The Ward 11 Citizen ~ Fall 2013

Keeping you informed about our neighborhood!
TheWard 11 Citizen
Michael D. Polensek • Councilman,Ward 11 | Fall 2013 | www.ClevelandCityCouncil.org
This newsletter will be my last
opportunity as Ward 11
Councilman to address all my
constituents in our present Ward.
Let me first update you on some
neighborhood projects:
33 Work on Waterloo Road, though
extremely difficult, is progressing well
as the work on Lakeshore Boulevard is
going strong. As always, drive with great
caution in these construction zones.
I am told by Northeast Regional Sewer
District (NEORSD) that the detour at
St. Clair and Nottingham should be
reopened in November, weather
permitting and without an unforeseen
problems.
33 The Cleveland Range/Manitowoc
Headquarters of the Americas at18301
St. Clair Avenue is progressing quickly
and interior work should begin in earnest.
I sponsored legislation in Council with
the Administration to award $225,000
in Housing Trust funds to the Northeast
Shores Development Corporation toward
the renovation of the historic landmark
LaSalle Theatre on E. 185th Street.
33 We continue our work with the FBI,
the U. S. Attorney’s Office and the 5th
District Cleveland Police on identifying
and targeting known gang members
and individuals involved in high level
Map of the
“New Ward 8”
narcotics dealing. In the early morning
hours of September 20, sixty individuals
were arrested after being secretly indicted
for their involvement, with many living
in the suburbs.There were, however, four
individuals arrested who reside on the
northeast side of the City; that is four too
many in my opinion.
I wish to thank all the organizations,
clubs, groups, and above all, the citizens
of Ward 11 who have worked with me and
supported me all these years. No Councilman
in the history of the City of Cleveland has
ever received the kind of support I have
had which allowed me to serve you for over
10 consecutive terms in Public Office. As
“I learned a long time ago, councilmembers cannot
do this job alone. I have been successful because I have had the
support of the greater community and I am so appreciative of that...”
I will continue to update the community on
projects and initiatives which are underway as
we go into 2014. Stay tuned!
As all of you know, come January 1, 2014
Ward 11 will become the new WARD 8.
Over all these years I have had the honor
and privilege to be the first Ward 11
Councilman on the northeast side of the City
and now, I will be the last since the Council
leadership decided to shift the Ward 11
number to the far west side of the City. I know
that defies logic since we will have Wards 9 and
10 on the northeast side and Ward 11 should
have remained in place. Then again that would
have made common sense and that was a
missing ingredient in the botched City Council
redistricting plan.
someone who was born and raised on the
northeast side of the City, I never dreamed nor
thought for one moment as a young man in
Collinwood High School that I would ever hold
public office let alone serve the community I
was raised in.
My late mother Dorene, who passed away
on May 25th, struggled at times to raise my
two sisters, my brother and me – sometimes
even on public assistance. Despite these
hardships she instilled in the four of us the
need to get an education, to respect our
neighbors and to become involved in civic
activities. Throughout my years in public office
years, I have faced many challenges: I was
there when the clock struck Midnight and
the City went into default; I was also there
years later when we were recognized as the
Continued on page 3
Effective January 1, 2014,
Cleveland wards will be reduced from
19 to 17 and boundaries and
ward numbers will change.
Beginning January 1, 2014 Ward 11 will become Ward 8.
The map on the LEFT shows the new, drastic
boundary changes to our ward and the entire
northeast side of the city.
To get a larger, detailed view, please go to:
www.clevelandcitycouncil.org/find-my-ward
Feel free to contact the Office of Councilman Mike Polensek at
216-664-4236 or email mpolensek@clevelandcitycouncil.org
with any questions.
Collinwood &
Nottingham Villages
Development Corporation
15614 St. Clair Avenue
Executive Director:
Yolanda Anderson
Phone: 216-383-9772
Fax: 216-531-8459
Email: info@cnvdc.org
Website: www.cnvdc.org
Cuyahoga Land Bank
Owner Occupied
Advantage Program
The end of summer has been
Waterloo isn’t the only street
a busy time at Northeast Shores.
