September Winds
Where did summer go? It seems like it just got here and already it’s September. I hope everyone enjoyed the Friday night Summer Concert Series at Euclid Beach MetroPark. The attendance was unreal and the crowds enjoyed themselves immensely! In fact, we haven’t seen crowds such as these since the days of the amusement park and no issues were reported! The only concern, I guess, was – not enough food vendors; which we will work on collectively for next year.
The Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District continues to evolve with new restaurants and venues in the works. Watch for their schedule on ongoing happenings in the district including Walk Over Waterloo events, concerts, and gallery openings.
The Lakeshore Boulevard project is virtually complete with only a small section left needing the final top coat. Thank you so very much to all for your patience during this much needed project.
The demolition of the McDonald’s at East 159th Street and Lakeshore Boulevard should begin shortly now that they have all of their approvals. We plan to hold McDonald’s accountable for the maintenance of the property.
All of our neighborhood City swimming pools and parks were well attended this year and very few reported problems. The Collinwood Recreation Center has had a banner year so far this year and my congratulations to management and staff as well as those who utilize the facility. Fall sports and events are coming up quickly; stay tuned. There are also many new Senior activities at the Center so check these out as well. In addition, Seniors, check out the Benjamin Rose Living Well Center at 16600 Lakeshore Boulevard; there is a new Center Director, new programs and lots of potential new friends.
Foreclosures and housing code enforcement issues continue to be the number one complaint into my office. I urge all concerned residents to register complaints to the Mayor’s Action Line at (216) 664-2900 and the Building & Housing Hotline at (216) 664-2007. We must remain vigilant about any property that distracts from our quality of life. The City MUST do a better job on prosecuting absentee landlords who refuse to maintain their property. High grass complaints go into the Mayor’s Action Center or the Division of Health at (216) 664-2300.
The East 185th Street Transportation Corridor Planning Study is continuing and another public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 6:00 PM at Villa Angela-St Joseph High School Auditorium. There are public meetings being planned for the St Clair Avenue Corridor project. Stay tuned for future updates about this much needed project.
Finally, keep your cars locked and all valuables out of sight. I have seen too many police reports recently regarding break-ins of vehicles and expensive items such as laptops, cell phones, purses and wallets being taken from many OPEN vehicles. LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS. Don’t invite theft. If you hear or see anything suspicious around your property immediately call 9-1-1. Car entries and break-ins are crimes of opportunity; don’t give criminals the opportunity to victimize you, your family and our community.
As school has begun, watch out for school traffic and our students heading to and from school. Drive cautiously. You will get to where you are going without jeopardizing our students and school guards.
Any questions or comments please feel free to call me. I may be reached at my office at (216) 664-4236 or by email at mpolensek@clevelandcitycouncil.org. Please do not Facebook me with your complaints.