City of Lakewood, Ohio: News & Updates

Meet the Trucks Set For June 2nd

Tue, 29 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA invite you to attend the 7th Annual Meet the Trucks on Saturday, June 2, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue. Come see, touch and explore the City’s fine fleet of trucks and vehicles.

Vehicles on display will include an aerial truck, dump truck, refuse truck, fire truck, police car, police motorcycle, SWAT vehicles, Cleveland MetroParks Eco Explorers Traveling Bus and more. In addition, the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA will offer crafts, a balloon twister, a DJ, bounce houses, raffles and numerous exhibitions. Jungle Bob will be performing two shows, the first at 11:00 a.m. and the second show at 12:30 p.m. The St. Ed’s Trash Talkers will also be on hand to kick off the event! Free popcorn and bagels will be available (while supplies last) and hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, pizza, drinks, and snow cones will be available to purchase.

Many community groups will also be in attendance offering children’s activities and sharing information about their organization. Attendees are asked to bring a canned good which will be donated to the Lakewood Community Services Center, the City’s food bank.

The following organizations helped to sponsor this event: The University of Akron-Lakewood Campus, Donatos Pizza, Kiwanis Club of Lakewood, Lakewood Family YMCA, Midway OH Boy, Ohio Mobile Gaming, Jungle Bob, Music Connection, and Zap Entertainment.

The 7th Annual Meet the Trucks event once again promises to have something for everyone. Best of all, it’s free! Just bring a nonperishable food donation to benefit the Lakewood Community Services Center.

City Of Lakewood Agrees To Purchase Three Rooming Houses

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The City of Lakewood has entered into agreements to purchase three troublesome rooming houses from private landowners.

At a special meeting of Lakewood City Council on March 28, lawmakers approved the purchase of two rooming houses located at 1436 Grace Ave. and 1446 Mars Ave. In the past 10 years, safety forces were called to the two properties more than 200 times, placing a heavy burden on the one- and two-family residential neighborhoods surrounding them.

On Friday, April 19, the city acquired the city’s largest rooming house at 11900 Madison Ave., which was vacant and dilapidated after years in and out of foreclosure.

By purchasing the properties, Lakewood can halt their use as rooming houses and bring them into harmony with the surrounding neighborhoods.

“Rooming houses are an outmoded style of housing,” said Ward 2 councilman Tom Bullock. “A much better fit for these neighborhoods is to restore these homes to single or two-family homes.”

“That investment and restoration work will strengthen property values,” he said.

As with all rooming houses, the three properties feature shared sanitary facilities but no kitchens and are among the last of their type still existing in the city. The city’s zoning code grandfathers any rooming houses that existed prior to the 1980s but places significant restrictions on any newer rooming houses, making them difficult to open.

“The city saw an opportunity with the purchase of these properties to rectify a problem and create a better use which will promote and protect the neighborhoods,” said Mayor Mike Summers.

The purchase of the Mars and Grace properties allows the city reclassify them into single- or two-family homes. The sellers have been encouraged to put any tenants in touch with external housing placement services.

“Grace Avenue is one of Lakewood’s most historic streets and the boarding house was out of place and often out of line with the family atmosphere most neighbors work hard to maintain,” said Ward 4 councilwoman Mary Louise Madigan. “Our goal is that everyone — tenants and neighbors — will be better off.”

The city is set to purchase the Mars and Grace Avenue homes by the end of May for a total of $207,500, with $150,000 coming from the land acquisition fund and the remainder from the economic development fund. The city intends to sell these properties with deed restrictions as single- or two-family homes.

The Madison Avenue property was purchased for $35,000 from the city’s economic development fund. The city’s plans for this property are not finalized, but it will not remain a rooming house.

The sellers of the Mars and Grace Avenue rooming houses are the trustees of the Auzenbergs Family Trust in Avon, Ohio. The Madison Avenue rooming house was purchased from Apex Mortgage Co. of Fort Washington, Pa.

Welcome To Lakewood Event Set For Wednesday, April 25

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The City of Lakewood’s Community Relations Advisory Commission and the Lakewood Family Collaborative are sponsoring a Welcome to Lakewood event on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Garfield Middle School, 13114 Detroit Avenue. This event is designed to welcome new residents to the community and to assist anyone looking for additional opportunities to make connections within the community. Welcome to Lakewood is a fun, new event where residents can learn more about local civic organizations, services and ways to get involved in Lakewood.

This is an opportunity to meet Mayor Mike Summers, Lakewood Schools Superintendent Jeff Patterson, Lakewood City Council Members and hear a special welcome from Lakewood’s State Representative Nickie Antonio. Thirty local organizations will be on hand to provide information about how to get more involved in the community. There will also be yummy treats from local bakeries. All attendees will leave with a packet of information all about Lakewood.

The Lakewood Community Relations Advisory Commission was established in 2005 to serve in an advisory capacity for the purpose of educating, informing and making recommendations to City officials, departments, boards and commissions on matters relating to community relations within the City of Lakewood in an effort to advance respect for diversity, bonds of mutuality and equity.

The Lakewood Family Collaborative is a group of agencies, organizations and concerned individuals working together to make sure a network of services and supports are available and accessible to children youth and families in our community. The objectives of the Collaborative are to assist in the identification of community issues and needs as they relate to youth/families, advocacy for youth/family/community and consultation and support to strengthen and expand community networking/partnerships.

The Lakewood Police Department Now Has A Prescription Drug Drop-Off Box

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Police Departments in Bay Village, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Rocky River, and Westlake in cooperation with the Westshore Enforcement Bureau (WEB), are proud to announce that they have installed prescription drug drop boxes at their agencies. Jeff Capretto of WEB had worked with The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) in obtaining a grant to purchase the boxes for the Westshore Police Departments. Through the efforts of WEB, NADDI and the various cities, our residents will be able to dispose of their prescription drug medications in a safe and secure manner.

Lakewood residents can bring their solid prescription medicines to the front lobby of the Lakewood Police Department, where the box is located, at any time. No information is required of the person dropping off the medicine. The police department cannot accept needles or liquids, but all other forms of prescription medications can be accepted. The department asks that labels on the bottles be removed or names of persons on the labels be marked out. If you have any questions, please contact the Lakewood Police Department at 216-521-6773 or www.onelakewood.com.

“This is a very helpful service for citizens and cities,” stated Mayor Mike Summers. “Proper disposal is critical to good environmental stewardship. Placing these drugs in our landfills and/or water treatment systems is very detrimental to our water supply. Additionally, many of these drugs are attractive to the illicit drug culture. Removing them from our homes is good crime prevention.”

For a listing of all agencies with a prescription drop box, visit www.rxdrugdropbox.org.

Mayor Summers To Deliver Annual State Of The City Address

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Lakewood Mayor Michael P. Summers will present the 2012 State of the City address on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 7:00 PM at The Lakewood Masonic Temple, 15300 Detroit Avenue.

Mayor Summers is serving in his second year as Mayor. His State of City Address will focus on the City’s achievements, opportunities and challenges with a particular emphasis on Lakewood’s future.

This event is sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Lakewood, LakewoodAlive, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Observer, Lakewood Patch, Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary Club and Lakewood/Rocky River Sunrise Rotary Club.

New And Improved Buy Lakewood Program To Begin February 24th

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

In early 2012, Mayor Summers announced the launch of the redesigned Buy Lakewood program. This program is a consumer education initiative about the importance of buying locally as well as a customer loyalty program. It has been redesigned to make it simple, functional and flexible.

Buy Lakewood 2012 will feature a program called Five Percent Fridays. Participating businesses will offer a 5% discount on Fridays to individuals who show their Buy Lakewood card. In addition to Five Percent Fridays, businesses may choose to offer additional discounts to Buy Lakewood participants. The program will begin on Friday, February 24, 2012.

“We have simplified the Buy Lakewood Program to make it easier for both businesses and consumers to participate,” stated Mayor Mike Summers. “The Buy Lakewood Program will focus on sharing information on the importance of buying locally and the economic impact it has on our city. For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 stays in the local economy, creating jobs and expanding the city’s tax base.”

Lakewood businesses can sign up to participate in this program by visiting www.onelakewood.com/buylakewood. Once a business is enrolled, it will be added to the online business directory. Businesses will also receive a window cling displaying their support for the Buy Lakewood Loyalty Program.

