Here I am! Spent my first day participating in the Realtors Tour. Thought it would be interesting to see the city through the eyes of a visiting Realtor. Apparently Lakewood is unique in providing this city overview and tours of housing for these professionals. We looked very good (esp. Jim O'B)! The Realtors had nothing but good things to say about the day.
As many Observers know, Main Street Lakewood is a program (and currently the only program) of Lakewood Community Progress Inc. (LCPI). LCPI is a 501-c3 and I am its new executive director. Funded by the City, the Chamber, Lakewood Hospital, First Federal, LSC, and a few others, LCPI's long term goal is "to help obtain funding and provide community expertise to encourage economic development in Lakewood."
Main Street is a disciplined 4-point approach under the guidance of Heritage Ohio
www.heritageohio.com to revitalize historic downtowns. For example, the Detroit Avenue Streetscape Design public meetings at Grant School have been presented by the Design Committee of Main Street Lakewood. The new flower baskets along Detroit Avenue are the work of the Promotion Committee. There is also an Economic Restructuring Committee and an Organizational Committee.....all are made up of Lakewood resident volunteers. Main Street Lakewood is defined as Detroit Avenue from Arthur to Bunts.
One of my earliest objectives is to undertake a strategic planning process for LCPI. The result will be clear goals, identified strategic initiatives and action steps. This process will allow us to measure our progress and understand our failures. It will also allow us to answer directly the question "What's With Main Street".
Until that time, I have made it my priority to meet with as many stakeholders as possible. I've asked for the help of Jim and others in identifying the people who have a vision for a greater Lakewood that might benefit from the synergies and the funding I will be seeking. I also want to spend some time with redevelopment leaders outside Lakewood that may be able to help identify nonprofit funding and program support that would benefit our community.
I look forward to working with everyone and also sharing the results of the strategic planning process later this summer/early fall.
See you around town!
Mary Anne
P.S. I think my new email address is
macrampton@lcpi.org. I'll find out tomorrow when I check out my space in the rear of the Chamber. I don't expect to be at my desk much in these early weeks as I try to get out and meet with people. Please email me. I'll post the phone number when I get it. Call any time.