picking up steam. East 185th
Fresh off the announcement of
Street has seen a number of new
receiving a $1.1 million dollar grant
businesses move to the street this
from The Kresge Foundation, and knee
summer, including the exciting new
deep (literally) in the $5.5 million
restaurant endeavor from Matt Quinn
Northeast Shores
dollar Waterloo Streetscape Project,
and Chris Hammer, The Standard,
Development Corporation
we’re continuously moving forward
which is set to open this Fall; Northeast
th
on a wide array of neighborhood
Shores is leading the transformation
317 East 156 Street
Executive Director:
initiatives.
of the LaSalle Theater into the LaSalle
Brian
Friedman
Walk All Over Waterloo
Arts and Media Center, which you can
Phone: 216-481-7660
has returned to first Fridays
learn more about by visiting us online
Fax: 216-481-7129
with a force, proving that a little
at www.northeastshores.org; and
Email: info@northeastshores.org
bit of construction can’t stop the
Website: www.northeastshores.org
the East 185th Stakeholders Group, in
momentum. Alan Glazen’s Project
partnership with Northeast Shores, has
Light Switch is kicking in to high gear
submitted a TLCI application to kick
with the renovation of several buildings on Waterloo,
start the process of future streetscape planning.
including the old Key Bank Building and the Harbor Pub
Many thanks to Councilman Polensek for
space. With the direct assistance of Northeast Shores,
sponsoring legislation in City Council for the LaSalle
these past few months have seen three new gallery spaces
Theatre to receive $225,000 in Housing Trust Funds
open, the continuation of band rehearsal space above
towards the renovation of this historic landmark.
Space:Rock, a ceramics coop in the works, and innovative
Add to that our ongoing Artist in Residence Program,
partnerships with the Cleveland Institute of Art, Zygote
the Collinwood Rising Initiative, and the fact that we’ve
Press and several others. Our collaborative effort with
seen over $2 million in grant funding come in to the
Waterloo Arts (formerly Arts Collinwood), Zoetic Walls, has
neighborhood over the last year and half; it’s clear that our
also generated some serious buzz locally and nationally,
neighborhood is quickly finding its way into the spotlight
with over 10 unique street art projects completed inside of
once again.
a quarter mile. With 93% occupancy, up from just 61% less
Northeast Shores is proud and excited to serve North
than a decade agog, there’s no denying that the Waterloo
Shore Collinwood, and you can follow all of these amazing
Arts and Entertainment District has become a destination
developments and more at www.northeastshores.org
location for Clevelanders and visitors alike.
or give us a call at 216-481 7660.
Don’t let the Flu tackle you... Get your Flu shot!
Flu Vaccine provided by the Cleveland
Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Councilman Mike Polensek
wants you to know about the Owner
Occupied Advantage Program, a
new initiative developed by the
Cuyahoga Land Bank to help
prospective owners successfully
purchase property. This program
offers potential applicants:
33 Quality homes requiring low
to moderate work
33 Immediate equity
33 No closing costs
Owner-occupants will have a
30 day exclusive opportunity to
purchase properties from the
Cuyahoga Land Bank that need
moderate work; to this end, a
successful buyer is required only to
abide by the Cuyahoga Land Bank
basic terms and conditions and
agree to reside at the property for at
least 3 years.
To learn more information:
Call 216-698-8853 or visit
www.cuyahogalandbank.org/
owneroccupier
CDPH HEALTH CENTER:
J. Glen Smith Health Center
11100 Saint Clair Ave.
Every Tuesday from 8:30 am - 11:30 am
Call 249-4100 for details
or visit www.clevelandhealth.org
FREE GED Classes at Collinwood Library Branch
Tri-C is offering free GED classes this fall at the Collinwood Library Branch (856 E.152nd Street)
Classes will meet Mondays & Wednesdays from 12:30 - 2:30 pm on the following dates:
NOVEMBER 4, 6,13,18, 20, 25, 27 | DECEMBER 2, 4, 9, 11
Seeds of Literacy needs your smarts!
Seeds of Literacy offers FREE, one-to-one tutoring in
basic education and GED prep to adults. Last year, over 200
volunteer tutors helped over 1,200 students change
their lives through education.
Seeds of Literacy Tutors:
• Work individually with students to improve reading,
writing and math skills
• Offer encouragement and support
• Help students develop confidence and positive attitudes
about learning
• Help to keep records of each student’s progress
Tutor Requirements
• No teaching experience necessary
• Attendance at one training session
• Attendance at one class observation
• Commitment to volunteering at least one class session
per week for one year
Class sessions are held Monday through Thursday,
9 - 11 am, 1 - 3 pm, and 6 - 8 pm. Seeds of Literacy is
located at 3104 West 25th Street, 3rd floor, at the corner of
West 25th and Clark Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44109. Seeds has
a free, secure parking lot, building security, and is
ADA accessible. For details call Alexandria Marshall
at 216-661-7950 or email alexandriamarshall@
seedsofliteracy.org.