Anyone who shops in Lakewood can pick up a Buy Lakewood card at Lakewood City Hall (12650 Detroit Avenue), LakewoodAlive (14701 Detroit Avenue #LL10) or the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce (16017 Detroit Avenue). Individuals can also sign up for a card by visiting www.onelakewood.com/buylakewood. The previous Buy Lakewood card is still valid and can be used on Five Percent Fridays at all participating businesses.

The Buy Lakewood Program is a joint partnership between the City of Lakewood, LakewoodAlive, the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and the Madison Avenue Merchants Association (MAMA).

Holiday Refuse & Recycling Collection Schedule

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Due to the Presidents’ Day holiday, there will be no refuse or recycling collected on Monday, February 20, 2012. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Monday will have collection on Tuesday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday should have their refuse and recyclables available for collection on their regular day, and it will be collected either on that day or the day after. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Friday will have collection on Friday.

Residents are reminded that refuse and recycling should not be placed on the curb or tree lawn until after 6:00 p.m. on the night before your collection day and should be available for collection by 6:30 a.m. on the collection day.

In addition, all Lakewood City offices and the Lakewood Municipal Court will be closed for the holiday.

For further information, contact the Lakewood Division of Refuse & Recycling at (216) 252-4322.

Lakewood Launches Volunteer Lakewood Website

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The City of Lakewood recently launched a website as part of the City’s new Volunteer Initiative. The website, www.volunteerlakewood.com, strives to match the enormous talent of Lakewood residents with the needs of community organizations. The website provides local organizations with the opportunity to post specific volunteer needs to recruit residents to help with projects within their organization. Likewise, residents will be able to utilize the website to find volunteer opportunities that most fit their requirements in a volunteer experience.

The City of Lakewood is making an effort to enhance the collaboration between government, local organizations and residents to provide needed services. Volunteer Lakewood is looking to match the tremendous talents and skills of our residents with the many organizations that serve our community. This volunteer program is unique because it tries to match a resident’s specific skill set with a corresponding volunteer opportunity.

“We are in a period of scarcity at all levels of government- Federal, State, and Local.” stated Mayor Mike Summers. “If we expect to support many of the services and institutions we hold dear, we, as a community, each in our own way, will have to step forward in a meaningful way. Citizens in our very neighborhood may need assistance. As private citizens, we may be able to easily and effectively provide this assistance. Volunteer Lakewood is designed to help match citizens in need with citizens who can help.”

For more information about Volunteer Lakewood, contact Michael Bowen, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, at 216-529-6093 or michael.bowen@lakewoodoh.net.

Water And Sewer Rates To Increase In 2012

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Lakewood, Like Most Northeast Ohio Communities, Is Facing Aging Infrastructure And EPA Mandates

On December 19, 2011, Lakewood City Council approved the Administration’s request to increase water and sewer rates effective January 1, 2012. Customers will begin receiving their bills with the new rates starting mid-January to early-February. Increases in water and sewer rates are the norm throughout Northeast Ohio this year and in the next several years to meet the challenges of aging water and sewer infrastructure, and to comply with EPA mandates. These are issues most municipalities in the region and throughout the nation are facing as our infrastructure gets older and mandates increase. For example, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, which represents over 60 communities in the region, is expected to spend $3 billion dollars over the next 25 years to comply with these EPA requirements.

Water rates will increase 2% over the 2011 rates from $5.81 per ccf to $5.93 per ccf. A “ccf” equals 100 cubic feet or approximately 748 gallons. This slight increase is to primarily support the installation of an automatic meter reading system that will be installed throughout the City beginning early this year.

The $3.8 million project will take place over the next three years, starting with the replacement of large commercial meters. The current meter reading system is nearly 20 years old, and the new, wireless system will result in more accuracy of measuring and real-time monitoring of water usage. This improvement means leaks can be detected and repaired faster for the City’s water customers.

Sewer rates will increase 10% over the 2011 rates from $3.62 per ccf to $3.99 per ccf. The sewer bill increase is required for the City of Lakewood to continue to develop and implement strategies for compliance with the regulations required by the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972. The City continues to work with EPA to develop a control plan to eliminate storm water overflows into Lake Erie.

The City of Lakewood is currently measuring and modeling its sewer system to develop appropriate and cost-effective solutions. Solutions include ensuring storm water does not combine with the sanitary sewer system; and capturing and slowing down storm water’s entrance into the sewer system.

This can be accomplished through the disconnection of downspouts, repairs to the current sewer pipes and catch basins, installation of new catch basins and sewer interceptors, and introducing “green” infrastructure like bioswales and permeable parking lot surfaces. All new construction in the City since 2007 includes bioswales within their parking lots including the YMCA, Garfield Middle School and Dunkin Doughnuts.

There is a Special Homestead Exemption that reduces water and sewer bill charges for any homeowner 65 years of age or older, or is permanently or totally disabled, with an income below $35,000. Customers can apply for this exemption by contacting the Division of Utility Billing.

Customers who would like to set up monthly ACH payments or have any other questions can contact the City of Lakewood’s Division of Utility Billing at (216) 529-6820.

Community Diversity Potluck Set For January 19th

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Lakewood Community Relations Advisory Commission and Lakewood High School’s Race and Diversity (RAD) Club will hold a Community Diversity Potluck on Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Woman's Club Pavilion at Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue. The theme for the potluck is "The World Lives in Lakewood".

Attendees are asked to bring a dish (vegetarian or meat) to serve six that represents your family or cultural tradition(s). Beverages and tableware will be provided. This is a great opportunity to greet neighbors and make new friends. There will be fun activities for all ages.

Holiday Refuse & Recycling Collection Schedule

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, there will be no refuse or recycling collected on Monday, January 16, 2012. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Monday will have collection on Tuesday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday should have their refuse and recyclables available for collection on their regular day, and it will be collected either on that day or the day after. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Friday will have collection on Friday.

In addition, all Lakewood City offices and the Lakewood Municipal Court will be closed for the holiday.

For further information, contact the Lakewood Division of Refuse & Recycling at (216) 252-4322.

Citizen Academy Offers Unique Look “Inside” Lakewood’s Police Department

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Lakewood Division of Police is offering Lakewood residents a unique opportunity to gain some first-hand information about the role of Lakewood’s safety and law enforcement department. The Lakewood Police Citizens’ Academy is a twelve-week program starting Wednesday, February 1, 2012 and continuing through April 18. The Academy will be held from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Lakewood Police Department on each Wednesday.

The Citizens’ Police Academy is a 12-week course for Lakewood residents or people who work in Lakewood, 21 years of age or older, who are interested in learning more about the Division of Police. Classes are held once a week for 2 hours. There is no fee to attend. During the sessions, students are presented with information from a number of speakers to familiarize them with a variety of policing issues in Lakewood. In addition to speakers from the Division of Police, Mayor Summers, the Department of Law, and Judge Carroll also address the class. At the end of each session the graduates are permitted to schedule a ride-along with a patrol officer for one evening

According to Police Chief Tim Malley, “The Lakewood Police Department is committed to establishing close working ties with the members of the community we serve and establishing channels to be responsive to the needs and desires of our community.” In addition to the Lakewood Police Citizens’ Academy, Chief Malley noted that the Lakewood Police Department develops and presents crime prevention seminars, personal safety programs, neighborhood block watch meetings, traffic and bicycle safety education programs and child safety seminars. Lakewood’s Police Department also serves as a liaison with community organizations and groups through the use of foot patrol, community-oriented policing, shadowing programs and sponsoring and participating in special events designed to promote positive relationships between the police and school-age children.

To register or for more information, click here or contact Officer Ortiz at (216) 701-3063.

Mayor And Councilmembers To Be Sworn-In On January 3rd

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The swearing-in ceremony for Lakewood Mayor Michael P. Summers, Councilmember David Anderson, Councilmember Shawn Juris, Councilmember Mary Louise Madigan and Councilmember Ryan Nowlin will be held on Tuesday, January, 3 2012 at 7:00 PM in the Auditorium at Lakewood City Hall, 12650 Detroit Avenue.

Lakewood Municipal Court Judge Patrick Carroll will officiate the ceremony. The ceremony will take place immediately prior to the regularly scheduled Lakewood City Council Meeting. The public is welcome to attend.

Lakewood Signs Anti-Poaching Agreement

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The purpose anti-poaching agreement is to encourage responsible, forward thinking economic development activities by communities within Cuyahoga County at no great peril to the livelihood of neighboring communities.

