Think of commuter rail in Northeast Ohio as a vehicle for economic development — and a way to help create the kinds of cities we want, argues Ken Prendergast, head of research and communications at All Aboard Ohio. The group is making a strong push to create a line on existing tracks that would connect Lorain and Cleveland.

It hosted a stakeholder meeting last month with, among others, Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough and Lorain County Commissioner Betty Blair on board. The conversation — about overcoming obstacles and building support — comes to Cleveland this week.

See Prendergast’s proposal (1.6 Mb) on the economic and social benefits of commuter rail, and the recap of the meeting in Westlake.