Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, May 2010
May 18th, 2010 | Published in Observer Reports
Neighborhood Revitalization Committee
May 12, 2010
Present: Nancy Moore, chair; Brian Yusko and Duane Thornton, citizen members; William Hanson, Director, Housing Inspection, William Gruber, Asst. Law Director; James Ziegler, Director, Building Department; Kamla Lewis, Director, Neighborhood Revitalization; Robert O’Neal, ex officio (probation officer); and Jeri Chaikin, Chief Administrative Officer
Since there was not a quorum present, the minutes could not be approved and no votes could be taken. However, there was a discussion of one proposed recommendation along with updates of two current projects.
Proposed Continuation of Winslow Road Owner-Occupancy Program
In 2008 the city began a pilot grant program on Winslow Road in order to increase the owner occupancy rate. The city allocated $50,000 to be used as an incentive to homebuyers. In this program, a buyer of a two-family home who lived in the home for two years would be awarded $5,000. The only other requirement was that each new owner would have to attend landlord training. The goal was to increase the owner occupancy rate from 48.1% to 54%. It was hoped that 10 buyers would respond to this offer; however, because of the setbacks in the housing market, the program’s effectiveness has been difficult to evaluate. Although 17 properties have been sold so far, only six were sold to owner occupants. Therefore, $20,000 remains to be used, and the NR staff is recommending that the program be extended through April 2011. Since it was not necessary to have a formal vote on the issue because the funds had already been allocated, there was just a general discussion during which those present gave their opinions.
In response to a question by Mr. Yusko regarding whether some buyers would have bought their houses without the $5,000 incentive, Ms. Lewis said that clearly the reason they bought on Winslow was the incentive. Mr. Yusko then asked how it was determined to select Winslow Road for this project. Ms. Lewis responded that the program was more likely to be successful there because Winslow already has the highest owner-occupancy rate in the city and because of the strong neighborhood cohesion. Ms. Moore said that at the time that the street was considered, the department was looking at various tools in order to show Winslow’s best face as a historic district, but the residents thought that owner occupancy was the most important criterion to keep up the neighborhood. Ms. Lewis stated that the city is also trying to appeal to younger families, and it will be interesting to see how long the new families stay and whether they will induce others to buy on Winslow as well.
There was general consensus that it was a good idea to continue the Winslow incentive program until April 2011.
Update on the 17423 Winslow Road Rehab Project
Ms. Lewis reported that this house’s architectural integrity had been destroyed by changes made to it over the years. The city has bought the house, and through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program received funding to restore its original exterior. The house will be redesigned as a demonstration of a flexible house that could be used as a home/office or some other arrangement. The city has hired Blossom Homes to oversee the project. Originally, the Cleveland Restoration Society was to be the overseer, but that agency was not able to meet the contractual requirements of the project. It will, however, continue to be the source of technical assistance.
Neighborhood Stabilization Program-Funded Projects
Ms. Lewis reported that the city has received $500,000 that will be used for landscaping 20 vacant lots and other projects. There are three main types of projects: $50,000 will be used for landscaping and fencing so that the lots will look more like side lots. The Rolliston Community Garden was given $3,500 to install a water vault. The third type of project will be small community parks.
Chelton Park—a house north of the park will be demolished in order to expand the park at a cost of $59,000.
Moreland neighborhood double lot near Menlo and Scottsdale—Residents indicated that they want a tot lot in that location. Cost: $78,000.
Ashby Road lot—two vacant lots will provide green space for picnics and passive activities. A rain garden will be installed.
Avalon Orchard—on Kenyon and Avalon. Fruit trees will be planted.
Kenyon Walk—a walk will be built from Shaker Town Center to Kenyon Road to permit walking and biking.
The city has worked closely with the police department to ensure adequate and proper lighting in the new parks. Ms. Moore also mentioned that the south side of Chagrin has been transformed by new landscaping.
There is no meeting planned for June. The July meeting will include action updates by various city departments.
Nora Kancelbaum, 283-2562