Cleveland Real Estate News

I’ve appreciated the comments on recent posts about all of us getting involved to help make changes in our NE Ohio world. We talked a bit about needing to feel more a part of our communities and the decision-making process. I got an email announcement yesterday from All Aboard Ohio,  announcing ODOT’s new 21st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force.  Seems that people really do want to know what we think, at least about the myriad of transportation issues. Here is an excerpt of explanation:

“Unlike past statewide planning efforts, the Transportation Priorities Task Force will explore a broader spectrum of issues facing the state,” said ODOT Director James Beasley. “We need to prioritize how the state balances the movement of people and freight, promotes safety and reduces congestion, creates jobs and encourages responsible growth, helps to build sustainable communities, and links all modes of transportation – connecting highways to rail, aviation, water ports, and transit.”

Here is a list of task force members. Frank Jackson is an executive chair and the only one I recognize from our area. However,  there are plenty of people on the list representing groups and they could very well be from NE Ohio.  I would love to be able to talk with Larry Davis, the President of the Ohio Trucking Assn – and also a task force member. Freight has to be carried by trains to pick up the slack for trucking because it can’t handle the load by itself anymore…at least that is what we are told.  This task force says it wants my input and so Larry Davis will be one of the first people I address in my comments.

Yes, everyone, here is your chance to weigh in on what you think priorities should be; light rail, high speed, better more complete rail systems; whatever you think and how you think it would help your area or family personally, let them know! And here is the link for your comments.

It sounds as if there will be various task force meetings throughout the State….the first one is in Columbus at the beginning of May. Check out the site, get the details, and add your comments!

It occurs to me that we had a foreclosure task force that did a yeoman’s job and that good Statewide efforts seem to be growing out of that task force’s report. This Transportation Priorities Task Force could be a chance for us to have a lot of input into what direction we take. I guess I like that fact that there are bright rays of hope (as far as grassroots input and connectivity is concerned) and not just gloom and doom. It tells me we can continue to work towards making a difference in many other areas as well.

If you want to talk to some cool ‘train’ people, tomorrow is your chance to do that. All Aboard Ohio has a booth at the Metroparks Zoo Earthfest 2008  event.  Please stop by (I will be there from 3-5pm as well).  I do believe it’s all happening at the zoo?   Peace Out -3C