The agreement identifies more specific purposes, including:

Facilitating interactions between the county and communities to promote economic development;
Establishing a county-based “one-stop shop” for businesses considering location or expansion in Cuyahoga County;
Expressing the commitment of the participating communities that they will not actively pursue the relocation of a business that has not indicated that it is considering a move from its current location in another participating community;
And in instances where a business is exploring a possible move, establishing procedures to balance the interest of the business’ home community and other participating communities.

“The elements for this agreement lay the foundation for better regional cooperation and advancement in a more equitable manner, stated Mayor Mike Summers. “ “I have grown to understand and appreciate that Lakewood, an all Cuyahoga communities need to transcend from viewing ourselves as being a community in Cuyahoga County towards a community that is part of Cuyahoga County.”

Lakewood To Honor Veterans On November 11 At Lakewood Park

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Mayor Michael P. Summers and the Lakewood Veterans Advisory Committee will host the City of Lakewood’s Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, November 11, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue. Lakewood’s annual Veterans Day observance is a tribute to the men and women who served our country in the armed forces.

Lakewood’s Veterans Day program will begin with the Presentation of Colors followed by the singing of the National Anthem by The Four Vet Quartet.

This year’s keynote speaker is Captain Stephen H. Torpey. Captain Torpey is currently assigned as the Chief of Response for the Ninth Coast Guard District in Cleveland, OH. He is primarily charged with the management of all law enforcement, search and rescue, pollution response, operational communications, and intelligence programs within the Great Lakes region. He was previously assigned as the Executive Officer and Operations Officer at Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod where he managed 350 active duty and civilian personnel along with four HU-25 jet aircraft and four MH-60 helicopters. Prior to that, Captain Torpey was the Aviation Program Manager within the Office of Aviation Forces at Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington D.C. He managed the Coast Guard’s aviation budget, billet assignments, and facilities in support of 200 aircraft, the planning and integration of new aircraft and equipment including Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and the development of aircrew training and aviation survival programs. Operational tours include Air Station Clearwater, Aviation Training Center Mobile as an H-60 Standardization Instructor, Air Station Sitka, and Air Station San Francisco. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for a rescue in Alaska and was listed as the 1999 Aircrew of the Year by the Naval Helicopter Association and the Association of Naval Aviation. Captain Torpey is a graduate of University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor’s in Science in Mechanical Engineering and has a master’s degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.

Other highlights of this year’s program include performances by the Lakewood High School Band, The Four Vet Quartet and a 21-gun salute by the Joint Veterans Honor Guard.

The Veterans Day Ceremony is free and open to the public. Following the ceremony, coffee and doughnuts will be offered in the Woman’s Club Pavilion at Lakewood Park.

Lakewood Announces Fall Leaf Collection Schedule

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The City of Lakewood will begin collecting loose leaves on Monday, November 7, 2011 and will continue until approximately Friday, December 16, 2011, weather permitting. Prior to November 7 and after December 16, leaves will be collected only when they are placed in paper yard/leaf bags and set out along with regular refuse and recycling.

Due to the excessive amount of leaves on Clifton Boulevard and Lake Avenue, these streets will be collected separately. Collection crews will start working at the east end of Clifton Boulevard and Lake Avenue and work west until completed. Collection pick-up for these streets is scheduled to begin on November 7 with additional pick-ups beginning November 21 and December 5.

After crews have completed Clifton and Lake, they will collect leaves citywide starting from the west end and working east. The number of citywide collections will be weather dependent. Residents should place their leaves out as soon as possible to ensure collection. Signs will be posted on side streets to notify residents of upcoming collections.

For daily leaf collection schedule updates, visit www.onelakewood.com/leafcollection.

In order to make the leaf collection process as effective as possible, the City asks residents to please rake leaves onto tree lawns as close to the curb as possible. Raking leaves into the street will slow the collection process and may cause basement flooding.

There will be no leaf collection on November 24 and 25 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. If you have any questions, please call (216) 529-6810 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Halloween To Be Observed On Monday, October 31st

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Free High Visibility Tape and Safety Tips Offered

The City of Lakewood will observe Halloween Trick-or-Treating between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 31, 2011.

The Lakewood Division of Fire is distributing reflective tape for children’s costumes through October 31st at all three Lakewood fire stations between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The City offers these safety tips for parents, residents and drivers:

Parents should encourage their trick-or-treaters to be especially careful after sunset. If escorting their children, parents should carry a flashlight as an additional safeguard.
Residents giving out candy and treats can help prevent accidents by reminding children to be especially careful crossing streets and to walk up and down steps, instead of running.
Halloween night drivers should be especially vigilant. Motorists should drive more cautiously and be prepared to stop.

12th Annual “Pumpkin Palooza” To Be Held On Saturday, October 29th

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The City of Lakewood youth service organization, Help to Others (H2O), will co-sponsor the 12th Annual Pumpkin Palooza on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lakewood High School, 14100 Franklin Avenue. All proceeds will benefit the Lakewood Community Services Center and the Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation. Pumpkin Palooza is also presented by the City of Lakewood’s Department of Human Services, Lakewood City Schools, Lakewood Hospital, Lakewood Public Library, Lakewood non-profit and civic organizations, LHS Student Organizations and Lakewood Early Childhood Professionals.

Pumpkin Palooza serves as the culmination of a citywide pumpkin-decorating challenge as well as a celebration of “Make A Difference Day” in Lakewood and will involve other Lakewood-based civic groups. “The Great Pumpkin Patch” will be filled with decorated pumpkins donated by various artists and organizations. Festival goers will have the opportunity to participate in a pumpkin raffle to win their favorite pumpkin. The “Harvest Moon Café” will feature pizza, baked goods and beverages. In Autumn Adventureland, there will be crafts, carnival games and a costume parade at 2:00 p.m. There will also be scary and not-so-scary storytelling in “Sleepy Hollow.”

Pumpkin Palooza is open to the public. Festival goers are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to Lakewood Community Services Center and Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation. Tickets may be purchased for food, beverages, the pumpkin raffle and the various activities. Tickets will be priced at 25¢ each. Admission to Pumpkin Palooza is free.

Citizen Forum To Discuss Charter Amendments To Be Held October 13

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

There will be a Citizen Forum to discuss proposed Lakewood City Charter changes on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the Lakewood Public Library Main Branch Auditorium, 15425 Detroit Avenue. This event is being co-sponsored by the LWV Cuyahoga County, Lakewood Chapter and the City of Lakewood.

Citizens of Lakewood will be asked to vote Nov. 8, 2011, on a series of ballot issues that, if passed, will result in several changes to the city charter.

On July 25, City Council voted to place eight ballot questions before the voters this fall that would update 12 sections of the Second Amended Charter, which is the highest body of law specific to Lakewood. Voters will decide whether to adopt these charter changes:

Issue 65: Whether the charter should be updated to affirm the city's ability to govern itself under home-rule authority given to municipalities by the Ohio constitution.
Issue 66: Whether certain judicial powers granted to the mayor should be removed from the charter.
Issue 67: Whether City Council should have the right to appoint acting and interim mayors from among Lakewood residents when the mayor's office is vacant.
Issue 68: Whether the language on when appointed councilmembers' terms expire should be clarified to eliminate confusion.
Issue 69: Whether the votes of appointed councilmembers should carry the same weight as those of elected councilmembers.
Issue 70: Whether City Council may adopt rules on where official city business is published, including physical locations and on the Internet.
Issue 71: Whether the charter should be clarified to ensure the city may use its home-rule authority to limit the duties imposed by state law on chief legal officers.
Issue 72: Whether improvements to the city sewer system may be funded by the same millage earmarked for other public improvements such as wastewater treatment, streets, buildings and parks.

A majority affirmative vote is required to adopt each charter change. The changes would take effect Jan. 1, 2012.

The Lakewood law department has prepared a citizens' guide explaining the charter changes and showing the language to be modified. The guide is available in the City Council office and may be viewed on the city's website by going to http://www.onelakewood.com/pdf/2011_CharterChanges_CitizensGuide.pdf

Several election-related forums are scheduled in Lakewood throughout the fall at which these changes will be discussed.

For more information, please contact City Council at (216) 529-6055 or the Law Department at (216) 529-6030.

