Perspective

I am stunned by some comments on different FB threads about this ITA issue; people are missing the point, not understanding the dismay,  not attending meetings, skimming what they are reading. Just as “facts are facts” - attitude is attitude.  Some are taking the attitude that if you can’t fix it get out of town, or if you want diversity, move. Really? Where did you all come from? Never fell on a hard time? Never had a relative on a fixed income? Don’t know any elderly or poor people? Drive around judging those less fortunate? There are however a number of people I talked to that expressed the opposite feeling and genuine concern for those that are having difficulty maintaining.

That question was raised last night “What does the city have in place to help those that simply cannot afford to do these repairs?” The answer is absolutely nothing. The responses from the Mayor were – “The city is limited in what they can do” “…may be investigating that particular aspect down the road” “…may look at grants” Why the wait? Apparently the time is now!  This didn’t happen overnight – there has been ample time for the city to be proactive.

Many want to see better options for assistance. We are a small community – can’t be compared to any other neighboring city. Since the housing stock is priority, residents must also be. Residents don’t get our small town feel when it comes to the city administration and hesitate to turn to the city. Many residents feel their concerns fall on deaf ears. Two individuals pointed out last night that if there is difficulty maintaining to begin with then they may not be able to get a loan in the first place, or have trouble paying that back.

It’s not as black and white as it is being made out to be.  I am sure there are some that really don’t care and are disrespectful to the neighbors by their lack of maintenance and attention to property, but don’t act like that is everyone that received a notice. Talk to a variety of people, attend the meetings, and be willing to look at it from each individual point of view.

Home Improvement Town Hall April 20, 2015

If you missed tonight's meeting you missed a lot. Lots of "I didn't say that" "that's not what I said" was the Mayor's response to the backlash she received from concerned residents of Ward 1.  The resident that was offended during last Monday's presentation (see April 16 post) of "Target Improvement Areas" circulated a flyer in her immediate neighborhood. Attendance tonight was over 100 people. Many from the east side area that was heavily targeted. And they were mad. The Mayor kept stating that this came from the county and "facts are facts".

Fact is that last Monday the Mayor gave the presentation, not the county. There was no realization on her part that by the way she set it up and the terminology she used, she offended a great many residents. I don't think she ever got the point.

Many from the audience came up to the "anonymous" author of the flyer to tell her they fully supported "anonymous" - who was not really anonymous especially after the Mayor stated that it was "unfortunate that Mrs.... chose to do that" Anonymous regrets not signing the flyer but she never intended to be anonymous since she spoke to most of those residents face to face. 

Ward 3 Town Hall

Issues, notes and quotes from the April 14^th Town Hall held by Ward 3 Council Karen Lieske:

There are major efforts underway to focus on maintaining our housing stock. Learn more this Monday April 20^th at the Home Improvement Workshop at The Dwyer Center.  Speakers will be kept to a minimum allowing time for a Q & A session.

Dave Greenspan (Cuyahoga County Council) was in attendance and talked about the steps that could occur with properties that have been targeted for improvement. His reference to the Cuyahoga Land Bank brought concern from the audience. He stated it is just one resource. There was audience concern on the timing of the push to fix homes and increase taxes.

Did you know there is a county GIS system? Once a year there is a fly over of the entire county. The Geographic Information System will capture improvements to your home. (I hope you applied for a building permit when you built that deck, shed or addition.)

A longtime resident expressed concern about the usage of Cahoon Park on Sunday. He questioned the “organized” volleyball that takes place on Sunday nights. He was told by our law director that this was a different situation than what the Cahoon Will specified. The resident stressed the Council and the Mayor are the Trustees of the Will – not the law director. If an issue arises and goes to court, it is the law director that will defend the city and make money doing so - the city’s money. When the police are called, they say call the rec center. When the rec center is called, they say call the law director.

More trains are coming through Bay Village. This is due to an expired agreement with the railroads that limited the train traffic. The agreement was negotiated by Dennis Kucinich 10 years ago.  The Law Director is to meet and review this issue.

The trains apparently are not frightening the deer. They are still with us in abundance. On Tuesday, April 21^st The Walker Road Park Ad Hoc Committee will hold a meeting at City Hall at 6p.m. to update on the Avon Lake Deer Culling Program. There is an ordinance prohibiting the feeding of deer in Bay.

