MidTown Cleveland Incorporated

past articles


•	Issue 1 Wins Three Major Endorsements

•	Work Party 118

•	MidTown Code Enforcement Initiative

•	MidTown Cleveland, Inc. has Moved

MidTown News



7/8/2009 - Save the Innerbelt access ramps at Prospect & Carnegie Ave. MidTown Cleveland and Cleveland Clinic issued a joint document on May 21, 2009 to ODOT and FHWA before the close of the Public Comment Period. The document was titled: MIDTOWN AND THE CLEVELAND CLINIC'S PUBLIC COMMENT IN OPPOSITION TO DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY (DEIS) AND THE REMOVAL OF INNERBELT INTERCHANGES AT CARNEGIE AND PROSPECT AVENUES In summary, MidTown businesses and Cleveland Clinic remain opposed to ODOT's Preferred Recommended Alternative (PRA). After rejecting the Community Consensus Alternative which would have maintained direct access at Carnegie, the decision was made not to let the DEIS be approved without our concerns being put in writing. At this time, there is no discussion of a lawsuit. However, the document details ODOT's failures to carry out published and mandated procedures that would have detailed problems with the current PRA. Our request to ODOT is as follows: • In light of the significant negative social impacts that attend the loss of Innerbelt access points at Prospect Avenue and Carnegie Avenue, MidTown and the Cleveland Clinic request that ODOT pursue the Minimum Build alternative plus a Carnegie Avenue exit ramp, after all future projects and improvements are constructed. • In the event that the Minimum Build alternative plus a Carnegie exit is not selected, ODOT must segment the Innerbelt Project, proceed with approval of the Central Viaduct bridge and Innerbelt Curve sections, and reassess the removal of access points at Carnegie and Prospect Avenue. At this time, we have not heard from ODOT, FHWA or the City of Cleveland on our position. FHWA and ODOT are currently addressing the Public Comments and are expected to prepare a Final Environmental Impact Statement by the end of July. To voice your opinion go to www.saveouraccess.com