plowharp

-- PUBLIC NOTICE -- Hosted By Ward 14 Councilman Brian Cummins & Ward 3 Councilman Joe Cimperman Join Us For Dinner & Discussion Of Three Vital Community Projects That Are Underway In Our Neighborhoods! Wednesday, November 4th, 2015 6:00-7:00 PM Registration, Dinner & Networking · 7:00-9:00 PM Presentations and Q&A Lincoln West High School (3202 West 30th Street, Cleveland, OH 44109) * La Villa Hispana is a cultural place making initiative focused around the West 25th Street & Clark Avenue intersection. This area is the epicenter of the densest Hispanic enclave in the state of Ohio and one of the most impoverished neighborhoods on the Westside. The vision of La Villa Hispana is to be the cultural and economic hub of the Latino community in Northeast Ohio. * The Dream Neighborhood is geared towards providing safe and affordable housing, social support, and economic opportunities for refugees and newcomers entering the City of Cleveland. The Dream Neighborhood is centered within 1/2 mile of the Thomas Jefferson Newcomers Academy, which uses immersion education for students who are non-English speaking (56% of who are Hispanic). * The West 25th Street Corridor Initiative seeks to build on the area’s existing assets and Metro Health Hospital’s planned $1.2 billion campus transformation to catalyze the revitalization of the corridor and its surrounding neighborhoods. Meeting entrance will be located on the Northwest corner of the building. Please use North parking lot. Partners Include: Stockyard, Clark-Fulton, & Brooklyn Centre CDO, Hispanic Business Center, Hispanic Alliance, MetroHealth System, Refugee Services Collaborative, BNR Ventures, Neighborhood Family Practice, Alpha Village, AP Business Solutions, City of Cleveland, and The Geis Foundation. Hosted By Ward 14 Councilman Brian Cummins & Ward 3 Councilman Joe Cimperman Please RSVP to Keisha Gonzalez, Bilingual Community Organizer, (216) 961-9073 x204 or [email protected] ------------------------------ Organizada por Ward 14 Concejal Brian Cummins & Ward 3 Concejal Joe Cimperman Acompáñanos para una cena y discusión de tres proyectos comunitarios vitales que están en proceso en nuestros vecindarios! Miércoles, 04 de noviembre 2015 6:00-7:00 PM Inscripción, Cena y Redes· 7:00-9:00 PM Presentaciones y Preguntas Lincoln West High School (3202 West 30th Street, Cleveland, OH 44109) * La Villa Hispana es una iniciativa de crear sentido de hogar cultural centrado alrededor de la intersección de West 25th Street y Clark Avenue. Esta área es el epicentro de la populación hispana más densa en el estado de Ohio y uno de los barrios más empobrecidos en el Westside . La visión de La Villa Hispana es ser el centro cultural y económico de la comunidad latina en el noreste de Ohio * El Dream Neighborhood está orientado a proporcionar viviendas segura y asequible, proveer apoyo social y oportunidades económicas para los refugiados y los recién llegados que entran en la ciudad de Cleveland . El Dream Neighborhood se localiza dentro de 1/2 milla de la escuela Thomas Jefferson Newcomers Academy, que utiliza la educación de inmersión para los estudiantes que no dominan el ingles (56 % de los cuales son hispanos). * El Iniciativo del West 25th Street Corredor busca a crecer sobre los bienes existentes del vecindario y la inversión planificada de $1.2 billions para la transformación del campus de Metro Health Hospital para catalizar la revitalización del corredor y sus barrios aledaños. Entrada de la reunión se encuentra en la esquina noroeste del edificio. Utilice el estacionamiento Norte. Socios Incluyen: Stockyard, Clark-Fulton, & Brooklyn Centre CDO, Hispanic Business Center, Hispanic Alliance, The Metro Health System, Refugee Services Collaborative, BNR Ventures, Neighborhood Family Practice, Alpha Village, AP Business Solutions, City of Cleveland, and The Geis Foundation. Organizada por Ward 14 Concejal Brian Cummins & Ward 3 Concejal Joe Cimperman Por favor de RSVP a Keisha Gonzalez, Organizadora Comunitario al (216) 961-9073 x204 o [email protected]

