Development in Lakewood

Mary Breiner · Post by **Mary Breiner** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 7:06 pm

Does anyone know what is going on with "development" in Lakewood?
Specifically, the corner where the old Giant Eagle used to be. I had heard in the past that it was going to be a Gold's Gym with retail on the street level.

What about the Cliffs? I haven't noticed any action over on that side of Lakewood since the Fall.

Also, what's the deal with the Drug Mart plaza? Earlier posts mentioned that it had been sold to a developer. Since so much cutting is going on with the city's budget, I am curious about what is being done to increase revenue.

Does anyone know anything about these 3 projects. Are they still in the works and if not, why?
Thanks,

Mary

Phil Florian · Post by **Phil Florian** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 7:34 pm

I would love to see an ongoing thread discussing upcoming and current development. A thread where projects like The Cliffs or The Cereal Bar seem to be permanently on hold could dig a bit to find out what is going on. To find out how a new business is doing (Lakewood Hardware? The Bookstore?). To find out what might be coming into an empty space (Starbucks? 5 Brothers? Something?). In some cases, while it seems like forever, things work out. I thought Dave's Cosmic Subs was doomed since it was empty and didn't seem to be going anywhere for such a long time. But then there they were selling subs. The Cereal Bar, on the other hand, seems to be out to lunch for good.

So what can be shared? How is new development going?

Justine Cooper · Post by **Justine Cooper** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 8:43 pm

I hate to be negative, but the book store and Sacred Healing, both new businesses have said they almost did not open here because of "issues" with the city giving them problems. We have to find ways to make it more attractive for businesses to open up here, not ways to push them away. What's up with that agenda anyway and how about getting the chamber to make it more attractive and problem-free to open here in Lakewood?

Phil Florian · Post by **Phil Florian** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 9:01 pm

I don't think it is negative, this is the stuff we need to air out. Was the troubles under the "old" administration? With a new mayor and team, this is a great time for shaking things up at City Hall to loosen some ties and find out why they would make it tough for ANY new business to come into town? Now would be the time to take City Hall to task on this. If the city is the barrier to news business opportunities in Lakewood, then we the citizens that vote and pay for them need to get up there and find out why.

Maybe some investigative reporting with the last 5 new businesses that opened in Lakewood would be cool. Write about what brought them here, how they did it, what hurdles they encountered and how they are doing. Who helped them out and who hindered. It doesn't have to be a tell all (who needs names named) but simply saying "it took 3 months to wrangle a permit" or some such would be informative. I hear the "city" giving new businesses trouble all the time but rarely do I hear why and what really is happening.

That said, how is Sacred Healing and the new bookstore doing? How about Souper Market and Dave's? Melt seems to be hitting it out of the park.

Stephen Eisel · Post by **Stephen Eisel** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 9:15 pm

Justine Cooper wrote:I hate to be negative, but the book store and Sacred Healing, both new businesses have said they almost did not open here because of "issues" with the city giving them problems. We have to find ways to make it more attractive for businesses to open up here, not ways to push them away. What's up with that agenda anyway and how about getting the chamber to make it more attractive and problem-free to open here in Lakewood?

Amen... Properly training city employees that deal with public is a must for Lakewood.

stephen davis · Post by **stephen davis** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 10:29 pm

Phil Florian wrote:Maybe some investigative reporting with the last 5 new businesses that opened in Lakewood would be cool.

Go for it. I'd love to read about what you find out.

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:16 am

Phil Florian wrote:I would love to see an ongoing thread discussing upcoming and current development. A thread where projects like The Cliffs or The Cereal Bar...

Phil

Well if you go back and look at the Lakewood Observer of almost 3 years ago, I will get the date. It shows $200,000,0000 in development going on. These were all projects announced and underway. To my knowledge ALL have been completed and selling. Well ALL but one, that still sits as a vacant muddy lot at the gateway to Lakewood.

Rockport is finishing the third phase I believe and is is either sold out or selling well. However the talk I have heard is that they are now thinking of holding off on the next phase, as the housing market is very slow. This would be the living space on the north side of Detroit.

Maybe we can get Nat Kelly to jump on here. He is a good man, and neighbor.

.

David Lay · Post by **David Lay** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:26 am

I think Cereal Central is opening soon. I've gone by there a few times this week and have seen activity inside.

