It's Time....The Case for Lakefront Development

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF POSTS ON EUCLID'S LAKEFRONT
DEVELOPMENT PLAN.  PLEASE LOOK OUT FOR FUTURE POSTS ON THIS TOPIC.  FIRST, A LOOK BACK


I CAME ACROSS A "POSITION" PAPER ON LAKEFRONT DEVELOPMENT, FROM THE YEAR 2000.  EXCERPTS ARE BELOW.  

At the dawn of a new century, Euclid faces significant challenges.  City vision and leadership is essential for seeing these challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for renewal.  A significant portion of that renewal rests upon these twin pillars:  Conversion of the Americana Apartments into condominiums and the construction of a marina.

Euclid's Challenges

 

According to Euclid's Master Plan Update of 1996, only 142 homes are valued over 150K.  Market studies show that potential demand for upscale housing at a minimum of 700 homes.  The exodus of wealthier residents rests primarily on this critical shortage of high value housing.  Today, only 55% of Euclid dwellings are owner occupied.  The City Master Plan update of 1996 describes high density apartment complexes as "have{ing} little remaining long term viability."  In other words, they are obsolete.  It is no surprise that reducing rental units is a clear goal of the Update.

 

Marina Project Interest

 

A Marina constructed at the Americana will spur the conversation of the Americana.  Marina interest stretches back to 1966.  Then spokesman for the Ohio Natural Resources Department explained that "{George} Voinovich has been one of the leading proponents of a marina for the City."  Mayor Kenneth Sims and Ohio Natural Resource Director Fred Moor and Ohio Division of Watercraft Chief Paul Sarossy "are impressed with Euclid's sincerity to have this recreational facility due to the interest exhibited in the project by Mayor Sims and Recreation Director Red Orr."

 

Regarding the Americana the minority owner, the Simon family is on record favoring the conversion of the American into condominiums as being good for Euclid.  Even more critically, there is a market for conversion according to the 1998 Danter Company report.

 

The Wealth Effect

 

The Americana/marina project significantly increases both City and School revenues without tax rate increases.  Conversation of the Americana means higher valued residential units, meaning that folks with a higher income would purchase them.  This leads to higher taxes, and, more disposable income

that can then be spent in downtown Euclid.

 

The  Keystone: Marina Development

 

Back in 1966, Mayor Sims and ONRD Director Morr discussed Mr Voinovich's marina concept.  Mr. Morr dismissed it: without a breakwater, no marina was possible.   At that time, no local money was available to pay for breakwater construction.

 

But, today, money is available through Tax Increment Financing (TIF).  Under TIF, private investment in the Americana Creates the additional property tax revenues for the breakwater/marina.

 

Making It Happen: Steps for City Leaders

 

Americana conversion and marina development provides the (partial) answer for Euclid's challenges.  No other plan proposed is as comprehensive in scope and dramatic in impact.  Yet, the first step for City leaders is one of attitude.  It seems our public leadership sees every Americana/marina challenge as an insurmountable obstacle.  No developer will ever step forward; no developer will take a risk in

Euclid's future with City Hall believing in that future.  It is time for City leadership to step out of the shadow of doubt and negativity and into the sunlight of conviction and possibility.  By doing so, they will ensure a renaissance on the lake shore, and, secure the promise of Euclid's future

 

 

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Today, the Americana is known as Harborcrest, and, the Horizon House is now Waters Edge.  Both are owned by the K&D Group which still has interest in our lakefront project.   The challenges Euclid faced when I wrote this paper still exist today.  And, the benefits of real lakefront development holds the same potential for Euclid today, as it did back in 2000.   More in coming posts.

 





 



 





Words from Dr. King

Non Violence and Non Existence

 

In our hyper partisan world, politics, race, ethnicity and religion far to often are used to divide us.

Such labels are used to smear, attack and, even negate the other person, the other idea, the very nature of those we do not agree with.

 

Dr. King eloquently spoke to universal truths that are applicable now, as when first spoken

50 years ago.  They are really timeless truths that stretch back to the dawn of time.



 

The following quotes were in a wonderful article in the News-Herald,
Saturday, January 19, 2013.

 

Bernice King, Dr. King's daughter recalls her fathering telling her, "The choice is no longer between violence and nonviolence, but, nonviolence and nonexistence."

 

And, from a 1960 audio interview, Dr. King had this to say about non-violence:  "I would...say that it is a method which seeks to secure a moral end through  moral means, and it grows out of the whole concept of love, because if one is truly nonviolent that person has a loving spirit, he refuses to inflict  injury upon the opponent because he loves the opponent."

