each year, Northeast Ohio has shorter daylight periods that will benefit greatly. May then plan brightening Route 2 north, West 11th to the railroad tracks south in future phases.

3.) Supply dual bin trash/recycling receptacles in this entire urban hub which are labeled “Welcome to Lorain” to provide litter reduction. Engage Republic Services if possible.

4.) Starting say April 1st, 2018, inspect all concrete sidewalks in the urban hub and repair all unsafe and severely cracked sections. Supplies patrons safe, easy usage.

5.) Mark balanced handicapped spaces in urban hub.

6.) Assure adequate wheelchair incline ramps to service urban hub and ADA compliance.

7.) April 1 through Oct. 31 provide police presence in urban hub, especially weekends.

8.) Institute business-front “awnings” theme. This creates urban hub brand/persona.

9. ) Upgrade enlarged street signage incorporating “Welcome to Lorain.”

10.) Induce valet or assisted parking services for events and users as seniors or others may desire valet assistance. Consider a 30-passenger trolley bus active months.

As a simultaneous step, immediately abandon Lorain’s Broadway streetscape project.

The concept that increasing draw would lie in a heavily reconfigured “streetscape” in my professional perspective is false. Whether private property owners pay any cost or zero cost is irrelevant as well.

My experience deems the proposed streetscape initiative itself does not constitute “a plan.” Therefore, set aside $ 1.5 million in a reserve fund with five-year match goal of public/ private funds. Show progress yearly.

In conclusion, I do not deem a streetscape initiative to have undertaken draw impact studies addressing the core purpose.

Rather, I strongly urge the 10-point plan be considered by the city in a public-private utilitarian approach as a re-imaging endeavor.

Private, state, federal or other resources, if available, need to be pursued.

Finally, I request that proponents of the streetscape initiative submit the research and studies for public review which generated their support for this expenditure.

Kevin Riley