February 2024

CITY OF FAIRVIEW PARK

MAIN STREET CONNECTION

Hello Kathleen,

We are almost at the halfway point of winter! There is indeed light at the end of the tunnel, specifically more daylight in the mornings and evenings. Hopefully, the bitter cold will be on the way out as well. We may have some fluctuating temperatures in February along with more precipitation, so watch out for freezing rain and black ice. Regardless, the Service Department will continue to service the roads as your safety is paramount.

February is also Black History month where we use the occasion to mark the achievements and contributions of African Americans to our country and the world. We celebrate such individuals as Garrett Morgan, a Cleveland resident, who invented the world’s first gas mask, and was instrumental in saving eight men trapped under Lake Erie. Read part of his story here. I urge all residents to take time and learn about why we celebrate this month.

Also, as you are reading this, be aware that February 14^th is Valentines Day. Make sure you plan to mark this day with your special someone. There are plenty of local restaurants to enjoy and many local shops where you can find that unique gift.



Now for an update on major City business…

Necessary rebuild and repair to the Gemini Center non-natatorium roof and HVAC system is moving forward, with legislation allowing for Phase 1 to commence sent up to City Council for consideration. As the Issue 55 property tax millage generates measurable revenues for the City, it allows for the issuance of Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) to borrow against the anticipated tax revenue and put Phase 1 out to bid to contractors. Phase 1 is estimated to cost $4.5 million and construction is expected to start late summer or early fall of 2024.

Construction is not expected to impact summer programming at the Gemini Center, but please be aware that the Recreation Department may have to rearrange autumn programming and availability of certain sections of the Gemini Center during construction.

Details and information regarding the project will be continually disseminated out to the public as the project continues.

In other news, our search for a Public Service & Development Director has elicited a great selection of candidates and we will be making our decision soon. Individuals chosen for interviews have immense experience ranging from infrastructure construction, to major project management, to community development planning. 

As always, City Hall is here for our residents. If you have a question about service, or need guidance from one of our departments, we are here for you. Call 440-333-2200 with general inquiries.

Take care and stay warm!

Sincerely,

Mayor Bill Schneider

NEW WEBSITE

The City is pleased to announce that there will be a new City website! The user friendly website will be launched in the beginning of March. The new website will be easier for residents and other visitors to find information about all City departments along with all events taking place in the City. Look for more information about the new website in the March newsletter.

Leaf collection is over in the City. If you still have leaves or yard waste, please bag it and put it in your blue trash container or leave the plastic bags out for bulk pick-up. The next bulk pick up is on Monday, February 19.

HOME VISITS

Residents that are interested in having the City Engineer visit their home to review best practices to help mitigate flooding should call 440-356-4411 to schedule your appointment. There are a limited amount of dates and times available in February.

SEWER CLEANING

The Service Department uses the new Sewer Jet to clean catch basins, storm sewers and sanitary sewers in the City of Fairview Park, weather permitting. Please click here for a report on where the Sewer Jet has been since March of 2023. Due to the winter weather and sewer jet maintenance, there are no recent updates.

CITY PROJECTS

Click here for information about the projects listed below.

• Morton Park Courts
• Metroparks Connector Trail at Mastick Road
• Brookpark Road Paving
• West 227 Street Bridge Replacement (Esther Avenue-Bard Avenue)
• Bain Park Erosion Project
• Lorain Road Business District Revitalization Plan

• Woodstock Avenue Sewer Replacement Project
• Stanford Avenue Sewer & Water Main Replacement
• Fairpark Drive Water Main Replacement
• West 220 Bridge over I-480 (ODOT)
• Lorain Road Bridge Over Metroparks

SAVE THE DATE

The City's 2024 Shredding and Household Hazardous Waste Collection days are Saturdays May 18 and September 21 from 9:00 A.M. - noon behind City Hall. Thank you to the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District for a grant that helps finance this important City event.

WASTE COLLECTION

SCHEDULE AND SERVICE GUIDE

Click here to view the 2024 schedule for rubbish, recycling, bulk item, yard waste, leaf, and special recycling collections.

Click here for the Trash, Yard Waste, Recycling and Bulk Waste Service Guide provided by Republic Services.

COUNTY PROPERTY REAPRAISAL

Contractors who are licensed appraisers joined employees from the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Officer’s Appraisal Division to begin conducting comprehensive field review and valuation of all parcels within Cuyahoga County on Monday, October 2, 2023. The reappraisal process is expected to continue through April 30, 2024, and will include approximately 522,000 residential and commercial properties.