Hoping to be able to provide more details and updates in the coming months. There is a lot of effort in the planning of a few events and actions for the Summer of 2015. Stay tuned. The following link is to a PowerPoint that was created almost two years ago. Since that time there has been a lot of work to develop a core team and expanded vision to ensure the inclusion of arts and culture (Julia De Burgos), in addition to promoting commercial and economic development activities, education and social service agencies. Brian Cummins, Cleveland City Council, Ward 14 REF: www [dot] scribd [dot] com/doc/133175590/La-Villa-Concept-v-3-29-13 www[dot]facebook[dot]com/brianjcummins/posts/10205211040380692

To cd-cleveland and others interested in the new Ward 14 race -- For an initial post about what I would do in the new Ward 14 see my recent comment posted at: http://www.cleveland.com/cityhall/index.ssf/2009/05/brian_cummins_vs_joe_santiago.html#comments In terms of the Sun Brooklyn Journal article – The “drama” quote… I believe Ken and I were discussing the multiple issues and reasons why I decided to run in the new Ward 14. Amongst various things I mentioned was that people had commented to me that they were tired of the drama and perceived battles between Councilman Santiago and former Councilman Cintron. That and a lack of leadership in moving the community forward on multiple levels. The main reasons to run in Ward 14 are that I live in the new re-districted ward, I believe I have something to offer the voters of the new ward as well as wanting to continue to try to influence City council and City politics and actions. And, of the new wards I had to choose from I believe I have the best chance to win re-election in Ward 14. The mention of the poll showing I would win – to clarify, it actually shows I have a good opportunity to win. But it should be understood that the poll was done last, after much discussion and consideration of the options brought about by the re-districting. It was utilized as one part of a thorough process. In terms of the other quotes in the article, I’ll let others comment on that. Regards, Brian Cummins Ward 15 Councilman, Cleveland City Council New Ward 14 Candidate [email protected] 216-459-8400 office

FOR IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE Tuesday, May 26, 2009 Councilman Cummins seeks re-election to Cleveland City Council Incumbent Councilman Brian Cummins to contest seat in newly established Ward 14 See full announcement at: http://realneo.us/content/councilman-cummins-seeks-re-election-cleveland-city-council-new-ward-14 Five main issues sited as major concerns of new Ward 14 residents and businesspersons: Excerpt: 1. “Safety. People want to feel safe in their homes, on their streets and in their neighborhoods... 2. Jobs and economic development...They want job growth and appropriate development sought out and achieved. 3. Housing conditions and values. People want to see vacant and abandon homes and lots on their streets properly maintained, rehabilitated and put back to good use... 4. Infrastructure and City services. Citizens want reliable and responsive City services and solutions to chronic problems with the City’s aging infrastructure... 5. Tired of the same old politics. People want to stop the polarization of their community. They want new, positive leadership that respects differences of opinion and helps build consensus to move the community forward. They want to get beyond divisiveness, alleged corruption and questionable motives. People want to be heard, respected for their ideas and concerns and served with integrity and dignity.”...

STANFORD HOMES PROJECT BEING DECONSTRUCTED. A big day tommorrow as we received confirmation today that tomorrow the Stanford Homes project will begin to be taken down. Lighting Demolition has won the bid and from the City of Cleveland and will be managing a deconstruction/demolition to try to harvest as much of the 2x4s and plywood etc... as possible. The six partially constructed townhomes are located on Stanford Avenue just off of Pearl Road in between Memphis Avenue and State Road. Due to personal financial problems and then the market tanking this project stalled shortly after it began in 2004. By 2005 the project was cold and the last three years has been a struggle to watch it go through foreclosure and to try to force the maintenance and security of the properties. We made multiple attempts and taking potential investors through the properties as well as trying to play match maker with the bank, owner and investors. But, the economic conditions and the specifics of this project were too difficult to succeed in seeing the project completed. Tomorrow is a victory for the neighbors as they've been very patient in calling in requests when needed for re-boarding and maintenance. Regards, Brian Cummins Councilman Ward 15 [email protected]

