The Observation Deck

The other day, I noticed that the brown, 1950's cape cod house on Warren between Delaware and Lakewood Heights had been demolished. I knew that the city took the elderly, ill owner of this home to court for the condition of the house. I didn't think it looked that bad, but the garage was apparently rotting. Still, is that reason to demolish a house? I believe the city demolished it, as the city put forward an intent to demolish a few months ago.

There is one house left between this one and Winterhurst. John Litten is heavily involved at Winterhurst. Is new development or expansion coming to Warren Rd? Hmmm...

The city has also put forward an intent to demolish the home at 1336 Saint Charles. From what I can tell, this home only appears to need a new side window, new front steps, maybe some paint, and a good grass-cutting. Maybe there are other factors, but I see no reason to demolish this home.

What happened to holding people accountable to fix their homes before they reached this point?

Lori Allen _ wrote:The other day, I noticed that the brown, 1950's cape cod house on Warren between Delaware and Lakewood Heights had been demolished. I knew that the city took the elderly, ill owner of this home to court for the condition of the house. I didn't think it looked that bad, but the garage was apparently rotting. Still, is that reason to demolish a house? I believe the city demolished it, as the city put forward an intent to demolish a few months ago.

There is one house left between this one and Winterhurst. John Litten is heavily involved at Winterhurst. Is new development or expansion coming to Warren Rd? Hmmm...

The city has also put forward an intent to demolish the home at 1336 Saint Charles. From what I can tell, this home only appears to need a new side window, new front steps, maybe some paint, and a good grass-cutting. Maybe there are other factors, but I see no reason to demolish this home.

What happened to holding people accountable to fix their homes before they reached this point?

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Lori

Nice catch.

During the Tom George administration, the mayor with Fire Chief Gliman, went after deadbeats, meaning homes owned by banks that were not taking care of them after people walked away. Chief Gilman and Mayor George were able to get a lot of homes released and resold to solid homeowners. Some were torn down and lots married, all for better neighborhoods.

I am not a fan of tearing down, and in a city as hot as Lakewood, you would think people are clamoring. At the same time you have mentioned homes leveled and rebuilt within site of the tracks getting nearly a half of million. So there could be some sense to tearing and building.

The real facts are, the economy has not recovered for all, many are having tough times, and many more are a paycheck away from bankruptcy. The county loses 4.5 people a week, and
the Cuyahoga County Land Bank grows and grows and grows. Which brings my plug for "Slaughter of Cities," you should read a copy if you get the chance. They are now out of print and valued at about $700 a copy. LPL had to put them in books you cannot check out.

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I would agree. Sometimes, things are too far gone and they have to be demolished. But, this city does seem to have gone "hog wild" with it recently for some reason. Once the place is torn down, they need to keep an eye on the lots and ensure they don't get overgrown and that litter is picked up. Better yet, they could work with neighbors and some volunteer groups to start more community gardens on the vacant sites (since I think the city usually acquires most of them after demolition). The vacant lot on Gladys looks like a big patch of dirt and needs help. The sidewalk in front of it is also busted up.