Community Update

 As I said last month, we are Collinwood Strong! And I want to thank all the residents, merchants and citizens city-wide and beyond for the show of support for the family of Michael and Trina, late owners of Mr Cars II located on East 185th Street. On Friday, May 26, 2017 I was briefed by Police Commander James McPike, the officer in-charge of the Homicide Unit.  Obviously, the investigation is still ongoing. They have processed over a hundred pieces of evidence.  Once again, anyone having any information or knowledge of what happened at Mr. Cars on Friday, April 14, should call the Homicide Unit at (216) 623-5464 or Crimestoppers at (216) 252-7463. Again, a reward is being offered for any information leading to an arrest and conviction of the violent perpetrators.

 In difficult times like these, whether it be in our own neighborhood or county-wide, that we as concerned citizens need to make it real clear that individuals involved in violent crime MUST be pursued and prosecuted to the fullest extent under the law. We see and read daily about the increase in violent crime throughout the county, yet, when perpetrators are apprehended we see that they have a long “rap-sheet” and in some cases are out on bond from previous criminal activity. All of us must demand from our officials in Columbus, stiffer penalties for those involved in violent crime, whether a minor or adult. Anyone, especially a teenager or young adult, can make a mistake in their life.  We all know that. However, when you use a gun or other weapon to assault, rob, or murder someone all bets are off. If you want to do the crime then be prepared to do the time; that is my position.  All of us in Ward 8 need to pay more attention to our surroundings and report any suspicious activity or incidents of crime to the Police if our community is going to remain one of the safest areas wards on Cleveland’s eastside.

On Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 11:30 AM we experienced another milestone in the history of our community.  A large gathering of administrators, community leaders, contractors, and above all the students, were present to “break ground” for the new O. H. Perry Elementary School (OHP) to be constructed just off East 185th Street between Schenely and Harland Avenues just east of the current school.  The new state-of-the-art building will be around 57,000 square feet in size and cost approximately $16 million. The building is not only designed to provide the best educational environment for our students but has design elements to compliment the East 185th Street corridor. This is the third preK-8 elementary school in Collinwood which I have had the pleasure and honor to be a part of the design and planning process. We started the planning process for OHP in early 2015.  I wish to thank all the Community Core Team members who volunteered their precious time and talents to be a part of the design of this unique school. I cannot wait for the opening day when our Ward 8 “young scholars” will be able to enjoy the fruits of our labors. Go O.H. Perry Eagles for they will join the new Hannah Gibbons – Nottingham, Memorial, and East Clark Elementary Schools in the greater Collinwood community.

 Look forward to seeing everyone at the Euclid Beach LIVE Concert series which begin June 9 and run through August 11.  The concerts start at 6:00 PM. Please bring a lawn chair, blankets and your picnic baskets (Food Trucks are also slated to be there).  The crowds have traditionally been large so plan on being there early. Get ready to sing and dance.

Finally, we all know the problem we are experiencing with abandoned homes and vacant lots in the city with regard to high grass and sometimes illegal dumping. If there is a home on your street, vacant and/or occupied, with high grass or other related issues please call these into the Mayor’s Action Line at (216) 664-2900.  Every unmaintained property needs to be reported.  Don’t assume that someone else has turned it in. Let’s make Ward 8 a model for the rest of the city.  Be proactive.

 I look forward to seeing you at all the upcoming neighborhood events including the East 185th Street Sidewalk Sale and Event (June 3), the Waterloo Arts Festival (June 24) and the Glenville Festival (August 12) and other exciting events throughout the ward this summer.  Check the Scoop on Summer flyer and online for Scoop on Collinwood for additional information about community events.

As always you may reach me at my office at (216) 664-4236 or via email at mpolensek@clevelandcitycouncil.org

Councilman Polensek

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

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Volume 9, Issue 6, Posted 6:04 PM, 06.13.2017