Thank's for continuing the conversation here. Here is the latest posts on the Plain Dealer: Cleveland Councilman Brian Cummins wants an alternative to carving up his ward in redistricting Posted by Henry J. Gomez/Plain Dealer Reporter March 09, 2009 http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/03/redistricting_worries_clevelan.html EDITORIAL As Cleveland draws new ward lines, it should let the public in on the process - editorial Tuesday, March 10, 2009 http://www.cleveland.com/editorials/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1236673945178760.xml&coll=2 I continue to try responding and posting more info primarily at the following site as well as within Henry Gomez's article: http://realneo.us/content/brooklyn-centre-old-brooklyn-targeted-slice-and-dice-council-leadership

Thank's for continuing the conversation here. Here is the latest posts on the Plan Dealer: Cleveland Councilman Brian Cummins wants an alternative to carving up his ward in redistricting Posted by Henry J. Gomez/Plain Dealer Reporter March 09, 2009 http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/03/redistricting_worries_clevelan.html EDITORIAL As Cleveland draws new ward lines, it should let the public in on the process - editorial Tuesday, March 10, 2009 http://www.cleveland.com/editorials/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1236673945178760.xml&coll=2

See the following posting at Realneo -- http://realneo.us/content/billboards-akron-and-cleveland Share your opinions and perspectives on what is anticipated to be an amendment of the city of Akron's Billboard Ordinance -- next week, and what direction you think Cleveland should take with its' legislation. Do you think digital billboards are cool high-tech symbols of progress or fancy versions of a Dinosaur-age media? Regards, Brian Cummins Cleveland City Councilman, Ward 15 [email protected]

FYI -- Regarding Presentation of Lower Big Creek Plan t0 the Cleveland City Planning Commission for official adoption by the City of Cleveland -- ------------------------------------------ From: Tom Collins [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, January 30, 2009 5:09 PM To: Subject: Lower Big Creek Good afternoon, It has been some time since I communicated to you about the Lower Big Creek Greenway Restoration and Redevelopment Plan. Work is continuing to gain access to multiple sites in the valley for the completion of Phase I reports or the initiation of Phase II reports under the direction of the City Brownfield Assessment Study. These are necessary to determine past land use and surface and sub-surface conditions that impact trail alignment or other recreational use. The Mayor’s staff has been briefed on the plan and is considering what financial assistance it could receive in future budgets. A significant event for moving the plan forward will occur next week. Old Brooklyn CDC needs your assistance with this event. On Friday, February 6, 9:00 AM the plan will be presented to the Cleveland City Planning Commission for adoption and insertion into the update of the city master plan (Connecting Cleveland 2020 Citywide Plan). This will help secure funding for the easement, engineering and construction phases. The City Planning Commission meets at 9:00 AM in Room 514 of City Hall. George Cantor, Cleveland Planning Commission and Robyn Sandys, Old Brooklyn CDC will introduce the presentation by Dennis Mersky, Floyd Browne Group (plan consultant). The presentation will be approximately fifteen minutes. Having strong support from the community is essential to the presentation. Visible and consistent support for this plan is important when it comes to securing funds. Projects with strong support create a “buzz” and are remembered when they move through the budgetary process. Please attend, sign in for this agenda item, and stand in support when the chair asks who is here for this item. Parking is available in the city hall parking lot accessed from Lakeside Ave immediately West of City Hall. If you cannot attend please send an e-mail stating your support and why you believe this is important to Cleveland, Brooklyn Centre and Old Brooklyn to George Cantor ([email protected]). George will have your communication inserted into the meeting record. If you prefer you can send a letter to the Cleveland City Planning Commission, C/O George Cantor, 601 Lakeside Ave #501, Cleveland, Ohio 44114. Thank you for your continued support for the restoration and redevelopment of the Lower Big Creek Valley. Tom Collins Old Brooklyn CDC ------------------------------------------ For specifics regarding the proposed plan see OBCDC's Planning Initiatives page at: http://www.oldbrooklyn.com/planning.htm Lower Big Creek Valley Greenway Redevelopment & Restoration Plan, prepared by Floyd Browne Group in association with schmidtcopelandparkerstevens, June 2008. Download report [pdf]. Please note large file size - 79MB. For faster viewing, download specific sections: Section One: 1. Introduction; 2. Valley Resources; 3. Public Involvement; 4. Trail Route Alternatives; 5. Trail & Greenway Concept (Upland & Valley Trail Descriptions (19MB) Section Two: 7. Environmental Regeneration Efforts; 8. Suggested Land Use Changes (Camping Site, Adventure Sports Site, Harshaw Chemical Site, Ecological Restoration - Henninger Landfill, Martin Enterprises Aggregates, Brookside Auto Recycling Yard); 8. Priorities & Next Steps; 9. Funding Strategies (34MB) Appendix A - Development Guidelines (384K) Appendix B - Master Plan Maps (27MB) Appendix C - Cost Estimate (230K) Appendix D - Public Meetings (160K) The plan presents "a new vision for the Valley Greenway. The creation of this vision incorporates detailed future land use, public access, infrastructure, ecological restoration and environmental regeneration, open space and trail linkages and economic development concepts."

