The Observation Deck

I am new in town and currently renting a duplex. But I have heard people talking about some sort of incentive program in the city of Lakewood, to convert duplexes into single family homes. I am just wondering if anyone has any information on this..

Thanks!!!

Actually, Lakewood has a bunch of different programs (tax abatements, first time buyers assistance, etc).

Depending on you're income level and the type of property you're looking at, there is probably something out there.

you can start by going to the Lakewood City page at :

http://www.ci.lakewood.oh.us/dept_planning_cdbg.html

but you might also just go over to First Federal of Lakewood. They have the lowdown on most of the programs in the city.

good luck

Amber,

I would call the Division of Community Development at (216) 529-HOME (4663) or email them at dcd@lakewoodoh.net.

As far as I know, this was an idea that has been discussed, but I am not certain that there is a formal program that soley addresses this.

Meanwhile, the DCD is a great place to get information and they can tell you about different programs that are offered by the city and the county.

Ryan or Jim is much more well versed on this, but to change a duplex to a single family home, you can always change a couple locks, take down the extra mailbox and house number, and tidy up a couple other things...cost you under $100.

Doug

Amber--- Welcome! The Lakewood Alive organization had a presentation on this very topic. I'll IM Jay Foran of that group so he can read this thread and provide you with links as well as the local architect who made the presentation.
Stan Austin

Amber

Welcome to the Observer Family.

Cindy Stockman of Stockman Architecture Ltd. was the person that spoke at the LakewoodAlive meeting about turning singles into doubles. She also presented some very nice and detailed plans for doing so.

It was also mentioned that Cleveland Heights had undertaken a study to show the feasibility of doing a project like this, which was reported in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

After going through the LakewoodAlive site this morning all I could find was http://lakewoodalive.com/News/april2005eventrelease.htm

I would encourage to go to http://lakewoodalive.com and look around. You might also want to drop either Mary Ann Crampton or Jay Foran a note, as I know they have the programs on video tape, and I am sure would be willing to share the information. Both can be reached through our member list where you can email or private message them.

If you do decide to go ahead I would love to capture the project for both The Lakewood Observer and LakewoodAlive for a story.

You might also want to call City Hall and speak with Tom Jordan the Planning Director that is also a champion of turning doubles into singles and has streamlined the process for permits, etc.

Good luck.


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