Bag your leaves for
regular trash pick up!
The Department of Public Works would
like to remind all residents to gather
and place fallen leaves in bags or
trash cans – including the City issued
black trash carts – for pick up on their
regularly scheduled waste collection day
(leaves should not be dumped in vacant
lots; laws prohibit leaf burning).
Sidewalks should remain free and clear
of leaves because loose leaves drift and
eventually end up in the street, clogging
neighborhood catch basins which can cause
flooding in streets and homes.
If you have any questions call 216-664-3717.
City of Cleveland
programs for
community seniors
Call the Department of Aging at
216-664-2833 for details about the
programs and services below:
SENIOR INITIATIVE
Senior Initiative provides Cleveland’s older
adults and adults with disabilities assistance
to help them avoid becoming victims of scam
contractors and avoid citations for housing
violations. This initiative is a cooperative
effort between the Departments of Aging,
Building and Housing, Community Development, Public Health and Law.
“I encourage every
senior in our community
to use these helpful
city services.”
– Councilman Mike Polensek
SENIOR HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM (SHAP)
This program provides grants to low-income
seniors and adults with disabilities who own
and reside in homes needing critical repairs.
Typical repairs include: roof replacement, major electrical work, major plumbing work, repair or replacing the front and/or back steps,
porch repairs and the installation of ramps.
CHORE
Chore workers provide home maintenance
tasks, which may include: general house
cleaning, lawn mowing, snow removal, leaf
raking, simple home repairs, installation of
smoke detectors and removing or installing
storm windows.
CLEVELAND TREE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Cleveland Department of Aging in partnership with the Departments of Community
Development and Public Works provides help
to seniors and adults with disabilities, with
limited income, for hazardous tree and branch
removal on their personal property.
Remember to Vote!
General Election
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
If you have questions about your ward and precinct
please contact the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections at
216-443-3200. Exercise your right to vote!
Message Continued
“Comeback City” and then the
“All-America City”; I witnessed a school
system, which once was the preeminent
public school system in the State, decline to
a point where at times I did not recognize
the system I graduated from and which now
holds possibility and promise once again.
Ten years ago, what was an abandoned
foreclosed home? What was predatory
lending or “flipping”? These terms were
foreign to us and are now words we use
almost every day. Crime was something
we seldom ever experienced, now we
know crime intimately and that it can strike
anywhere, anytime and in any community.
The world has changed along with our own
city and our own great Collinwood and
Glenville communities.
As we move toward January 1, our
greatest asset is not the lake, the new
recreation center, an entertainment district or
the redevelopment of the St. Clair Avenue
Corridor. It is our citizens; the residents
and their children. If new Wards 8, 9 and 10
are to be successful we need an engaged
citizenry! As I walk the streets in the new
Ward 8 – especially the area east of Eddy
Road and north of St. Clair Avenue and
down the East 140th Street corridor, an
area I never represented before – I see
great despair and yet I see tremendous
opportunities and possibilities because
there are still people who care in that area.
I learned a long time ago, council
members cannot do this job alone. I have
been successful because I have had the
support of the greater community and I
am so appreciative of that – more than you
will ever know. Finally, on a very personal
note I want to say to the residents
and businesses of the Nottingham
Village neighborhood along St. Clair
Avenue, you will never be forgotten by
this Councilman. How can I forget you?
Nottingham was my childhood home and
an area I have represented for over 30 years.
Even though this section was taken
away from us in the redistricting, I plan
on working closely with the Ward 10
Councilman – hopefully it is Councilman
Jeff Johnson – to maintain the progress
we have made in Nottingham. Don’t be a
stranger. My phone number will remain
the same at 216-664-4236 and my email
is mpolensek@clevelandcitycouncil.org.
Thank you all once again. You have
honored me and – God-willing– I look
forward to continuing to serve our
expanded community. Exercise your
right to vote on November 5 or cast your
absentee ballot before that time. Any
questions regarding absentee voting can be
directed to the Cuyahoga County Board of
Elections at 216-443-8683.