University Of Akron-Lakewood Grand Opening

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

MEDIA ADVISORY
University Of Akron-Lakewood Grand Opening

WHO:	Lakewood Mayor Mike Summers, University of Akron President Luis Proenza, County Executive Ed Fitzgerald, University of Akron Provost Sherman and Lakewood Hospital CEO Jan Murphy
WHAT:	Press Event and Community Open House for the Grand Opening of the University of Akron-Lakewood
WHEN:	Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Dedication Ceremony to be held at 5:00 PM Mayor Summers, President Proenza, Executive Fitzgerald, Provost Sherman and Hospital CEO Murphy will be available to the media at 4:00 PM for interviews
WHERE:	Bailey Building on the corner of Detroit Avenue and Warren Road, 14725 Detroit Ave., Suite 108
CONTACT:	For further information, contact Planning and Development Director Dru Siley at (216) 529-6630.

Lakewood To Hold Gun Buy-Back On September 17

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Police Department are partnering with The City of Cleveland and the Cities of Euclid, Parma & Shaker Hts for the multi-community Greater Cleveland 2011 Gun Buy-Back program. We are joined with our event sponsors, the Cleveland Clinic; Arcelor Mittal Steel; the Cleveland Cavaliers; Burt Saltzman, owner of Dave’s Supermarkets; Medical Mutual of Ohio; Sisters of Charity Health System and the Cleveland Police Foundation, in this effort to make our communities safer.

The Gun Buy-Back will be held on Saturday September 17, 2011, between 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM.

In exchange for operable handguns, and while supplies last, citizens will receive a $100.00 gas, food, or Target gift card and Cavalier or Lake Erie Monster tickets. Citizens can also enter into a raffle with a chance to win up to $1,000.00.

To participate in the City of Lakewood, citizens are asked to bring an unloaded working handgun to the Lakewood Police Headquarters 12650 Detroit Ave. The gun must be in a clear plastic bag inside a second container. Citizens must transport the container in the trunk of their vehicle and pack any ammunition separately. Incentives will be given for handguns only; however shotguns and rifles may also be turned in.

Other Gun Buy-Back drop-off locations:

City of Cleveland: Public Safety Central, 2001 Payne Ave.

City of Euclid: Municipal Service Center, 25200 Lakeland Blvd.

City of Parma: Justice Center, 5555 Powers Blvd.

City of Shaker Hts: Police Headquarters, 3355 Lee Rd.

If there are any questions or for further information call Capt. Ed Hassing 216-529-6752 or police@lakewoodoh.net.

Community Festival Postponed Until Saturday, September 17

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Lakewood Community Festival orginally scheduled for Saturday, September 10 has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 17 due to the weather. The Festival will be held on September 17 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Madison Park, 13029 Madison Avenue.

Lakewood Community Festival Set For Saturday, September 10 At Madison Park

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The 24th annual Lakewood Community Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 10, 2011 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Madison Park, 13029 Madison Avenue. The festival celebrates community, cultural heritage and families. It is a day of fun and activities for everyone.

There will be a Flag Raising Ceremony at 11:00 AM by various military organizations. Entertainment for the day will include Silhouette Dance Studio, Edelweiss 5, The Polka Pirates, The Pop Tarts, Riley Brothers Band and more.

Craft and game booths, pony rides, children’s games, Alpacas from the Starburst Suri Alpaca Ranch, Euclid Beach Rocket Car, and the Lake Erie Nature Center will all be part of the festivities, as well as a variety of delectable foods including stuffed cabbage, pierogies, potato cakes, cabbage and noodles, kielbasa and sauerkraut, corn, pizza, french fries, funnel cakes, Vietnamese cuisine and other dishes. An assortment of traditional ethnic baked goods and other desserts will be available.

The festival, sponsored by the Lakewood Community Festival, Inc. and the City of Lakewood, is traditionally the last event of the summer. Proceeds from the festival will be donated to various local organizations. In the event of rain, the festival will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011.

Fallen Firefighter Memorial Set For September 11th

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

New Memorial Constructed With Steel Beams From World Trade Center To Be Unveiled

The City of Lakewood will hold its annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 9:11 AM at Fire Station #1, 14601 Madison Avenue. At this special ceremony, a new memorial created using two steel beams from the World Trade Center will be unveiled.

“We are honored to have a piece of the World Trade Center serve as the centerpiece for our new memorial,” stated Mayor Mike Summers. “As we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, we pay tribute to the heroes who lost their lives ten years ago in the September 11 attacks. This memorial stands as a permanent remembrance of those who gave their lives for our country.”

Lakewood’s annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony honors those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and this year will pay special tribute to those who lost their lives during the September 11 attacks. All on-duty fire personnel will gather with fire apparatus at the site of the new Firefighter Memorial in front of the station. The ceremony will feature the Cleveland Fire Department Color Guard, the American Legion Honor Guard, the Lakewood Fire Department Honor Guard, the Lakewood High School Ranger Marching Band and the Red Hackle Pipes & Drums. After the ceremony, the Fire Department will host an Open House with refreshments.

Planning for the memorial began in 2009 when a committee of Lakewood firefighters was formed to discuss a new memorial. In 2010, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey began accepting requests for artifacts from the World Trade Center wreckage and Lakewood applied to receive two beams. In May of 2011, several Lakewood firefighters traveled to New York City to pick up the beams which are used as the centerpiece for the new memorial. The Lakewood Department of Public Works began construction in July.

“It has been a pleasure being part of this project,” stated Fire Marshal Tim Dunphy. “This was a true community effort with many city departments, businesses and organizations stepping up to assist. The Fire Department wanted to create a memorial which would honor those who have given their lives and pay tribute to the fact that we will never forget what happened on September 11, 2001.”

The Lakewood Fire Department would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for their assistance in the creation of the memorial: Lakewood Association of Firefighters, Lakewood Paramedics Association, Durr Sculpture & Art, Lakewood High School, Westshore Career Technical Institute, Tighes Insurance Agency, Kantorak Trucking, Gene Dingess Trucking, Bridge Terminal Transport, NYNJ Port Authority, Kotecki Family Memorials, ADA Architects Inc, Donato’s Pizza, AJ’S Auto Body, West Side Auto Paint, Design Surfaces, Hungry Howie’s Pizza, Giant Eagle, Around The Corner, Doughnut Pantry, Incredible Edibles, Caribou Coffee, Initially Yours Inc. and Holmes Printing.

Dedication Set For Lakewood Park Historical Marker

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

On Thursday, September 8 at 5:30 p.m., an Ohio Historical Marker commemorating the history of Lakewood Park will be dedicated in Lakewood Park in Lakewood, Ohio. A small reception will immediately follow the dedication. The public is invited to both events.

Any current resident of Lakewood, Ohio is familiar with the spacious park on Lake Erie which is the site of so many family and community events each year. Fewer, however, are aware of the various roles this piece of land has played in the history and development of the city. Lakewood Park has a rich history. First owned by a noteworthy early settler family, the parcel later became the home for a member of a renowned Cleveland family who hosted celebrated guests on this grand estate. Then it entered an extended period of civic use as a hospital annex, the center of Lakewood’s government, an educational asset and a public park.

The evolution of the property reflects the changing settlement and development patterns found throughout Lakewood (formerly Rockport Township). The history of the property can be separated into distinct periods of significance: The Early History; The Rhodes Era; Early Civic Era; and Current Civic Use.

Administered by the Ohio Historical Society, the Historical Markers program enables Ohioans to commemorate and celebrate local history and to learn more about the state. Designed to be permanent and highly visible, the historic markers are large cast-aluminum signs that tell stories about aspects of Ohio's history. To date, there are more than 1,000 Ohio Historical Markers throughout the state.

In addition to support from the City of Lakewood, the marker was funded by a grant from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture. The Lakewood Historical Society receives public support with local tax dollars from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, to preserve and enrich our region’s artistic and cultural heritage.

For further information, contact Mazie Adams of the Lakewood Historical Society at (216) 221-7343 or director@lakewoodhistory.org.

Lakewood Featured In Time Magazine

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Lakewood has just received another nod from the national media. The City is featured in the article How To Save The Housing Market: Destroy Homes which appears in the September 5, 2011 issue of Time. “If you close your eyes and try to imagine Middle America, you might picture Lakewood, Ohio, a working-class suburb of Cleveland whose orderly residential streets, tidy houses with postage-stamp lawns and median household income of $44,000 are the very foundation of the American Century. With good public schools, an economically diverse population, multiple parks and 33 churches, it’s been home to generations of families in the Cleveland area,” states the magazine.

