tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350606083613108606.post6223633990424935594..comments2024-03-26T00:35:17.633-07:00Comments on Getting from here to there: Can We Exaggerate the Significance of Cleveland's Downtown Population Gains?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15652887148371033287noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7350606083613108606.post-41504669313619449812013-05-20T19:28:06.870-07:002013-05-20T19:28:06.870-07:00I found your article during a search for reports o...I found your article during a search for reports on 2012 population estimates for Cleveland city proper, which are rumored to have finally reached a bottom. <br /><br />I'd like to point out a one minor issue with your article. Although the premise is strong, Cleveland's structure and transit system ought to be taken into account.<br /><br />I apologize for not producing citations, but bear with me.<br /><br />First: Cleveland has not supported any downtown population at all since 1920 at the latest, with the exception of the county jail and public housing projects. All downtown Section 8 housing is owned by the housing authority and is not being converted to market units--the surge in downtown population is almost entirely due to new construction and warehouse conversions to loft apartments. This kind of development has not been seen anywhere in city proper for many decades, which is why it marks a major sea change in the economic climate of the area.<br /><br />Second: One is never more than about a mile away from a transit stop anywhere in Cleveland city proper and most of its inner-ring suburbs. Those who need transit will not find it difficult to locate much closer to one. For those who rely upon public transit, the bus and train system of Cleveland is surprisingly reliable. Some consideration must be made as to where to locate due to the nature of the system--a west-side to east-side trip might require many transfers and take up two hours or more, but the same drive would take 20 minutes. This makes cars a luxury worth having to most. It is, however, a fallacy to claim that the poor are being "pushed out" of access to transit in this city.<br /><br />Third: Transit ridership has increased steadily since 2010, and that increase has increased each year to 4.8% in 2012. The transit authority is extending service, despite a shrinking population:<br /><br /><a rel="nofollow">http://www.riderta.com/annual/2012</a>CCarsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13915912627878053747noreply@blogger.com