Lakewood Plaza Facelift at ABR (aka "Drug Mart Plaza")

At Thursday’s Architectural Board of Review, the board is going to see an updated proposal for the redevelopment of the site known as Drug Mart Plaza.

The owner’s proposal reflects many of the recommendations from the Detroit Avenue Streetscape Plan. For example, the slant-in parking in the front will be and replaced with wider sidewalks for pedestrian friendliness and outdoor dining. It also proposed to completely renovate the façade of the building on all four sides, including adding windows, awnings and lighting, while removing the overhang in front. When finished, the plaza will look brand new, though the building footprint will not change (similar to the 5Guys redevelopment at 15008 Detroit).

Often times they go through a number of iterations before they are approved by the Architectural Board of Review. This is the second review meeting, and the public is welcome (encouraged) to attend and give input on the proposal. Join us at ABR to give the newest proposal a look.

Point of interest: the shopping plaza is actually called “Lakewood Plaza,” and was originally named “Mars Plaza.” The photo above is the original Mars Plaza.

Update: Downtown Signage Program Approved by Planning Commission

At Thursday night's Planning Commission meeting, the Commission voted to approve the proposal for the Downtown Wayfinding and Signage Plan. The plan is available in its entirety here.

Downtown Signage Proposal - Thursday's Planning Commission

At Thursday's Planning Commission meeting, the Commission will consider a proposal for new signage and wayfinding in Lakewood's downtown district.

A key recommendation for the downtown area of Detroit Avenue (Bunts to Arthur) from the Detroit Avenue Streetscape Plan (adopted in 2008) was the need for a creative and purposeful solution to brand the downtown district through a signage and wayfinding program. A program of this type provides visitors, business owners and residents the identification, direction and orientation necessary to support and enhance the Downtown Lakewood district.

Lakewood Alive, who earned a grant from Heritage Ohio to facilitate the process, formed a volunteer Downtown Signage Committee made up of Lakewood residents to assist the public engagement process. As part of the design process, input was solicited to help shape the plan through community meetings, business and resident surveys and presentations to both the Planning Commission and Architectural Board of Review. Even sample signs were created and placed downtown for public review and comment.

Planning Commission meets the first Thursday of every month at 7pm in the Auditorium at City Hall.

Demolition is Over, Construction Begins on New Office Building This Week

This week, construction on the first office building built in Lakewood for many, many years will commence with the pouring of the foundation at the corner of Spring Garden and Detroit Avenue.

17513 Detroit Avenue, the site of the former Lakewood Christian Church, was purchased by a private developer to accommodate a long term tenant: the Department of the Interior’s Social Security Office. This tenant looked throughout the western suburbs for a new site, and Lakewood worked hard to retain them. In addition to retaining $4.4 Million in annual payroll and dozens of employees, the new site will also be added to the city’s property tax roles to benefit the city and schools.

The new construction is located at an intersection that has been busy recently: it’s also the site of the new Dunkin Donuts, that used to be an under-used parking lot, also owned by the Lakewood Christian Church.

By the way, Lakewood Christian Church is still Lakewood. They are currently “nesting” at 12501 Lake Ave.

City Wins Grant for Madison Avenue Planning

The City of Lakewood recently won a $50,000 competitive grant to plan for Madison Avenue Streetscape improvements. The city won the competitive award from NOACA’s Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) Program.

The TLCI program, supported by funds that originate from the Federal Highway Administration, provides grants and technical assistance for transportation planning activities that promote sustainable development, economic development, and alternatives to the single-occupant vehicles.

The proposed planning project, to be called Madison East, will include the that area of the City of Lakewood bordered by Madison Avenue to the north, Clarence Avenue to the west, Bramley Avenue and the Greater Cleveland RTA Rapid Tracks to the south, and W. 117th Street to the east.

