Ohio, planning orgs plan Amtrak expansions

By Ken Prendergast / February 9, 2023 February 9, 2023

While Gov. Mike DeWine made the big news this week about Ohio seeking federal money to plan for and pursue Amtrak passenger rail expansion on two Cleveland-based routes, those aren’t the only routes that will be pursued. The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) also confirmed today that it will be seeking funds for similar plans but for several other routes ending in Cleveland. If realized, the services that could result from those expansions would turn downtown Cleveland into a mini-hub for Amtrak.

Amtrak Ohio expansion may bypass state government

By Ken Prendergast / December 16, 2022 December 16, 2022

Several initiatives that are in their early stages may instigate passenger rail expansion to Cleveland before the state of Ohio decides to get on board. That could be welcome timing considering the Federal Railroad Administration will solicit applications next week for funding to begin the process for developing new and expanded passenger rail services.

Making waves on Cleveland’s lakefront

By Ken Prendergast / December 5, 2022 December 6, 2022

Depositing of fill dirt, removal of a pedestrian bridge and plans for a combined restaurant, event center and boat launch are all in the works along Cleveland’s lakefront. And these activities are early, yet tangible indications of potential next steps for even larger changes along where the city meets its greatest natural asset.

Campaign arrives to expand Cleveland Amtrak service

By Ken Prendergast / August 5, 2022 August 5, 2022

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) and Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP) are advocating to expand Cleveland’s Amtrak service into a central passenger rail line. As the economic powerhouse of Northeast Ohio, Downtown Cleveland is home to the state’s largest jobs hub and residential downtown area, making it central to business, housing and events, and a critical access route within the region and beyond. The organizations are joining forces to seek community input and support for the initiative through a survey, running through the month of August.

Paving for opportunity along a new corridor

1 Comment / By Ken Prendergast / October 30, 2021 January 24, 2022

Opportunity Corridor’s ribbon cutting is Nov. 3. But this most expansive remake of Cleveland’s urban landscape so far in the 21st century is already affecting its surroundings. How is this impactful transportation and redevelopment effort shaping Cleveland now and in the coming decades?

Downtown soccer stadium project takes a time-out

By Ken Prendergast / October 15, 2020 January 12, 2022

A 10,000-seat soccer stadium proposed to be built in downtown Cleveland is on hold until pandemic-hurt finances improve among backers of the project so they can acquire a site for it.

Last spring, the Ohio Department of Transportation began soliciting responses from prospective real estate brokers or auctioneers to help it dispose of at least 30 acres of land it owns immediately south of the Inner Belt section of Interstate 90 next to Ontario Street. The goal was to put the land on the market in November.

ODOT