Great September

Can you believe this weather? Ninety degree temperatures

in late September?  We have been extremely lucky and the Midwest weather looks real good compared to Texas, Florida and the Caribbean. Let’s hope that the winter is likewise.

I want to thank everyone who attended the “Sights and Sounds of Euclid Beach” event on Sunday, September 24 at Euclid Beach Park.  What a great turnout; antique cars, food, music and memorabilia from Euclid Beach, a great day along our beautiful lakefront and above all a great day for our neighborhood.  Thanks to Euclid Beach Park NOW, the Cleveland MetroParks and all the volunteers for a job well done. 

Talking about food, St Mary’s and St Jerome’s had wonderful clambakes this past month and St Casimer’s Clambake will be coming up on Saturday, October 21.  Anyone wanting tickets should call the parish rectory at (216) 481-3157.  My sincere congratulations to both Beulah Baptist Church on Cardinal Avenue and to Memorial Spiritual Church on Pawnee who both celebrated their 100th Anniversary.  May the good Lord continue to watch over these historic congregations. 

Since the last Observer, many things have happened.  With the tremendous help of the Cuyahoga County LandBank and the City’s Bureau of Demolition we have taken down over 225 abandoned and derelict structures so far. We are not going to rest until condemned structures are removed or put back into productive use.  As I have asked before, if there is an abandoned house on your street make sure we are aware of it; for who knows better than an adjacent neighbor if a structure is abandoned, vacant or occupied.  Please be proactive and turn in any property that is creating a problem on your street.  

Last week I had the opportunity to once again to testify in Federal Court in front of The Honorable Judge Donald Nugent with regard to the sentencing of the third and last defendant involved in the environmental contamination of the former National Acme plant located at 131 East 131 Street. This defendant received 33 months plus in the Federal Penitentiary and in addition he shares in the restitution to environmentally abate the property which is estimated to cost $5.9 million.  The big question is - will the city or the state ever see even a dime out of either of the three defendants in light of the shell companies that they established?  I have asked the City’s Law Department to seek financial assistance from the Ohio and the U.S. EPA to see if there are any funds available to remediate this site which impacts both the Glenville and Collinwood communities.  Time will tell whether both agencies will step up to the plate to help us, and if not, the City needs to figure out a strategy to address this property which has tremendous opportunity for future development.

All of us are really glad to see construction gear up, once again, on the historic LaSalle Theater on East 185th Street. I don’t have to tell anyone of the trials and tribulations that NSDC has had to go through in their effort to deliver on this much needed project. Because this historic building is so critical, at the request of NSDC I have committed additional Ward 8 development funds to be used towards the renovation. I look forward to this historic renovation project moving toward completion sometime later this year.

As I sure you are all aware, there is a General Election this November 7 for not only Mayor but Judicial Races, County and Statewide issues and the local Ward 8 and Ward 10 Council races.  Your vote is important.  I am sure you have all heard the old saying “that you get the government and representation you deserve.” On Tuesday, September 12th, Primary Election Day, only 13% of registered voters in Cleveland cast their ballots. When 87% of the registered voters DO NOT exercise their right then they are abdicating their right to a small number of individuals, who then have a tremendous say as to what takes place in our city. Remember, whoever is elected this time for Mayor and Council will preside over the Council ward redistricting, once again. We know what we faced last time.

Early voting starts October 11th. I urge all concerned citizens to please remember all those who have given their lives so that we can have the right to vote. Don’t sit on the sidelines – become a stakeholder in your community and in our city.  Anyone needing an absentee ballot or poll information can call the Board of Elections at (216) 443-3200 or visit their website at www.boe@cuyahogacounty.us.  

As always I can be reached at my office at (216) 664-4236 or via email at mpolensek@clevelandcitycouncil.org.

Michael D. Polensek

Resident of neighborhood since 1956. Worked on East 185th street since 1970.

Read More on Councilman Update
Volume 9, Issue 10, Posted 3:28 PM, 10.08.2017