Lack of leadership. Lack of loyalty on the part of key city administrators.
If we had effective leadership we wouldn't be in a position where the City will have $50,000 in the bank and no borrowing authority at the end of 2006.
City employees who do not live in the City have no loyalty to the City. They have no roots in the community. They say they love Lakewood. But they love in from afar.
What Is The Biggest Problem In Lakewood?
Moderator: Jim O'Bryan
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Jim O'Bryan
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Just some rough comments on your comments
Rentals
Too Many - This is more a product of low borrowing rates, and will soon turn the other way as rates drift higher. We lost three renters we had for years when they bought homes.
Enforcement - Every year they check ours. Right down to switch plates, garages, appliances, etc. So I am not sure how it could be rental inspections. But right next to ours is a house that is incredible disrepair. I was sighted for a cracked panel on my garage door. While the owner occupied single next to us was missing panels. I got sighted for weeds in the gutter, next door the gutter was hanging. Got sighted for cracked paint on the garage, the guy next door painted his house with a sprayer and it looked it!
Absentee Landlords - Huge problem! I wish there was a way to regulate this, not sure it is legal. I always thought a rule like; If you have more than two rental units you must live in the city. Maybe residency incentives. If you live in the city you get a break on fees, financial help on repair. Who knows, but this is a huge problem.
Savannah's Park - Again you have to see the full project. The paper did not do it justice. To be honest we could have gone 8 pages and still not do it justice. The view of the lake would not have been interrupted, but not ruined or lost. The highest building on the property would have been lower than the cliffs. This allows you to see over the land, but would have provided more fun things to look at. I lived on the lake for years. The view of the lake is nice, but the view of the lake and downtown was better, even better was Sunday mornings when you had the view of downtown, and the sailboat races on the lake.
Madison Avenue - Mark - Sometimes I do not understand the fear you project. I get calls all the time from people about being afraid. My answer is always the same, let me check it out. Kaufman Park brought us SWAT, a group of great guys that people were afraid of! We went, we meet and I still love running into these guys on the street. We found out they keep the church clean, and actually act as "police" in the park. Are they angels, absolutely not. They are good fun loving kids.
I have been to the "WAR ZONE" Cove and Detroit. Sorry, didn't live up to it's nickname. Again a bunch locals on the streets. I see the problem more of "old time" locals afraid of diversity. I was talking with Mayor Tom George last week, something I love to do. Tom is a long time resident, grew up here and lives in Lakewood(south of Lake Rd.). We were talking about upcoming stories in the paper and I mentioned we are doing a story that PROVES moving out of Lakewood because of "high taxes" is pure BS. It would take 10 or more years to recoup from the move, and you would still loose Lakewood's services. If the the new city raised taxes it could take 20 or more years! So it brings me back "diversity." Yesterday I had lunch with a couple of my favorite Lakewoodites who are very active in the city. I told them the story. At first both said "No way, it's not our new found diversity" but slowly admitted that she had heard "Diversity" The other said "never, low income." As it was a pleasant lunch I let it ride. But here I will put it on the table. "Diversity, low income, crime" is all directed at black and brown faces!
I would love to introduce you to wealthy WHITE people that moved to Lakewood because of our diversity. That sealed the deal. A healthy vibrant FRIENDLY, ACCEPTING city is a healthy city. You want to talk crime, give me the numbers. Guess what they are down.
Jane Jacobs teaches us that the pathway to a safe city is the amount of people on the street. Empty streets provide the opportunity for crime. Lakewood with it's front porches, active main streets make this town safe.
Now I'm 6'4" so I am biased. But I maintain there is no neighborhood in the region I cannot walk in 24/7/365. I might be uncomfortable, sure, but unsafe, no? Of course there is always a chance for crime against me, but in this region they'll steal my car before they confront. Most violent crimes in this county are from people you know, not people you do not know. That's a fact, and we should be glad.