See my Realneo cross-posting: Mall location picked for Med/Con http://realneo.us/content/mall-location-picked-medcon Although many still have doubts as to the actual benefit or success a Med Mart/Convention Center investment will have, the fact that the damn location decision has been made is a relief...particularly given the fact the Mall site prevailed. Let's move on as we keep an eye on the broken public process this has experienced to-date and work to demand and affect improvement in the processes as well as begin to focus on other important economic and workforce development issues that need broad community and regional support. Those of us who worked on the Put-It-On-The-Ballot effort are still awaiting the actual County/MMPI development agreement (hopefully quickly forthcoming) and specifics of the plans/costs. The City’s Administration and our Council must be prudent in our role in the project, being stewards of this important asset. If the Med/Con is going forward, I am happy that we'll see our existing facility rehabilitated (the Public Auditorium and all of its amenities) – see the DH Ellison Co.’s web site dedicated to the Group Plan and check out the photos of some of the remarkable features of the spaces inside the Public Auditorium. (one of my personal favorites is the Little Theater which is situated adjacent to and west of the Music Hall): http://groupplan.dhellison.com/buildings.php?ss=ConventionCtrPhotos Clearly this is a watershed moment in the arduous and poorly executed Public/private process and it will not be a done deal until the doors are opened. I hope to see plans and engineering docs to be revealed soon. I spoke to Council President Sweeney before the announcement and the County Administrator right after the announcement and am anxious for the City to finally play a substantive role in this project of which we represent more than a third of the tax revenue that will pay for this. I assume that historic tax credits will be pursued for the Public Auditorium component, and like others have heard that plans for the primary convention facility will be to completely gut and construct from scratch a new facility, underground in replacement of the existing facility. The exciting potential as mentioned in other posts is that of a rail connection and the potential utilization of the overlook to Lake Erie. There needs to be additional work on other potential funding sources as this is a major public investment that is building or re-building on our City's historic Group Plan, so we have to do everything we can to get this right! The fact that the Mall site was picked is a good beginning and re-birth of this very long anticipated project. Sincerely, Brian Cummins Ward 15, Cleveland City Council Rep. [email protected] 216-459-8400

