Bio: (c) Copyright 2013 The Civic Commons http://theciviccommons.com/user/christina-phelps https://graph.facebook.com/603349394/picture http://theciviccommons.com/user/christina-phelps en-us Sun, 19 May 2013 09:29:05 -0400 Sun, 19 May 2013 09:29:05 -0400 http://theciviccommons.com/conversations/a-new-america-2012#node-7829 http://theciviccommons.com/conversations/a-new-america-2012#node-7829 It's nice to see big companies like Pepsi and Coca-Cola taking a stance on issues such as voter ID laws. This shows that the companies are socially engaged, and uphold their values and ethics even when it does not involve company profit. Hopefully these company's stance on this issue will encourage other companies to do the same thing. This reminds people who are wary of big businesses that big businesses can have values too. I hope PepsiCo and Coca-Cola decide to remain actively seized in the matter of voter ID laws and other social issues.   Sun, 08 Apr 2012 03:10:53 +0000 http://theciviccommons.com/conversations/akron-beacon-journal-seeks-citizen-views--2#node-7815 http://theciviccommons.com/conversations/akron-beacon-journal-seeks-citizen-views--2#node-7815 America has its shortcomings, but to summarize America as "misguided, ignorant, irresponsible, unethical, and immoral" is to ignore an incredible part of what makes this country an example to so many others. Why, exactly, do you call America misguided? Yes, it is frustrating that there is quite a lot of gridlock in congress, but this proves that we have upheld the ideals of democracy. Would you rather have a government where there is no argument, but only a few government officials who make the calls? And to call America ignorant - the college education here is among the best in the world. There is a great push for higher education, and our country is becoming more enlightened. Please help me to understand how this country is misguided. Perhaps you're the one misguided?  Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:00:20 +0000 http://theciviccommons.com/conversations/student-resources--2#node-7812 http://theciviccommons.com/conversations/student-resources--2#node-7812 This is really cool! I think the YMCA will make the 9/12 district a more lively space by getting a variety of people there. Like the article mentioned, this will make it more attractive for people to live downtown. The YMCA will go well with an idea that our class had to turn the open green space at the corner of East 12 and St. Claire into an urban park. Right now there is just a track there, but a walking path could make the space more attractive. Both the YMCA and the reuse of this green space will help 9/12 to be more than just the financial district it used to be, instead it will be an inviting area people are attracted to.  Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:41:37 +0000 http://theciviccommons.com/conversations/student-resources--2#node-7412 http://theciviccommons.com/conversations/student-resources--2#node-7412 Market Forces Here is an article talking about the new businesses coming to Cleveland. It gives a perspective on how greater Cleveland is growing in general. The nine twelve district can take advantage of the city of Cleveland's growth in general.   http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/coffee-cafes-cupcakes-hotels-and-even-more-new-businesses-opening-in-downtown-cleveland Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:16:31 +0000 http://theciviccommons.com/conversations/student-resources--2#node-7411 http://theciviccommons.com/conversations/student-resources--2#node-7411 Market Forces The nine twelve district has multiple partners it is working with, including CB Richard Ellis, PlayhouseSquare Real Estate Services and Liggett Stashower, to revive the area. This are lucrative businesses that could bring a lot of money to the area. One major building in the area is the Huntington Building. It is a beautiful building that has the potential to attract a lot of businesses. This article gives some details about the huntington building:    http://www.crainscleveland.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100623/FREE/100629946/1004/rss01&rssfeed=rss01     Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:03:56 +0000