MAY 2025

CITY OF FAIRVIEW PARK

MAIN STREET CONNECTION

Greetings,

Spring has sprung! Our trees are filling out and the flowers are coming up. Temperatures are finally getting closer to comfortable. ,

There is much work to be done in our city. This winter took a beating on our roads, but we have crews out filling holes and smoothing peaks. Cleaning of our sewers is proceeding with two vac trucks out in the city. We just received our refurbished Cues sewer camera truck and will be continuing to train personnel on its use. 

Be on the lookout for construction at the Gemini Center. Work is ramping up.

The We Do Care ceremony at City Hall on Memorial Day will be held at 8:00 A.M. The parade along Lorain Road from Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home to the Fairview Park Cemetery will begin at 9:00 A.M. and conclude with a brief ceremony at the cemetery. If your company or group is interested in marching, please contact City Hall at 440-356-4411. No active political campaigning please as this is a solemn event.

Sincerely,

Mayor Bill Schneider

FUTURE OHIO ELECTRICITY PRICES

Click here for important information from NOPEC regarding the upcoming capacity charge increase and its impact on future Ohio electricity prices.

MAY 6, 2025 PRIMARY ELECTION

There is a primary election on Tuesday, May 6. Polls will be open from 6:30 A.M. - 7:30 P.M. To find out what is on the ballot and your voting location, click here.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

The American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, May 7 from 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. in the Dunson Room at City Hall. To schedule an appointment, go to RedCrossBood.org and enter sponsor code: Fairview or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

GEMINI CENTER UPDATE

Information regarding the Gemini Center Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project is available on the City's website. This information will be updated monthly to keep residents informed on the progress of this project.

HERITAGE HOME PROGRAM AND THE HOUSING ENHANCEMENT LOAN PROGRAM

The Heritage Home Program (HHP), a program of the Cleveland Restoration Society, is operating in Fairview Park. The HHP offers guidance and low-cost financing, with interest as low as 2%, to homeowners for home improvements and maintenance projects. While there are some restrictions on qualifying projects, homeowners can use the loans for many projects, such as basement waterproofing. Please see the program website for details. 

There are additional programs already available for low cost financing through the County, such as the Housing Enhancement Loan Program (HELP). Eligible properties must have a property tax value under $250,000 to qualify. Please visit their website for details.

SEWER INFORMATION

WOODSTOCK AVENUE SEWER PROJECT

The Woodstock Avenue Sewer Project will begin this summer. The design is complete and the project will go out to bid soon. The City has received $3.5 million from the Federal Environmental Protection Agency. Total cost of the project is $4,891,000. The project includes the removal of existing 24” and 30” storm sewer and replacement with new 30” HDPE (High Density Polyethylene Pipe); removal of existing 10” and 12” VCP (vitrified clay pipe) sanitary sewer and replacement with new 15” PVC sanitary. The roadway on Woodstock Avenue will be significantly impacted. Residents will receive information prior to the start of construction. Any detour information will be marked appropriately on the roadways and posted on the City's website.

STANFORD AVENUE WATER, SEWER AND PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

The City was awarded funding from the District One Public Works Integrating Committee of Cuyahoga County and the Ohio Public Works Commission (“OPWC”) for the Stanford Water, Sewer and Pavement Improvement Project.

The Project, on Stanford Avenue between West 204 Street and West 210 Street, will focus on the following:

• replacement of the sanitary sewers and connections 
• replacement of the storm sewer and connections 
• replacement of the water main and connections
• full depth pavement replacement including curb, curb drains, driveway aprons and side walk, only as needed

The Project has an engineer’s estimated cost of $5,521,080.00. Design work by the City’s consulting engineer is 90% complete with a goal for construction beginning later this summer. Residents will receive information prior to construction. Any detour information will be marked appropriately on the roadways and posted on the City's website.

REGIONAL EQUALIZATION FACILITY

The Regional Equalization Facility project has received a federal grant for $1,152,000 to design a stormwater retention tank. The City will continue to update residents about this project.

HOME VISITS

A very popular program, Home Flooding Visits, will continue. 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 May.