To ensure they are identifiable to residents, all Fiscal Officer appraisers will have Cuyahoga County issued picture identification. As an added measure of security, all vehicles will have signage visible in the front and rear windows.

Cuyahoga County is notifying all Mayors and Police Chiefs before work begins in their jurisdictions. Once Fairview Park receives notice we will let the residents know when the work will begin.

The Fiscal Officer is required to reappraise all real property in the County every six years. This sexennial reappraisal is mandated by the tax commissioner for the State of Ohio, as stated in Ohio Revised Code, Section 5713.01.

The City is proud to support all of the local businesses in our community. Click here to see a list of local businesses. 

EAT LOCAL

Please click here for a list of restaurants in Fairview Park.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Recently in the Cleveland area there have been incidents of buyers and sellers of online goods and services who found themselves in some form of danger. If you are going to buy or sell anything online and need to meet a seller or buyer, there are things you can do to keep yourself safe:

Meet at a police station. The City of Fairview Park has a designated meeting spot in the parking lot behind City Hall. Beyond the usual advice to meet in a public place, meeting in the parking lot of a police station to make your transaction only adds an extra layer of security.

Try the product out first. If you are trying to buy an item or something that could be broken, ask for a demonstration. If the seller hesitates, this probably is not the deal for you.

Bring backup. Never meet someone from online listings that you do not know by yourself. Bring a friend or family member with you. This lessens the likelihood of being attacked.

Only bring enough cash for the purchase. If a seller demands an online transfer or payment before you meet to get the product, do not do it. Also, never carry large amounts of cash with you.

Try to get a detailed receipt. While most sales are final, if something goes wrong with the product, a proof of purchase might help you get it fixed or swapped for a new product.

Do not give out your information Since you will be meeting someone at a public place, there is no need for a buyer or seller to know your home address. You can furnish an email address if you are comfortable.

Trust your gut. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also, if anything the seller or buyer says raises a red flag, it is probably best to go with your instincts and move on.

As always, see something, say something. If you feel suspicious about anything call us at 440-333-1234.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Fire Department held a swearing in ceremony at the January 16 City Council meeting. Lieutenant Joe Lamping was sworn in as a Captain, firefighter Mike Kocon was sworn in as a Lieutenant, and Noah Stringer was sworn in as a firefighter. Congratulations to all and best wishes for a safe and successful career in the City.

L-R: Chief Raffin, Firefighter Noah Stringer, Lieutenant Mike Kocon, Captain Joe Lamping

PROGRAMS AT THE GEMINI CENTER

The Gemini Center offers programs for people of all ages. Click here for information about Girls Flag Football, Spring Sports Registration, Group Exercise, Pickleball, and more.

Happy February! The perfect month to celebrate friendship and all things we love at the Senior Center! 

Winter weather is here! The Fairview Park Senior Center typically remains open. However, when the Fairview Park City Schools are CLOSED due to weather conditions, the senior center buses WILL NOT RUN! Please make sure to listen to the local news for weather related closings.

THE AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Program that helps Low-Income families afford the cost of having internet service at home. If you are eligible, you can save up to $30 per month on your internet service, or receive a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. To qualify, you must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or participate in any one of the following government benefit programs: Lifeline, SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veteran’s Pension or Survivor’s Benefit, SSI, Free and Reduce Price School Lunch Program, Federal Pell Grant, or Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Sandy in the social work office at 440-356-4463 for assistance.

SENIORS DINING OUT

Seniors meet at a local restaurant on the first Monday of every month. Call the senior center 440-356-4437 for more information and how to participate.

FAT TUESDAY PARTY

The good times will roll at the senior center for our Mardi Gras inspired party held on “Fat Tuesday”, February 13, at 12:00 P.M. There will be beads, Packzi’s and a special concert by Rick Burke, who’s Vegas Style Tribute Show will have you singing and dancing. This event is FREE, but reservations are required, so call today at 440-356-4437. Sponsored by O’Neill Healthcare and Parkside Villa.

ADDITIONAL NEWS FROM THE SENIOR LIFE DEPARTMENT

The Senior Center welcomes all seniors to participate in the many regularly scheduled activities. For information about additional February programs such as: Lunch Program, Breakfast Bingo, Paint & Sip, Blood Pressure Screenings, Lunch & Learn Programs, Coffee with a Firefighter, Coffee with a Cop, Exercise at the Senior Center and more click on the Senior Calendar and the Senior Scope.



Click here for information regarding van transportation.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COALITION

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition will be meeting Wednesdays, February 7 and 21 at 6:30 P.M. at City Hall in the Dunson Room. All are welcome!

