CLE contradictions

The City of Cleveland has an astounding mix of assets and threats — many strengths to built upon, yet many barriers to progress. Here are a few:

Asset: Location on Lake Erie, one of the world’s great natural resources.

Threat: A privatized lakefront with little public access to the lake.

Asset: Abundant fresh water from Lake Erie.

Threat: Climate changes that could impair water quality of the smallest and most ecologically fragile of the Great Lakes.

Asset: Environmental success stories, like the cleanup of the Cuyahoga River.

Threat: Lingering toxic legacy of the past, including contaminated brownfields and lead in soil and buildings.

Asset: Vacant land for redevelopment.

Threat: A legacy or disinvestment and outmigration that has decimated the tax base.

Asset: Strong network of nonprofit neighborhood development organizations.

Threat: Suburban sprawl that undermines the redevelopment of the city.

Asset: Infrastructure (transportation, water, and sewer systems) sized to accommodate growth.

Threat: Old and over-sized infrastructure from Cleveland’s industrial past that requires costly maintenance and rehabilitation.

Asset: Relatively inexpensive housing for those with means.

Threat: Lack of decent affordable housing.

Asset: Minimal traffic congestion and lots of cheap parking.

Threat: Weak incentives to support sustainable transportation alternatives, such as transit and biking.

Asset: RTA, by far the largest public transit system in the state.

Threat: Little state support for transit, forcing RTA service cuts.

Asset: Vibrant restaurant and local food scene.

Threat: Food deserts and poor nutrition in many neighborhoods.

Asset: World-class health care industry.

Threat: High percentage of population suffering from obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health problems.

Asset: World-class cultural institutions.

Threat: Race and class divides which limit audiences of elite cultural institutions.

Asset: Excellent public libraries.

Threat: High level of illiteracy.

Asset: Cleveland Public Power, a locally controlled power system.

Threat: Mismanagement that has jeopardized the future of Cleveland Public Power.

Asset: Identity as a city built by immigrants.

Threat: Status as one of the most racially segregated cities in the nation.

Asset: Countless plans and visions about developing a more sustainable central city and region.

Threat: Countless plans and visions sitting on the shelf.

What else would you add?