HOWEVER - There needs to be many changes on Detroit and Madison and I am proud to say the Chamber of Commerce and now at least two new business groups have taken matters into their own hands. MaMa(Madison Avenue Merchants Association) are putting in place ways for the businesses to work together, promote the region, and attract new businesses. The impact by these groups will be felt this summer, and over the next couple years.
Well the cough medicine has kicked in and lucky for all of you I have to make some coffee.
So please carry on the discussion.
peace
.
Rentals
Too Many - This is more a product of low borrowing rates, and will soon turn the other way as rates drift higher. We lost three renters we had for years when they bought homes.
Enforcement - Every year they check ours. Right down to switch plates, garages, appliances, etc. So I am not sure how it could be rental inspections. But right next to ours is a house that is incredible disrepair. I was sighted for a cracked panel on my garage door. While the owner occupied single next to us was missing panels. I got sighted for weeds in the gutter, next door the gutter was hanging. Got sighted for cracked paint on the garage, the guy next door painted his house with a sprayer and it looked it!
Absentee Landlords - Huge problem! I wish there was a way to regulate this, not sure it is legal. I always thought a rule like; If you have more than two rental units you must live in the city. Maybe residency incentives. If you live in the city you get a break on fees, financial help on repair. Who knows, but this is a huge problem.
Savannah's Park - Again you have to see the full project. The paper did not do it justice. To be honest we could have gone 8 pages and still not do it justice. The view of the lake would not have been interrupted, but not ruined or lost. The highest building on the property would have been lower than the cliffs. This allows you to see over the land, but would have provided more fun things to look at. I lived on the lake for years. The view of the lake is nice, but the view of the lake and downtown was better, even better was Sunday mornings when you had the view of downtown, and the sailboat races on the lake.
Madison Avenue - Mark - Sometimes I do not understand the fear you project. I get calls all the time from people about being afraid. My answer is always the same, let me check it out. Kaufman Park brought us SWAT, a group of great guys that people were afraid of! We went, we meet and I still love running into these guys on the street. We found out they keep the church clean, and actually act as "police" in the park. Are they angels, absolutely not. They are good fun loving kids.
I have been to the "WAR ZONE" Cove and Detroit. Sorry, didn't live up to it's nickname. Again a bunch locals on the streets. I see the problem more of "old time" locals afraid of diversity. I was talking with Mayor Tom George last week, something I love to do. Tom is a long time resident, grew up here and lives in Lakewood(south of Lake Rd.). We were talking about upcoming stories in the paper and I mentioned we are doing a story that PROVES moving out of Lakewood because of "high taxes" is pure BS. It would take 10 or more years to recoup from the move, and you would still loose Lakewood's services. If the the new city raised taxes it could take 20 or more years! So it brings me back "diversity." Yesterday I had lunch with a couple of my favorite Lakewoodites who are very active in the city. I told them the story. At first both said "No way, it's not our new found diversity" but slowly admitted that she had heard "Diversity" The other said "never, low income." As it was a pleasant lunch I let it ride. But here I will put it on the table. "Diversity, low income, crime" is all directed at black and brown faces!
I would love to introduce you to wealthy WHITE people that moved to Lakewood because of our diversity. That sealed the deal. A healthy vibrant FRIENDLY, ACCEPTING city is a healthy city. You want to talk crime, give me the numbers. Guess what they are down.
Jane Jacobs teaches us that the pathway to a safe city is the amount of people on the street. Empty streets provide the opportunity for crime. Lakewood with it's front porches, active main streets make this town safe.
Now I'm 6'4" so I am biased. But I maintain there is no neighborhood in the region I cannot walk in 24/7/365. I might be uncomfortable, sure, but unsafe, no? Of course there is always a chance for crime against me, but in this region they'll steal my car before they confront. Most violent crimes in this county are from people you know, not people you do not know. That's a fact, and we should be glad.