Through a number of public meetings, public engagement, site surveys, historical study, and evaluation of alternatives, the study will deliver strategies to improve the pedestrian access, traffic movement, and the streetscape of Madison Avenue in the neighborhood. It will also complement the Department of Planning and Development’s Birdtown/Madison East neighborhood planning efforts already underway.

Detroit Avenue underwent a similar study that was adopted into the City’s Community Vision in 2008. We'll start the public involvement pieces in March.

Bailey Building Update

At last night's meeting of the Architectural Board of Review, Then Design Architects (TDA) presented updates on the redevelopment of the Bailey Building. TDA explained to the Board that the building was even in better shape than originally thought and much of the upper storey detailing was still in tact. Sills and cornices that had been damaged when the building was covered with the concrete curtain wall in the 60's will be rebuilt with synthetic material to match the existing stone. The upper floor windows are in production and are likely to start being installed in February. The first floor demolition is nearly complete and installation of the new storefronts is slated to begin by March.

Retail Occupancy Rates Up, Again, in Third Quarter

The Lakewood Department of Planning and Development prepares a quarterly commercial space availability report that measures retail occupancy. The latest report indicates that retail occupancy is up 2% from the previous quarter, continuing a trend of increased occupancy citywide. Both Madison and Detroit Avenues saw retail occupancy rise amid new construction and retail rehab city wide.

While the numbers themselves show a positive outlook for the city, actually seeing these spaces under construction and filling with new tenants is even better. Panera Bread opened on Tuesday in the INA Building at St. Charles and Detroit. The building is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation and will be accompanied by new tenants in coming months. Nearly across the street at 15000 Detroit will feature a newly renovated complex featuring Five Guys Burgers & Fries and other tenants opening after Thanksgiving.

Work on New Bailey Building to Begin Monday

The removal of the 1960's concrete façade on the Bailey Building will begin on Monday, October 26 and is expected to take approximately 3 weeks. Soon, you’ll begin to see the 1920's Bailey Department Store that has been hidden for all these years revealed.

A 120 ton crane will be positioned on Detroit to lift the panels off of the building and place them on the ground on the Warren side. Crews will then remove the windows and load the panels onto flatbed trucks were they are being taken to a facility to be broken up and recycled.

Traffic will be maintained, but one lane will be closed on Warren and police officers will be posted at the intersection while work is underway. The work will start on the Detroit Avenue side and then move to Warren Road.

The complete renovation, with assistance from the Department of Planning and Development Economic Development Fund, will be complete by Spring of 2010. Stay tuned for information about the new restaurant and retail tenants that are slated to fill the building.

Lakewood and Partners Win Another Development Award

The City of Lakewood, Lakewood Historical Society, Lakewood Heritage Advisory Board, and LakewoodAlive won another award, this time from the Ohio Historic Preservation Office for their collective efforts to recognize, preserve, and promote Lakewood’s historic resources.

From OHPO:
"Their work has contributed significantly to improving the quality of life in Lakewood through historic preservation...New development has taken place in a planned and precise manner on vacant lots. Other development includes the adaptive use of the former Lakewood Tennis Club/Elks Lodge as a Winking Lizard and the First Church of Christ Scientist as the Maxxum Corporation offices. The City’s Heritage Advisory Board has surveyed all of the commercial buildings in the City and assigned a ranking of historic and architectural merit to help support careful development and preserve the best resources...
...City strengthened its demolition ordinance
...Birdtown neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Places.
...City passed a Preservation Ordinance, which went into effect this year that codifies the city’s local historic preservation program. And this year, the Lakewood Historical Society’s primary site, the Honam/Hotchkiss House, became Lakewood's first locally designated landmark.

By strengthening its historic preservation legislation, designating districts both nationally and locally, and using historic preservation as an economic revitalization tool through Downtown Lakewood and the Main Street Four Point Approach™, the City of Lakewood is securing its future economic vitality incrementally and building both literally & figuratively on its existing unique and historic resources."