Here is the NEO Citizens League’s recent posting on their web site. Check their site out and plan on getting involved! http://www.neohio.org Med Mart Forum This Fall Posted in General by Michael on the October 2nd, 2008 The Northeast Ohio Citizens League is currently talking to all the major players and stakeholders about convening an educational forum around the Cuyahoga County Convention Center / Med Mart issue this fall. A specific date and venue will be announced shortly. We’re intending to provide a non-partisan, transparent, un-biased look at all the data and information that’s been put forth on this long-discussed venture. Part of the process will be to offer the “virtual home” to the issue so we can all have one shared place to research, learn and discuss this very important County initiative with regional implications. But this will not be just a “one-off’ forum to bring together people and organizations. It’s aprocess we’re going to put into place for more issues which could benefit from a different approach. Here’s the way we described it in a recent email on the topic: ------------------------- When a project such as the med mart comes along, it only stands to reason – democratic reason – that the whole community should be involved in the planning process. A process in which there is continual informed dialogue amongst all sectors – public & private – that results in an open and transparent plan. I think we have to agree that this issue could greatly benefit from a “forum/planning process” that is assisted by an un-biased, non-partisan third party. The cc/mm will be an on-going community discussion for quite some time and it needs it’s own “space” – including a web site – where the community and the stakeholders can continue to meet and discuss as things progress. Finally this isn’t just about the med mart issue. It’s about developing a continual public deliberation/policy process that allows the whole community to collaborate on major issues. As we know, there are many, many local & regional projects in play right now that could benefit from this approach. The Northeast Ohio Citizens League is currently talking to all the major players and stakeholders about convening an educational forum around the Cuyahoga County Convention Center / Med Mart issue this fall. A specific date and venue will be announced shortly. We’re intending to provide a non-partisan, transparent, un-biased look at all the data and information that’s been put forth on this long-discussed venture. Part of the process will be to offer the “virtual home” to the issue so we can all have one shared place to research, learn and discuss this very important County initiative with regional implications. But this will not be just a “one-off’ forum to bring together people and organizations. It’s aprocess we’re going to put into place for more issues which could benefit from a different approach. Here’s the way we described it in a recent email on the topic: When a project such as the med mart comes along, it only stands to reason – democratic reason – that the whole community should be involved in the planning process. A process in which there is continual informed dialogue amongst all sectors – public & private – that results in an open and transparent plan. I think we have to agree that this issue could greatly benefit from a “forum/planning process” that is assisted by an un-biased, non-partisan third party. The cc/mm will be an on-going community discussion for quite some time and it needs it’s own “space” – including a web site – where the community and the stakeholders can continue to meet and discuss as things progress. Finally this isn’t just about the med mart issue. It’s about developing a continual public deliberation/policy process that allows the whole community to collaborate on major issues. As we know, there are many, many local & regional projects in play right now that could benefit from this approach.

To respond on a few questions and to add a few comments -- ? Does this mean the GCP/ Forest City guesstimates were "somewhat less (50M) than accurate"? The problem with the $47 million GCP cost estimate variance is that I question who was in the mix strongly advocating for the Mall site. Forest City Enterprise had their folks playing an active role in the analysis with the GCP Site Selection Committee, whereas Mayor Jackson and Council Leadership have given a pass to the County and the entire process. I believe there is a way, and MMPI has indicated via the Crain's article that either site can work. With that being stated by MMPI, the Mall site should definitely be re-examined very closely. The liability to the City to have the County build at the Tower City site is extremely high and shortsighted. The inherent value of the historic Burnham plan and the asset of the Lake are un-mistakable. FYI -- stay tuned for an announcement by the Northeast Ohio Citizens League as (http://www.neohio.org) they are planning a public forum on the Med Mart/Conv Center for November. My bet and hope is that Commissioners will put off their controversial decision on the site until after the election. An attempt at facilitating a forum where there can be a presentation by multiple parties of various facts and experiences that relate to this important and currently largest planned public investment for our region is admirable. Regards, Brian Cummins Cleveland City Council, Ward 15 [email protected] 216-459-8400