Message from Councilman

It has been an interesting summer so far.  We are still having a major problem with getting the Public Works Department to address road conditions throughout the community. It is the end of June and still a large number of residential side streets have not had the road condition or chuckholes addressed. This is completely unacceptable. It is clear that the Administration has failed to understand the severity of the problem city-wide.  I continue to thank our residents and motorists for their patience; for, getting around on some of our streets is clearly a challenge. In 2014, the City needs to get its act together on how to fix and maintain public streets.

Another growing concern is the lack of street sweeping.  We still have winter debris on many roads which will ultimately wind up in our catch basins if not addressed. Street sweeping is a necessity and Public Works needs to figure out how to restore this service as it once was in the day. It helps to maintain a clean and healthy city. Residents are paying more property taxes than ever before and getting less basic city service; this must change.

Unfortunately, it seems as if there are only a small number of us in City Council who feels that quality-of-life issues are a priority. I continue to believe that basic services, street repair, garbage collection, public safety, etc., are critical to neighborhood stability and growth.  People in the City of Cleveland today talk with their feet more than ever before. We cannot continue to loose citizens and quality residents because they feel that the City seems unconcerned about their daily health and welfare.  Viable neighborhoods are entitled to quality service.

Project Updates: The Waterloo Streetscape project is on schedule and on budget to be completed in early October. The Euclid Creek Tunnel Project is on schedule and work has begun in earnest for the expansion of the Easterly Waste Water Treatment Plant at East 140th Street and Lakeshore Boulevard.  Old Grovewood Pool was removed and the site graded and seeded. It is now a city greenspace. Design and planning for the Euclid Beach, Wildwood and Villa Angela Cleveland MetroParks is well under way; you might even see some of these projects being started later this year.

I look forward to seeing you around the neighborhood this summer.  There is plenty to do just look at your copy of the Scoop on Summer!  Remember to continue to be the community’s eyes and ears – if you see something that just doesn’t seem right call the Police.  As always you may reach me at my office at (216) 664-4236 or via email at mpolensek@clevelandcitycouncil.org.