Mahoning Valley Forum

Youngstown & The Mahoning Valley => Downtown Youngstown [Subforums] => Topic started by: jay on June 07, 2010, 06:35:19 AM

Title: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: jay on June 07, 2010, 06:35:19 AM
Two more downtown businesses have installed fencing on the sidewalk along West Federal Street.  One business has even strung light bulbs out over the sidewalk.
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: iwasthere on June 07, 2010, 12:03:58 PM
it reminds me of being in cleveland's little italy.
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: our2cents on June 08, 2010, 09:00:12 AM
It does give the feeling of being welcome from the business owners.  I would sit outside on a nice day in an outdoor style area.  And you're right, it is like Little Italy, as well as Cleveland's Tremont area which is beginning to revitalize itself...not like it really ever lost it...just making it better.  If the property lines are like those areas of Cleveland, then the property owners would have the right to erect fences and other structures, as long as they are within any zoning ordinances.  Like, they can go out, but must leave the public owned devil strip/sidewalk alone...at least in most cities.
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: jay on June 08, 2010, 09:11:50 AM
I feel the sidewalks downtown and on Mahoning Avenue are becoming too cluttered.  There has to be a standard set otherwise each person will make their own decision on how to "use" the sidewalk in front of their business.  If Councilwomen Gillam and Righetti don't care then who will?

I recently saw used tires being sold on the sidewalk of Mahoning Avenue.
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: northside lurker on June 08, 2010, 09:57:07 AM
If I'm not mistaken, these enclosed outdoor areas allow for the legal consumption of alcohol outside.  So, I see this as a different issue than the selling of "junk" on Mahoning Ave., and IMO, is a positive addition to street life downtown. 
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: Penguins37 on June 08, 2010, 10:07:51 AM
Go to New York or Chicago and you will see the same type of thing you see in front of Lemon Grove, Imbibe and Rosetta Stone; that is a great thing.   Having this kind of development downtown allows for us to create a vibrant area where people bring life and activity to the streets.   That is a great thing.
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: jay on June 08, 2010, 10:19:45 AM
I just noticed a small collection of beer bottles on the ground near the doorway of the first business.  I hope the business picks up the containers every evening or places a recycling container outside for the drinkers.  If they do not recycle, then place a trash can outside (and add to the clutter).
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: Lynds on June 08, 2010, 03:30:54 PM
Quote from: jay on June 08, 2010, 09:11:50 AM
I feel the sidewalks downtown and on Mahoning Avenue are becoming too cluttered.  There has to be a standard set otherwise each person will make their own decision on how to "use" the sidewalk in front of their business.  If Councilwomen Gillam and Righetti don't care then who will?

I recently saw used tires being sold on the sidewalk of Mahoning Avenue.

cluttered??!!! really?? I think it looks great Jay, its a way for the costumers to enjoy this wonderful weather and enjoy the Downtown area all together.

Maybe on Thursday you and I can sit there and have a coffee?
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: Towntalk on June 08, 2010, 03:44:16 PM
I agree with Lynds ... these are assets not liabilities, but then some folks aren't happy unless they can spend their time finding things to gripe about.

I do agree about the stores on Mahoning Avenue, but stop and think about this Jay ... those bars didn't just go ahead and put those fences up on their own ... they had to get city approval ... they had to pay for permits ... the fences had to get approved ... the establishments had to pay someone to erect them.
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: Mary_Krupa on June 08, 2010, 08:23:32 PM
I can't believe you are actually complaining about this for our downtown! 
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: jay on June 09, 2010, 06:34:09 AM
We are losing access to public sidewalks.  The flow of pedestrian traffic is impeded.
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: Penguins37 on June 09, 2010, 09:32:20 AM
You are being rediculous Jay.  This is a sign of growth and development downtown, we should not discourage this.
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: AllanY2525 on June 09, 2010, 06:54:37 PM
The sidewalks downtown are more than big enough to accomodate both
pedestrian traffic and the patio areas.

