Mayor's Community Updates
March 2008
Warrensville/Van Aken Transit Oriented Development
On February 27, a day that was so cold and snowy the schools were closed, more than 60 enthusiastic residents came out to hear a report from City consultants concerning the redesign of the Warrensville-Van Aken intersection.
The consultants presented the preferred option for transit, streets and possible development parcel layouts. A new mixed use office/retail/residential development is planned. The proposed plan involves extending the Rapid to the eastern side of Warrensville to a new transit center.
The plan also:
- Closes off Van Aken between Farnsleigh and Warrensville.
- Re-routes Northfield, turning the six-way intersection into a standard four-way intersection -- allowing traffic to move much more efficiently.
Residents enthusiastically discussed neighborhood traffic issues and potential solutions, and also made suggestions for changes to the preferred plan. Their suggestions will be incorporated into the final recommendation to be presented to City Council at an upcoming meeting. Visit the City website to learn when the plan will be on Council's agenda.
The City's consultants, The Planning Partnership, who work throughout the United States and Canada, indicated that Shaker residents were the most enthusiastic and positive that they had ever seen. Complete meeting results and the preferred plan will be available on the City's website in about one week
Great Things Happening on the South Side of Chagrin
Amy Joy Donuts and New Millennium Salon are opening this spring at the former Ohio Savings Bank building. Robin Gorman's State Farm Insurance Agency will relocate to the second floor of this building.
Joe Coste, owner of Amy Joy Donuts, is excited to return to Shaker Heights.
"When looking for a place for this store, we were attracted to (this building) because of the dramatic improvements that have been completed and the way the developer is really making this urban redevelopment a reality. It's great to be able to move back to an area that proved to be successful for us in the past and be a part of the future of Shaker Heights."
The developer has invested $2M, an amount that is expected to increase to $2.75M by the time the project is completed.
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Meeting on CEI Rate Case
The public has the opportunity to express their opinions on various issues raised by CEI's request for a rate increase. The hearing is on Thursday, March 13 in City Hall Council Chambers at 6:30 PM.
In Concert with Ludlow
A concert to celebrate the integrated neighborhood is scheduled for Sunday, March 9 at 4 PM at Shaker Heights High School, 15911 Aldersyde. It is sponsored by the Shaker Heights Arts Council, Verlezza Dance and the Ludlow Community Association. Performers will include Verlezza Dance, other professional artists and student groups from Shaker Heights and Cleveland. Proceeds will enhance youth programs and foster inter-community collaboration to benefit Ludlow and the surrounding area.
Tickets are $10, $25, $50 and $100 and children 10 and under will be admitted free with a paying adult. For reservations, call 216.314.0900 or go to www.shakerartscouncil.org/inconcertwithludlow.
January 2008
I am writing to update you on my first two weeks as Mayor. Events surrounding the tragic attack on Kevin McDermott in the Ludlow area have dominated this time period.
- Because Shaker has a unique position in the region as a community in which socio-economic and racial diversity have worked and because of our strong national reputation, the media have given the incident enormous attention. Together with Council, I have spent considerable time speaking with newspaper reporters and appearing on television and radio as well as at meetings with area residents about the incident and its impact. Council members, the community, and I are deeply upset about the incident, and our hearts are with the McDermott family as they recover from it.
While we in Shaker Heights take nothing for granted, crime in our community has declined dramatically over the last twenty years and an assault like this is virtually unprecedented here. In fact, since 1987, assaults are down in Shaker by over 80%. On the whole, crime is down over the last twenty years by over 50%. The security and safety of our residents are maintained by an outstanding police force supported by Citizen Police Academy graduates, and the eyes and ears of residents who report any suspicious situation. Shaker Heights remains a safe community.
The good news is that in the face of extreme and highly inappropriate reactions elsewhere and in certain parts of the media, our Shaker community, led by Ludlow residents, has expressed positive feelings about our City and provided the McDermott family with enormous support. In addition, we can find comfort in the highly effective Shaker police work, which has already resulted in the apprehension and charging of six suspects.
I hope you will join me and Council when the Human Relations Commission presents its annual awards on January 28 at 7:00 PM at the Shaker Community Building.
Recipients of the MLK, Jr. Human Relations Award are Lomond Association officers Brian Yusko and Bryan Moore.
Receiving a special award for lifetime achievement is real estate professional and fair housing champion Winston Richie, former City Council member and one of the founders of the Ludlow Association. Dr. Richie's award is presented in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King, Jr., and of the federal Fair Housing Act, which was enacted just a week after Dr. King's assassination.
- Warrensville/Van Aken 2nd Public Meeting
I urge you to attend the second public workshop about the redesign of Warrensville/Van Aken on January 23 at the Shaker Community Building, 3450 Lee Rd., 7-9:30 PM. Consultants will present traffic study findings and updated design concepts based on feedback from the first workshop, and solicit your comments and suggestions.
Additional Public Meetings on January 24:
12:30-2 PM: Informal Open House - Meet with project designers and watch them turn resident input into design presentations.
6:30 PM: City Council Briefing/Wrap-Up - Designs presented to Council.
All meetings are at the Community Building.
Receive updates/public notices about the Warrensville/Van Aken project by signing up for the email list, All About Warrensville/Van Aken. Click the "Update Profile/Email Address" link at the bottom of this email.
I also look forward to seeing many of you at the Ice Festival at Thornton Park tomorrow. Special events include horse-drawn wagon rides from 3 to 5 PM, ice sculpture demonstrations from 1 to 4 PM and a special appearance by Mr. Twister during open skate from 2:30 to 4:30 PM - all for only $6. (skate rental $2.50)
The balance of my first few weeks has been spent meeting and greeting our directors and personnel and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to work with such an outstanding staff.
I am enormously grateful to have the opportunity to serve as Mayor of Shaker Heights and very much look forward to the next four years.
