The Observation Deck

That is a part of the trend in Cuyahoga County although some Western suburbs are growing.

In a recent article an anonymous local official was quoted as saying, "Nothing we are doing is working".

At the time I thought, that's because nothing you are doing makes any sense."

Lakewood is losing population density. People with middle class or the higher tier of working class jobs don't crank out kids as fast as they used to. There is an abundance of land out in the sticks to build low population density suburbs, especially if the infrastructure subsidies and tax credits are favourable. The recent escalation of property values makes this environment less favourable for middle class or higher level working class families with kids to live in Lakewood.

Bill Call wrote:That is a part of the trend in Cuyahoga County although some Western suburbs are growing.

In a recent article an anonymous local official was quoted as saying, "Nothing we are doing is working".

At the time I thought, that's because nothing you are doing makes any sense."

Bill

I agree, Cleveland has continued to be its own worse enemy. Of course the residents think it is all OK, just say CLE, or LAND or Guardian and they will lose themselves in self adulation every time. One of my favorite delusions is, "We have the best restaurants!" Not even for big cities on or near Lake Erie.

I apply the same thing they used to say about the medical business for CDCs and non-profits today. Why would they cure anything when they make their living selling band aids and self help schemes?

Cleveland is dragging us down with them.

But have you seen the new mural?

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The good news is that the population figure is still over 50K, which keeps Lakewood eligible for CDBG funds for the next ten years.
I expected us to fall below that threshold, so this is a mildly pleasant surprise.

Cuyahoga County (and Ohio in general) will continue to slide into oblivion.
The election of Shontel Brown to Congress will embolden the deeply corrupt Democratic Party Establishment to maintain the status quo within Cuyahoga County.
The Machine will move to stamp out any progressive movement that could threaten its dominance. Don't be surprised if Mike Skindell faces another primary challenge in the next cycle.

At the state level, Ohio continues to descend into right wing madness with an endless parade of ever-more-backwards regressive politicians.
The future is NOT bright.