Protecting Lakewood's Landmarks - Update

A joint work session of the Planning Commission, City Council's Committee of the Whole, and the Lakewood Heritage Advisory Board has been scheduled for 10/21/09 at 6pm in the City Hall Auditorium. The groups will discuss the merits of the proposed legislation to protect the interiors of Lakewood's designated historic properties and consider amendments or alternatives. It will be a roll-up-your-sleeves style meeting that is open to the public. If you have material for the group to consider at that meeting, please submit it to planning@lakewoodoh.net before Monday, October 19th.

Parks Master Planning Presentation

The City's community forum to kick off the Park System Master Plan was held on October 7th at the Main Library Auditorium. The forum's focus was to bring diverse stakeholders together to begin the collaborative work of creating a comprehensive plan for our parks.
The meeting was well attend and included representatives from a number of community organizations such as Lakewood Soccer Association, Lakewood Alive, Friends of Madison Park, LEAF, Lakewood Christian Service Center, Lakewood City Schools and Leashed Dogs in Lakewood Parks. The group shared ideas and discussed opportunities, concerns and community priorities that were recorded by City staff to begin compiling the idea list the will be a basis for a park system plan.
A second workshop will be held in November to report the findings from the first meeting and to formalize action steps. The presentation is below.

Park%20System%20Master%20Plan%20Presentation%20October%207th%202009.pdf

Neighborhood Planning: Birdtown / Madison East

The Department of Planning and Development hosted the first in a series of neighborhood planning workshops for the Birdtown/Madison East neighborhood on September 22nd at North Coast Baptist Church (2051 Quail).

The workshop was attended by about 40 residents, business owners, community group representatives and City representatives to begin work on creating a plan for the neighborhood.

A lively discussion included the topics of neighborhood beautification, transportation, parking, walkability, cultural resources, park improvements and safety. City staff will work in the coming weeks to distill the community comments and will host the next meeting in mid November to report back to the neighborhood and begin setting priorities for on-going improvement.

Walkable Communities Have Better Quality of Life

Walking isn’t just good for all us, it’s proven to improve our quality of life…and Lakewood is among the most walkable communities around.

Walkable communities are happier, healthier, greener and better support local businesses. It’s one of the best things about Lakewood, especially considering more and more folks are placing an emphasis on walkability.


According to walkscore.com, a walkable community has:

• “A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a discernable center, whether it's a shopping district, a main street, or a public space.
• Density: The neighborhood is compact enough for local businesses to flourish and for public transportation to run frequently.
• Mixed income, mixed use: Housing is provided for everyone who works in the neighborhood: young and old, singles and families, rich and poor. Businesses and residences are located near each other.
• Parks and public space: There are plenty of public places to gather and play.
• Pedestrian-centric design: Buildings are placed close to the street to cater to foot traffic, with parking lots relegated to the back.
• Nearby schools and workplaces: Schools and workplaces are close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.”

Lakewood is very walkable. Check out your address's walkability at www.walkscore.com

Protecting Lakewood's Landmarks

Last tonight, City Council introduced legislation to protect the interiors of Lakewood's most prized properties.

This new legislation (available below) would amend the historic preservation law, which Council passed last year, to include the interior public portions of historical properties. This amendment will help fully preserve the most historic and unique architectural structures from their exteriors to the architecturally significant portion of their interiors that have traditionally served the public.

One of those significant properties, St. James Catholic Church, is scheduled to close in 2010. Council passed a motion supporting efforts to save St. James Church. If the proposed legislation passes, it should help efforts to save St. James.

See the proposed ordinace:
Amend%20Chapter%201134%20Historic%20Properties.pdf

Introducing a New (Historic) Face for Lakewood's Busiest Intersection

The Bailey Building, located at the southeast corner of Detroit Avenue and Warren Road has been a long time concern for Lakewood's downtown. It's drab concrete brutalist look and aging facade has been an eyesore for many years. Called the Bailey Building because if was once the location of the 1920's era Bailey Department store - a beautiful brick and stone building with great awnings and wide storefront windows. Turns out it is still the location of the 1920's Bailey Department store all this time it has just been hidden since the early 1960's under a curtain wall of concrete and steel.