HOWEVER - There needs to be many changes on Detroit and Madison and I am proud to say the Chamber of Commerce and now at least two new business groups have taken matters into their own hands. MaMa(Madison Avenue Merchants Association) are putting in place ways for the businesses to work together, promote the region, and attract new businesses. The impact by these groups will be felt this summer, and over the next couple years.
Well the cough medicine has kicked in and lucky for all of you I have to make some coffee.
So please carry on the discussion.
peace
.
Jim O'Bryan
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
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Jim O'Bryan
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- Location: Lakewood
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Re: Lakewood
Bill Call wrote:Lack of leadership. Lack of loyalty on the part of key city administrators.
If we had effective leadership we wouldn't be in a position where the City will have $50,000 in the bank and no borrowing authority at the end of 2006.
City employees who do not live in the City have no loyalty to the City. They have no roots in the community. They say they love Lakewood. But they love in from afar.
Bill
You and I have talked about this many times, and let's be honest here. We both know that this administration inherited a very bad financial situation. We have both wondered why Tom George did not lay these cards on the table from day one. Instead he chose to go about his business without placing the blame on the last group. Somewhere between the run up to the vote, and the day TG got sworn in the budget moved from 6 million in the black to 6 million in the red(real numbers might be different, do not have them in front of me)
I will admit there does seem to be a lack of planning, that the city seems to have become reactionary and defensive instead of proactive and on the offense. But I have never attended a planning meeting, and I think the city would be in worse shape if they said at a meeting. "Let's see what Jim thinks." Tom has never called and said "Hey Jim what about..." Thank God my life is too surreal now! But Tom and City Hall has never not offered to explain plans, positions, or their luke warm coffee.(How come City Hall does not drink Lakewood Observer brand)
Lakewood officials not living in Lakewood. I hate it, I agree with you. Let's look at the news the Observer broke 8 hours before anyone else. Vic Nogalo. Would Vic had moved to another job if he lived in the city? I think MAYBE not. In Vic's case, from what I hear, would have been served much better living in the city.
But residency requirements is like staying married for the kids. We need to design "Residency Incentives." Maybe the first, and the best is Community Currency.
Now i really am going to make coffee. Yes Don that would be "Lakewood Observer Brand coffee" available at Phoenix Coffee and Bela Dubby.
.
Jim O'Bryan
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
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Stephen Gracey
- Posts: 0
- Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2006 7:00 pm
- Location: Larchmont Ave.
- Contact:
Joan Roberts wrote:Mr. B.
I don't think Lakewood is going to run out of pre-1929 houses soon and I'm n not recalling any wholesale tearing down of older homes.
The question that started the discussion though, was "what are Lakewood's biggest problems?" My contention simply is that we lack the type of housing most people seek today. How Lakewood solves that problem, or even if it wants to, is another matter.
I enjoy the give-and-take, too.
Our friends in San Jose, CA, live in "Nagley Park," a neighborhood of mostly bungalows. There hasn't been any "new housing" in a long, long time, yet the homes are selling like hotcakes and appreciation is astronomical. (Our friends bought a run-down, UGLY bungalow at $380K, and now it's pushing $1M. Michele, who grew up in Westlake, now tells us how much more like "home" her bungalow is, even though her "home" was a 1970's split-level in a suburban tract.
I think people are attracted to the views of new construction on television and model homes, but I'd love to see a study of long-term satisfaction with the kind of living they actually do in them.
As a comment on the "renter" conversation, I also began living in Lakewood as a renter, and when it came time to buy, we didn't want to live anywhere else. Having a substantial renter community gives people a gentle way to "buy in" to the Lakewood life.
Stephen
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Stephen Gracey
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- Location: Larchmont Ave.
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Lakewood's biggest problem?
...People focusing on "Lakewood's biggest problem."
You know, we're spending quite a lot of energy looking for the negative, and I'd just like to put in a plug for celebrating the positive. When we focus on what we love about Lakewood, then we'll feel more energized to make it better, we'll be more patient with the annoyances, and we'll be more attractive to people who are looking for a great place to live.