It's better than having lots of sidewalkspace - with no people using it.
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: DefendYoungstown on June 09, 2010, 10:06:39 PM
Just a FYI: Each business that has outdoor seating in the downtown area had to present their design plans and have have those plans approved by the City of Youngstown's Design Review Committee (which is comprised of city officials, landscape and building design professionals and citizens). Each plan was unanimously approved.
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: jay on June 10, 2010, 06:21:04 AM
In the photo, the remaining usable sidewalk contains trees, cement flower pots, and an A-frame sign belonging to one of the businesses.  Walking in this area is like traveling through an obstacle course.
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: Rick Rowlands on June 10, 2010, 08:02:00 AM
If you would stop walking through there taking your useless pictures the sidewalks would be a bit less crowded!  Why don't you go out in the neighborhoods and turn in zoning violations!  ::)

Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: iwasthere on June 11, 2010, 12:14:36 PM
everyone leave my frd "J" alone.  :)he stated his opinion. we do support freedom of speech?
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: Penguins37 on June 11, 2010, 02:56:13 PM
It would be easier if Jay would post something other than miscellaneous things to complain about.
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: Rick Rowlands on June 11, 2010, 08:35:08 PM
I state my opinions on this forum and you don't have any reservations about attacking me.  Why the double standard? Wouldn't one standard work just fine?
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: iwasthere on June 14, 2010, 01:22:28 PM
Quote from: Rick Rowlands on June 11, 2010, 08:35:08 PM
I state my opinions on this forum and you don't have any reservations about attacking me.  Why the double standard? Wouldn't one standard work just fine?
rr it would not make my day any brighter if i do not attack your positions. :)i know j on a personal, social, activitsm basis in which i do not know you on these accounts. i like pulling your chain. it is all in fun of debating on this forum. ;D someone threw a wrought iron chair at me for my comments concerning his family. did i take that personally? NOOOOOOOOOOO. i just said to myself, " i still haven't lost my touch in bringing out the best out of people". ;D rr i do not dislike you i just like pulling your chain from time to time. :)
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: Rick Rowlands on June 14, 2010, 03:19:24 PM
Likewise iwasthere. 
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: iwasthere on June 16, 2010, 01:43:17 PM
rr what happen to our pizza date? i do not like being stood up esp when it comes to food. ???
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: Rick Rowlands on June 16, 2010, 10:59:28 PM
You never set a date.  How about coming out to the Tod Engine at noon on Saturday and we'll take a break and go over to Papa's for lunch?
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: iwasthere on June 23, 2010, 12:04:24 PM
Quote from: Rick Rowlands on June 16, 2010, 10:59:28 PM
You never set a date.  How about coming out to the Tod Engine at noon on Saturday and we'll take a break and go over to Papa's for lunch?
excuse my late reply i have been busy since my last posting. come to the parade this friday in poland, oh and you can march with the green party to show your partisan side then we can go have dinner at the many food vendors at this festival. if not we can do it after the fourth of july or come and join your follow bloggers at the lansingville parade on July 3rd in the parking lot at  st. matthias on shady run rd. at ll15am.
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: Rick Rowlands on June 23, 2010, 11:21:16 PM
I have a pretty tight schedule for the next couple of weeks.  An unexpected equipment "save" has come about, and I am busy preparing a hot metal car and teeming ladle at the former USS Duquesne Works for shipment to the Tod Engine Heritage Park. The dozers are waiting for me to get this stuff out of there so they can finish clearing the land, so until that project is done I don't have any free time.
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: iwasthere on June 24, 2010, 01:08:58 PM
rr when are able to come up for air let me know for a brk, lunch, or din. :)
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: Mary_Krupa on June 26, 2010, 07:26:42 PM
RR and IWasThere, I'm sick of this lovefest.

MK
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: iwasthere on June 28, 2010, 01:25:04 PM
Quote from: Mary_Krupa on June 26, 2010, 07:26:42 PM
RR and IWasThere, I'm sick of this lovefest.

MK
my dearest mk you are welcome to join our lovvvvvvve fesssssstttttt. ;D
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: Rushblvd on June 28, 2010, 02:41:07 PM
Meoooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww :laugh:
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: kenneyjoe330 on June 28, 2010, 07:26:16 PM
Oy Vey - what about meeeeeeeeeeee ?    I get hungry too  :'(
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: iwasthere on June 29, 2010, 01:42:21 PM
kennyjoe and rushgal you all can come to our lOOOOOOOOOOvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeee fesssssssssssstttttttttt toooooooo at the downtown lovvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeee lounge for dinner. ;D
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: Rushblvd on June 29, 2010, 01:50:20 PM
oh my :o This place you call the "Love Lounge", does it serve food??? :)
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: iwasthere on June 29, 2010, 05:36:29 PM
food that is meant for mmnnnnnmmmmmmmmm
Title: Re: Losing More Sidewalk Space
Post by: Rick Rowlands on June 29, 2010, 10:43:25 PM
I'm getting scared... 

We're meeting in a well lit place with plenty of people around.  Who knows what these pinko commies might try!