Under new ownership since earlier this year, the Department of Planning and Development has been working with the new owner to give the building a second life, attract new tenants and be a asset to the busiest intersection in Lakewood. Then Design Architects were retained by the owner to develop a restoration plan that removes the concrete facade and reveals the well preserved brick building that has been hidden for all these years.

A special hearing of Lakewood's Architectural Board of Review was held on September 3rd and the rehabilitation plans were approved. The new Bailey Building will be the high quality building fitting such a prominent corner of Lakewood's downtown and provide a bevy of new dining and shopping options for residents and visitors alike. Though some hurdles remain, parties are optimistic that the project will be complete mid 2010.

Operation Paintbrush is Rolling

Each year the City of Lakewood, Division of Community Development (DCD) hires contractors to wash, scrape and paint income-eligible homes. Eligible home owners receive free paint and labor through the Operation Paintbrush program. The program assists home owners while at the same time addresses neighborhood eyesores to help protect property values.

Above are examples of this year's program, still underway. The program has a new requirement this year: all participating properties must choose from pre-approved, historically accurate color palettes. The results are dramatic.

Some property owners who are cited for chipped paint may qualify for this program. More more details, or to participate in 2010, click here.

CDBG Funding Process Commences

As a city with a population of more than 50,000 people, the City of Lakewood is a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement community. HUD awards CDBG grants to entitlement community grantees to carry out a wide range of community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services. We expect to receive more than $2,000,000 in FY2010.

The City of Lakewood develops its own programs and funding priorities. However, grantees like Lakewood must give maximum feasible priority to activities which benefit low- and moderate-income persons. This process is administered by the Department of Planning and Development, and starts each year with proposals to the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) which makes recommendations to City Council on how those dollars are spent.

All residents are encouraged to participate by sharing how you think those dollars should be spent. There are two public hearings to share your funding priorities, and a slough of more information (too much for a blog post) available elsewhere on our site. If you’re interested, tell the CAC your funding priorities – is it housing? Roads? Or some other eligible funding? Let the CAC know.

Outdoor - Seasonal Dining in Lakewood

Earlier this year, the Planning Commission recommended, and City Council approved an ordinance that allows restaurants to use the public sidewalks for outdoor dining. Already, a number of establishments have taken advantage of the opportunity to grow their businesses, while adding activity and interest to the streetscape.

Outdoor dining areas must first be approved by the Planning Commission, then the look of the areas, including materials and furniture to be used, must be approved by the Architectural Board of Review. In the past two weeks, two Madison Avenue businesses opened their outdoor dining areas. They look great.

If your business is interested in outdoor seating areas, have a look here for a synopsis. It’s also available at OneLakewood.com/Development. Or call the department at 529-6630.

Blackbird Bakery is Open; Example of City Storefront Renovation Program

After completing their storefront renovation project with help from the City of Lakewood, Blackbird Bakery is now open. The completely remodeled building at 1391 Sloane Avenue is a welcome addition to the west end of Detroit Avenue and our community.

Tom and Adria Clark, the owners and operators, opened their artisan bakery earlier this month and their menu of hand made breads and pastries is a hit. The building has been completed reworked inside and out. The Clarks participated in the City's Commercial Property Revitalization program which offset some of the construction cost and helped to facilitate this high quality building rehabilitation. This kid friendly, family oriented establishment has plenty of parking, an outdoor seating area and a enough tables inside to host your next community meeting or a smaller coffee gathering. For more information about Blackbird visit their website at www.blackbirdbaking.com.

