State Of The City Address As Seen By Me

[Jim O'Bryan]

Mayor Michael P. Summers got a good turn out and a great reception when he stood up to
deliver the State of the City Address for Lakewood, 2012.


We have some major cuts coming from state and taxes.

We have some major expenses coming down the road sooner then later.


Housing is old, and we are committed to the idea that "Commercial investment will help the residents."


Walking out I saw this and walked into the middle of the Detroit Ave. and thought...

I have to give Mike credit, he softened some pretty serious thinking and adjustments we
are going to have to make as Lakewoodites, in Cuyahoga County, in the state of Ohio.
Even with cuts, with reduced revenue, a potential $2 million shortfall. I believe state law
prohibits us from having a deficit.

Then he brought up the "Dirty Tale of Lakewood" and while he was joking, he was not. The
last 4 administrations to my knowledge have looked the other way and done everything
possible to put off Lakewood coming into compliance with the EPA. It is going to cost us,
and the way it sounded, it will cost us big dollars.

He also spoke of the Clinic and Lakewood Hospital, sounding much like Ed FitzGerald used
to, about looking to other options. Again I have to applaud the mayor for taking on another
tough subject. No one wants to think of the loss of the clinic, but, it would hurt no one
more than Lakewood, and to look at other possibilities is the only sensible thing to do.

However I hear betting the farm on Economic Development sounding painfully like more of
the same, pouring our tax dollars into business districts, instead of homes and lifestyle.
When again does business lift us, the residents to the promised land of lower taxes?

Mike, if I may be so bold, became Mayor in a tough period.

Thanks for the time and the meeting.

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[Paul Schrimpf]

When we took the family to Philadelphia and visited Independence Hall, besides being awestruck that we were standing within the cradle of American democracy, we got to see the famous chair that inspired Ben Franklin. This is from a Philly virtual tour website:

In 1787 at a Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was waiting to sign a document that would hold the fate and destiny of our nation. As he stood, his eyes fell upon a carving on the back of George Washington's chair, a carving of half a sun. He stared thoughtfully at it for a minute, then proclaimed words that would be remembered forever, "I have often looked at that picture behind the president without being able to tell whether it was a rising or setting sun. Now at length I have the happiness to know that it is indeed a rising, not a setting sun."

The picture, and the moment Jim describes, made me think of it.

[Jim O'Bryan]

When we took the family to Philadelphia and visited Independence Hall, besides being awestruck that we were standing within the cradle of American democracy, we got to see the famous chair that inspired Ben Franklin. This is from a Philly virtual tour website:

In 1787 at a Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was waiting to sign a document that would hold the fate and destiny of our nation. As he stood, his eyes fell upon a carving on the back of George Washington's chair, a carving of half a sun. He stared thoughtfully at it for a minute, then proclaimed words that would be remembered forever, "I have often looked at that picture behind the president without being able to tell whether it was a rising or setting sun. Now at length I have the happiness to know that it is indeed a rising, not a setting sun."

The picture, and the moment Jim describes, made me think of it.

Paul

It was nearly 8pm, and would be signaling time to leave our public park, just 2 minutes away.

What came over me was, how can it be done, and why are we continuing to throw money
down a rabbit hole of false promises and as of yet unfulfilled promises, of over ten years
of hearing them.

Since the promise of the WestEnd Strip mall this city through many different entities has
promised to deliver more services, more safety, more cleanliness with less taxes. Last
night the promise was made again, we have less money, we need more money, and if we
just bet on commercial investment, lower taxes will come.

The last time we did the math it would take 250 Burger Kings to equal the taxes brought
in South of say Clifton. That is just to break even on where we are now. So to fulfill the
dream and the promise, we would need 300? 400? 500 more Burger Kings?

And then there is the punchline, so we get 500 more Burger Kings, where does that leave
the residents south of Clifton? In the middle of a crappy strip mall where no one wants to live.

It is a simple argument, to simple minds. More businesses, less taxes on residents.
Yeah!!!! Less taxes things are good.

The devil is in the details.