The article focuses on the national housing market and uses Lakewood as an example of a community trying to improve the market by demolishing nuisance properties. The article discusses the recent demolition of 1549 Lakewood Avenue and how it had jumped from absentee landlord to absentee landlord and had become a criminal nuisance property. Lakewood has demolished 12 of these types of homes in recent years with another 11 scheduled to be taken down soon.

The article goes on to explain that the intention is not only to eliminate nuisance homes but it is hoped that the elimination of these homes will actually help the economy. “Razing houses, officials say, will increase competition for the remaining homes, driving up real estate values. That in turn, will make it easier for homeowners to refinance to cheaper loans, freeing up spending and boosting consumer confidence,” states Time.

“We are excited that Time Magazine chose to feature Lakewood and what we are doing with our Housing Initiative. We are effectively implementing a comprehensive plan for dealing with these difficult properties and it is starting to show results,” stated Mayor Mike Summers. “Our first goal is to stabilize a neighborhood by removing a nuisance. Secondly, we hope to improve the value of our housing stock.”

Lakewood To Host Compost Seminar And Bin Sale On September 13

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Lakewood Division of Refuse and Recycling will host a Composting Seminar conducted by the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 6:30 PM in the Woman’s Club Pavilion at Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue. Participants will learn how to compost household yard waste and food scraps. Compost bins will be available for sale after the seminar.

Composting is an inexpensive way of adding nutrients back into the soil to improve its texture, structure, aeration ability and water holding capacity and can save time and money spent on yard waste bags. Lakewood City Ordinance 1783.12 allows composting in the rear yard if it is a reasonable distance from thoroughfares, kept in orderly condition and doesn’t blow around or emit objectionable odors.

To register for this free seminar, call the Division of Refuse and Recycling at (216) 252-4322 or email refuse@lakewoodoh.net.

Lakewood Offers New Discounted Tenant Screening Service

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The City of Lakewood is proud to announce its new, discounted applicant screening service. The City has partnered with CoreLogic SafeRent to offer a full line of resident screening services utilizing SafeRent’s vast databases of landlord-tenant and criminal records.

CoreLogic SafeRent is a comprehensive suite of screening services designed especially for the smaller landlord. SafeRent DIRECT includes the same vital leasing-decision services used by the nation's largest real estate investment companies and property managers, including the only statistically validated tenant score.

“Finding good tenants is more challenging than ever,” stated Mayor Mike Summers. “Screening services like SafeRent dramatically increase the odds of success.”

Landlords who use SafeRent to screen applicants under this program satisfy one of the three requirements for obtaining a housing license under Ord. 55-10, which became effective in May 2011.

Lakewood landlords who use SafeRent’s online screening services will receive a substantial discount on packages offered by SafeRent. The discount code is for use only by landlords who own property in Lakewood. Discounts are available only on screening packages ordered online through www.saferentdirect.com.

To obtain the discount code, landlords can visit www.onelakewood.com and click on the Landlord Resources button under Quick Links. Landlords can also send an email to michael.bowen@lakewoodoh.net with a subject line of “Tenant Screening Code.” In the body of the email, provide:

your name
the street address(es) of your rental property in Lakewood
your relationship to the property owner, if you are not the property owner

Once a request has been reviewed and approved, the discount code will be sent. After being given the code, a landlord can visit www.saferentdirect.com to open an account, determine what package is best and complete the screening process.

Update From Mayor Summers On Recent Power Outages

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

I wanted to update our residents on the recent power outage situation in Lakewood and let you know we are working with the electric company to try to resolve the issues we are having. I met with Trent Smith, President of The Illuminating Company, on July 27 to discuss the situation. The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company (CEI) is a First Energy subsidiary and delivers the electical power to the entire city of Lakewood. We had a frank discussion about the condition of our power supply and the outages Lakewood experienced last week. Mr. Smith was very interested in understanding what our specific experiences were. I was able to relay this experience thanks to the many many calls and messages received from our affected citizens. It was very helpful to know the frequency and duration of the outages which were reported in many of the messages. Mr. Smith reported that CEI used thermoscan technology to identify five critical circuits that need serious attention. An additional 18 circuits are being reviewed. Additionally a review of the substations, including Lauderdale, is being conducted.

The root cause of the electrical outages was a July 19 storm which produced 5 inches of rain in two hours. This rain caused flooding in the electrical substation in Brooklyn. Pumps are present to deal with this a situation like this, but the pump size and discharge pipe size were unable to deal with the volume of water. CEI is redesigning this pump system, as well as working with Brooklyn, to identify a better place to discharge the water. As a result of the serious damage to the Brooklyn substation, all of this electricty had to be redirected to other circuits. In the course of doing so, CEI overloaded another smaller substation which caused an outage to 43,000 Lakewood customers for an average of 93 minutes.

Things were complicated further when a Fault malfunctioned and overloaded some equipment and power lines at the Lauderdale substation on the corner of Lauderdale and Madison. This caused additional outages and attempts to redirect these circuits. At this point, the redirected circuits were placed under increased stress as a result of the multiple days of extremely hot days and nights. The average temperatures during the days were in the mid 90 degrees and night time temperatures remained warm as well preventing the transformers from adequately cooling off. A futher complication is the normal gradual increased demand over many years that today’s average households place on the electrical grid. In addition, due to the extremly high temperatures all over the country, the electrical demand in the United States was at record setting levels. Putting all of these factors together: weather/moisture, temperature, high demand caused an extreme situation which resulted in exteme power outages.

Our discussions with CEI aren’t over. We will continue to work with them to try to improve service in the City of Lakewood. Mr. Smith and I agreed to meet in the middle of August. At this meeting, representatives from CEI including Mr. Smith and his engineering staff along with our Police Chief, Fire Chief and Public Works Director will meet to provide CEI with a better understanding of what's going on in Lakewood, and to extend our support and knowledge to help CEI do its work.

Lakewood Receives $250,000 In Neighborhood Stabilization Funds

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The City of Lakewood recently received $250,000 in Neighborhood Stabilization Funds from the Cuyahoga County Department of Development. The Lakewood Department of Planning and Development submitted a proposal through a competitive process and was awarded the largest dollar amount possible in this round of funding.

This Neighborhood Stabilization Program money (NSP3), as well as other investments by the city, will be felt in a core part of Lakewood. The area bounded by Ridgewood and Clarence, Detroit and Madison, has been hard hit in the recession and this money will go a long way toward acquiring homes that have been abandoned in the foreclosure crisis. The city’s proposal includes obtaining vacant homes for rehabilitation on Clarence Avenue and also investing in properties on Alameda and Lakewood Avenues.

“We are thrilled to be receiving this significant amount of NSP money,” stated Mayor Mike Summers. “Lakewood’s Housing Initiative addresses our foreclosed and at risk homes and is a major focus of my administration. These funds will go a long way in helping us carry out our goals.”

Lakewood has a proven record of success in rehabilitating and bringing foreclosed properties back to life, recently selling 1269 Westlake Avenue and 1598 Wyandotte. Despite the real estate crisis, the Division of Community Development (DCD) has consistently come through, turning homes that were a nuisance on a street into beautiful places to live. The city currently has four properties under contract on Marlowe, Cranford, Gladys and a completely ADA accessible new home on Dowd in the works.

City Announces 2011 Summer Band Concert Schedule

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The City of Lakewood is pleased to announce the 2011 schedule for its Summer Band Concert Series. A long time Lakewood tradition, these free concerts are held on Sundays at 7:00 PM at the Bandstand in Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue.

July 17 ~ Ernie Krivda & the Fat Tuesday Big Band
July 24 ~ Tower City Barbershop Chorus
July 31 ~ The Cleveland TOPS Swing Band
August 7 ~ The New Barleycorn
August 14 ~ Ki Allen, Lady Jazz
August 21 ~ Lakewood Hometown Band

In the event of rain, the August 21 Lakewood Hometown Band concert will be held in the Lakewood City Hall Auditorium, 12650 Detroit Avenue.

For further information, contact the Office of Community Relations at (216) 529-6650.

No Refuse Collection on Monday, July 4

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Due to the Fourth of July holiday, there will be no refuse or recycling collected on Monday, July 4, 2011. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Monday will have collection on Tuesday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday should have their refuse and recyclables available for collection on their regular day, and it will be collected either on that day or the day after. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Friday will have collection on Friday.

Residents are reminded that refuse and recycling should not be placed on the curb or tree lawn until after 6:00 p.m. on the night before your collection day and should be available for collection by 6:30 a.m. on the collection day.