For information regarding the City's Storefront renovation program contact Planning and Development at 216.529.6630 or visit www.onelakewood.com

Lakewood Resurfacing More Streets This Year

Public Works Director Joe Beno, Engineering Division Manager Bill Corrigan and Mayor FitzGerald look at plans on Bunts Road.

As you drive through Lakewood, you may have noticed that there is a lot of road construction occurring all over the city. In fact, there are more streets being resurfaced this year than there have been in any of the last 20 years. The City will be resurfacing over 7.5 miles of street, which is more than triple the average done in recent years.



Twenty-two streets are scheduled to be resurfaced during the 2009 construction season. The list of streets to be repaved include:

Alameda Avenue (Madison to Franklin)
Brockley Avenue (Clifton to Lake)
Concord Avenue (Marginal to Hilliard)
Cordova Avenue (Madison to Detroit)
Delaware Avenue (Lincoln to Brown)
Detroit Ext. (Detroit to End)
Esther Avenue (Alger to Mars)
Gladys Avenue (Detroit to Clifton)
Glenbury Avenue (Delaware to Hilliard)
Graber Drive (Detroit to Riverside)
Gridley Street (Detroit to End)
Kenilworth Avenue (Detroit to Sloane)
Marlowe Avenue (Franklin to Madison)
Orchard Grove (Madison to Detroit)
Park Place (Orchard Grove to Rosewood)
Phelps Avenue (Detroit to Sloane)
Riverway Avenue (Riverside to McKinley)
Spring Garden (Madison to Detroit)
Summit Avenue (Detroit to Clifton)
Thoreau Avenue (RR Tracks to Clifton)
Webb Road (Detroit to Lake)

In addition to these streets, Bunts Road from Lakewood Heights Boulevard to Clifton Boulevard is undergoing a water main replacement and street resurfacing project.

All of these projects are being done at no charge to property owners. They are being funded through Federal CDBG grant funds and Capital Improvement funds. The Bunts Road project is being funded by Lakewood’s Water and Capital Funds, Federal CDBG funds, the Cuyahoga County Engineer and by an Ohio Public Works Commission grant.

These projects represent the City of Lakewood’s continued commitment to infrastructure improvements. If you have any questions about any of these projects, contact the Division of Engineering at 216-529-6692.

Oldest Stone House Approved for First Historic Preservation Designation

At last week's Planning Commission, Lakewood's Oldest Stone House (now located at Lakewood Park) received a Historic Preservation Designation, the first such property to benefit from the designation since the new zoning designation went into effect this January. The application from the Lakewood Historical Society shared new information about this old home.

The property, moved from what is now the corner of Detroit and St. Charles, is the oldest house in Lakewood. Built for John Honam in 1834, the property remained a private residence until 1897 when it was transformed into a store and post office by Lawrence Johnson in 1897.

The house was even considered historic in 1935 when it was drawn and photographed for the Historic American Buildings Survey. It was moved to its current location in 1952 by local historian Margaret Manor Butler. In 1977 it was listed on the National register of Historic Places. Thanks to the efforts of the Historical Society for their work with the city to recognize this symbol of Lakewood's heritage.

Interested in an Arts District?

Arts and Culture is clearly visible all over the City of Lakewood. From the designs created by Virginia Marti students to the dramatic productions at the Beck to the artists’ studios at the Lake Erie Building at Templar Park... art is a way of life in Lakewood.

The Planning Commission Sub Committee on Arts and Culture is holding community meetings to discuss the idea. The first was at the Beck Center in early April. The next is at the Winchester Tavern and Music Hall, 12112 Madison Avenue on April 23rd at 6:30pm.

Tom Schorgl is hosting the community meetings. Tom is President of Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC). He's worked with Cleveland City Council to develop a Live/Work ordinance that enable the creation of downtown spaces in which artists can reside as well as maintain their work studios; provided program development counsel for Cuyahoga County Department of Development to implement its Arts & Culture as Economic Development (ACE) grants; and created CPAC’s Artist as Entrepreneur Institute to provide business training to artists. He's an arts guy, and he's going to help the group answer three primary questions:
• What do artists need and want to make Lakewood the place they live and work?
• What are Arts and Culture Districts?
• How do would we benefit from them?