 

Words to, think about.  It is up to each and, every generation to breathe life into these ancient truths, just like Dr. King did all those years ago.

 

Be well.

 

Daryl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



2013 Updates

Happy New Year!

 

Here is a brief update on some issues from 2012, and a look ahead to things I hope to work on for 2013. 

 

Green infrastructure:   As you might recall from the Feb, 17, 2012 post, the City of Euclid is under an EPA Consent Decree to improve our Waste Water Treatment System.  I believe that green infrastructure can help reduce the total costs of the improvements.  These costs are estimated at about 150 million dollars. Last year City Council passed a series of rate increases to fund the improvements.  Strand and Associates have begun the system evaluation for possible green infrastructure applications that can possibly save the rate payers millions of dollars.

 

Tax Review Committee:  From that 3/26/2011 post, I believe that a thorough review of our tax structure is badly needed.  I am happy to say that the Resolution sponsored by myself, Council President Gail and the Mayor, to establish a review committee should be implemented this coming spring.

Old Highland Neighborhood Connector:  I love hiking in the Euclid Creek Reservation.  As mentioned in "Euclid Watershed Update, Spring 2012, one day, I hiked up Old Highland Road and,thought "fixed up and made safer, this would make a great park connector for the folks in the Georgetown Neigbhorhood.  Working with Ward 1 Councilperson Caviness, our goal is to secure Metro Park/State funding for this project

Shore/City LED Lighting Initiative:  Last spring, I set up a tour for Administration members of Nela Park, the home of GE Lighting.  I wanted the Administration to see the improvements in LED technology and, how that can be applied to City building and lighting.   This past December, the GE Team came out for a tour of Shore.  The result is a proposal for LED lighting upgrades to the exterior and auditorium lights.   Payback for the investment in the Shore LED lighting proposal is about 2-4 years.   I had the pleasure of discussing the GE proposal to the Shore Board, and, they are excited about the opportunity.   This certainly can be a part of Shore's capital plan.   I am working with Service Director Bock to evaluate other City buildings.

Marina Project/I-90 Project:  The marina is critical to Euclid's Future.  Breakwalls are expensive to build.  Reducing the costs of the breakwall can save significant money.  Breakwalls are basically stone pyramids designed to block wave action.  Waves are bad for boats docked in marinas.   In my discussions with marine engineers over many years, they suggested that concrete rubble from road reconstruction projects could be used for our breakwall.  Back in 2008, Council passed a resolution asking ODOT to support the donation of concrete rubble to help build the breakwater.  The City missed out on the demolition of the old Chase Brass plant, and, the old Cleveland Convention Center

Ward 5 Councilman Pat McLaughlin is attempting to secure the concrete bridge deck of the 50 year old I-90 innerbelt bridge.  This is a wonderful and complicated initiative that if successful will bring the marina one step closer.  I wholeheartedly support Pat's initiative with advise, support and advocacy with our County and Port Authority officials.

Euclid Hens:  My guess is that this will draw the most comment! Urban agriculture is a growing trend throughout the country.  This also includes the raising of livestock and chickens.  I have discussed this concept with the City Law Department for the past several years now.  Communities like Beachwood, Cleveland, Cleveland Hts, Richmond Hts. allows the practice.  Councilman O'Hare and McLaughlin also are interested in this trend.  We had legislation drafted to allow the practice.  The main points of the legislation was to set the number of hens by home lot size, control the size of the coops, and, address concerns about noise and smell.



But, after a committee meeting, clearly the idea of allowing the raising of hens (no roosters) in the City is a passionate one.  I suggested that instead of simply passing the proposed legislation, the the City first embark on a pilot project:  allow 4-5 residents to raise hens based on the proposed law to see exactly what the impact might be.   This is under review as we speak.

Urban Forestry:  Over the years, I have had the honer of working on the Euclid Shade Tree Commsion.  It has been a personal goal to make Euclid a greener City.  Many years ago now, with the help of former State Representative Kenny Yuko, we ended mowing in the I90/Euclid Spur area.
Eventualy, an urban forest will replace what was simply mowed grass.  I also convinced the City Administration to end mowing along the Marginal, from 260th to Babbit.  This spring, I will be planting a mixture of maple, beach and oak trees in this area to speed along the reforestation.  If they "take" I will continue the initiative in the Spur area.

Of course there are always neighborhood issues that are just as important that require attention.  So, let me know what you are seeing in your neighborhood!

 

And, let me know what you think.

 

 





Another Rubber Stamp Council?

On August 8, the Euclid City Council voted 4-3 to purchase the old Alexander's property in downtown Euclid for $900,000.   This land is needed for Federal mandated improvements to Euclid's sewer system.