Remember – an engaged and informed
citizenry makes for a better community.
Participants are encouraged to bring a snack
and wear comfortable clothes.
For cost and pre-registration information:
call 216-862-8892 or email KrisUpstage@aol.com
For hours and schedule details call 216-420-8323
PRESORT STD.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CLEVELAND, OH
PERMIT NO. 2893
Waterloo Arts Holiday Sale
(at E. 156 & Waterloo) 15605 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH 44110
TheWard 11 Citizen
Michael D. Polensek
Ward 11 Councilman
City Council Office:
601 Lakeside Avenue, Room 220
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: 216-664-4236
Fax: 216-664-3837
Email: mpolensek@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Visit www.ClevelandCityCouncil.org
The following weekend, on Sunday, December 14, Music
for Miles (M4M) will host Stuart Raleigh, former director of
choral singing at Baldwin Wallace, in a program of Christmas
piano music. The program begins at 4 pm at Waterloo Arts.
Admission is free.
For Waterloo Art information call 216-692-9500.
Nottingham Civic Club
3rd Tuesday of the Month at 6 pm
Nottingham United Methodist Church,
18316 St. Clair Ave.
Upcoming
Collinwood Homeowners’
& Tenants’ Association
1st Wednesday of the Month at 7 pm
St. Mary’s School, 15519 Holmes Ave.
E. 156th Street Block Watch
3rd Wednesday of the Month at 6 pm
B&M Bar-B-Que, 15116 Lakeshore Blvd.
at E. 152nd St.
Community Meetings
East 185th Street Area Block Watch
2nd Tuesday of the Month at 6 pm
Lithuanian Village Hall, 877 East 185th
St. (Rear Entrance)
Please become a stakeholder in our community:
GET INVOLVED!
Volunteer & Come in Costume! Donate Decorations! Donate Candy!
To volunteer contact: Tierra Biggers at 216-420-8323 or Mary Louise at 216-664-4236
UpStage Players will have a workshop
for youth ages 7-15 who are
interested in live theatre.
There is a fee for this workshop.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Calling on all Collinwood Super Heroes...
Audition Techniques
Choreography
Breaking the Ice to UpStage
for children 12 and under
Topics covered:
Thur., October 31 • 5:30 - 7:30 PM
(17625 Grovewood Avenue)
Recreation Center 10:00 am - 2:00 pm • The Salvation Army
Sat., November 2, 2013
BIG CITY
BOO!
at Collinwood
UpStage Players
Workshop
Waterloo Arts (formerly Arts Collinwood) will hold its annual
Holiday sale on the first weekend of December:
Friday, December 6 from 5 - 11 pm; Saturday, December 7
from 11 am - 11 pm, and Sunday, December 8 from
11 am - 5 pm. The by-invitation Sneak Peek will take place
on Thursday December 5. The sale will offer that perfect mix
of artiness and giftworthiness that is so hard to find. Plus the
Callaloo Café will be ready with treats for tired shoppers.
DIAL-A-NUMBER
Emergency (Police, Fire, EMS) ………………………… 911
Police (non-emergency) ………………………… 621-1234
5th District Police (881 E. 152nd St.) ……………… 623-5500
Fire (non-emergency) …………………………… 621-1212
EMS (non-emergency) …………………………… 623-4545
Poison Control Center ……………………… 1-800-222-1222
City Hall (all departments) ………………………… 664-2000
Mayor’s Action Center …………………………… 664-2900
Animal Control (dogs, etc) ………………………… 664-3069
Building/Housing Complaints …………………… 664-2007
ClevelandPublicPower……………………………664-3156
Collinwood Recreation Center …………………… 420-8323
Department of Aging …………………………… 664-2833
Dominion East Ohio Gas ………………………… 361-2345
Health Department Complaints ………………… 664-2300
Illuminating Company …………………… 1-800-589-3101
Recreation …………………………………… 664-2561
Potholes/Snow Removal ………………………… 664-2510
Sewers/Catch Basins (clogged) …………………… 664-2513
Street Light Outages …………………………… 621-5483
Traffic Signs Down & Missing …………………… 420-8282
Tree Trimming/Removal ………………………… 664-3104
Waste Collection Issues ………………………… 664-2397
Water Department (leaks, hydrants) ……………… 664-3060
Councilman Polensek invites you to