JOIN THE SHADE TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE 

Do you value our urban forest for the ways it protects Fairview Park residents and beautifies our City? Are you interested in steering the effort to maintain and grow our canopy? Consider joining the Shade Tree Advisory Committee ("STAC"). STAC is composed of volunteer residents who meet monthly to plan and administer programs that support the management of our urban forest. No previous experience in tree care or horticulture is required. If interested, please send a letter of intent to the Clerk of Council, Liz Westbrooks, at liz.westbrooks@fairviewpark.org.

TREE SPOTLIGHT

The Eastern Redbud is a small flowering deciduous tree with a wide rounded canopy native to the eastern states. Eastern Redbud grows in full sun to light-dappled shade and is often found growing as an understory tree or at the edge of deciduous woods. Redbuds prefer to be planted in well-draining soil.

Redbuds capture the essence of spring with their brilliant pea-shaped edible deep violet flowers that form clusters that adhere directly to the tree's bare branches and trunk, they are some of the first flowers to appear in the spring landscape, the stunning violet flowers appear on the tree before the foliage emerges. 

Redbuds produce flat seed pods 3 inches long and contain several seeds. Distinctive heart-shaped leaves range in size between 2-6 inches and are alternately arranged.  New leaves emerge and unfurl as a deep maroon color in spring, changing to green in summer, and transforming to bright yellow for a lovely fall display.

The spring blossoms attract and are a valuable source for early-season nectar-seeking pollinators including native bees and honey bees. In addition to Eastern Redbuds' showy ornamental value, it plays a vital role in our native ecosystem. Consider growing this beneficial beauty in your landscape this year! 

SHADE TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

The Shade Tree Advisory Committee holds public meetings on the second Thursday of every month. Please join us in the Dunson Room at City Hall for our next meeting February 8, 2024 at 6:00 P.M.

2024 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

The Fairview Park Community Council is seeking nominations for the 2024 Citizen of the Year. 

What is the definition of a Citizen of the Year?

The person must be a Fairview Park resident and have shown exemplary commitment to the community, as well as civic or service organizations. They tirelessly provide a great amount of unpaid volunteer service in multiple capacities to the people and community of Fairview Park. Through their leadership, volunteerism, and commitment to the community, they are a big part of why Fairview Park is a great place to grow and live!

Application for nominations for the 2024 Citizen of the Year will be available in early February on the City's website with a submission deadline of Friday, March 22. The Citizen of the Year Recognition Dinner will be Wednesday, May 1, at 6:30 P.M. at the Senior Center.

For more information on the Fairview Park Community Council’s 2024 Citizen of the Year, please contact Denise Devine at yayadevine@gmail.com.

WESTGATE

70 Years Young

Tracing Fairview Park History, Chris H. Gerrett

In 1954, Westgate Center, the first post-war suburban retail center in Ohio, opened. The center was described as Ohio's largest open-air plaza of separate stores with outdoor walkways situated on 55 acres. The buildings were positioned 'mall style' with paths leading through the lawns to the stores on all sides. There were garden benches, flagpoles, and fruit trees. 

The most significant retail footprint at the time of opening the center was Halle's and Federal Department stores, as well as Stouffer's Restaurant. Halle's was the first to have complete departments, women's, children's, and furniture. Federals occupied 100,000 square feet, and there was an outdoor area for garden supplies, shrubbery, and sporting goods. Stouffers Restaurant, a slightly Victorian design, was able to seat 400 people. There were two grocery stores, Kroger, and Pick-n-Pay. Kroger's was considered a modern store, fully air-conditioned, with piped-in music and bright fluorescent lighting. There were many more retail businesses, too many to include here.

By 1969, more focus was put on year-round comfort for the shoppers, and the plaza was enclosed. The paths between the buildings were roofed, and kiosks and garden islands were installed. The Westgate Shopping Plaza became Westgate Mall.

Then, a major redevelopment was announced in 2005; the mall would be converted into an open-air shopping center. In 2007, the new outdoor center, Westgate, was opened, and "mall" was dropped from the name.  

GARDEN CLUB

The Garden Club meets every second Tuesday of the month in the Dunson Room at City Hall at 6:30 P.M. to socialize and the meeting begins at 7:00 P.M. The next meeting is Tuesday, February 13. The topic for the meeting is pressed flowers and Nadia Kutner will be the speaker. All are welcome. Garden Club updates can be found on the Garden Club's Facebook page.

GREEN TEAM