Yet, on Monday, August 27, the Council will debate this matter further.  Confused?  Let me explain.

Councilpersons Jones, Scarniench and myself voted against purchasing the land.  While the land is important to the project and needs purchasing,  the Cervenik Administration botched the entire presentation to Council.

When the City purchases property, an appraisal of the property is required.  Normally, that appraisal and, other supporting documentation is presented to City Council for review BEFORE  Council votes on the purchase.

Here examples of how the process should, and, has worked in the recent past

December, 2009 E 248th Street Sewer Project:  A lakefront parcel next to the Normandy was needed for a storm water outfall pipe.  Owned by the K&D Group, the final purchase price was $400K.   Council received both the appraisal and supporting explanations from the Administration well in advance of the meeting, allowing time for ample questions.   This purchase most closely resembles
the Alexander's purchase

June, 2010, St. Roberts Parish Purchase:   Bought for 674K, the City is "landbanking" the property to capitalize on future marina development.  The vote in June was the culmination of two months of CONFIDENTIAL e-mail exchanges between the Administration and City Council.

November,  2010 Lakefront parcel purchase.   The two other lakefront parcels were purchased from the K&D Group for 470K.  This brings the City in control of property between the Normandy and
HarborCrest.  At the same time, K&D donated to the City of Euclid a strip of shore line property that is important for future lakefront development. 

In each case, the Administration provided the Council with appraisal information, include copies of the actual appraisal, and detailed explanations explaining the appraisal, the need for the land, and reasoning behind the price.  With this information, Council can ask questions, and raise concerns
BEFORE voting on the legislation.
 

The Broken Process

 



For the Alexander property purchase, the City Council received zero supporting documentation from the Administration.  No appraisal, no explanation, just the legislation.    Now mind you, we have the same Mayor and Law Director, the same team that did it correctly a few years ago.  They know full well that Council would have questions on the appraisal and the price.

When you are going to spend 900K of the public's money, more information should be provided, not less.  When asked why the appraisal was not provided to Council prior to the meeting, Law Director Frey blustered that "no one on Council asked for it."  This is a very poor excuse for  the unwillingness of the Cervenik Administration to provide basic information, information that was  given in the past. 

Instead, Law Director Frey read certain portions from the appraisal to Council.  Being read too on the floor of City Council prevents any real questioning, and, insight or penetrating. thought: this only leads to poor decision making.

Yet, instead of owning up to the mistake, Mayor Cervenik complained about the Council not communicating with the Administration.  Well, its not like the appraisal information just became available in August.   The appraisals were completed in January. In reviewing communication from the Administration I can find nothing updating the Council on the appraisal process, or, the negotiations to obtain the property.  This was far different, than, say, what occurred when we were looking at the St. Roberts purchase.

The City Council has no obligation to bail out the Administration's poor preparation.   But, perhaps they figured they had the votes and did not have to prepare.   The majority of Caviness, Gail, O'Hare, and Mclaughlin provided the approval based on their trust of the Administration. 

Trusting the Administration  is nice.  Verification of that trust is better for the public!

Notice that I have not mentioned if the price of 900K is a fair one.

Without any supporting documentation, the Council should not even have begun to consider if the purchase price was right, wrong, low, or high.  Given how poorly this process was, my "no" was easy to cast.

So, why the meeting on Monday?  Two days after the vote, Mr. Frey did provide the appraisal of the Alexander property.   That led to many of my colleagues having all sorts of questions.   Imagine that!
I felt that it is important, the the public at least hear the reasoning behind the purchase price:  all of which should have been discussed before any vote was ever taken.

While it is unlikely, there is still time to make your voice heard.  The purchase legislation does not go into effect until 30 days after its August 8th passage.

The meeting is Monday, 8/27, Euclid City Hall, at 7:00pm

Our Euclid Public Schools

Dr. Joffrey Jones has now officially retired as Superintendent of the Euclid Public Schools.  We thank him for his service.  A warm welcome to Keith M. Bell who began his duties as Superintendent August 1st.  He steps into a challenging environment. 

9-mill Levy on the November Ballot.   This tops the list of issues that Superintendent Bell is facing.

Cuts in the Schools budget are planned no matter what happens in November.  The question is the depth of the cuts.  If passed, the 9 mill levy would last ten years and generate 5.4 million dollars annually.   For the owner of a 100K home, the cost would be $275.00 per year.

Perhaps a different way to look at this levy request is to ask your self:  What are we "buying" for our levy money?  In other words, what kind of education philosophy, administration, teachers, are we getting for our money?  What are the results of our dollars spent?

