Chased From Tremont
I lived in Tremont for 11 years because it was centralized and affordable [“Open Season,” May 11, 2011]. But Tremont failed to steward me from hand-to-mouth renter into tax-paying property owner. The focus of Tremont leadership is aimed at businesses and transient visitors at the expense of residents.
I understand it is a destination neighborhood, and I applaud that the businesses are doing well. But I have rarely seen a destination neighborhood do such a poor job of ensuring its residents are taken care of. Even in Little Italy, there are designated resident parking spots.
When it became clear that this problem was worsening, I began to ask when resident parking was going to be made available. I did get responses, but they were vague and definitely a blow-off. So I started spending my dollars in neighborhoods that offered parking: Coventry, Cleveland Heights, and Lakewood, in part because friends finally decided that parking in Tremont was too much of a hassle. The end game was that I moved to Lakewood, and now I totally avoid Tremont. And I know I’m not the only disgruntled alum.
The message I received loud and clear for 11 years was that my choice to live in the neighborhood meant far less to those in charge than the choice of all the tourists who come in for one evening. So here is your proof that at least one person left the neighborhood because of parking.
I hope this gets sorted out, but to those still facing these challenges, you have my deepest sympathies. Until you turn a house into a bar, I doubt your voice will be heard.
Phmatters
Bring on the Bars
Some of the actions of people after having a few drinks are disgusting. But you cannot deny the fact that Tremont is hundreds of times better than it used to be even ten years ago. If you want to live in a suburban setting, then move to the suburbs. I welcome even more restaurants to Tremont. Bring more bars, as long as the have some type of artistic integrity.
Mas44124
This article appears in Jun 8-14, 2011.
I am so sick of hearing Clevelander’s complain about parking. Compared to any other city, parking here is a breeze. We rarely have to pay for parking nor do we have to go far to find it. I live in Tremont because unlike the rest of this city it is not surrounded by a sea of parking. Please no more parking in Tremont – I don’t want to live in a suburb, I want to live in an urban neighborhood.
This message is aimed at the person who found parking in Tremont troubling. I too, lived in Tremont for nearly 10 years (9.5 if you’d like me to be precise). Part of the charm of Tremont is that it is an urban oasis neighborhood. Unless you have a garage (and I was fortunate to be able to build one), parking is going to be an issue.
I ask you: Have you ever tried living in Chicago’s neighborhoods? DC’s? You run into the same issue. I recall parking (easily) 4-6 blocks away from my apartment when I lived in DC on a daily basis. Public transportation was out of the question bc I worked in outside sales.
At least we don’t have to pay the same amount as a mortgage to park our cars in garages like they do in NYC….(imagine having to take a taxi just to get to your garage!)
Also, you infer an ‘us vs them’ scenario regarding Tremont West Development Corporation. Whereas I don’t profess to know anything more than what you shared about this situation, I do know as a former board member and community advocate/activist and co-chair of my Block Club that if one wanted something done, all one needed to do is be active to encourage positive change.
Perhaps your landlord or your home if you were a homeowner did not offer nor care to provide parking…. if this is the case, the onus was on you and your choice of dwelling. There are many homes WITH garages, driveways, etc. in Tremont.
So Tremont wasn’t for you… that’s ok. At least you gave it a shot. It’s a wonderful neighborhood and I hope you enjoyed the amenities and sense of community while you were there.