Mike said it last night, in his very scattered speech that sounded vaguely familiar when he
got to growing and redeveloping the Gold Coast. Gold Coast style living is the cheapest
most effective use of space for taxes, and low maintenance for city services. What he did
not mention is Residential is the next lowest cost biggest gain for taxes and community.
Commercial is way down the list for effective use of space and tax dollars. The worst is
empty retail/commercial. If redeveloping the Gold Coast is so good, and I believe it is,
why not extend the proven most effective use of space down the lakefront?

The other night's presentation at the Clifton Club was far different from the State of the
City. His comments on Akron U were different, his comments on what Lakewood is/was
was different. Last night there was no mention that Lakewood is the 10th largest city in
Ohio for people getting up and going to work and coming home. For had he made
that comment, many might wonder why we are not doing and amplifying what we are
great at, instead of betting the farm on a new persona that has never been us?

I give the guy credit for talking of the tough things ahead, but was heartbroken to hear
residents money will again go to propping up the Downtown Business district and tax
abatements for those that can and should pay taxes.

No matter, if you love Lakewood, this next couple years will test that love and dedication.

PS - To pay for the sewers we would need 2,000 more Burger Kings.


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[J Hrlec]

I thought the mayor gave a good update on challenges and plans for the future.

They did stress that both economic development and housing are top priorities. I don't believe they are ignoring one for the other, they understand both are key to our future.

Here's my prediction, no additional Burger Kings will be built in Lakewood (Although a Chic-fil-a would be nice)

[Jim O'Bryan]

I thought the mayor gave a good update on challenges and plans for the future.

They did stress that both economic development and housing are top priorities. I don't believe they are ignoring one for the other, they understand both are key to our future.

Here's my prediction, no additional Burger Kings will be built in Lakewood (Although a Chic-fil-a would be nice)

J

I agree the mayor went farther into challenges for the future than any mayor I can remember. It took nerve to spell out just what we are looking at.

But while the mayor mentioned retail and housing his comment was to paraphrase
"commercial investment will pull us through this." This is the same credo that came out of
the WestEnd, and LakewoodAlive for years before finding their soul and the housing
programs. How can a city of a city government be a slave to two masters? Look no farther
than McDonalds, to see what happens when retail collides with families.

Mike had to mention housing, he has no choice, the city has failed on housing and they
know it. But a quick look at the history of our politicans will underline that most believe
heavily in economic development to reduce our taxes. Brian Powers, an earlier
supporter whose sole purpose in formation was to educate Lakewoodites on the NEED
for economic development. Members of our council, which are long time followers of these
principles are Shawn, Tom, Monique, Ryan. Which usually means reduced taxes no matter
what it costs us. SEE BELOW

The above paragraphed was edited to reflect a slight correction on Brian I mistakenly
described him as one of the founders of LakewoodAlive, instead he was an early supporter
and one of many participants in the discussions that eventually lead to the formation of
LakewoodAlive. He also wanted to make it clear, and I believe this is far more important
to make sure that Brian Powers is portrayed fairly in this discussion, as he took the time
to call while driving to correct this. He believes that "Housing is economic development in
Lakewood." Admitting that MAYBE others in city hall are not in complete full agreement with those thoughts.

Brian I stand corrected, it was great hearing from you and I do appreciate what you do for
the city, and have done for the Observer. Please accept my apology

My question would be with more and more loss of services, and more and more attempts to woo business here with tax abatements, when
do Lakewoodites see the pay off?

While some see it odd the parks closing early, maybe it is just another sign that now our parks are there for the businesses that are open
during the day, instead of "the 10th largest amount of residents leaving home for work everyday in the state of Ohio" that returns home
to find them illegally going into the parks they used to have fun and play in with their kids.

Tough times, bad choices will be amplified, good choices will be muted.

FWIW


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[J Hrlec]

JOB,

There are many challenges and we all have our "take" on what areas are the best focus for Lakewood. The beauty of it is we all love our hometown and with the community we have here I am optimistic we will make it through relatively unscathed and retain our city identity of being a diverse, hip, and safe city.

[Jim O'Bryan]

JOB,

There are many challenges and we all have our "take" on what areas are the best focus for Lakewood. The beauty of it is we all love our hometown and with the community we have here I am optimistic we will make it through relatively unscathed and retain our city identity of being a diverse, hip, and safe city.