In the future we will have a system in place to text 911. Also, in our future, meetings will be recorded and on the website.

Traffic concerns: Will the American Greetings facility going into Crocker affect the Bassett and Lake Rd. intersection? A traffic light study was conducted in the past and showed it did not warrant a light.

Why are we the only community that continues to have school traffic signs that prohibit right turns on red all day? Surrounding cities have all changed their signage to prohibit turns from 7 to 9 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Audience members would like to see this happen in Bay.

Westerly traffic was monitored to see if the flow could be improved and it was decided there is no good alternative in trying to change the pattern. Like everyone that lives around a school, we must just deal with it during drop off and pick up.

Concerns about the trees planted along Bassett. The arborist looked at them and feels the trees are healthy.

It was requested again that the subject of an Animal Control Officer – even a part time one be placed on the agenda for public discussion. Karen has brought it to the attention of Council twice recently.  A comment was made “We can afford an arborist and we have as many animals running amok as we do trees”

Karen Lieske was attentive and took notes and I trust she will follow through. I thank her for this opportunity to be heard.

Gas Aggregation - Vote May 5, 2015

A question was posed on the https://www.facebook.com/groups/538603919551392/: What are the pros and cons of gas aggregation?

Here is a sampling of the things I have heard.

A few of the cons, pros, questions and feedback: “We have too many people telling us what to do”. 

Some are distressed that the Utica Shale Program is involved. As Charles Ramer from NOPEC stated “We don’t really have a policy on fracking.” – Being in the energy business I would have hoped for a better statement than that. But then that may be a conflict where $$ is concerned.

“What advantage is there for a city to partner with NOPEC? The city doesn’t do anything without a perk.”

“How much does the local government understand the energy market to determine for us if this is a good deal or not?”

The choice of joining is still up to the property owner. You are automatically enrolled but you will be given the opportunity to opt out. It doesn’t cost the city money. Some are adverse to everyone being automatically enrolled (switched) and then they have to opt out.   

2 public meetings are required on the issue but only if and after it passes in May.

Feedback from other communities that have participated: “You still need to watch the rates – Nopec does not always provide the lowest and you may be able to negotiate lower rates on your own”

Comments taken from that Facebook thread:

“Pros (in theory) - the costs are lower and predictable. Cons - they may not be lower than market prices especially given fracking is uncovering larger supplies. That said, I think cable and telecom companies are completely raking us with their 2 year contracts, so I am skeptical...just need to learn more.”

“The electrical aggregation has worked out great.”

“Seems like electricity prices are stable and gas prices are volatile but going down. Where will the price line be drawn?” This comment linked this article: http://www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/news-release/averageenergyprices_cleveland.htm?hc_location=ufi

Improvement Target Areas

Much ado at Monday April 13th's  meeting. The Mayor presented findings from a County assessment that occurs every 10 years. The presentation focus was “Improvement Target Area”. The County assessed each and every property in Bay, and ‘targeted’ apx. 350 homes and a few businesses to comply with improvements. The majority of homes are on the east side of Bay. 

A resident living on one of the streets that was targeted took “umbrage” with this issue. The way it was being presented stung. With statements that so many more homes were run down in this area and the city wants to “contain the deterioration”. The resident found it personal and insulting. The Mayor said that they don’t want to use the term blighted but…. Alluding to this area as being hit by the recession with low and middle income residents was also a sticking point. How dare there be any labels to an area of town when the residents just may or may not have the desired income in Bay. I asked if these assessments were based on dangerous problems or aesthetics, the response was “both”.  It was also stated that these standards of improvement are ordinance based.

Not to worry – the City has plans in place to help you improve your property – low cost home improvement loans etc. Our Property Maintenance Inspector will focus on working with the people that received notice and need to complete repairs and upkeep. The presentation included moves to help - right down to land acquisition if necessary.   One could not help but get the feeling the City would just as soon see that side of town, which is rife with little cottages and older homes - gone. These small and apparently unkempt homes do not generate the tax dollars the City would like to spend.

Of course many properties need work here and there, clean up – what have you; and of course there is a bigger picture to this for the City. The message being sent was a little over the top and derisive. This has been a cry of many residents in Bay for years. The attitude in which this was presented surely smacked of elitism.  

If you are on Facebook you can read others opinions and comments here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/538603919551392/