Hope to see you there.

Lakewood to Recieve $1.9 Million from NOACA for Clifton Boulevard Signals

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) has announced that it will award $1,963,500 to the City of Lakewood for the Clifton Boulevard Signalization Project. NOACA’s Regional Transportation Investment Subcommittee approved this project to be 100% funded with its Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) funding. CMAQ funds are allocated to projects that help alleviate traffic congestion and improve air quality.

The new state of the art equipment will use wireless communication. This system upgrade will improve traffic movement, reduce delays, reduce fuel consumption and improve air quality. The system will be more energy efficient and easier to maintain.

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is a transportation and environmental planning agency that represents state, county, city, village and township officials. NOACA addresses the transportation, air quality and water quality needs of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties. NOACA and its partners cooperatively develop and implement plans to ensure that travel throughout the region is safe, cost-effective and environmentally sound.

Clifton Boulevard Plans

In 2006, the City of Lakewood, in partnership with the City of Cleveland retained the Cleveland Urban Design Center to develop a framework and recommendations for improvements to Clifton Boulevard. This directive was to restore of the grandeur of the boulevard by improving the pedestrian environment while supplementing transit options. Asphalt and high volume traffic now dominated this once-classic example of a tree lined streetcar thoroughfare.

The Clifton Boulevard Streetscape Enhancement Project, as it would be called, worked through a public input process—attended by hundreds—to develop a consensus for improvements that enhance the environment of the boulevard. The outcome is a plan to improve the environment for those living along the street, using the street for walking or bicycling, and for those patronizing the retail establishments while enhancing transit options to and from job centers in Cleveland’s downtown and eastside.

The streetscape enhancement plan bore out the communities’ desire to better balance the transit hierarchy of the boulevard and minimize the impact of cars on Clifton. The plan recommends constructing a shallow landscaped median composed of ornamental trees and ground plantings. Historic lighting and signage will complement the updates. Special paving at cross walks and architecturally sympathetic bus shelters will enhance pedestrian-friendliness, transit ridership and accessibility.

In 2007, Lakewood City Council adopted the Streetscape Enhancement Plan into the City’s Master Plan. The master plan is the guiding document for the on-going improvement, development and success of Lakewood’s physical environment, neighborhoods and economy. The City of Cleveland Planning Department has also made enhancing the boulevard a priority. Together, both cities view this opportunity to enhance the boulevard as strategic to strengthening residential and commercial property.

In 2008, both cities advanced their efforts to pursue funding for this important enhancement project that will increase property values for residential properties, calm traffic and expand transit options for this densely-populated corridor. Both cities have sought RTA’s input as a source for funding and transit design, requesting new environmentally friendly busses that use the outer-most lane and to construct historically sympathetic shelters along the outside curbs. With the participation of the Federal Transit Administration and the region’s transit authority, both cities continued public input and collaboration to produce public planning and a funding strategy that would make the Clifton Streetscape Plan a reality.

Recently, RTA was awarded more than $700,000 to pay for the engineering for the project. Part of that study will be to - again - collect public input on the plan and details regarding that plan. Public meetings should be underway in the autumn.

Social Security Office to Remain in Lakewood

On Monday, March 9, 2009, Mayor Ed FitzGerald and Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich held a joint press conference to announce that the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office will remain in Lakewood. The SSA will be relocating from their current site at Lakewood Center North to a new site located at 17513 Detroit Avenue. This is the current site of Lakewood Christian Church. SSA had been looking for a new site since 2002 and searched all of the western suburbs. Congressman Kucinich and Mayor FitzGerald strongly advocated for them to stay in Lakewood.

