East 185th Street: State of the Street

On Monday, April 29th 2013, Councilman Polensek joined Northeast Shores to host the first annual East 185th Street State of the Street Address. The luncheon was held at the Lithuanian Hall located at 877 East 185th Street and sponsored by Councilman Polensek and Fifth Third Bank. 

Brian Friedman, Executive Director of Northeast Shores, opened the meeting and greeted over 35 attendees. Councilman Polensek started the meeting by celebrating the attendance. Polensek stressed that the success and growth of the street can and will be positively stimulated when merchants become more involved. Also represented at the meeting were our East 185th Street Partners, the City of Euclid. Jonathon Holody welcomed attendees on behalf of the City of Euclid.

Also in attendance were Anita Gray from Congresswoman Marcia Fudge’s office, Chris Warren, Chief of Regional Development for the City of Cleveland, Anthony Stella from the City’s Department of Economic Development  and Wendy Sattin from CNDC. 

Friedman started the presentation by reinforcing the Councilman’s words that merchant involvement is necessary for growth and positive change on the street. He also emphasized the importance and responsibility that property owners have in regards to overall appearance and maintenance of their properties, which obviously includes Northeast Shores Properties, specifically The LaSalle Theatre.

In addition, private investment and new business development has started to gain its own steam on the street. Several new restaurants are currently under development. Chris Hammer and Matt Quinn, owners of Paragon in Euclid, are planning a late summer opening of their new restaurant located at the former Harland Pub, 779 East 185th Street. Also, Northeast Shores is currently working with a potential new restaurant for the LaSalle Tavern at 837-839 East 185th Street and Steve Hippen at Family Sports recently leased his adjacent storefront to Wright Health Care at 760 East 185th Street.   

The presentation continued with a new Northeast Shores program targeted for new business opportunities on the street.  Activacant will address the streets immediate blight issue by packaging several storefronts for a competitive collective incentive program.

Finally, there was official news to report in regards to development on the University Hospital site. University Hospital has released plans for the construction of their new facility. Euclid Hospital also announced site improvements which include resurfacing and landscaping. 

Denise Lorek, Community Organizer for Northeast Shores took a few minutes to talk about the upcoming Alive on East 185 street festival now in its 5th year. Denise encouraged local business owners to participate in the parade followed by the sidewalk sale. She reminded merchants that they can also support the event by making a donation to support the children’s activity. Please call Denise Lorek at 216-481-7660 x21 to sign up or to make a donation.