So, Jim...the next time you talk to Vic, encourage him (from me, since I don't know him) to ask questions like, "What do you love most about our great community?" I could chew his ear off for hours on that subject...
Stephen
You know, we're spending quite a lot of energy looking for the negative, and I'd just like to put in a plug for celebrating the positive. When we focus on what we love about Lakewood, then we'll feel more energized to make it better, we'll be more patient with the annoyances, and we'll be more attractive to people who are looking for a great place to live.
So, Jim...the next time you talk to Vic, encourage him (from me, since I don't know him) to ask questions like, "What do you love most about our great community?" I could chew his ear off for hours on that subject...
Stephen
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Joan Roberts
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- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2005 8:28 am
Re: Lakewood's biggest problem?
Mr. Gracey
I will kindly, gently, cordially, respectfully, graciously, and in every sense "good neigborly" request that you respond to what I wrote and not put words in my mouth.
At no point did I say that "Lakewood has too many old houses" or "Nobody likes old houses" or "we should replace old houses with new ones."
What I said was, for people who want a bigger second home for a growing family, without the expense and hassle of rehab, Lakewood says, "Sorry, nothing for you here." So we watch talented, affluent, engaged people move out.
We can also trade dueling anecdotes. I know quite a few people who have moved on who say things to the effect of, "I enjoyed living in Lakewood when I was younger, but when I drive through now, I'm glad I left" or "I miss the woodwork but not those drafty windows." What's accomplished with that? Some may not agree this is a problem, but I happen to believe it is. Again however, reaching an answer is harder than identifying the problem.
I will kindly, gently, cordially, respectfully, graciously, and in every sense "good neigborly" request that you respond to what I wrote and not put words in my mouth.
At no point did I say that "Lakewood has too many old houses" or "Nobody likes old houses" or "we should replace old houses with new ones."
What I said was, for people who want a bigger second home for a growing family, without the expense and hassle of rehab, Lakewood says, "Sorry, nothing for you here." So we watch talented, affluent, engaged people move out.
We can also trade dueling anecdotes. I know quite a few people who have moved on who say things to the effect of, "I enjoyed living in Lakewood when I was younger, but when I drive through now, I'm glad I left" or "I miss the woodwork but not those drafty windows." What's accomplished with that? Some may not agree this is a problem, but I happen to believe it is. Again however, reaching an answer is harder than identifying the problem.
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Jim O'Bryan
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Re: Lakewood's biggest problem?
Stephen Gracey wrote:...People focusing on "Lakewood's biggest problem."
So, Jim...the next time you talk to Vic, encourage him (from me, since I don't know him) to ask questions like, "What do you love most about our great community?" I could chew his ear off for hours on that subject...
Stephen
Stephen
Unfortunately Vic is no longer working for the city. As as much as I like Vic, while working for Lakewood he moved from Chagrin Falls to Hinckley, so maybe he never saw what you and I see everyday.
I did not start this thread to focus on problems. Just the opposite, I did it as a favor to the city so they could see what we thought. The streets are bad, I own old cars (30 years + old) and they hate the streets. But I think it might not be our most pressing problem.
I can write a book on the positives, and I agree we are way ahead of the game, and you will see in the next edition of the paper how.
Joan
I could go into nightmare after nightmare associated with new homes, but there is no point. I agree that Lakewood homes need more love and care than new homes, in theory.
We will be showcasing some amazing programs in the next couple months that will help Lakewoodites recoup nearly 50% of their home repair and updating costs. But the fact remains, Lakewood and our housing stock will NEVER suit everyone. So why even try to get them to move here. Change the city or the homes for a few?! That is crazy.
What the city, the businesses and the residents must do is "draft" in good neighbors that want to live here. Another story we have going is people that bought in Bay, River, Avon, Hinckley, Strongsville, Cleveland Heights, etc. That paid the premium to move, then paid it again to move back. The city can never be perfect to everyone, and those that try to make it perfect in their image, forget about the other 55,999 that seem to like it now.
