The Observer, October 19, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 8
Top 10 ... Improvable facets of Cleveland
After spending all of my freshmen year complaining about Cleveland, I realized how many changes could be made to the city to make it a more enjoyable place to live and visit. I know all Case students have their own opinions on what can be done, but one fact remains: Cleveland is in need of some timely updates. Here are the top ten facets of Cleveland that are in need of a little more improvement.
10. Better weather. OK, so I can just dream about this one, but why not! At least school could be cancelled during the hard winter days. The lake effect snow drifting onto our fair land is pretty unbearable.
9. Aesthetics. No offense, but Cleveland could use some improvements on its image. The blocks and blocks of boarded up buildings are one thing, but where are the parks? Places to sit and enjoy the trees (read: snow).
8. Culture. Much praise should be granted to fine work created by the Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Museum of Art. It's unfortunate that there is not a whole lot else.
7. Business. After Cleveland's decline from its heyday as a booming, steel-driven metropolis, most businesses declined as well. While Cleveland still has a business district, there is not the same international scope of trade and commerce conducted. Cleveland needs to find new industries to tap and invest in.
6. Shopping. For the Case student, even getting some toiletries has turned into a trip. Stores are outdated and far away. A drugstore within walking distance would suffice for the college student's needs.
5. Safety. It seems that every year, the security alerts sent out to Case students have increased dramatically. After dark, it's dangerous to even walk from southside to northside, and students are told to walk together and keep an eye out. By improving the safety of the city, more people would want to live in it.
4. Entertainment. There is no doubt that the Cavs, Indians, and Browns bring in a lot of money and attraction for local fans. However, tickets are expensive, stadiums are far away, and those interested in different types of entertainment are left in the dark.
3. Public transportation. Cleveland is a place centered on driving. Without a car, it will take a large amount of time to travel anywhere. Yes, the RTA exists, but it runs sporadically, is unreliable, and not very extensive.
2. Late nights. One wonderful quality of a city is late nights. The ability to stop by at a diner at 4 a.m. and enjoy a cup of Joe is something unattainable in rural areas. Cleveland goes to sleep at midnight. It's time to keep things open past dinnertime besides Rascal House.
1. Convenience. Cities are obnoxious, polluted, crowded, and noisy. However, there are some redeeming qualities. Personally, my number one is convenience. In a city, anything is possible. Things are close-by, open late, and available. It's time for Cleveland to take the plunge into a world where its habitants don't have to wonder how or when they will do anything because of the limits of their surroundings. Cities are meant to be brimming with people and things to do. Cleveland has had a tough time getting there, and has improved greatly in the recent years, but there is still a ways to go. Nevertheless, I have confidence it can eventually get there.
