According to 3 my friends trying to do business in the City of Lakewood the answer is "No"... 2 out of the 3 are going to end up moving out of Lakewood to more business friendly communities. It appears that all have had a run in with the same inspector.
Re: Is Lakewood a business friendly community???
Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 3:14 pm
by Rhonda loje
mmmmmmmm............................. What part of the community are they in?
Re: Is Lakewood a business friendly community???
Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 3:58 pm
by Brian Pedaci
If you haven't already seen Reason Magazine's ongoing series this week on suggestions for revitalizing Cleveland, today's is especially relevant, as it deals with the culture of red tape and bureaucracy around starting and running a business here. Houston, TX is attracting business with a pretty laissez-faire approach - "a person should be able to do what they want, unless there's a good reason why they shouldn't", where here it's "a person can only do what they want after they've kissed X number of rear ends".
Go here to view other episodes in this week-long series.
Also, this followup article touches on the key points of how a city can 'take care of business'.
Edit: No need to point out, of course, that Lakewood isn't Cleveland, but it sounds like much of the same attitude prevails.
Re: Is Lakewood a business friendly community???
Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 4:52 pm
by Jim O'Bryan
Stephen Eisel wrote:According to 3 my friends trying to do business in the City of Lakewood the answer is "No"... 2 out of the 3 are going to end up moving out of Lakewood to more business friendly communities. It appears that all have had a run in with the same inspector.
Stephen
Can you get anymore information?
Normally I find the fallout to be over building codes. Mainly when someone builds something and has to redo it as they never sought permits.
This does seem to be a constant comment but would love to know more.
.
Re: Is Lakewood a business friendly community???
Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 5:21 pm
by Bill Grulich
I'm truly sorry that one city inspector can make it difficult to do business in Lakewood. I think the majority of city workers and inspectors know that they are the "ambassadors" of our city. I believe most inspectors treat people wanting to do business in Lakewood with respect and have the attitude of,"How can we help you establish your business in Lakewood."
For the last 6 years Lakewood's Planning Commission has worked hard on relaxing the Codes to make it easier to do business in Lakewood. They have created sections in the Code for Mixed Use Development, Planned Development, Out Door Dinning, a Historical section for our older structures and many other helpful changes.
I would encourage everyone to attend the Planning Commission meetings. They usually meet the first Thursday of the month at 7:00 P.M. The seven members of the Planning Commission are appointed to six year terms and they volunteer their time. Check with the Planning & Development office to make sure there is a meeting scheduled. 216-529-6630.
Bill Grulich, former Planning Commission member
Re: Is Lakewood a business friendly community???
Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 6:05 pm
by Stephen Eisel
I'm truly sorry that one city inspector can make it difficult to do business in Lakewood. I think the majority of city workers and inspectors know that they are the "ambassadors" of our city. I believe most inspectors treat people wanting to do business in Lakewood with respect and have the attitude of,"How can we help you establish your business in Lakewood."