April Showers
That old saying – “April showers will bring May flowers!” In Cleveland, the flowers are orange barrels and potholes due to this crazy winter we’ve had. Please be proactive on your own street and if there is a road issue please report it to the Division of Streets at (216) 664-2510.
The City budget process has come to an end and I am greatly concerned about the many outstanding issues that had not been adequately addressed, in my opinion. Residents city-wide are wanting to see a real dramatic change in city services in light of the 25% increase in City income tax. Time will tell shortly if there really is a change in basic city services. I, for one, will continue to press those issues that are of the greatest concern to our citizens and businesses alike.
On that note, I would like to welcome to the Ward 8 community Blackwater Roasters to 814 East 185th Street, a new coffee shop and game café, as well as ILF Transportation located at 16117 St Clair Avenue which provides vans and drivers for various non-profit agencies and businesses.
We, welcome Pastor Heath and the New Praise Ministries to 18100 Canterbury, the former Beachland Presbyterian Church. He and the congregation are elated to be a part of our community and eager to get involved. I want to thank our local Catholic Churches of St Casimer, Holy Redeemer, St Jerome, and St Mary for their Lenten Cluster services and programs. It is great to see our churches and congregations working together. I also wish to thank the Greater New Canaan Ministries at 14911 Westropp for their expanded outreach in the Collinwood community; watch for more details on their programs. I wish to congratulate Greater Bethel AME Church on Thames Avenue who celebrate their 100th Anniversary this year and have a long history tied to the original Collinwood Village and the Collinwood railroad yard.
Talking of outreach and service – what can I say about the new Salvation Army Temple Corp and Community Center located at 17625 Grovewood Avenue? I had the honor and pleasure of being involved in the design and implementation for this magnificent complex. The dedication on Sunday, March 19th, only reinforced to all who attended what a great community partner the Salvation Army has been, and continues to be. My sincere appreciation to the Captains Karen and Daniel Alverio, the Staff and volunteers who make this facility a warm and welcoming destination for those seeking help, service, and a place to worship.
East 152 Street is well under construction. Drive carefully. As the rehabilitation of the roadway continues, watch for detours.
The Friday Night Summer concert series at Euclid Beach in partnership with the Cleveland MetroParks will open on Friday, June 9 with Disco Inferno, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Dig out your bell bottom slacks and get ready to dance and celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Saturday Night Fever.” We are going to have our own Friday Night Fever each week in Ward 8 for, the concerts run every Friday night throughout the summer!
Hope to see you in the ward this Spring and Summer. As always I can be reached at the office at (216) 664-4236 or via email at mpolensek@clevelandcitycouncil.org@.