In addition, all Lakewood city offices and Lakewood Municipal Court will be closed on July 4th.

For further information contact the Lakewood Division of Refuse & Recycling at (216) 252-4322.

Lakewood Celebrates the Fourth of July

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Parade at 10:00 AM, Band Concert at 7:00 PM and Fireworks in Lakewood Park at Dusk

Lakewood Mayor Mike Summers today announced that Mickey Krivosh, owner of Around the Corner Restaurant and Three Birds Restaurant, will serve as the Grand Marshall for the City’s Fourth of July parade. The parade is scheduled to step off on Monday, July 4, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. on Lake Avenue at Kenneth Drive and conclude at Lakewood Park.

Mr. Krivosh has owned Around The Corner Restaurant since 1974 and recently made another huge investment in the community by purchasing Three Birds Restaurant. He is a long-time Lakewood resident and a 1970 graduate of Lakewood High School. He is very active in the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce participating in the Taste of Lakewood, the Corn Hole Tournament for Pillars of Lakewood, the Halloween window painting contest and the new teacher’s luncheon. He has been a member of the Lakewood Kiwanis Club since 1974. He participated in the St. James Community Meals for eight years and is now helping with the St. Luke Community Meal Program. Mickey has volunteered his time for the Lakewood Public Schools, the Lakewood Recreation Department and the YMCA and supports various non-profit organizations in the community including H20, Lakewood’s Youth Service Organization, and Keep Lakewood Beautiful. He was named Business Man of the Year in 2009 by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Mickey and his wife, Patty, live in Lakewood and have two grown children, Ryan and Jennifer.

“We are pleased to honor Mickey Krivosh for all he has given to the Lakewood community” said Mayor Summers. “In addition to being a successful business owner in Lakewood, Mickey donates his time and talents to many community organizations. We are proud to have him serve as Grand Marshall of the Fourth of July Parade.”

Joining in the parade will be musical favorites, the Lakewood High School Ranger Marching Band, St. Edward High School Band, the Lochaber Pipe Band and Red Hackle Pipe Band.

After the parade, festivities will continue in Lakewood Park with games, food, activities and information provided by several of Lakewood’s community organizations. At 7:00 p.m., the Lakewood Project, Lakewood High School’s Youth Rock Orchestra, will perform at the Bandstand at Lakewood Park.

The Fourth of July festivities will conclude with Lakewood’s annual fireworks extravaganza at approximately 9:45-10:00 p.m.

Civil War-Themed Chautauqua Coming to Lakewood June 22-26

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500

A unique, exciting and free cultural event for all ages is landing in Lakewood this summer as Ohio Chautauqua 2011: The Civil War comes to the shores of Lake Erie for five days in June.

Ohio Chautauqua is a traveling show that presents history in the compelling form of first person historical characterizations. Lakewood is the first of five stops in the state for the event, but the only stop in Northeast Ohio. Lakewood will be host to five humanities scholars-in-residence from June 22-26. During this time, the scholars will interact with the public as themselves and as their chosen historical figure.

Each scholar will present two daytime workshops: a youth program hosted at the Beck Center for the Arts (17801 Detroit Ave.) at 10 a.m. each morning and an adult program hosted at the Lakewood Public Library (15425 Detroit Ave.) at 2 p.m. each afternoon. Subjects include the everyday life of a soldier, strategy and planning for a long campaign, and a literary look at the Civil War. The Lakewood Public Library will also host a brown bag lunch and Civil War movie each day at noon. Oldest Stone House museum (with a special exhibit on Lakewood in the Civil War) and located in Lakewood Park will be open each day from 3
– 6 p.m.

A variety of musical groups, including many of Lakewood’s talented students, will perform period pieces to open the evening entertainment under the signature red & white tent that will be raised in Lakewood Park, which boasts Lake Erie as a backdrop. Following the music, a scholar will give a living history presentation of one of five diverse Civil War figures, each with a unique perspective on the war, including: President Abraham Lincoln, surgeon and winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor Mary Edwards Walker, physician, journalist and soldier Maj. Martin Delany, Confederate socialite Mary Boykin Chesnut, and soldier, spy and Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman.

More information on the event can be found at ww.lakewoodhistory.org/chautauqua/index.html.

Ohio Chautauqua is hosted by the Lakewood Historical Society in partnership with the City of Lakewood, Lakewood Public Library, Beck Center for the Arts, Lakewood City Schools, and the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Local sponsors are Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, Lakewood Kiwanis, Steel Valley Federal Credit Union, Lakewood Observer and Geiger’s.

The Ohio Humanities Council, with support from OSU’s Humanities Institute and the National Endowment for the Humanities’ We The People initiative, sponsors Ohio Chautauqua, to be presented in five Ohio communities in the summer of 2011.

Onix Networking Is Moving To Lakewood

Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Tim Needles, President and CEO of Onix Networking announced this week that the company has nearly completed its relocation to their new world headquarters in Lakewood. Earlier this year, the 35 person firm purchased the Georgetown Row half of the former Bonne Belle building at the corner Detroit and Graber. “My wife Dianne and I have a significant history with the city are excited about our new location and continuing the growth of the company”.

“An innovative company like Onix fits Lakewood’s spirit of creative entrepreneurism”, said Mayor Mike Summers, “We are delighted that Mr. Needles and his team are now part of our vibrant business community.”

The move to Lakewood is the latest chapter in the Needles’ connection to the city. Tim is a graduate of St. Edwards High School, his wife grew up on Hall Avenue and the couple rented their first house together in Lakewood. Mr. Needles cited Lakewood’s renaissance over the last few years and a desire to be part of the city’s on-going resurgence as motivating factors in choosing a location.

“Lakewood has a lot of plusses and great urban character”. He continued that the city has those qualities that are attractive to his associates both current and future such as great dining, shops and parks and that it feels like a community. “An important part of our culture is to be an engaged and active corporate citizen”.

Founded in 1992, Onix Networking Corporation is a long standing Google partner and is a leading provider of IT solutions and services to a broad range of government and corporate customers. Onix partners with IT industry leaders and offers extensive expertise in Cloud Computing, Enterprise Search, Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), Network Security, Secure Wireless Solutions, Enterprise Networking, and Professional Services. For more information about Onix, visit www.onixnet.com or call 800-664-9638.

Meet The Trucks Set For June 4th

Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA invite you to attend the 6th Annual Meet the Trucks on Saturday, June 4, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue. Come see, touch and explore the City’s fine fleet of trucks and vehicles.

Vehicles on display will include an aerial truck, dump truck, refuse truck, fire truck, ambulance, police car, police motorcycle, SWAT vehicles, Cleveland MetroParks Eco Explorers Traveling Bus and more. In addition, the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA will offer crafts, face painting, a D.J., bounce houses, Jungle Bob, a bike raffle, a balloon artist and much more. Refreshment will be available.

The Lakewood Family YMCA, Lakewood Hospital, Lakewood Recreation Department, Lakewood Public Library and many other organizations will have tables at the event offering children’s activities. Spin Bike Shop will also offer a Bike Repair Clinic.

Attendees are asked to bring a canned good which will be donated to the Lakewood Community Services Center, the City’s food bank.

The following organizations helped to sponsor this event: Met-Chem Inc., The Kiwanis Club of Lakewood, Romp n Stomp, Donatos, Lakewood Family YMCA, Midway Oh Boy, Jungle Bob, Dunkin’ Donuts, Zap Entertainment and Music Connection.

Mayor Summers To Deliver Annual State Of City Address

Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Lakewood Mayor Michael P. Summers will present the 2011 State of the City address on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 7:00 PM at Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Avenue.

Mayor Summers is serving in his first year as Mayor. He was appointed on January 1, 2011 to serve out the remainder of Mayor FitzGerald’s term who was elected to the Cuyahoga County Executive position. His State of City Address will focus on the City’s successes and achievements over the past year and the opportunities and challenges in the year 2011 and beyond.

This event is sponsored by Beck Center for the Arts, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, LakewoodAlive, Lakewood Observer, Kiwanis Club of Lakewood and Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary Club.

Holiday Refuse & Recycling Collection Schedule

Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, there will be no refuse or recycling collected on Monday, May 30, 2011. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Monday will have collection on Tuesday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday should have their refuse and recyclables available for collection on their regular day, and it will be collected either on that day or the day after. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Friday will have collection on Friday.

In addition, all Lakewood City offices and the Lakewood Municipal Court will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday.

For further information, contact the Lakewood Division of Refuse & Recycling at (216) 252-4322.

