The Observation Deck

Howdy Lori,

I've been wrong before, although I'm not sure that I'm seeing anything in my post above that could be interpreted as such.

That point made,,,just a few constructive thoughts here.

I think it would be probably safe to assume that we are all fairly sure about how you feel towards the Mayor, (smile) but putting that aside for a moment, I think there is a larger issue.

As you, and many Lakewoodites are aware, I've written probably close to two hundred columns about our city in the Lakewood Observer paper over the years. Like you, I've seen many sides of Lakewood and again, like you, I've seen a good number of issues that I've felt needed improving. Indeed, I often addressed those in my columns and here on the 'Deck. Still, there were probably a dozen or so columns that I either did not finish, or that I thought would do more harm than good to our city. No one told me not to publish those, and no one tried to twist my arm when I discussed those topics with others. I just felt that they might end up hurting all of us; that is, Lakewood's public image. I was always reluctant to cross that line, and I suppose that when I consider this trash stuff, that sort of question comes to my mind.

Are we only hurting ourselves, our property values, our city's reputation, and our relations towards each other when we bring stuff like this up? I always wondered about whether the end justified the means before I published a controversial column, and trust me, I'm trying not to judge this thread either. (and I know that you did not even start this particular thread!) I am however, watching and wondering at what the long-term fallout of all this might be for the city as a whole.

Not that we ever want to sweep issues under the rug or out to the tree lawn either. I'm just not sure where the line is anymore, but I do think that Lakewood's water glass is either half-full or half-empty. Maybe it always has been. We could either build Lakewood up or tear it down, and there would be many who would agree with us, either way! I just think that when we get involved with addressing the problems in our city, that we need to continually assess the whole picture and decide whether the actions we are planning to take are truly helping or hurting the city, our property values, and as a result, ourselves too.

Back to the banjo...

I freely and proudly admit that I am one of Mr. Summers' harshest critics. That will not stop. As I stated before, the beatings will continue until Mr. Summers does his job.

I have lived in Lakewood for roughly 30 years. Since the start of the Summers Administration, Lakewood has become a dump. Former City Council and Mayoral candidates and many lifelong Lakewoodites agree that this issue has spiraled out of control in recent years. Even some of my family members that visit Lakewood ask me about all of the trash lying around or generally inquire as to why the city has become so run-down.

There is only one person to ultimately blame for the city's "image" looking bad or "trashy": Mr. Summers.

Speaking of harming Lakewood's "image", perhaps that is why Mr. Summers apparently hid and/or attempted to keep quiet the fact that a rapist was prowling the streets of Lakewood almost three years ago, not to mention a rape and murder that happened around the same time, which I believe may have also been covered up.

I find it odd that Mr. Summers appears to be bothered so much by this thread. Nonetheless, it's time to get this thread back on track for the umpteenth time. This monster pile was spotted outside the Lake House on Tuesday, when collection day is Friday. Nothing worth taking, unless ripped cushions and bugs are your "thing".

The beatings will continue until Mr. Summers does his job.

Speaking of Mr. Summers doing his job, I smell a graffiti dump coming soon!

Hello Lori,
I too have lived in lakewood for 30 plus years and if Mr Gary Rice is the son of my old band teacher at Harding I'd have to say he's been around the Lakewood block as well. Although I agree that the city is starting to look a bit trashy in places and certainly some of the laws are not being followed, I disagree as to the start of this. It did not begin during this administration, it has been deteriorating for quite some time. When I was a child in this city it was much different than it is today. People seemed to care more about theur neighbors and how the street as a whole looked like. When we lived on Woodward as I was growing up we knew all the neighbors and they knew us, seems like now lives are too busy to have those kinds of relationships. I certainly do not have the same kinds of relationships in my current home that we did years ago. Civic pride has to be something we all (or at least most) have for these problems to subside. Yes the current administration could do more to curb these issues but so could the last administration.

jkocinski wrote:Hello Lori,
I too have lived in lakewood for 30 plus years and if Mr Gary Rice is the son of my old band teacher at Harding I'd have to say he's been around the Lakewood block as well. Although I agree that the city is starting to look a bit trashy in places and certainly some of the laws are not being followed, I disagree as to the start of this. It did not begin during this administration, it has been deteriorating for quite some time. When I was a child in this city it was much different than it is today. People seemed to care more about theur neighbors and how the street as a whole looked like. When we lived on Woodward as I was growing up we knew all the neighbors and they knew us, seems like now lives are too busy to have those kinds of relationships. I certainly do not have the same kinds of relationships in my current home that we did years ago. Civic pride has to be something we all (or at least most) have for these problems to subside. Yes the current administration could do more to curb these issues but so could the last administration.

John

Welcome

Yes Gaty Rice is the very talented son of Bob Rice (RIP).

