🌊 The Lakefront’s Moment of Truth

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: Game 3 gave us the blueprint. Tonight tells us if they actually read it 🏀📋👀

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

Civic leaders have floated countless plans to transform the lakefront -- actually, 17 since 1903.

But neglect, apathy and conflicting economic interests always got in the way.

Not anymore, hopefully.

PLANS AFOOT, BUT ARE THEY FOR YOU?

The Browns are bailing. There’s a push to shutter Burke. The public wants more lakefront access (85%).

There’s momentum, a developer and a concept for the 50 acres that will open once the team departs.

Proposals call for a 10K concert music venue, golf course, hotel, housing, retail that prioritize revenue and tax generation.

It’s hardly Chicago’s “Forever Open, Clear and Free” principal that prioritizes universal access.

It also runs counter to wishes of area residents: family-friendly, affordable greenspace, activities, lake connections.

METROPARKS: A SUCCESS STORY

Enter the Cleveland Metroparks – the area’s great success stories.

Since taking over management of the Lake Erie lakefront in 2013, it has transformed the shoreline from a neglected, industrial relic into a vibrant, accessible public asset by breaking it up into a series of manageable projects.

Say bon voyage for the latest endeavor: Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center.

Opening this summer, the $18.5 million project will create Ohio’s first community sailing center of its kind along Lake Erie.

It will host boaters and engage those financially unable to participate in the sport – as well as a just-announced restaurant, The Galley, that will operate year-round.

It’s a template Metroparks has used in a variety of projects along the Cuyahoga and the lake – from Rivergate Park to Edgewater Beach to Euclid Beach to Wendy Park.

Creating beautification, amenities and activities to connect people with areas that were once dead zones might not be immediately quantified by revenues.

But the Emerald Necklace is an economic driver that impacts housing and migration to the area. And it keeps people here.

This stretch of Madison Avenue was once lined with humming factories, Irish bars and clubs.

Those were different times: The Cleveland neighborhood has changed many times since the 1970s.

But Villa y Zapata remains.

Opened in 1974, it’s the oldest Mexican restaurant to continuously operate in the same location.

Forget the Taco Tuesday hype, garish lights and flashy décor.

It’s the enchiladas, chiles rellenos, fried ice cream and big, bold margaritas -- served with homey vibes – that have made this cantina a local icon.

The Bolanos family bought it from its longtime employer in 2004 and has kept bringing the taste and spirit of Puebla to Cleveland.

Villa y Zapata’s green, white and red exterior more than the colors of Mexican flag.

It’s a testament to staying tough and strong in Cleveland – even as the neighborhood around it changes.

“Soft and weak” has defined the Cavs’ struggles in the playoffs.

Yes, they must be tough. But they also have to score easy points and control the tempo – by playing smart, with focus.

The Cavs did that in their 116-109 win over the Pistons in Game 3. Do it again at 8 tonight at Rocket Arena and the series is tied.

The blueprint:

Sharpshooter Sam Merrill provided offensive spacing in14 solid minutes.

Dennis Schroder pushed the ball to get the Cavs in their offense before Detroit’s tough half-court defense could get set.

The Cavs went to the line 28 times. It slowed the game down and prevented the Pistons from getting fast-break points.

Maniac Max Strus forced turnovers, including a stealing a Cade Cunningham inbound pass that rattled the Pistons.

Keeping Detroit off balance made it easier for Donovan Mitchell to attack the rim for six baskets.

It also created space for James Harden, who took over at the end of the game.

They did it once. Do it again.

MONDAY

Lords of Acid: The Belgian outfit brings its industrial techno odes to hedonism and sex to the Mercury Music Lounge at 6 tonight. Info.

Slow Roll Cleveland: The weekly bike riding group will trek through one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods: AsiaTown. 7 p.m. Info.

TUESDAY

The Outsiders: The musical adapted from S.E. Hinton’s novel and Francis Ford Coppola’s film takes the stage in Connor Palace. 7:30 p.m. Info.

“Manet & Morisot”:  The new CMA exhibition focuses on the creative exchange between Édouard Manet — the father of modern painting— and Berthe Morisot, the only woman among the founding members of the Impressionist movement. Through July 5. Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

There’s no love more pure than the one we share with animals.

You see it with Huxter, the pitbull that went viral after he was found tied to a pole in Cleveland.

More heartbreaking: Animal control officers discovered that he was terminally ill due to a large tumor that disfigured his face.

The story inspired Fido’s Companion to take him in. The Lorain animal rescue non-profit is working on a bucket list for the pup. Alas, he loves McDonald’s fries!

“Instead of focusing only on the heartbreak, we want to give Huxter love, comfort, adventures, cheeseburgers, sunshine, cuddles, and memories.” Updates here.

Clevelanders protest water pollution in Lake Erie outside of hearings on the subject in downtown, 1968.

Ooh and don’t forget! Tag @The216Scoop on Facebook & @scoopcle on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

60 °F 🌡️ 40 °F | ☀️➡️🌤️ (Mostly sunny, mostly dry) | 15% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 10 mph N (≈ 9 knots)

65 °F 🌡️ 48 °F | 🌤️➡️🌧️ (Partly cloudy, showers late) | 45% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 12 mph S (≈ 10 knots)

63 °F 🌡️ 50 °F | 🌧️➡️⛈️ (Rain AM, scattered storms PM) | 70% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 13 mph SSW (≈ 11 knots)

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

Home vs. Pistons, 8 PM May 11 (Monday)

Away vs. Pistons, TBD May 13 (Wednesday)

Home vs. Pistons, TBD May 15 (Friday)

Away vs. Pistons, TBD May 17 (Sunday)

Home vs. Angels, 6:10 PM May 11 (Monday)

Home vs. Angels, 6:10 PM May 12 (Tuesday)

Home vs. Angels, 1:10 PM May 13 (Wednesday)

Home vs. Reds, 7:10 PM May 15 (Friday)

Home vs. Reds, 6:10 PM May 16 (Saturday)

Home vs. Reds, 1:40 PM May 17 (Sunday)

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