The Observation Deck

Okay....we've had the negative. But the other side of the coin is finding what's RIGHT about our community, and strengthen and defend those attributes.

So, what's RIGHT about Lakewood?

What brings this to mind are some comments that were made this morning at a construction meeting with the City inspectors and contractors at the Library. Being proactive, our Construction managers, Panzica Construction wanted to make sure that everyone was on the same page about ongoing inspections so that we could receive an occupancy permit without any hassle. Especially important given the schedule for the Gala on June 23rd.

Well, the net result is that everyone WAS on the same page, and the city, through Ed Fitzgerald showed a real willingness to continue a co-operative team approach on seeing that issues were resolved and inspection completed on a timely basis. The Foreman for Infinity Construction, one of the prime contractors commented that our building department was perhaps the finest group that he had ever had the occasion to work with on any project....and he's been around for a long while.

Knowing that our Building Dept. is so well thought of can only be viewed a huge plus, especially if we seek to add commercial improvements and development.

Jeff

"In your opinion, what is RIGHT with Lakewood?"

Can I read this question as "what do I like about Lakewood"? Or is that too different (off-topic) from what you are asking?

Joe

Joe

Well, I suppose it could be RIGHT and still not be some you like....
but realistically, I guess they're synonymous.

Jeff

1) Location, Location, Location - we are minutes from Downtown Cleveland- but not downtown and we are on the Lake. Except for winter - I can not imaging a better place to be located. This is also a great opportunity to make more of our location.

2) People - I am blown away every day by the people I meet in Lakewood - they are creative, intelligent, kind and terrific. This is a family town - with good values and an amazing acceptance of diversity. The people have a can do attitude and a desire to make Lakewood better.

3) We are brimming with opportunity. Whatever location in NE ohio has the possibility in this day and age to blossom like we do?

4) Library, Pools, Winterhurst

5) Fabulous homes and real neighborhoods- seriously - have you seen the amazing Victorian homes on Grace and Clarence - look at some of the fabulous apartments on Cove and Edgewater, Drive down Lake and Edgewater. But more than these spectacular homes - walk down almost any street and you get a feel for people that care about their homes and love them. Front porches - where you can sit and talk with your neighbors.

6) Cool nightlife - needs to be kept in check but there is lots to do.

I think what's great about Lakewood is that we can express our thoughts equally about what we like and what we don't like about Lakewood.

If the converstation is a civil civic discourse which 99.99% of the time it is, we all benefit.

The people. Lakewood has the finest cross section of knowledge, skill and willingness to participate of any community coming or going. We care about each other, we care about the community and we're willing to step up when asked...and even when we're not asked.

I'm with Stan. I like the discourse and I'm grateful to live in a town that values intelligent talk.

Location, some of the nicer, well maintained homes, and the walk/bikeability.

My wife and I were just talking about this last night walking the dogs.

I like Lakewood Park
The Band Concerts in the summer
The Metro Parks - does that count as Lakewood?
The big old trees lining Clifton and other streets/roads - I'm a tree hugger, but not a liberal, Gary...
The Schools - seriously
The styles of the old homes - lots of character to them - so much nicer than the stapled together corn field houses in Avon and so on
Cost of living is reasonable I think
Pretty easy access to surrounding areas
The lake
LO and this forum. Newly discovered to me

Random thoughts. There's more but I keep getting brain farts and can't think. Sorry.

Joe

There are so many things that are right with Lakewood.

First I would have to say the people. I love the feel of living in a small town with big town amenities. This definitely is a front porch community. People are so nice, neighbors say hi to each other and you always run into someone you know when your out.

In addition I would have to say the police respond lightening fast. That makes me feel very safe. The amount and proximity of the parks. The skatepark is so cool, my hubby and boys love it. Winterhurst and especially their pizza skates. The schools and all the new state of art buildings. We not only have excellent public schools, but we also have a variety of wonderful private schools. I know we can't be everything to everyone but I think the variety of schools just makes this a welcoming city. 4th of July in Lakewood is the best. Our libraries are fabulous and will soon be even better. The Y is beautiful and very user friendly. All the community events we have through out the year. The homes are full of character and we even have some new homes here.