I came across a couple of articles that maps out a way that our money SHOULD be spent to get better results

What is listed below comes from articles published throughout the country by Karin Chenoweth and Kathleen Porter-Magee.  Each takes a little different approach, but the core values are the same.

1)  Set High Standards:  Believe that no matter where children live, they can learn.

2)  Accountability:  Make school Administrators and teachers truly accountable for results in the

     classroom.  This is meaningless without the following:

3) Teacher Autonomy:  If we are to hold schools accountable then, they must have the true ability

    to create the lessons and use the tools to teach the children based the educational needs of the child.

4) Focus on what children need to know:  This means focus on the basics so that children are ready for

    college or vocational training.

5) Create Teaching Teams:  A child's education should not vary from year to year based on the

    quality of the teacher.  Teacher collaboration delivers a better product for children.

6) Asses Frequently:  To see who is learning, who needs extra help, and, to find patterns to improve

    the education product.

7) Build Relationships:  Children must trust the teachers enough to learn.  Therefor, good schools

    build that trust among the Administration and staff, among the staff, and, between the teachers and

    the children.

MS. Chenoweth illustrates the power of the factors above be describing George Hall Elementary School in Mobile, Alabama.  All the children there qualify for the federal student lunch program.   At one time it was one of the worst schools in Mobile.   After adopting the principals above, it is now one of the best schools in the state.

Adopting such changes are not easy, or quick.  I'm hoping Dr. Bell can bring to the Euclid Schools some of the principals above.   The principals above and the results they can produce are worth the investing in.  The very future of our children and City depends on it.

Resources

Karin Chenoweth:  "Tts Being Done: Academic Success in Unexpected Places"  "How Its Being Done: Urgent Lessons From Unexpected Schools"

The Education Trust.

Kathleen Porter-McGee -   Thomas R Fordham Institute 

A New Tool for Niegbhors

Ever yearn for the days when neighbors got to know each other over the backyard fence?  In today's world of odd job schedules, taking the kids to various activities, and, the growth of cyberspace, its hard to get to know your neighbors.

But, there is a 21st Century solution to all this:  Nextdoor.com

You might have seen the June 6th Plain Dealer article about this very site.  

In short, the site is designed as a safe, secure web site for local homeowner groups, or, residents
that are living in a specific geographic areas, such as in an apartment complex.

Members can share information specific to their neighborhood:  from social news, to sharing a favorite recipe, to safety information, to cyberspace garage sales, and, however else you want to use the site for the betterment of your specific area.

From a casual check, it appears to be a wonderful tool to keep connect.  In today's world, it seems at times that we are better connected with folks miles, states, and continents away.  Nextdoor.com offers the chance to reconnect with the folks next door.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

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2012 Pond and Garden Tour.  Come see some of the best yards in Euclid!  Two chances to tour:  Saturday, June 23
6-10 pm and, Sunday, June 24  1:00pm -6:00pm

For Tickets, call 289-2800, Cost, $5.00, or $20.00 for a tour via Lolly the Trolly (Sunday only).

Blackboard Connect Launch

Euclid Launches Blackboard Connect to Enhance Emergency Preparedness and Communication

City residents can register their contact information and preferences to receive urgent notifications and important updates
The City of Euclid has launched Blackboard Connect, a mass notification system that enhances communication and emergency preparedness. The first community-wide test call will be held on May 8, 2012.

Euclid implemented Blackboard Connect to stay connected to residents and efficiently provide them with direction in the event of severe weather or other urgent situations. Using Blackboard Connect, officials can record and send personalized voice messages to home phones, businesses, local agencies and mobile phones in just minutes. The service also can send email, text messages (SMS) to mobile phones and posts on Facebook, RSS feeds and Twitter channels. Messages can also be sent to TTY/TDD devices for people who are hearing impaired.

“We want to make sure residents receive the information that matters most to them, whether it is an urgent safety notification or an update on a recreation program,” said Bill Cervenik, Mayor of Euclid. “With Blackboard Connect, we have the ability to send important, tailored notifications to residents quickly and efficiently.”

Publicly available primary residential and business phones in Euclid will automatically be included in the system. However, to make sure the city has the most up-to-date contact information, residents should visit the city’s website (www.cityofeuclid.com) and click on the link that says “SIGN UP NOW – SERVICES BY BLACKBOARD CONNECT,” to provide their complete contact information. Users should also manage their message preferences by indicating their preferred mode of contact and outreach message topics. Those without Internet access, or who need assistance, are encouraged to call the Mayor’s office at (216) 289-2751. Residents with call blocking services should add (216) 289-2772 to their approved number list to ensure they receive important notifications from the city.