As always, however, I tried to keep tabs on what’s happening in the city.
Here are a few updates:
CATALANO’S
The city has tentatively agreed to provide significant economic development funds to assist resident/local developer Lance Osborne (Shoppes at Alpha Place) in buying and developing the former Catalano’s property.
Most importantly for residents, Osborne has apparently pledged to develop the property in a zoning-consistent manner---i.e., in keeping with the property’s current “Local Business District” zoning.
A Giant Eagle-affiliated real estate company has owned the property---and kept it empty and undeveloped--- for the last 7 years.
Last year Giant Eagle decided it wanted to install a 16 pump, gasoline and diesel-dispensing GetGo gas station there.
Residents in Ward 4 (and others) rejected the necessary rezoning issue last November, thereby defeating that plan.
After the election, the feeling among residents was that the time for sitting on the sidelines was over---the city had to become more actively involved, to achieve zoning-appropriate development of the property.
While some residents may be taken aback by the dollar amount involved, the economic development funds represent a very important investment---an investment in maintaining the city’s reputation as a place of superior services, tasteful development and high quality residential neighborhoods.
That reputation has kept our property values relatively high during the last economic downturn, even as property values in adjacent communities plummeted.
INFASTRUCTURE NEEDS
Like any city, Highland Heights has a significant amount of infrastructure----i.e., roads, water mains, etc.---that constantly needs to be repaired and maintained.
Paying for that work is never cheap or easy.
Right now interest rates are at historic lows.
Borrowing money makes sense if the cost of borrowing is low and it allows the city to preserve and grow money that it has sitting in the bank. Borrowing also would allow the city to do much more work and to pay for that work over several years, instead of draining the treasury to pay for it all at once.
Recently, Mayor Coleman and City Council sought the advice of a financial expert, who helped the city refinance several old municipal bonds several years ago (which resulted in considerable cost savings for the city).
Although nothing definite has been decided, it appears the mayor and Council are considering borrowing money and/or issuing bonds in order to get some major, overdue infrastructure projects done.
Those projects would no doubt include replacing the Highland Road water main and expanding/improving/resurfacing Miner Road.
THE COMMUNITY GARDEN IS OPEN FOR THE 2013 GROWING SEASON
The Municipal Center green space is really taking shape.
Trees and flowers have been planted around the gazebo and the grass is (finally) growing.
Several community concerts are planned for this summer, which will allow the space to become what it was envisioned to be: a true community gathering place.
Behind the gazebo is the Highland Heights Community Garden.
Council has approved installation of a 6-foot high chain link fence (take that Mr. Groundhog!) to replace the temporary snow fence that is currently in place. Two water faucets will be installed once the fence is in.
That should allow for bumper crops this summer.
Deacon Joe from St. Paschal's certainly hopes that's the case. He and his Helping Hands Ministry members will be tending 2 plots, growing food to donate to local food kitchens.
All residents are more than welcome to stop by and see what's growing.
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| Despite the cool weather, residents were anxious to dig in |
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| Gardening is just part of the experience. |
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| Pretty as a postcard. The new greenspace is taking shape. |
MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVATION
Eleven years ago, residents Weert Ley and (the late) Vince Varanese co-founded the Highland Heights Veterans Peace Memorial.
Their work (and many donations) resulted in the monument and gardens that sit to the east of the fire station on Highland Road.
I have attended Memorial Day Celebrations at the Peace Memorial for the last several years.
I never fail to be moved by the observance.
If you haven’t ever participated, I highly recommend putting it down on your 2014 "to do" list.
The organizers, assisted by local Lions Club members, make it an event worthy of our national day of remembrance.
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| Memorial Day Ceremony 2013. HHts Veterans Peace Memorial. |
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| Participants and Honored Guests. Rev. Roger Korsten, Mayor Scott Coleman, Ernie Ley, Capt. Baker, Capt. Harlan, Weert Ley (L to R) |
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| The Suburbanaires. They enhanced the ceremony with their melodic voices. |