SEWER CLEANING

The Service Department uses the 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 what streets the Sewer Jet has been working to clean the sewers.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION AND SHREDDING EVENT

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Shredding event will take place in the rear of City Hall on Saturday, May 17 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Please enter off Lorain Road and have items for disposal/shredding in the truck/back of your vehicle and volunteers will remove the items. Please limit your shredding materials to 2 "banker" boxes and to confidential materials only. Non-confidential materials can be recycled weekly in your green recycle container. 

Thank you to the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District for the grant that helps finance this important City event.

CITY PROJECTS

Click here for information about the City projects listed below.

• Bain Park Erosion Project
• West 220 Bridge over I-480
• West 223 Street Project
• Cuyahoga County Health Urban Tree Canopy Grant
• ODNR Emerging Tree Grant

• 50/50 Program-West 210 St. (Lorain - Center Ridge)
• 2025 Paving Program (Year 36)
• I-480 Sound Wall
• Gas Line Replacement West 215, 217, 219 Streets

WASTE COLLECTION

SCHEDULE AND SERVICE GUIDE

Due to the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 26, collection will be on Tuesday, May 27.

Residents may place their carts, yard waste, and bulk curbside beginning at 5:00 P.M. the day before the scheduled collection. Please have items out by 7:00 A.M. on collection day to guarantee collection.* Empty receptacles must be returned to storage no later than 6:00 P.M. the day after collection, and cannot be stored in a front yard or side yard visible from the street.

Yard waste and bulk items (maximum of 6 items per week) are collected every week. Yard waste can be placed in plastic bags or loose in a trash container marked "Yard Waste". Bags and cans must not exceed 35 pounds. Small branches must be cut and bundled not to exceed 4 feet in length and no heavier than 35 pounds.

Click here to view the 2025 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.

*If your garbage/recycle cans were out prior to 7:00 A.M. on collection day and Republic Services did not collect your trash, please call Republic Services at 1-800-433-1309 to report the error.

WELCOME ELLIE'S SHOPPE & EVENT CENTRE

Owners of Ellie's Shoppe & Event Centre, Mayor Schneider, and other guests at the Grand Opening on Saturday, April 26.

Photo courtesy of Fairview Park Chamber of Commerce

Ellie's Shoppe & Event Centre is located at 22915 Lorain Road in a century home. Ellie's Shoppe & Event Centre is a local family business that offers a diverse collection of products from local artisans. An event center is available for small gatherings and community activities. For more information, visit the website.

EAT LOCAL

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

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Recently, we have had a number of complaints of teenagers chasing each other on foot or in vehicles shooting small projectiles at each other from toy weapons. These events have led to minor injuries and criminal charges.

Shooting toy weapons such as Orbeez, or other gel ball blasters, has become a trend, often involving social media challenges where people film themselves firing the gel guns at others. While legal as toys, misusing them in public or using them to shoot at people, even in a playful manner, can lead to criminal charges like assault or disorderly conduct, especially if someone is injured. The potential for injury or fear caused by the misuse of these guns is real and may have consequences. 

The Orbeez, when fired at a high speed, can cause injuries, especially if they hit a sensitive area like the eyes. Additionally, the guns themselves can be mistaken for real firearms and may cause people, including public safety, to respond as if the toy weapon is a real weapon.

We are asking parents and guardians to talk to their children and make them aware of the serious nature of these actions and ask them to think of the consequences before they participate. 

As always, see something, say something.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

The annual inspection and flushing of fire hydrants in the City will begin on Monday, May 5, and will continue until all hydrants are completed. The schedule is posted on the City's website.

Hydrant flushing can, and usually does, cause a temporary condition of rusty water. All residents are cautioned to check their water supply, especially before washing clothes or filling a pool. If you have a rusty water supply, run your cold-water faucets until the condition clears.

PROGRAMS AT THE GEMINI CENTER

The Parks and Recreation Department offers programs for people of all ages. Visit the Recreation Department's page on the City's website for information about the all the programs and additional events at the Gemini Center.

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING

The Parks and Recreation Commission's next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 21 at 6:00 P.M. at the Gemini Center. All are welcome!

