| |
Mayor's Newsletter
Update
Dear Friends:
The longer days and warmer
temperatures tell us spring has finally arrived. With winter behind us,
we are all energized and ready to tackle this year’s projects and what
better place to start than our own homes and yards.
We will be very busy with a number of projects throughout the City this
year. Many of these projects will affect traffic patterns and how you
travel through our City. I suggest you check the City’s official
website, www.cityofbrookpark.com, for updated information .It will cause
an inconvenience, but remember it is only temporary and we are confident
that you will be very pleased with the end result.
Two areas of interest and importance, which will have the greatest
impact on our community for years to come, are the Flooding Action Plan
and the Railroad Quiet Zone. After the heavy rainstorms last August, I
ordered our City Engineer to prepare an action plan for the City of
Brook Park. In addition, our persistence and pursuit of a Railroad Quiet
Zone has paid off. We have a signed contract and awarded the bid so
construction will be underway. All residences will receive a letter
outlining both of these major projects. If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to call or email my office. We want to provide
you with answers and/or information you are requesting. These projects
along with the Snow Road Railroad Underpass, the widening and sewer
improvements at W.150th and Brookpark Road, and the Eastland/Sheldon
roadway-bridge and sewer improvement are major undertakings. The length
of the projects spans 6-18 months. The projects will all improve your
quality of life.
While you plan your own indoor and outdoor home improvement projects
this year, make sure you fill out the proper paperwork for your permit.
During the months of June, July and August permits are free. Call the
Building Department at 216-433-7412 if you have any questions regarding
a contractor or about your project.
I want to take this opportunity to welcome our new Economic Development
Commissioner, Michelle Boczek to the City. Michelle is working
diligently each day to attract new businesses to our community.
Businesses contribute to our community in many ways, including adding to
our tax base and providing job opportunities for our residents. Be sure
to patronize our new and existing businesses to show them your
appreciation.
I certainly want to commend the Beautification and Pride Committee for
all of their efforts in our community. This year the Committee has
implemented an Awards Program, which will recognize homes that have made
improvements that make a difference. It all starts at home, the single
largest investment you make. Let us do our part and work harder at
taking care of our property.
I want to encourage all of our residents to participate in our Recycling
Program. Recycling helps to conserve precious natural resources and
energy and creates manufacturing jobs. You can help to preserve our
environment and generate revenue for our community.
If you are a Senior
Citizen, I hope you have contacted our Office of Aging. There you will
find out all sorts of information that can help you everyday including
our club, transportation program, trips, activities, meet new friends
and much, much more. Mary Ann LaQuatra and Joan Corrigan will answer any
and all of your questions. The office is located in the Recreation
Center, so stop in or call at 216-433- 4136.
We are so proud of our City in so many ways, especially by the kindness
and thoughtfulness you have shown by donating to the REACH office. This
is our City’s food pantry for families less fortunate than others. The
office is located at 5590 Smith Road. Betty Nagy can answer your
questions. Call her at 216-433-4168.
Once again, this spring our Parks and Playgrounds will open up for you
to enjoy. We have scheduled more improvements at a few locations. I want
to ask your help by helping us protect these areas. We want our children
and families to enjoy our neighborhood parks. If you see anyone damaging
or misbehaving, please do not hesitate to call our Police Department.
By now, you have heard the new siren system. It is different from the
past. Please do not be startled, you will become more familiar with it.
It is so valuable to preserving the safety of our
residents. Another reason to feel safe in our City.
I want to commend and thank the Police, Fire and Service Departments for
a job well done. This winter placed many demands on these employees
under some difficult conditions. Nevertheless, they answer the call and
get the job done. Their efforts are very much appreciated. I have always
stressed the importance of teamwork and each of our departments working
together with one goal in mind—Making Brook Park a Better Place. We will
serve you proudly and with respect.
Looking ahead, you may want to note the following events; the American
Legion Post #610 Memorial Day service in Kennedy Park May 26th and the
Annual Homedays Celebration on July 11th through the July 13th. This
year’s event will have many new and exciting features. The Ohio Flags of
Honor will return and kickoff the Homedays weekend. If you missed it
last time, I hope you have the opportunity this year, it is quite an
experience. As always, our thoughts and prayers go out to the men, women
and families of America’s Armed Forces who are fighting to protect our
freedom and democracy here and around the world. We look forward to
their return home.
Please be safe this spring and summer. Be sure to drive slowly and
responsibly through our City. There are more bikes, walkers, and
construction. Leave a few minutes early to get where you are going.
On behalf of the Administration, City Council, and myself I want to
thank you for your support. We will continue to “Make Brook Park a
Better Place…One Day at a Time”. I wish you and your families a safe,
healthy and enjoyable Springtime!
Mayor Mark J. Elliott
|