This always takes me back to the war from the past. Which is better, a handful of businesses that need to be paid and subsidized to move to Lakewood, or the 1,500 residents that reached in their pocket and fought to stay here?
Buying friends, never works out.
.
Jim O'Bryan
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
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Bill Call
- Posts: 3319
- Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2005 1:10 pm
Lakewood
Joan:
I think you are mostly right about the appeal of old houses. I prefer a 1930's colonial to a 1950's bungalow or a 1960's ranch but I think I am in the minority. Nothing gets you in more trouble in Washington D. C. like speaking the truth. That holds true in Lakewood as well.
We should realize that housing can become obsolete. Lakewood has many streets with fine homes that have great appeal. Lakewood has many streets with houses with diminishing appeal.
A new development is coming our way they would replace a large area of not so fine homes. If we want to improve this City we should keep an open mind when it is announced.
Jim:
I think it's time to consider a retroactive residency requirement. I was going to start a new post on that subject but I didn't want to be inflammatory (it was hard to resist the temptation).
I think you are mostly right about the appeal of old houses. I prefer a 1930's colonial to a 1950's bungalow or a 1960's ranch but I think I am in the minority. Nothing gets you in more trouble in Washington D. C. like speaking the truth. That holds true in Lakewood as well.
We should realize that housing can become obsolete. Lakewood has many streets with fine homes that have great appeal. Lakewood has many streets with houses with diminishing appeal.
A new development is coming our way they would replace a large area of not so fine homes. If we want to improve this City we should keep an open mind when it is announced.
Jim:
I think it's time to consider a retroactive residency requirement. I was going to start a new post on that subject but I didn't want to be inflammatory (it was hard to resist the temptation).
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Donald Farris
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- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 8:31 pm
- Location: Lakewood and points beyond
- Contact:
Hi,
Mr. Call, I know nothing about the development that you mention.
If it is based on purchasing those homes on the open market then I'm all for it. If however the plan is based on using eminent domain I'm opposed to it.
Lakewood has far more to lose by not respecting each other than any development could ever hope to give.
Mr. Call, I know nothing about the development that you mention.
If it is based on purchasing those homes on the open market then I'm all for it. If however the plan is based on using eminent domain I'm opposed to it.
Lakewood has far more to lose by not respecting each other than any development could ever hope to give.
Mankind must put an end to war or
war will put an end to mankind.
--John F. Kennedy
Stability and peace in our land will not come from the barrel of a gun, because peace without justice is an impossibility.
--Desmond Tutu
war will put an end to mankind.
--John F. Kennedy
Stability and peace in our land will not come from the barrel of a gun, because peace without justice is an impossibility.
--Desmond Tutu
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Joan Roberts
- Posts: 175
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2005 8:28 am
Jim.
I guess my view of Lakewood is a bit more expansive than just a place where only people who like old houses need apply. The appeal of Lakewood to me, BOTH times I moved here, wasn't simply trees and old houses. Quiet as its kept, LOTS of places have trees and old houses. I always liked Lakewood because of its eclectic, unpretentious attitude. New (Gold Coast), old, big, small, chains, stand-alones. Lakewood didn't seem to be so image-obsessed as a Chagrin Falls or even a Berea. That's what I liked. I seemed to be a "big tent" kind of town.
Now I hear things like "we can't please everybody" which one can also read as "you're not really Lakewood material". THAT is dangerous thinking, and while I'm sure that's not what YOU believe, there are some who do feel that way. "Want a nice new house instead of a five-year rehab project? See ya!
Jim, is that really, in your heart, what you think is good for Lakewood?"
Mr. Call.
I'm glad you agree. Actually, even on the schools, we have a lot of common ground. Honest.
I guess my view of Lakewood is a bit more expansive than just a place where only people who like old houses need apply. The appeal of Lakewood to me, BOTH times I moved here, wasn't simply trees and old houses. Quiet as its kept, LOTS of places have trees and old houses. I always liked Lakewood because of its eclectic, unpretentious attitude. New (Gold Coast), old, big, small, chains, stand-alones. Lakewood didn't seem to be so image-obsessed as a Chagrin Falls or even a Berea. That's what I liked. I seemed to be a "big tent" kind of town.