Lakewood will benefit by retaining 100 jobs and keeping the $4.4 Million payroll in Lakewood. In addition, the sale of the church will turn this non-taxable property into a taxable property. Lakewood will gain from more than $120,000 in new property tax for the city and the schools.

The site will be redeveloped to house the Social Security Administration Field Office. This is a $5 Million dollar development project and the Social Security Administration is projected to move in 2010.

“This is great news for Lakewood,” stated Mayor Ed FitzGerald. “I want to thank Congressman Kucinich and our Planning and Development Department for working so hard to keep the Social Security Office here in Lakewood.” “In these tough economic times, we are happy to be retaining these jobs and gaining the additional tax benefits of turning this site into a taxable property.”

In 2002, the Social Security Administration announced that they would be seeking a new location to meet their needs and they would be searching the entire west side of Cleveland. Congressman Kucinich persuaded the Social Security Administration to strictly adhere to Executive Order 12072, giving local officials greater influence in locating federal offices, and limiting their search to Lakewood. They searched for 7 years to find a suitable location in Lakewood and were having difficulty finding a location to meet all of their needs. In early 2008, the City of Lakewood’s Planning and Development Department made it a priority to find the Social Security Office a new home within Lakewood. Within six months, the City found three potential sites which met the needs of the Social Security Administration and would be beneficial for Lakewood.

Zoning Code Updated

The City of Lakewood Zoning code has been reformatted and is updated as of March 2009. An electronic copy of the code is on the City’s Planning and Development webpage in a searchable PDF format. Visit www.onelakewood.com to view, download and save a copy anytime.

Lakewood to Receive $1.4 Million Grant

The City of Lakewood continues to push for its fair share of federal dollars from the 2009 Recovery Act. Lakewood has been recently awarded over $1.4 million from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This is in addition to the approximately $1.1 million already awarded from the Federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) for property acquisition.

The City of Lakewood will receive $589,901 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and $902,439 in Homelessness Prevention money, as part of the economic stimulus package.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program enables local governments to undertake a wide range of activities intended to create suitable living environments, provide decent affordable housing and create economic opportunities, primarily for persons of low and moderate income. One priority of this additional funding is to maximize job creation and economic development. While HUD has not released the specific requirements for spending this money, the additional CDBG money will most likely be spent on public infrastructure or economic development projects.

Lakewood will also receive $902,439 as part of the Homelessness Prevention Fund. The intention of this fund is to provide financial assistance and services to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless. The funds will provide for a variety of assistance, including: short-term or medium-term rental assistance and housing relocation and stabilization services, including such activities as mediation, credit counseling, security or utility deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance, and case management. Program details will be announced in the coming months.

Getting Ready for More Sidewalk Dining

The City of Lakewood is committed to working with local business to provide new opportunities for the continued growth and vitality of our commercial districts. Recently, the Lakewood City Council passed a revised Outdoor Dining Ordinance to help meet the needs of local restaurants and provide more seating choices for residents and visitors.

This new ordinance was developed to offer options to restaurants interested in considering the addition of sidewalk dining to their service. Though sidewalk dining may not be possible for everyone, the chance to explore this exciting opportunity is now available.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the possibilities for your restaurant please contact Department of Planning & Development at (216) 529-6630 or planning@lakewoodoh.net.

Hisoric Preservation Designation

The new Historic Preservation Ordinance, passed in 2008, is now in effect and provides an opportunity for our community to locally designate our City’s great cultural and architectural resources. It is the first, official recognition that Lakewood’s historic resources give it its special character and cultural depth and provide tangible links to the community’s historical and cultural heritage.

In addition to being a proven tool to enhance property values while protecting the diverse and harmonious architectural styles of Lakewood while encouraging complementary design and construction.

Historic preservation is proven to enhance property values. This voluntary program is a great means to help protect our heritage and sends a clear message to residents and visitors that Lakewood is proud of our history. For more information contact the Department of Planning & Development at (216) 529-6630.