FIRST I JUST CORRECTED A POST ABOVE, normally I would just correct it, but this is different.

J Hrlec

I have never said there is only one answer for Lakewood, or that members of the community do not LOVE Lakewood as much as I do?*
We all have a right, to think and talk about our ideas and ideals. That is what the Observer project is about. To make sure I have one
voice, and you have one voice. Equal, at the big table for the discussion.

Michael P. Summers, has become mayor at maybe one of the toughest times in this city's history. Not only is it tough here the county,
state, and country do less for Lakewood than before, and we need it more now than ever.

I am not worried about us being hip, or diverse, those are organic moments and movements, fleeting at best.

Safe and clean I care about, services I care about, standard of living I care about.

* I am always amazed by people that move here, and want to change it to "Atlantic City," "Coventry" whatever, the only thing odder
to me is the ones that live here, and want Lakewood to be like, lets say Tremont, so they do not have to move to Tremont. I mean why
not move to Tremont, or Coventry or...? Lakewood is a city that generates a lot of love, ideas, passion and participation.
That might be our best strength.

[J Hrlec]

I have never said there is only one answer for Lakewood, or that members of the community do not LOVE Lakewood as much as I do?

Good, neither have I.

Safe and clean I care about, services I care about, standard of living I care about.

I believe we can maintain those items with a mix of economic and housing improvements.

I am always amazed by people that move here, and want to change it to "Atlantic City," "Coventry" whatever, the only thing odder to me is the ones that live here, and want Lakewood to be like, lets say Tremont, so they do not have to move to Tremont. I mean why not move to Tremont, or Coventry or...?

I guess I am fortunate to have not run into the people you describe, although it is their right to do so. I'm more amazed by people who think most things MUST remain the same in Lakewood (business type, building type, ordinances,etc) in order for it to stay walkable, safe, and a great place to live. Most things here have changed at one point in Lakewood's history to become the city it is today, and we can certainly benefit from a mix of the old and the new.

[Jim O'Bryan]

I guess I am fortunate to have not run into the people you describe, although it is their right to do so. I'm more amazed by people who think most things MUST remain the same in Lakewood (business type, building type, ordinances,etc) in order for it to stay walkable, safe, and a great place to live. Most things here have changed at one point in Lakewood's history to become the city it is today, and we can certainly benefit from a mix of the old and the new.

J Hrlec

You know it is funny. The only thing most people I know have ever asked for, even back in the WestEnd battles were "responsible economic development."
Most of the people fighting against Eminent Domain, were doing so on principle. Those apartments have always been for sale, and the price is not
outrageous. As for the homes in Scenic Park, that is another story, but a story that is worth repeating. What happens when citizens and politicians demand
you leave your home for private development? It is just an ugly way to handle things.

People think I am opposed to changing the city. I have not tied myself to any trees, or buildings in protest. Social Security Building nice, Dunking Dognuts OK,
The Bailey redo, spent too much on too little but nice. Detroit Theater, not sure what else could go there but why something that will devalue paroperty
of residents who have already given so much. Michael Gill in particular has been under seige for almost a decade with the knowledge, we are coming, we
do knot know what, but it will be next to your house, even though you house was 3 house from commercial when you bought it. I mean this gets pretty funky.

Is the city going to stay a bedroom community, one of the reasons most residents moved her originally. Or is it trying to reinvent itself as "Gordon Square"?
"Tremont"? "Crocker Park"? Anyone can try to do any of these things, and the resident shave their rights to talk about it.

Hopefully, "responsible economic development" comes out of it. Three strip malls in downtown Lakewood would fall short of my dream, but maybe
not yours. Still I am going to speak up, and invite anyone else to discuss it as well.

peace

[Bill Call]

He also spoke of the Clinic and Lakewood Hospital, sounding much like Ed FitzGerald used
to, about looking to other options. Again I have to applaud the mayor for taking on another
tough subject. No one wants to think of the loss of the clinic, but, it would hurt no one
more than Lakewood, and to look at other possibilities is the only sensible thing to do.

However I hear betting the farm on Economic Development sounding painfully like more of
the same, pouring our tax dollars into business districts, instead of homes and lifestyle.
When again does business lift us, the residents to the promised land of lower taxes?