Now I hear things like "we can't please everybody" which one can also read as "you're not really Lakewood material". THAT is dangerous thinking, and while I'm sure that's not what YOU believe, there are some who do feel that way. "Want a nice new house instead of a five-year rehab project? See ya!
Jim, is that really, in your heart, what you think is good for Lakewood?"
Mr. Call.
I'm glad you agree. Actually, even on the schools, we have a lot of common ground. Honest.
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Kenneth Warren
- Posts: 489
- Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2005 7:17 pm
Joan:
Your common sense, insights and "market" feedback on comparative locales continue to resonate with me as descriptive feedback within my commitment to the Lakewood Observer's experimental loop - "the city that would know itself better than any other."
You capture a sense of the place here:
"I always liked Lakewood because of its eclectic, unpretentious attitude. New (Gold Coast), old, big, small, chains, stand-alones. Lakewood didn't seem to be so image-obsessed as a Chagrin Falls or even a Berea. That's what I liked. I seemed to be a "big tent" kind of town."
How exactly would you define eclectic?
I caught a glimpse of a reality television show that brought a working class girl to the table of a wealthy family. The wealthy woman described the working class girl "eclectic."
In reading another one of your posts somewhere, I came away with the sense, perhaps not completely accurate to your intended message but worth teasing out in order to know more, that as a place to live in your current situation "Lakewood is good enough for now."
To my ear, the sense that "Lakewood is good enough for now" is not necessarily complacent, smugly satisfied with the status quo, or oblivious to the challenges of sustaining the standard of living and quality of the place. That statement provides some ballast for our ships in times when flux in demographic and economic tides can lead to anxious overstatements about "eclectic" life conditions in the city.
One of my sons, when in high school, told me he and his friends were "Lakewood for Life." So life stages and perceptions of duration shift for each of us.
My question to you is: What/how can we advance to others the particular, positive qualities you currently perceive about Lakewood?
To whom might the message be targeted.
Again, I appreciate your posts.
Kenneth Warren
Your common sense, insights and "market" feedback on comparative locales continue to resonate with me as descriptive feedback within my commitment to the Lakewood Observer's experimental loop - "the city that would know itself better than any other."
You capture a sense of the place here:
"I always liked Lakewood because of its eclectic, unpretentious attitude. New (Gold Coast), old, big, small, chains, stand-alones. Lakewood didn't seem to be so image-obsessed as a Chagrin Falls or even a Berea. That's what I liked. I seemed to be a "big tent" kind of town."
How exactly would you define eclectic?
I caught a glimpse of a reality television show that brought a working class girl to the table of a wealthy family. The wealthy woman described the working class girl "eclectic."
In reading another one of your posts somewhere, I came away with the sense, perhaps not completely accurate to your intended message but worth teasing out in order to know more, that as a place to live in your current situation "Lakewood is good enough for now."
To my ear, the sense that "Lakewood is good enough for now" is not necessarily complacent, smugly satisfied with the status quo, or oblivious to the challenges of sustaining the standard of living and quality of the place. That statement provides some ballast for our ships in times when flux in demographic and economic tides can lead to anxious overstatements about "eclectic" life conditions in the city.
One of my sons, when in high school, told me he and his friends were "Lakewood for Life." So life stages and perceptions of duration shift for each of us.
My question to you is: What/how can we advance to others the particular, positive qualities you currently perceive about Lakewood?
To whom might the message be targeted.
Again, I appreciate your posts.
Kenneth Warren
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Jim O'Bryan
- Posts: 14196
- Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:12 pm
- Location: Lakewood
- Contact:
Joan Roberts wrote:...Jim, is that really, in your heart, what you think is good for Lakewood?"