Keep Lakewood Beautiful To Hold Spring Humus & Plant Sale On May 21st

Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Keep Lakewood Beautiful will hold a Humus and Plant Sale on Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (or until sold out) in the Old Stone House Parking Lot at Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue. Leaf Humus will be pre-bagged and sold for $2.50/bag. Several varieties of perennial plants and herbs will also be available. Herbs will be priced at $1.25 each or 2 for $2.00. Perennial quarts will cost $4.00 each or 3 for $10 and perennial gallons will cost $8.00 each or 2 for $15. This sale will take place rain or shine.

Keep Lakewood Beautiful (KLB) was created in September, 1982 to promote public interest in the general improvement of the environment of Lakewood. The volunteer board initiates, plans and coordinates programs for litter control, solid waste reduction and beautification.

Lakewood To Receive Steel Beams From World Trade Center For New Memorial

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Beams Will Be Brought Down Madison Avenue To The Fire Station At 9:00 Am On Friday, May 6, 2011

This week, several Lakewood firefighters are traveling to New York City to pick up two steel beams from the World Trade Center which will be used to construct a new memorial at Fire Station #1. They will arrive in Lakewood at 9:00 AM on Friday, May 6, 2011 and will be escorted by the Lakewood Police as they travel down Madison Avenue from West 117th Street to Fire Station #1, 14601 Madison Avenue. They should arrive at the Fire Station at approximately 9:15 AM.

The steel beams will be used as centerpiece for a new memorial which is planned in front of the Fire Station. The memorial will honor firefighters who died in the line of duty in Lakewood as well as the 344 firefighters who died on September 11, 2001. The memorial is expected to be completed by the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. A dedication ceremony is being planned for September 11, 2011 to unveil the new memorial.

“This memorial is to honor those who have died in the line of duty in Lakewood, as well as the firefighters who died on September 11,” stated Mayor Mike Summers. “”We feel privileged to be receiving these revered beams from the World Trade Center and look forward to establishing a wonderful tribute to those who lost their lives.”

In 2010, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey began accepting requests for artifacts from the World Trade Center wreckage. Lakewood applied for the beams and received approval this year.

As a fundraising effort for the new memorial, the Lakewood Association of Fire Fighters in cooperation with the City of Lakewood will be selling authentic fire alarm boxes that were once used on Lakewood streets. There will be a very limited number of these fire boxes available to the public sold on a first come, as is basis. The cost is $150.00. The boxes will be sold on Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 9:00 am -1:00 pm at Fire Station #1, 14601 Madison Avenue. Individuals interested in purchasing at fire alarm box can call 216-529-5070.

University Of Akron To Open Lakewood Satellite

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

This morning The University of Akron Board of Trustees approved the development of a satellite location in Lakewood scheduled to open this fall. The 11,000 square foot education facility will be located at the corner of Detroit Avenue and Warren Road in the historic Bailey Building. “Today’s workplace increasingly requires continued skill enhancement. The University of Akron’s programs will provide Lakewood’s citizens access to new opportunities to be even more competitive.” said Mayor Mike Summers.

City officials and representatives from Lakewood Alive have been working closely with UA’s project team over the last year. LakewoodAlive’s Executive Director Mary Anne Crampton stated “We are excited about the opportunities for businesses, institutions and the community that will result from a University of Akron presence here in Lakewood.” During the next few months more information will be provided to the community regarding programming, course offerings and the opening of the satellite.

The University of Akron is the public research university for Northeast Ohio. The Princeton Review listed UA among the “Best in the Midwest” in its 2011 edition of Best Colleges: Region-by-Region. Approximately 29,300 students are enrolled in UA’s 300 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate and law degree programs and 100 certificate programs at sites in Summit, Wayne, Medina and Holmes counties. Visit www.uakron.edu.

Annual Fire Hydrant Testing Begins May 2nd

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The City of Lakewood Division of Fire’s annual fire hydrant testing program begins Monday, May 2, 2011. Testing will be done on weekdays throughout the month of May. Annual hydrant flushing is necessary to assure proper hydrant operations during fire emergencies.

The testing may cause temporary discoloration of the water supply and residents should check the color of their water before washing clothes to guard against discoloring fabrics. After a few hours, the sediment will settle and the water should run clear again. While the water may appear unsightly, discoloration is due to the release of built-up mineral deposits present in all water mains.

Residents with questions about the fire hydrant testing may call (216) 529-6607 after 9:00 a.m. on weekdays.

Keep Lakewood Beautiful To Hold Clean-Up And Earth Day Events On April 30th

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Keep Lakewood Beautiful is organizing the annual city-wide clean-up on Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM as part of the national “Great American Clean Up” event. Members of Keep Lakewood Beautiful (KLB) are encouraging residents to participate by organizing groups to get directly involved in a variety of environmental and community improvement efforts. Individuals and groups of volunteers are encouraged to register to clean up a public space in our city parks, parking lots, school yards and public areas in our city. Supplies including bags, gloves and litter tongs will be provided and can be picked up at 9:00 AM on April 30 at the Woman’s Club Pavilion in Lakewood Park. Keep Lakewood Beautiful will host a free lunch at 12:00 PM in the Woman’s Club Pavilion for volunteers who assisted with the clean-up. To register for this event, contact Holly Lauch at holly.lauch@lakewoodoh.net or (216) 529-6602.

At 12:30 PM, the city will host its annual Arbor Day Ceremony by planting a tree at Lakewood Park.

From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Keep Lakewood Beautiful is hosting an Earth Day Awareness event at Lakewood Park. Groups and businesses from Lakewood and the surrounding area will be on hand to provide information on how to “Live the Green Life” in Lakewood. There will be fun stuff for the kids as well as useful information for adults. If your group is interested in having a table at this event, contact John Litten at johnlitten347@gmail.com or (216) 536-7176.

No Refuse/Recycling Collection on Monday, April 25

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Refuse & Recycling Collection Schedule has changed for the Easter holiday. Refuse & Recycling employees will work on Good Friday and use the Monday after Easter as their holiday to improve service and cause less confusion.

There will be no refuse collection on Monday, April 25, 2011. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Monday will have collection on Tuesday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday should have their refuse and recyclables available for collection on their regular day, and it will be collected either on that day or the day after. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Friday will have collection on Friday.

This change only affects the Division of Refuse and Recycling. All other City Departments and Divisions will be closed on Friday, April 22 for the Good Friday holiday and will be open on Monday. April 25.

For further information contact the Lakewood Division of Refuse & Recycling at (216) 252-4322.

Scene Magazine Names Lakewood Best Suburb

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

In the March 30, 2011 issue, Scene Magazine named Lakewood the Best Suburb in their Best of Cleveland 2011 article. "Nowhere in Northeast Ohio do so many cultures mesh so harmoniously as they do in Lakewood. It's the perfect gathering place thanks in no small part to its wonderful restaurants, its rollicking bars and clubs, and its quirky small businesses that line every major street. And it's the perfect home thanks to its bountiful and hardy old houses and apartments, for its overachieving schools, its bucolic parks and its pervasive sense of neighborhood pride and unity," states Scene Magazine.

“We are thrilled that Lakewood was selected Best Suburb by Scene Magazine,” stated Mayor Mike Summers. “The article describes why so many people are choosing to call Lakewood home. Those of us who live here know how great Lakewood is but it’s nice for others around the region to recognize it. Congratulations to all of the Lakewood organizations and businesses that were honored.”

Lakewood also received the Best Playground for Kids and the Best Skate Park designations. "Expansive Lakewood Park, perched on a bluff overlooking Lake Erie in the center of town, is a wonderland of kid enticements, from the wooden playground with the pirate ship, to the regions best Skate Park, to the regular family friendly parties, concerts, and movies that take place during summer weekends and evenings," states Scene.