I happen to know for a fact that the Clinic is actively encouraging medical providers to leave Lakewood and actively discouraging medical providers from using Lakewood Hospital. My personal opinion is that when they leave town they intend to leave behind an outdated facility without customers.

Some seem to take comfort in the statements the Clinic is making about Lakewood Hospital as a rehab center. Don't count on it.
The Clinic is partnering with nursing homes in Lakewood and elswhere to use them as rehab facilities. If the Clinic can get rehab services from nursing homes why do they need Lakewood Hospital? How much sense does it make to perform a surgery at the new Avon Clinic building and put the patient in an ambulance to transport them to Lakewood for rehab?

[J Hrlec]

You know it is funny. The only thing most people I know have ever asked for, even back in the WestEnd battles were "responsible economic development." Most of the people fighting against Eminent Domain, were doing so on principle. Those apartments have always been for sale, and the price is not outrageous. As for the homes in Scenic Park, that is another story, but a story that is worth repeating. What happens when citizens and politicians demand you leave your home for private development?

Eminent domain can be useful where it pertains to acquiring empty land or existing commercial buildings, however, I am not a huge fan of using it for residential property as related to changing to a commercial area.

I am only speaking about the current term, current mayor... what is specifically wrong with the economic development that has been brought into Lakewood in the last year?

People think I am opposed to changing the city. I have not tied myself to any trees, or buildings in protest.

I'm not discussing this based on your specific views, or trying to say anything specifically about you, I only mentioned that there are people who think change is a bad thing and that actual stops Lakewood from progressing. Change does not always mean Lakewood loses its current identity.

Social Security Building nice, Dunking Dognuts OK, The Bailey redo

I think those are nice additions, specially considering what was there prior.

Is the city going to stay a bedroom community, one of the reasons most residents moved her originally. Or is it trying to reinvent itself as "Gordon Square"? "Tremont"? "Crocker Park"? Anyone can try to do any of these things, and the resident have their rights to talk about it.

I don't know why "most" of the residents moved here, I only know why a number of the residents I met are here ... and I'm sure some of the answers are not what people would think. Secondly, we can't focus only on residents who are here but who will be here in the future and how will attract new residents.

Also, I don't view any of the changes made or potential changes as trying to turn us into another city.

Three strip malls in downtown Lakewood would fall short of my dream, but maybe not yours.

Hasn't everything in Lakewood's commercial corridors pretty much been a strip type design for decades?

[Stan Austin]

To Pick Up on Bill Call's thread----

Bill, in this thread and elsewhere has generally taken a jaundiced view of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation's meshing of its interests with the various communities in which it is a member.
I, too, have been extremely perplexed over the years as to what the Clinic sees as its mission and where that mission intersects and/or benefits local communities.
One month, we see advertisements about how so very concerned they are about Lakewood's specific medical demographic.
One week later, as I'm listening to the police scanner--- all victims are transported to Fairview Hospital.
You watch the morning news and there is this great uplifting ad about how today is "Thursday" and your day starts at the Clinic. Why? For what reason"?
All I can say, is that given the Clinic's decades history of quick in and out commercial exploitation , that, the concrete being poured for the helicopter landing pad at Fairview will be tomorrow's fill for another ditzy project in Medina, Avon, Ft.Lauderdale, Colorado---throw a dart on the map!
Stan Austin

[Stan Austin]

Continued ---- I would suggest that since the Clinic has proved to be such an unreliable and unpredictable partner with Lakewood, that it would behoove City Officials to view any current contractual relationships with the Clinic as similar to a defaulting situation and see that the City pursue end game protections.

[Myra Beckrest]

I'm completely ignorant on the subject of Lakewood Hospital and it's history (other than what I've read) but only know that its definitely an asset to the community (visited there several times for emergency and my uncle ~ a Lakewood resident for over 30 years ~ has also been admitted numerous times due to illness and failing health issues over the years).

With that being said, having once been an independent hospital, what is the likelihood that it could once again be just that?

[Jim O'Bryan]

I wanted to bring this to the top, as some have mentioned I hate everything city hall does.

Read my comments about Mayor Summers' "State of the City Address"


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