I cannot say that is 100% what is in my heart. To be honest my heart is a moving target. Closer to my heart is what the city decides(residents) than I am with the flow.
I have to be honest though. Lakewood has always been the city of homes. It has not had a "manufacturing" base since the 40s if even then. I hasn't had an economic engine since the 60s if even then. It has always prided itself on being the city of trees and homes and a great place to raise kids.
I have absolutely no problem changing the housing stock. I have no problem seeing doubles turn into singles. I have no problem with seeing homes come down and Gold Coast condos go up. Where I get a little twitch is when it comes to "long range plans" that are not, and they drastically change the flavor of fabric of the city. It is even more alarming when there is no way to back track for twenty or thirty years.
But of course you are right, compromise, variety is the key to any healthy city and it's long range future.
.
Jim O'Bryan
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
-
Joseph Milan
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sun Aug 28, 2005 12:45 pm
Re: Lakewood
Lack of leadership. Lack of loyalty on the part of key city administrators.
Bill,
While I'll agree with this complaint about Lakewood, I think the opposite is a bigger problem. There is a huge loyalty on the side of the residents to these leaders regardless of how well they do or not.
Joe
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Mike Deneen
- Posts: 245
- Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 12:02 pm
Allow me to disagree with many of the previous comments:
Jim--the glut of rental housing in Lakewood is a PERMANENT and STRUCTURAL problem. There is a finite number of people living in the Cleveland area, and there is little or no growth. Meanwhile, the amount of housing units continues to grow and spread through a larger geographic area. A fixed numerator and a rising denominator means a lowering percentage of units in use. Fluctuations in interest rates will not solve the problem.
Joe--Where is all of this blind loyalty to local politicians? Some of the people on these message boards like to pretend we live in Brooklyn, and have had the same mayor and council for 40 years. In case you haven't noticed, the mayor is only in his first term (by the way, where was the blind loyalty to Madeline?) and four of the seven councilpeople are in their first terms. Doesn't exactly sound like entrenched power to me.
Bill--Residency requirements are illegal, so don't even worry about it. I'm sure your good buddy John Stossel would agree with the Ohio GOP and tell those Cleveland politicians to "give me a break!"
Mark--I've been hearing the "Lakewood is turning into Cleveland" routine since my family moved here in 1983. Perhaps some of you lifelong Lakewoodites thought that WE were part of the problem at the time.
First of all, I know far, far more about the west side of Cleveland than anyone in Observerland.
I was born in St. John's Hospital.
I was baptized at St. Colman's
I graduated from St. Ignatius Grade School
I played little league at Thrush Field
I shopped and played at the old Sears on 110th and Lorain
I delivered the old Cleveland Press to my route on 115th
I lived through the decline of the old neighborhoods. I was there.
I am still a part of St. Colman's and even wrote the history portion of their 125th anniversary book.
Although Lakewood has its problems, it is NOTHING EVEN CLOSE to what happened in Cleveland.
Many of the elements that destroyed Cleveland's neighborhoods are not present in Lakewood.
First and foremost is the school busing issue. No matter how well intentioned, this destroyed the city. People didn't want their kids leaving their neighborhood schools, triggering a mass exodus.
In present day Lakewood, we have neighborhood schools.
Then there is crime. By the late 1970s, my mom could not safely walk the streets of Cleveland alone, even in daylight. She was in her late 40s at the time.
In present Lakewood, my 75-year-old mother walks from her home on Olive avenue down to the Marc's plaza on a regular basis.
Yes, many of you will say "but it's so bad down by 117th", but do the crime statistics bear this out? Unless I am mistaken, there has been no sudden increase in violent street crimes in ward 4.
Also, there is the I-90 issue. Although Lakewood lost many fine homes to I-90, the city recovered. Cleveland, on the other hand, especially the St. Colman's area, was really devastated by the loss of homes. Present day Lakewood faces no such threat.