I would say the City has been sliding since Tony Sinagra, but with many legitimate reasons, from cause and effect. Tony Sinagra was a clean and nice freak. Often driving, walking the city and calling in everything that bothered him. Mayor Cain was busy with other things, Mayor George tied with fixing many of the beautification nightmares like red brick tree lawns on Detroit with the wrong trees. One Mayor plants them another has to remove them for damage, maintenance, etc. Which put the second half of Mayor George and both years of Mayor FitzGerald, as having to make cutbacks because of costs in taking care of other stuff, and cost of living...

Which brings us to this Administration. The only one that can actually do anything about our current state of unpolished appearance. Hence the heat for Mayor Summers in the kitchen.

Facts are all cities are being forced to do more with less, and that means residents step up, or it goes down the tubes. Lori, reliving life as an inspector does her part to help. No longer writing citations for missed work, just reminders, and a reason for all of us to cut our lawns and paint our homes. More than a hand-full have commented "I don;t want to end up on Lori's list!"

.

Jim-- Your observations are correct and to use a metaphor the needed corrections of past Mayors have been trimming fingernails and toenails. What the current Mayor and Council did amount to a major limb amputation. Stan

Jim.
I agree 100%. Maybe I didn't voice it properly. I certainly wasn't saying the current admin is free from blame, just sayin it been going on much longer. When I was a kid the city definately looked better than it currently does. I believe more could be done by all.

I agree that the issue of Lakewood being run-down did not start with Mr. Summers. In my opinion, it really started with Fitz! Of course, we have now learned that Fitz! and Mr. Summers are almost one and the same.

Nonetheless, Mr. Summers reign began in 2010, I believe. Therefore, he has had more than enough time to correct any wrongs committed by previous administration (s).

The bottom line is, Mr. Summers has known of this issue for roughly two years. Yet, he has apparently done nothing. Perhaps if Mr. Summers were not so busy covering his rear end about the questionable dealings of he and his gang, he would have more time to attend to city matters.

This was spotted on Lauderdale on Thursday. Therefore, it probably sat out all weekend.

24/7/365 early trash set-outs in Lakewood are still a problem.

Also, there is still an average of 2-3 refuse vehicle breakdowns per day. Yesterday, there were five breakdowns. Yes, that was all in one day. Some examples of these breakdowns include Cushmans stalling in the middle of Detroit, almost constant flat tires, automated pick-up arms that stick, hydraulic leaks galore, and even mirrors detaching from the trucks.

Specifically, the hydraulic leaks are almost daily. Perhaps the hydraulic hoses are being purchased from Summers Rubber!

To be serious, it is not only inefficient to have city vehicles in such disrepair, but it may even be dangerous.

Back to the early set-outs, if some of us still don't see the problem, I encourage them to look through the last 10+ pages of this thread to refresh their memory.

The only person ultimately responsible for Lakewood having a "trashy image" is Mr. Summers. Those confused may reference Article II, Section 6 of the Lakewood Municipal Charter.

Now, what excuse will Mr. Summers think of next?

Some comments:
Set outs one day in advance (for example, Monday for Wednesday pickup is one day, Tuesday would be the normal set out) -- no, that doesn't bother me.
A single yard waste bag - not a problem to me, and kind of bizarre to see in this slide show.
(Note: my next door neighbor and I use the same lawn service and they usually come on Tuesday leaving a yard waste bag or two for our Wednesday pickup, but this week they came on Monday.)
I'll bet that basketball hoop was "purchased" by the tree lawn "shoppers" within a few hours of when the picture was taken, or maybe it took a day.
The mattresses are concerning, but when I ask myself, would I do it differently? Probably not, although I'd call the City first.

Although a few of us do not see trash as a problem, most residents I encounter have taken notice and are concerned. Regardless, there are still laws that must be followed.

1777.01 (a) - The owner, occupant or person having the charge or management of any lot or parcel of land situated within the City, whether the same be improved or unimproved, vacant or occupied, shall not permit refuse or debris to be placed on the tree lawn for collection prior to 6:00 p.m. on the evening before regular refuse collection for that property.

Now, this was spotted on Ridgewood Tuesday, when collection is Friday. More likely than not, it is bedbug infested. Sooner than later, elementary children will be using this and many other streets as a school route. They do not need to be walking on streets crawling with bedbug stuff.

It was recently the end of the month, and we all know what that means! A tornado of bedbug-infested mattresses and furniture hits Lakewood!

Recently released records show that fines/invoices are no longer being issued for offenders, even repeat offenders (one is featured in this video). The landlord of the house in question lives on the east side, and owns four rental properties in Lakewood and a few others in other cities. I find that if fines/invoices are issued, the problem is usually rectified, as landlords do not want this eating into their rental property cash cow.

By the way, fines and invoices do not go through Public Works, they go through Ms. Pae. The issue of repeat offenders not being fined would fall on Ms. Pae, I believe.

Perhaps she could take time out of her busy day (which seems to be spent trolling the internet instead of working, from what I gather) and explain to us why laws are not being enforced.

Mr. Summers, even if your "Third Amended Charter" is implemented, you will not be relieved of your duties to "enforce all laws of the city".