I just love Lakewood. This is my home and I am so glad that we are raising our children here.

Thank you Jeff - good counter question!

What is right with or what I like about Lakewood is:

The value for my housing dollar (excluding tax). We looked a LOT of places before buying the house here and there is no doubt you get more house with more amenities for your money that you do anywhere else. Having to move due to reasons beyond our control has brought that point home again as we look again at other communities (on the far southeast side....)

The Valley - or our proximately to it. Of all the things I missed when I lived elsewhere - it was the valley I missed the most.

A wonderfully responsive team of city employees (despite what others might try to tell you). Have seen that elsewhere too - a lot of the gripes you hear are of the 'grass is greener" type and largely unfounded, unsupported, and when based in anything other than speculation - exaggerated.

Wonderful, inspiring architecture that represents all our past present and future.

A school system equipped to handle children with special needs and a philosophy that contributes to their success. As a parent of children that had special needs I can tell you that in MANY schools these children are marginalized. Lakewood does n o such thing and the results are a testimony to the success of their commitment to EVERY child.

A public library that defines comfort and community to me. The sights, smells, sounds, feeling of the library are the stuff memories are made of. Walking into the library brings a sense of peace and belonging like no other experience. No matter where I was in my life - no matter what trials I was facing - there was peace between those walls.

And that's only the beginning....

Charyn

Charyn Compeau wrote:The Valley - or our proximately to it. Of all the things I missed when I lived elsewhere - it was the valley I missed the most.

And that's only the beginning....

Charyn

Charyn

You might want to look that one up in a dictionary.

No valley here for about 20 miles.




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My list of things I love...

• The Library
• I can ride my bike or walk to almost anything I need
• The neighborhoods
• Great variety of restaurants
• Architecture with character

Note to Charyn:

JOB gets a little testy over labeling the Emerald Canyon a "valley"

FWIW

Jeff

Jeff Endress wrote:Note to Charyn:

JOB gets a little testy over labeling the Emerald Canyon a "valley"

FWIW

Jeff

Jeff


I was more worried about Charyn. she often sets a high bar for the rest of us. I was kind of shocked that she didn't realize that one of the most valuable items in Lakewood is our canyon.

In my recent appraisal, "Beautiful Canyon View."

valley = "an elongated depression between uplands, hills, or mountains, esp. one following the course of a stream."

canyon = "a deep valley with steep sides, often with a stream flowing through it."

I would be willing to forget the whole thing except for the missing "uplands, hills, or mountains."

I will admit I was ignorant on this subject until I spent time out West. Then while sitting on my front porch, it occurred to me, we had a canyon.

Charyn is a stickler for facts so merely wanted to clear up.


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The great city of Lakewood.

My wife and I had thought of leaving after we starting having kids. We have had the great opportunity to travel around many of the best places in the US, but the more we travel the more we realize we can never leave. There are too many great things about this city to list completely but I will just mention a few. I love the family history, this is a city to raise a family and have them stay. It is awesome that I can drive my kids around and talk about where I used to live, where my dad used to live and where my grandparents used to live. I have many friends that have done the same which is just incredible. I can walk to almost anywhere (and I should probably start walking more!) I can ride my bike to the valley, can go fishing in Lake Erie, I can take the bus or the transit to games and activities downtown. It is a relatively low cost of living. I can take the kids skating at Winterhurst, I can play baseball or catch or soccer at one of the tons of parks within walking distance. I can dine at some amazing non franchise type restaurants, I can get my haircut from someone who has been cutting it since I was 3 and now his son is taking over. My wife can be active in PTA’s and local church activates. My kids can get an incredible public education (vote for the new buildings!!!) I can watch amazing sunsets and sunrises from our incredible park. We have 4 seasons so we never get bored with the weather. There is never a lack of diversity which can teach us so much. I could go on and on, but I can sum it up by saying, I just love this city!!!