Jim--the glut of rental housing in Lakewood is a PERMANENT and STRUCTURAL problem. There is a finite number of people living in the Cleveland area, and there is little or no growth. Meanwhile, the amount of housing units continues to grow and spread through a larger geographic area. A fixed numerator and a rising denominator means a lowering percentage of units in use. Fluctuations in interest rates will not solve the problem.
Joe--Where is all of this blind loyalty to local politicians? Some of the people on these message boards like to pretend we live in Brooklyn, and have had the same mayor and council for 40 years. In case you haven't noticed, the mayor is only in his first term (by the way, where was the blind loyalty to Madeline?) and four of the seven councilpeople are in their first terms. Doesn't exactly sound like entrenched power to me.
Bill--Residency requirements are illegal, so don't even worry about it. I'm sure your good buddy John Stossel would agree with the Ohio GOP and tell those Cleveland politicians to "give me a break!"
Mark--I've been hearing the "Lakewood is turning into Cleveland" routine since my family moved here in 1983. Perhaps some of you lifelong Lakewoodites thought that WE were part of the problem at the time.
First of all, I know far, far more about the west side of Cleveland than anyone in Observerland.
I was born in St. John's Hospital.
I was baptized at St. Colman's
I graduated from St. Ignatius Grade School
I played little league at Thrush Field
I shopped and played at the old Sears on 110th and Lorain
I delivered the old Cleveland Press to my route on 115th
I lived through the decline of the old neighborhoods. I was there.
I am still a part of St. Colman's and even wrote the history portion of their 125th anniversary book.
Although Lakewood has its problems, it is NOTHING EVEN CLOSE to what happened in Cleveland.
Many of the elements that destroyed Cleveland's neighborhoods are not present in Lakewood.
First and foremost is the school busing issue. No matter how well intentioned, this destroyed the city. People didn't want their kids leaving their neighborhood schools, triggering a mass exodus.
In present day Lakewood, we have neighborhood schools.
Then there is crime. By the late 1970s, my mom could not safely walk the streets of Cleveland alone, even in daylight. She was in her late 40s at the time.
In present Lakewood, my 75-year-old mother walks from her home on Olive avenue down to the Marc's plaza on a regular basis.
Yes, many of you will say "but it's so bad down by 117th", but do the crime statistics bear this out? Unless I am mistaken, there has been no sudden increase in violent street crimes in ward 4.
Also, there is the I-90 issue. Although Lakewood lost many fine homes to I-90, the city recovered. Cleveland, on the other hand, especially the St. Colman's area, was really devastated by the loss of homes. Present day Lakewood faces no such threat.
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Joseph Milan
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sun Aug 28, 2005 12:45 pm
Mike Deneen wrote:
Joe--Where is all of this blind loyalty to local politicians? Some of the people on these message boards like to pretend we live in Brooklyn, and have had the same mayor and council for 40 years. In case you haven't noticed, the mayor is only in his first term (by the way, where was the blind loyalty to Madeline?) and four of the seven councilpeople are in their first terms. Doesn't exactly sound like entrenched power to me.
Mike,
Having seen campaign lit from these new people while seeing 5 or ten pieces from the other side, I think you're wrong. First of all, how often does an incumbent lose who isn't anointed by someone at city hall already? Secondly, why is it that the person who knock on one door several times throughout a campaign and makes his or her pitch looses to someone who hardly passes out anything?
Third, the entrenchment goes further. When was the last time the newspapers including the Westlife, Sun, and Plain Dealer endorsed someone from the right for city council? When was the last time a true third party candidate was endorsed? Even though these campaigns are supposed to be non partisan, the newspapers always some how endorses the most liberal candidates, and the voters, regardless of whether they see these endorsements or not, vote the same way.
Had it not been for the West End, Former Mayor Cain would still be where she was. A few of the people's places that were replaced in the last election were because they either a) didn't want to run again or b) wanted to run for higher office. I'm pretty sure, in both cases, as soon as they made that decision the first thing they did was put their house up for sale and move out of the city. The entrenchment is not a two way street.
Joe