Justine Cooper · Post by **Justine Cooper** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:55 am

Phil Florian wrote:I don't think it is negative, this is the stuff we need to air out. Was the troubles under the "old" administration? With a new mayor and team, this is a great time for shaking things up at City Hall to loosen some ties and find out why they would make it tough for ANY new business to come into town? Now would be the time to take City Hall to task on this. If the city is the barrier to news business opportunities in Lakewood, then we the citizens that vote and pay for them need to get up there and find out why.

Maybe some investigative reporting with the last 5 new businesses that opened in Lakewood would be cool. Write about what brought them here, how they did it, what hurdles they encountered and how they are doing. Who helped them out and who hindered. It doesn't have to be a tell all (who needs names named) but simply saying "it took 3 months to wrangle a permit" or some such would be informative. I hear the "city" giving new businesses trouble all the time but rarely do I hear why and what really is happening.

That said, how is Sacred Healing and the new bookstore doing? How about Souper Market and Dave's? Melt seems to be hitting it out of the park.

I think a story like that would be great and useful, and should also include businesses that have recently closed to find out why. Some close simply for health or other reasons, but some may have different stories. I hate when I hear that a small business working umpteen hours a week had to pay a food permit twice in twelve months because of how it is written in the books (La Pita and Coffee Pot both testified to this). Now imagine those places gone because the costs outweigh the benefits.

Sacred Healing could be doing a lot better. Most businesses can't afford ads while they are trying to get going. Hopefully stories on new businesses and existing will help get the word out and is a gift from the LO. Most couldn't get a word of coverage from other papers. I am not sure about the new bookstore. Like many new businesses, their hours have started out as part time while they work full time to support it. I really hope it is successful and was thrilled to hear they opened.

I know a couple handfuls of businesses that have had unnecessary obstacles to opening when you are ready to write the story!

But will the LO print it??????

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 7:07 am

Justine Cooper wrote: I know a couple handfuls of businesses that have had unnecessary obstacles to opening when you are ready to write the story! But will the LO print it??????

Justine

That has always been the decision of the editors not me.

However

I will be more than willing to write the story about how working with the building and planning departments from day one offers huge benefits.

The first time I filed for permits was the first time, I found out how helpful they all want to be.

.

Justine Cooper · Post by **Justine Cooper** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 7:43 am

Mary Breiner · Post by **Mary Breiner** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 9:54 am

So, to go back to my original question...Does anyone know what's going on with 1. Old Giant Eagle
2. The Cliffs
and 3. the Drug Mart Plaza?

Thanks

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 10:01 am

1. Old Giant Eagle

Still on last I heard

2. The Cliffs

I would prefer to stay out of this discussion

3. the Drug Mart Plaza?

No paper work or contracts passed to this administration.

I have made a request of the city for either the mayor or Nate Kelly to jump in.

ALL RUMORS!

.

Mary Anne Crampton · Post by **Mary Anne Crampton** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 12:21 pm

All these projects have been impacted by economic conditions related to both retail and housing. The good news is that investment is still being made in downtown Lakewood.

1. Old Giant Eagle lot was indeed bought by the former Gold's Gym, and the new company, Urban Active, owns it. Originally planned as mixed-used development, it is my understanding that the project will still go forward...I do not have a timetable.

2. The Cliffs has been squarely hit by the housing melt-down. The Foran Group has every intention of continuing with the project as the market improves.

3. Discount Drug Mart strip was purchased by Giltz & Co. Conversations about plans for the property continue at the City and Main Street levels. Everyone agrees the space can be better than what it is.

4. Cereal Central - I am told they are planning to open May 1.

5. It's a Party - Party Store is open for business at 14526 Detroit in the old Harrison's Building. Tina, the former Party Station manager, has moved to this business.

6. Kathy's Sewing Center is happy in its expanded space at 14722 Detroit Avenue....also the old Harrison's Bldg.

7. Five Guys Burgers & Fries continues its work with the City/Main Street to establish a franchise in the old Party Station space.

8. As noted above, The Melt Bar & Grilled is doubling its size with the expansion currently underway.

Phil Florian · Post by **Phil Florian** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 1:14 pm

Thanks Jim and Mary. Perfect sorts of updates! Much appreciated.