The Observation Deck

OK. Maybe you can say this hits a little close to home, but so be it. Be warned.

My brother Glenn started with a vision for a hardware store in Lakewood over a decade ago. His dream - and might I add, many of yours as well - finally came to fruition just over 3 years ago. It is an asset to this community and everyone knows it. So, what hits so close to home you ask? Simple. The city is abusing their power again.

About a year ago, Glenn was finally able to buy the building he was leasing from the previous owner, which included the 4 upstairs apartments. He has been continually and diligently updating the building, including the suites when they become available. He's turning the typically crappy, out-of-date, code-violated suites into beautiful living areas. He's doing things no owner has to do. You'd be blown away with what he's done. He's going above and beyond the call of duty. New appliances, counter tops, nice tile flooring in the kitchen, new plumbing, carpeting, paint, updated electrical, and so much more. He's even restored the old steam radiators with updated fittings and painted them a really cool black. I could go on.

Recently, the previous owner - who owned the adjacent 4 suiter as well - essentially called Glenn to fulfill their original agreement to buy both buildings, whether he was ready to or not. Out of faithfulness to his word, he did so. This is no small undertaking. The buildings were both disasters. The previous landlord was cited by the city more times than Calanni Motors. The previous owners were the definition of 'slum landlords'. The buildings were disgusting. Been into Lakewood Hardware lately? That building is in the best shape it's been in over half a century thanks to my brother and those who helped him. So, now it's time to take on the other building, ready or not.

Imagine owning a building that is entirely vacant. An income property with no income. That's what the new building is. A work in progress. But, not according to city inspectors and Judge Carroll. In their brilliance, they've decided that Glenn's not moving fast enough for them. Of course we all know the truth: Glenn just sits around at night counting his bags of money like an ADD-riddled Leprechaun, in between vacations to Cabo.

These geniuses even cited him for idiotic violations like paint in the hallways and stairwells to the apartments. What's completely hypocritical is that these hallways have looked the same way for at least 5 years because the City cited the previous owner for them! The city didn't even bother to enforce their own codes when the buildings were unmitigated disasters!! Now that the buildings are becoming assets to the city, let's dump on the one person with the vision, commitment and love for this community to do something positive. Great idea.

So, because Glenn decided that updating important things like electrical systems and creating desirable living spaces was a greater priority than repainting a hallway to the aforementioned lovely, safe living spaces, he's now being dragged into court and threatened by the Building Department. Obviously, there aren't any more decrepit, dilapidated buildings in Lakewood, except for Glenn's buildings, of course.

It's just another case of government workers who know more than the rest of us. They understand economics so well in fact, that they've created a business climate so welcoming that you can drive for....feet... before you see a vacant storefront to rent. Very impressive.

So, for those of you considering becoming a property owner in our fair town, take note. Doing your best, working hard, and risking your hard earned money and credit rating to improve Lakewood's detiorating building stock will most likely not be good enough for those at City Hall. It's sad.

Yeah, I guess I am taking it a little personal.

John Palmer... Damn proud of my brother even if the city considers him a criminal.

John Palmer wrote:These geniuses even cited him for idiotic violations like paint in the hallways and stairwells to the apartments. What's completely hypocritical is that these hallways have looked the same way for at least 5 years because the City cited the previous owner for them! .. Damn proud of my brother even if the city considers him a criminal.

For years the understanding in Lakewood was that if you owned a piece of crap property with numerous violations the City would leave you alone. However, if a new owner started making improvements the City came down like a hammer. I thought that policy had changed.

Calini has special dispensation to violate whatever building code he feels like violating.

Your big mistake was trying to make the improvments. Let that be a lesson to all concerned.

Didn't I recently read where Lakewood Alive would work with you and help you through this type of issue?

Perhaps we could entice at least one of our politically savvy councilpersons to wade into this on Mr. Palmer's behalf? If you want to you can turn it into a grandstanding public spectacle and I bet no one on the deck would think the less of you. Arguably no business owner in the city is more deserving.

This is really unfortunate. That building has been sitting there are an eyesore for years. I think it had junk in the window for sale and various appliances scattered throughout it. I for one was grateful to see it being improved. These are the stories that make people wary of buying and making improvement in Lakewood and that is not what we need. Hopefully the building department will take a few steps back and have a reasonable amount of patience.

I've seen one of those apartments many years ago and I wouldn't let a rat live there. I told the owner that also and called the city.

I thank you brother for the hard work he's doing and apologize for the behavior of those who perpetrate against them.

Are you in Kevin Butler's ward? Give him a call, he's in the book.

This really bums me out. So unfortunate. I think Lakewood Hardware is a great asset to the city.

The other morning Calanni's had three cars parked on the sidewalk blocking it and they weren't moving any time soon. I cannot understand this city sometime when I hear stories like this and Calanni's continues to operate in such a fashion.

Valerie Molinski wrote:This really bums me out. So unfortunate. I think Lakewood Hardware is a great asset to the city.

The other morning Calanni's had three cars parked on the sidewalk blocking it and they weren't moving any time soon. I cannot understand this city sometime when I hear stories like this and Calanni's continues to operate in such a fashion.

What is really most interesting in everything going on in Lakewood right now is that we
have three politicians looking to move on.

I am sure many of these questions will come up from people running against them, when it
comes to accountability, and successes.


.

As I recall, someone was using these first floor spaces to store their used washing machine collection. Seems that lasted 10 years. Whenever I walked by, I was amazed at how little visual appeal those window displays had.
I have known Glenn for over 20 years. I first met him when he worked at Sutton Hardware near downtown Cleveland. He impressed me with his ability to make complex projects simple. I thought to myself, this guy should have his own store.
Before the store opened up, I would stop in to see how Glenn was doing. I marveled at the things he did to make these seemingly uninhabitable spaces work.
What Lakewood needs are more Glenn Palmers. People with the vision to start a sustainable business and the ability to make it work within the constraints of our existing commercial districts.

I do not understand the actions taken by the city in Glenn's case. Why not work with business owners who are risking their own capital on dilapidated old buildings in the City of Lakewood ? Buildings that have been setting empty for years. How about a reasonable time line? Why the wham bam thank you mam see you in court approach?


PS. The apartments that have been remodeled look fabulous..

Carroll? Carroll? I've seen that name somewhere. Perhaps I'll see it again and remember?

There isn't a lot you can do about the inspectors as they don't have a lot of discretion, but somewhere in management someone should be able to deal with situations like this. Perhaps our mayor is not as good a manager as some say; perhaps he would perform the same way as County Executive.

If we get a big enough crew together, we could move through a lot of stuff.

Glenn, your neighbors and customers are willing to help if you so desire.