21st ANNUAL ALL SENIORS PROM

We are over the moon to invite you to our Annual All Seniors Prom on Wednesday, May 21 from 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. For $10, enjoy appetizers and a catered, sit-down dinner by Italian Creations served by Fairview High School’s juniors and seniors. There will also be a live DJ, dancing, door prizes, raffle prizes, and a 50/50 raffle! Dress-up or down, it does not matter to us! Just make sure to RSVP today by calling 440-356-4437 or stop in to the Senior Center. 

WEDDING BREAKFAST TEA

Enjoy an English dessert and sample teas with British born Julie Koenig on Friday, May 23 at 1:00 P.M! Learn the story of the Wedding Breakfast Tea to celebrate the marriage of a royal couple, the Darjeeling tea known as the “champagne of teas,” and Lapsang Souchong, Winston’s Churchill’s favorite tea. Cost is FREE, but space is limited to 20 people, so RSVP today by calling 440-356-4437 or sign-up in person.

SENIOR SCOPE AND CALENDAR

VAN TRANSPORTATION

Click here for information regarding van transportation.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COALITION

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION COALITION MEETINGS

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition meets at 6:30 P.M. on the first Wednesday of the month at City Hall in the Dunson Room. The next meeting is Wednesday, May 7. All are welcome!

OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated in May. It is a time to honor the amazing contributions of older Americans and learn about the latest trends in aging. We also reaffirm our nation’s commitment to serving all older Americans.

This year’s theme, Flip the Script on Aging, is all about changing how we think about and approach aging. It encourages us to challenge stereotypes and get rid of the myths some may have about getting older. This year, let’s celebrate the many ways older adults can stay active and engaged as they age and highlight the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connections that come with aging.

Some ways older Americans can participate in Flip the Script on Aging include:

• Embrace the opportunity to change. Find a new passion, go on an adventure, and push boundaries by not letting age define your limits. Invite creativity and purpose into your life by trying new activities in your community to bring in more growth, joy, and energy.
• Explore the rewards of growing older. With age comes knowledge, which provides insight and confidence to understand and experience the world more deeply. Continue to grow that knowledge through reading, listening, classes, and creative activities.
• Stay engaged in your community. Everyone benefits when everyone is connected and involved. Stay active by volunteering, working, mentoring, participating in social clubs, and taking part in activities at your local senior center or elsewhere in the community.
• Form relationships. As an essential ingredient of well-being, relationships can enhance your quality of life by introducing new ideas and unique perspectives. Invest time with people to discover deeper connections with family, friends, and community members.

Diverse communities are strong communities. Ensuring that older adults remain involved and included in our communities for as long as possible benefits everyone.

ARAB-AMERICAN HERITAGE

The Greater Cleveland area has been home to Arab-Americans since the mid-1890’s. Arabs represent 22 countries from Western Asia and Northern Africa. As with so many people from countries around the world, they started as peddlers of dry goods, factory and construction workers. Many then went on to establish small businesses, primarily on Cleveland’s west side.

Omar’s Restaurant at 22250 Lorain Road in Fairview Park is an example of a small business that has become a valued part of our city. Neadal and Katie Kanan opened Omar’s in 2019. Neadal is a native of Jordan. Katie is from Fairview Park; she attended St. Angela Merici School and graduated from Rocky River High School. When they married in 2002 they settled in Roanoke, VA, where Neadal owned a restaurant. Wanting to be closer to family, they moved to Fairview Park and began looking for a location to open a new restaurant. They found their current location, a former dress shop, rented the building and began renovations.

Omar’s serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu that includes Artisan pizzas, kabobs, wraps, and vegetarian options. In addition to eating in, they also do catering. While approximately 50% of their clientele are Arab, Neadal and Katie enjoy introducing their menu of healthy Mediterranean lunches and dinners to all of their Fairview Park neighbors. When you walk in Katie and their friendly staff will greet you with “Ahlan Wa Sahlan” (“you are most welcome”)!

Fairview Park’s Adopt-A-Tree Program is every homeowner’s opportunity to have a tree professionally planted in their tree lawn by the City. The City’s program encourages expansion of the urban tree canopy by offering to pick up the tree you purchased at a local nursery and plant it (including mulch and a stake) AT NO CHARGE!

