Message from Councilman Polensek: Many projects underway

First of all, my thanks to all of you who sent letters and emails to the Governor’s office with regard to the condition of our Lakefront State Parks. I am totally of the opinion that if we continue the pressure on Columbus, we will see improvements taking place and ultimately new management, preferably the Cleveland MetroParks System.

It has been a great summer and many projects are underway. The Lakeshore Boulevard rebuilding effort is well under construction, new sewers are being installed which are long overdue and the Euclid Creek Tunnel project has reached its first significant milestones. The wetland restoration project at Wildwood State Park, under the leadership of the Cuyahoga County Soil and Water Conversation District, is a massive project and should have a major impact on sport fishing with the creation of a true nature preserve.  The contact for the new I-90 noise walls from East 152 Street to East 185th Street has been awarded to Great Lakes Construction and work will begin shortly on that portion with other sections to be awarded shortly.

The Nottingham Village Commerce Park Project along St Clair Avenue in the Nottingham neighborhood is well underway with acquisition and demolition of key properties taking place with more to come. Watch for additional announcements related to this project. Demolition has begun for a new Dollar General to be constructed at East 157 Street and St Clair Avenue in the Collinwood Village neighborhood. Furthermore, there will be more demolition and removal of condemned, vacant and abandoned homes throughout the ward which are no longer suitable for rehabilitation.

Spot street repair will continue into the fall and anyone having pothole or street repair needs should call (216) 664-2510. Housing complaints should continue to go to (216) 664-2007 and all health-related complaints, specifically high grass/unkempt yards should go to (216) 664-2300.

My sincere thanks to all the neighborhood groups and organizations who are taking a more proactive and aggressive approach to neighborhood quality of life issues. As you have heard me say before, on many occasions, a neighborhood is only as good as the people who live in it. Let’s show to all that people in Ward 11 care and are concerned how our community looks and how safe we can make it.