Proposed Reconstruction of Cleveland s Public Square

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1 Proposed Reconstruction of Cleveland s Public Square This information packet describes a proposed reconstruction of Cleveland s Public Square. The purpose of the reconstruction is to make Public Square a more inviting place for families, workers, and passers-by. The reconstruction may also increase traffic downtown, increasing commuter time. We are interested in learning what you think about the proposed reconstruction. Public Square Today On this page, you see a photo of Public Square from the air. Public Square is currently divided into four quadrants. Each quadrant has its own look as shown in the photographs on the next page. The two wide roads that separate the four quadrants are Ontario and Superior. The Square is surrounded by three of Cleveland s largest buildings: Terminal Tower (Tower City), Key Tower and BP Tower. Public Square, facing North, from Terminal Tower. Today, approximately 125,000 people work within a 5 minute walk of Public Square. Tower City is the central hub for the Rapid and Public Square is a central hub for RTA buses. Additionally, most downtown car commuters travel through Public Square. Many people walk across the Square on their way to work, to a restaurant for lunch, or to run an errand. However, few people actually stop and spend time in the Square. The streets which separate the four quadrants make it difficult for pedestrians to move from one quadrant to the other. Additionally, the Square s landscaping blocks the view from the road which makes some people feel isolated and unsafe. 1

2 Each Quadrant s Current Design The below photos illustrate each quadrant s own distinct design. Northwest Quadrant: Green lawn with bushes bordering all four sides Northeast Quadrant: Water fountain bordered by shrubs and bushes Southeast Quadrant: Paved landscape with multi-level seating and a water fountain bordered by shrubs and flower boxes Southwest Quadrant: The historic Soldiers and Sailors Monument bordered by shrubs and bushes 2

3 Proposed Reconstruction You will find a detailed illustration enclosed with your packet, titled Public Square Proposal, showing the proposed reconstruction plans for Public Square. The main purpose of the reconstruction is to make Public Square a more attractive and welcoming space for families, workers and passers-by. The project s designers intend for Public Square to become a more pedestrian friendly and unified space. The four individual quadrants will be unified through common features and themes. New features and activities within each quadrant are intended to help make Public Square a downtown attraction year-round. The goal is to make the Square more of a destination for Clevelanders and encourage passers-by to stop and spend time within the Square. The proposal has five major areas of change. These are listed on the right hand side of Public Square Proposal. In the following paragraphs, we highlight the major changes. The numbers you see correspond to the points on the map. It will be useful to look at this map while reading the rest of this page. Pedestrian Friendly (1-3): Car and bus traffic through the Square will only take place during morning and afternoon rush hours. Temporary barriers will be used to block vehicles from the Square and encourage pedestrian traffic during all other hours. In order to create more usable space, both Superior Avenue and Ontario Street will be narrowed from 6 to 4 lanes. On the one hand this will make the Square more accessible to pedestrians. On the other hand, it will increase downtown traffic congestion. Entrance (4,5): Artistic archways or gates above Superior and Ontario will mark the main entrances to the Square. New landscaping and lower curbs will make the Square more welcoming and easier for pedestrians to enter from the surrounding streets. In addition, lower curbs will make it easier for pedestrians to travel across the square. Activities (6-9): Public Square will have a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating during appropriate seasons. There will be several kiosks and carts within the Square, such as a newsstand and a flower stand. Special Features (10-15): Public Square will contain a music performance facility that blends into the general space. There will be a large water fountain that will be a place for people to eat lunch or to enjoy a break during warm weather and it will be converted to an ice skating rink in the winter. The Square will also have a weekly open air market. Public art installments will be located in the Square. Some will be temporary and others will be permanent. Image (16-19): New landscaping and brickwork will give Public Square the feeling of an open gathering place. The brickwork, along with the lower curbs, will unify the four quadrants and make it easier for pedestrians to travel across Public Square. Planners hope to provide more safety in the Square through lighting and landscaping improving vision throughout the park. Maintenance and Activities Fund (not on map)- The project will also set aside money in a fund to keep Public Square clean and safe. The same fund will provide the resources for public events like weekly lunchtime performances and an evening concert approximately once a month. 3

4 Your Vote When we call you back we will ask how you would vote, if given the chance, on the reconstruction project for Public Square. Although this is not a real vote, asking you how you would vote is a way for us to learn how you feel about the project. Assume that the majority of votes would determine whether or not the project occurs. Also, assume that the reconstruction project for Public Square was funded by an outside source and your household would not have to pay in any way. We have found that some people would vote for the reconstruction project and some would vote to keep Public Square as it is today. Both have good reasons for their vote. Those who would vote for the reconstruction project mention the following reasons: they will benefit from the new activities and features of public square they believe the project will lead to increased economic growth around Public Square they believe the project will increase safety downtown they feel it is important for Cleveland to beautify its downtown Those who would vote for keeping Public Square as it is mention the following reasons: the reconstruction will increase their commuter time because of increased downtown traffic they believe that there are other public spaces and parks that they prefer to use, such as the Eastman Reading Garden or Malls A, B and C they believe we should put our resources into other important issues - such as improving public schools or public safety they believe Cleveland should focus funds on areas of the city other than downtown Please consider the following question: If you were given the chance, how would you vote on the reconstruction plan for Public Square? Please indicate your choice here so that you remember when we call back at the scheduled time. I would vote for the reconstruction plan for Public Square. I would vote for keeping Public Square as it is today. Thank you for taking the time to read this document. Please keep this material in a convenient location near your telephone. It will be useful to you when we call back at the scheduled time. The table of numbers on the last page of this document will be used during that conversation. We look forward to talking to you soon. 4

5 This page will be used during the next phone call

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