Many Lakewood businesses and organizations also received top honors in the Scene issue including:

Best Local Theater Company: Beck Center for the Arts
Best Director: Scott Spence of Beck Center
Best High School Team: St. Edward
Best Entrepreneur: Matt Fish of Melt
Best Jewelry Maker: Erika Originals
Best Restaurant, Best Sandwich Shop, Best Taste of Cleveland & Best Local
Food Champ: Melt Bar & Grilled
Best Restaurant for Romance: Pier W
Best New Restaurant: Deagan's Kitchen & Bar
Best Pizza: Angelo's Pizza
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant: Aladdin's Eatery
Best Health-Food Store: Nature's Bin
Best Locally Owned Hardware Shop: Lakewood Hardware
Best Chocolate Shop: Malley's Chocolates
Best Wine Shop: Rozi's Wine House
Best Bicycle Shop: Spin Bike Shop
Best Florist: Brennan's Floral Gift Shop
Best Hospital: Cleveland Clinic
Best Discount Store: Marc's
Best Sporting Good's Store: Geigers
Best Sports Bar: Winking Lizard
Best Beer Selection: Buckeye Beer Engine

Clifton Boulevard Enhancement Project Update

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

In recent months as construction drawings for the Clifton Enhancement Project were being further developed, it had become apparent to Lakewood officials that the realities of engineering coupled with federal and state regulations would make it impossible to build the wide median imagined by the 2005 Clifton Streetscape Study. “In fact”, said Mayor Summers, “we were facing something more like a five foot wide concrete median without any landscaping, nothing like our residents envisioned.”

Over the course of the past year, the City of Lakewood, in partnership with Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and the City of Cleveland, has been developing engineering plans to implement a range of enhancements for Clifton Boulevard. In January 2010, Richard L. Bowen Associates was awarded the work through a competitive proposal process facilitated by RTA. The development of construction drawings was funded by federal dollars at no cost to the participating cities and the process was kicked off last April with a series of community meeting.

The original plan was a strategy for Lakewood to bring the Boulevard back to Clifton and implement the community’s vision established with the Clifton Streetscape Plan. “Hundreds of volunteer hour went into that process of developing a thoughtful vision for Clifton,” said Mayor Summers. The crux of the plan was a wide landscaped median that would accommodate trees and public art while providing traffic calming and make crossing Clifton safer for pedestrians.

Out of respect to the hard work and expectations of so many citizens during the planning process and in light of financial demands facing the city, the Mayor publically announced that Lakewood would no longer be participating in the project as it stood. The local match required of Lakewood for the $8 million enhancement project would have been $486,000.

Last week, the Mayor and his staff met with officials from RTA to discuss the possibility of a revised project that would not include a median but focus on the transit related upgrades to Clifton. As a result, Lakewood has agreed in principle to a refined scope that will not alter the roadway and respects recent investments made in the corridor such as the new asphalt, decorative traffic signals and ADA ramps.

These enhancements will focus on transit elements like brick bus stations that will include GPS arrival monitors as well as pedestrian safety video-phone and traffic signal synchronization, better spacing of stops and new bicycle and pedestrian amenities.

If the new version of the project is approved later this spring by Transportation Review Advisory Council, a division of Ohio Department of Transportation, the Lakewood local investment will be capped at $50,000 for nearly $950,000 of improvements. The City will redirect other existing transportation dollars to fund its share. “This is an opportunity to improve Clifton with a much smaller investment while keeping our options open for future projects funded by state and federal dollars,” said Summers.

Lakewood Police Department Lieutenant Gary M. Sprague Graduates From The F.B.I. National Academy

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Two hundred fifty-seven law enforcement officers graduated March 18, 2011, from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico Virginia. The 244th Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 49 states. Included in the class are members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 20 international countries, four military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 10 weeks of advanced investigative, management, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, these officers have 19 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

Training for the program is provided by FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise. A total of 44,537 graduates no represent the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. Of this number approximately 27,025 are still active in law enforcement.

Current graduates of the FBI National Academy are Chief Timothy J. Malley, 224th Session, and Captain Gary M. Stone, 240th Session. Chief Timothy J. Malley commented, “The successful completion of the course and graduation by Lieutenant Sprague is an honor for the Lakewood Police Department and Lieutenant Sprague. The desire to undertake this intensive training speaks directly to the level of commitment Lieutenant Sprague has to excel in his profession, develop personally, and utilize this experience in his leadership in the Lakewood Police Department.”

Lakewood Mayor Michael Summers commented, "Staying current with the newest developments in crime fighting and investigation is extremely important to Lakewood's public safety effectiveness. Lt. Sprague's leadership and training will be of significant benefit to the citizens of Lakewood."

Lieutenant Sprague is a 22 year veteran of the Lakewood Police Department. He has served as a Patrol Officer, as an Accident Investigator, Field Training Officer, and Sergeant and Lieutenant in Patrol. His current assignment is as the Special Operations Supervisor where he is in command of the Neighborhood Police Officers, D.A.R.E., School Resource Officer, Training, Auxiliaries, and Crime Prevention.

Lt. Sprague can be reached at 216-529-6781.

Lakewood Police Issue Warning About Stolen Chrysler Automobiles

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Lakewood Police Department has issued an alert to the residents of Lakewood about a pattern of stolen vehicles in the city. Since February 16, 2011, eleven vehicles have been stolen that are of similar make and model. Seven are 2006 and older Chrysler Sebring’s and Cirrus’s or Dodge Stratus’s. Four have been Plymouth Voyager, Dodge Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country vans older than ten years. The vehicles have been stolen in the late evening to early morning, generally on street parking, and not in one particular section of the city. Residents are reminded to keep their vehicles locked, parked in a well lighted area, and all valuable objects removed from the car. The Lakewood Police Department is working with other area agencies that are experiencing similar thefts.

Anyone with any information about these thefts is encouraged to contact the Lakewood Police Department at 216-529-6773 or police@lakewoodoh.net.

Lakewood Census Numbers Have Been Released

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Lakewood Retains Entitlement Status

The U.S. Census Bureau has released the 2010 Census numbers for Lakewood. According to the 2010 Census, Lakewood’s population is 52,131, which is great news for Lakewood because means that the City will remain an Entitlement Community and continue to receive CDBG funding from the federal government.

“This is phenomenal news for Lakewood,” stated Mayor Michael P. Summers. “It is a positive indicator for the health of Lakewood as a community. Maintaining our entitlement status means we will continue to directly receive CDBG funds. We are thrilled with these numbers. In these tough economic times, losing this funding would have significantly hurt many city programs and community organizations. Thankfully, we will continue to receive this important federal funding for roads, parks improvements, commercial revitalization projects and much more.”

In 2010, Lakewood received 2.4 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. CDBG grants are used for a variety of City initiatives including park improvements, street reconstruction, commercial and vacant property revitalization, childcare scholarship assistance, services for older adults, and low interest loans. CDBG grants also support a number of important programs conducted by community organizations including the Beck Center, Lakewood Christian Service Center, Lakewood Alive, and North Coast Health Ministry.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers CDBG grants on an annual basis to entitled cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. HUD awards 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.

Startup Lakewood Helps Bring New Ideas to Life

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

New program launches to help Lakewood residents catalyze business ideas

The City of Lakewood announced today the launch of Startup Lakewood, a new initiative geared to help Lakewood residents bring their business ideas to life. Startup Lakewood will be overseen by Mike Belsito.

“Startup Lakewood is an important new program,” stated Mayor Michael P. Summers. “Our future economic vitality depends on our ability to nurture and grow entrepreneurial enterprises. Startup Lakewood is a valuable resource to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into viable business opportunity.”

Startup Lakewood will produce programming and events that will be open to all Lakewood residents, but will be especially beneficial to those that have ideas for new products or businesses, yet need additional support and resources to bring their idea to life.

“Often times, the hardest part of starting a business is getting started,” says Mike Belsito, Startup Lakewood’s Director of Ideation. “Our goal is to help individuals move along their ideas and provide them with resources that can be helpful in getting started.”

Startup Lakewood will launch with two specific components:
Ideation Sessions: Focused brainstorm sessions where Lakewood residents can openly discuss their ideas with Belsito, special guests, and other soon-to-be entrepreneurs. These sessions will take place bi-weekly at varying locations, and are free and open to the public. Ideation Sessions will be held on March 10 and March 17 at 6:00 PM at Bela Dubby, 13321 Madison Avenue.

Startup U: Programming relevant to soon-to-be entrepreneurs looking to turn ideas into real businesses. Each Startup U session will be hosted by Belsito and will feature various entrepreneurial stakeholders. These programs will take place monthly at Virginia Marti College of Art and Design and are free and open to the public. The first Startup U will be held on Tuesday, April 5 at 6:30 PM at Virginia Marti, 11724 Detroit Avenue. The topic will be Resources for New Entrepreneurs.

Startup Lakewood is a collaborative effort between the City of Lakewood, the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, LakewoodAlive and Pillars of Lakewood.

For more information on Startup Lakewood, visit www.startuplakewood.com.