August

Summer is really here! We went from the monsoons to the heat. I am not complaining for, before we know it it will be Autumn. Let’s enjoy each warm day while we can!

The construction work at Mark Tromba playground, in spite of the rain, has gone very well. We are planning on an official reopening of the park sometime in the middle to late August. This $1.5 million project was long overdue and will put Tromba on the same level as many suburban facilities. This park is special to me for I myself swam at Tromba Pool as a teen and I am looking forward to the project being completed. Watch for the re-dedication announcement.

Our friends at the Cleveland MetroParks contacted my office to let me know that they are still looking for SEASONAL HELP at Wildwood Marina and Concession Stand. If you know of anyone interested in seasonal and part-time work with the MetroParks. Contact them at (216).635.3200, or send an email to generalinfo@clevelandmetroparks.com

MetroParks also mentioned to me that they are not getting the customers they thought they would get at the Wildwood Concession stand and carry-out. They spent a considerable amount of money in renovating the inside for the sole purpose of being able to prepare hot food and carry-out items. You have heard me say many times in the past when it comes to neighborhood businesses and venues, “if you don’t use – we will lose it!” I lobbied long and hard to get MetroPaks to expand their offerings at the Wildwood concession stand. However, if our residents and park goers do not patronize the stands at both Wildwood and Euclid Beach they could close next year. This was be counterproductive for the redevelopment of our lakefront parks. Please support our friends and partners at Cleveland MetroParks.

Work is well underway on the East 185th Street /Marcella Road storm sewer project. This $15 million project will run throughout the year and into the next. This is a result of the City of Cleveland’s Division of Water Pollution Control, (WPC) effort to address the ongoing and severe basement flooding we had experienced in the East 185th Street and Lakeshore Boulevard areas. Please be careful, for your sake and that of the construction workers, while driving through these areas.

The City’s Division of Park Maintenance is finally getting caught up on grass cutting at abandoned lots and properties throughout the city as a result of the extremely wet spring. If there is a property on your street with high grass over 8” please call it into the Mayor’s Action Center at (216) 664-2900.

Work on the relocation of Walgreens at 16100 Lakeshore Boulevard has begun in earnest. They have indicated that they will have this open and operational by September. This is one of those corporate decisions which is hard to understand. Nonetheless it was critical to have a pharmacy in our community at that location due to the large number of seniors nearby who are highly dependent upon Walgreens for their pharmacy needs. Let’s hope this decision works for the best interest of our community. We are still waiting to hear what plans will be for the former location at 15609 Lakeshore Boulevard from the out-of-state property owner. As soon as I hear something – I will let the community know.

I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of the greater Collinwood community, to congratulate to organizations who have been a part of the basic foundation of the neighborhood for now 100 years. St Jerome’s Catholic Church located at 15000 Lakeshore Boulevard and the Collinwood Slovenian Home located at 15810 Holmes Avenue were established during the waning days of WWI. Besides both being historic landmarks, they join a long list of other neighborhood institutions who have reached their centennial.

St Jerome’s has been a spiritual anchor in the North Shore Collinwood area and continues to serve, not only the spiritual needs of the community, but St Jerome’s Elementary School has also been a key source of pride and academic excellence. This “Beacon on the Boulevard” has been an inspiration for countless families in our neighborhood. My sincere congratulations to the current Pastor, Rev. Bill Jerse; Pastor Emeritus, Rev Francis Walsh; Deacon Pete Travalik; Ms. Adele Markert, Business Manager; Ms. Julia Wallace, Music Director; Ms. Marguerite DiPenti, Ministry Coordinator; Mr. Chris Abate, Facilities Coordinator; Mr. Robert Masciere, Sexton; and, to its parishioners. God bless the people of St Jerome’s as you celebrate this milestone.

What can I say about the Collinwood Slovenian Home, which I have been a part of since I was a small child with my late grandparents. Think about it – the hall was built with manual labor by the members. When you read stories of wives and daughter lugging bricks on wagons from the now long gone Collinwood Brick Yard and then building this imposing structure in 5 months! It almost seems impossible, but they did it. They raised the money in the neighborhood because they felt the need to protect their Slovenian heritage and to have a “home away from home.” That is what we call it, those of us who are members. My sincere appreciation, on behalf of our community, to all members of the past and present, who gave of their blood, sweat and tears to ensure that this would be a meeting place for the greater community as a whole regardless of race, ethnicity or religion can gather. Their 100th Anniversary celebration is planned for Sunday, August 11 beginning at 1:00 PM. Tickets are $35. Donations for gift baskets are also welcome. Anyone wishing to donate or purchase tickets can call the Home at (216) 681-6649.

Last, but by no means least. I wish to publicly CONGRATULATE, our long-time Neighborhood Partnership Inspector, better known as the “Sherriff of Nottingham,” MIKE TROHA, who retired in July from the Greater Collinwood Development Corporation. Mike, who worked over 30 years patrolling the streets of our community working on building & housing complaints, will be sorely missed. He will not be forgotten. Mike grew up in Collinwood and he and his wife, Terry, are the proud parents of two beautiful children and are the grandparents of two wonderful granddaughters. He and Terry are active members of St Jerome’s Parish. He made it clear that even though he is retired he will still be “patrolling the neighborhood.” God bless you, Mike and enjoy your retirement.

HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE SUMMER! See you in the neighborhood.

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

Sincerely,


Michael D. Polensek

Read More on Councilman Update
Volume 11, Issue 8, Posted 8:45 AM, 07.30.2019