If you want to add a tree to your tree lawn at a substantial savings (rare these days), follow these easy steps:

1. Call the Fairview Park Service Department at 440-356-4410 to arrange for a site inspection and help with selecting the best tree for your spot.
2. Buy a tree at a local nursery. Have the nursery hold it under your name and call (440-356-4410) or email the Service Department to let them know your tree is ready for pick-up and delivery. The City will deliver and install your tree using professional materials, mulch and a support stake.
3. Make a cup of coffee and enjoy your new tree.

Your new tree must be watered regularly through the initial growing season well into fall. This is critical for a successful planting and your most important responsibility. 

Trees offer all kinds of benefits including increased property value, cooling shade, rainwater control, cleaner air and, perhaps most importantly, they combat climate change. The Shade Tree Advisory Committee urges you to take advantage of this program.

Click here for more information about caring for your new tree.

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 the next meeting Thursday, May 8 at 6:00 P.M.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

The Fairview Park Community Council is pleased to introduce Kathy Yarian as the 2025 Citizen of the Year.

Kathy Yarian truly embodies community service. With decades of leadership, innovation, and a genuine commitment to others, she is a deserving recipient of this award. Kathy has significantly influenced the success of numerous community events and programs while also inspiring many individuals to get involved. Her efforts reflect the impactful nature of volunteerism and leadership.



Known for her energy, generosity and steadfast devotion, she is a cherished figure in Fairview Park. Kathy not only spearheads initiatives but also engages actively, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently. Her humility and ability to foster teamwork make volunteering a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

BITS AND PIECES OF FAIRVIEW PARK HISTORY

Service & Sacrifice

Tracing Fairview Park History, Chris H. Gerrett

World War II was hard on Fairview Village, so many young men lost their lives.  

Word spread quick in the village when a young man died while serving his country. How could any of these deaths hit the villagers harder? The news hit harder if the young man lived on their street.

In May 1943, word came that Hawley Thomas from Belvidere Avenue was killed; a month later, Ernest Schaefer from West 208 Street died from his wounds. The year ended with the death of Robert Hine from Wooster Road.

In 1944, July was a month to celebrate independence, and also the month that a widowed mother received word that her son, Gerald Bunce of West 211 Street, had been killed. And not even two weeks later, Glenn Twitchell of Northwood Avenue was also killed. By September, word of yet another young man losing his life, Almo Dennerle of West 214 Street, and the year ended with the death of Erwin Gravenstreter from South Sagamore just before Thanksgiving. 

The year 1945 started off rough with one death after another. In January, Robert Sauers, also from South Sagamore, was killed. Lester Fink of West 220 Street lost his life in February, and soon after, in March, Robert Reynolds of West 223 Street also died while serving his country, leaving behind a wife and baby girl. 

This is just a short list of Fairview Village young men who gave their all; there are many more.  

Fairview Park cemetery is the final resting place for many veterans, dating back to the Revolutionary War. Tour the cemetery any day, sunrise to sunset, or from your easy chair by clicking here. 

GARDEN CLUB

The Garden Club meets most second Tuesdays of the month in the Dunson Community 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, May 13. All are welcome. Garden Club updates and information can be found on the Garden Club's Facebook page.

GREEN TEAM

Learn more: 

https://wildones.org/

https://meadowcitynursery.com/

https://cuyahogaswcd.org/service-programs/native-plants/

The Green Team meets at 6:30 P.M. on the third Tuesday of every month in the Dunson Room in City Hall. The next meeting is Tuesday, May. All are welcome! 

Follow the Green Team on Facebook for the latest news and tips on recycling and sustainability topics.   

The Green Team recycles scrap metal to fund their environmental projects. Call or text them with pick up details if you would like to support their mission: 216-308-6407 or greenteamfp@gmail.com.

FAIRVIEW PARK WOMEN'S CLUB

The Fairview Park Women's Club is partnering with Dean's Greenhouse (3984 Porter Road, Westlake) for a plant sale fundraiser. Dean's will donate 20% of your purchases (other than gift cards) from May 1 through June 30 to help fund scholarships, grants, and community needs. You can shop for our benefit multiple times. Just let them know before they ring your purchases that you want the sale credited to FPWC. Thanks for your support!