Of Parma High Corridor," He Said
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Please P “Every reform movement has a lunatic fringe”- Theodore Roosevelt TAKEFREE! ONE! atronize Our Advertisers Interested In Writing For The Observer? - Join Us At Our Public Meeting At Arabica Coffee House (6285 Pearl Rd.) Every Tuesday 7PM Proud Member Of The Observer Media Family Of Community Owned Newspapers & Websites Volume 6 • Issue 3 • March, 2014 Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter Delivers Third State Of The City Address by Michael Culp which last year leveraged $1.6 ural cornerstone for a "Town In his third State of the million in real estate purchases Center" concept, incorporat- City address on February 24, for 18 first-time, income-eligi- ing all that is around it - City Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter ble home buyers. Hall, the new public library, unveiled two new programs Meanwhile, the formation the hospital, Stearn's Home- the administration is develop- of a Parma Youth Commis- stead, and the Day Drive ing: a first-time home buyers sion, comprised of Parma high corridor," he said. "To sieze the program aimed at attracting schoolers, to encourage moment, our administration college graduates and a youth students to participate in gov- created the Parma Mayor's commission to encourage ernment, was announced. Town Center Task Force." The civic involvement among high DeGeeter tapped Council 15 member task force - com- schoolers. During his speech President Sean Brennan, a prised of stakeholders and at the Parma-Snow branch of U.S. History and Government residents - will produce strate- the Cuyahoga County Pub- teacher, to lead the effort. gic recommendations in about lic Library system, DeGeeter "They'll have the opportunity 6 months to help make the focused mostly on city efforts to learn about all facets of city Town Center concept a reality. to bolster the economy, Parma Mayor Timothy J. DeGeeter at the podium delivering his government and interact with The group already has met and strengthen neighborhoods, third annual State of the City address on February 24. public officials and commu- put considerable effort into the provide efficient government, nity leaders," DeGeeter said. project. Soon, the task force and maintain quality services "We hope this program will will solicit public input as part to residents. his father at the podium to the city. "We need them to prepare and encourage youths of the process to develop the While in a formal setting kick off the speech. DeGeeter not only work here but to live to pursue a civic minded life." town center vision. in the library's new state-of- used the address to announce here," he said. "Homeowner- Details are still being worked In addition to the mall the-art auditorium, the nearly new programs the administra- ship is critical for the life of our out, such as the application redevelopment and town cen- 40 minute address, punctuated tion is advancing, including community and we must not process and specific deadlines. ter concept, DeGeeter also throughout by applause, also a new first-time home buyers' undermine what we all have In his speech, DeGeeter touted other projects: reflected a family atmosphere. initiative intended to attract worked so hard to build." The highlighted new and expand- The Cuyahoga Public Five year old Jack DeGeeter, young professionals to Parma, proposal builds upon the suc- ing businesses and the Library's new $15.6 million the mayor's son, introduced especially those who work in cess of the existing program, administration's efforts to dollar Parma branch on Pow- build upon the on-going rede- ers Blvd. and the $15.2 million Joint Safety Meeting Held By velopment at the Shoppes at dollar renovation of the Parma- Parma. "The redevelopment of Snow Branch. Parma Councilmen Tuma And Divis the mall can be used as a nat- by Allan Divis informative presentations by any kind of yard work, and On February 12, Ward 8 Sergeant Kevin Riley of the being vigilant when strangers Parma Observer Welcomes Councilman Scott Tuma and Parma Police Department and knock on your door and try myself, Ward 5 Councilman Law Director Tim Dobeck. to engage you in conversation. Managing Editor Sergeant Riley addressed Law Director Dobeck’s pre- Allan Divis, hosted a joint by Daniel P. McCarthy safety meeting in Council home safety issues and pro- sentation focused on how best They say that imitation Chambers at Parma City Hall. vided useful tips on protecting to avoid becoming a victim is the sincerest form of flat- Despite the bitter cold, a good one’s home from intruders. of telephone and credit card tery. We have that in mind contingent of residents were on For instance, Riley suggested scams. Other guest speakers when other area publications hand to receive valuable infor- cutting your grass before leav- at the meeting included Mayor announce that they are seeking mation pertaining to home ing for vacation, locking your Tim DeGeeter and Safety community columnists and security and telemarketing doors while you are outside Director Gregory Baeppler. would like area residents to scams.The meeting included of your property while doing Following the presenta- send in photos of their events, tions, Councilman Tuma and special occasions, renovations, I moderated a question and etc. After all, we have been answer session with residents focusing on those things since and provided safety tip fliers. the very beginning, so it feels Tuma said, “Our number one good to be noticed and makes priority as elected officials of us think that we must be doing the City of Parma is community something right. The demand safety.” I believe that positive for our paper is increasing town hall meetings like this help Stefan P. Stefaniuk every month and judging from further that goal. The useful expand by including addi- the numerous calls we receive information that was provided tional key team members. A asking where the Parma to residents at the safety meet- decision has been reached to Observer can be found (in ing is available upon request by add the position of Managing over 185 locations throughout simply contacting either myself Editor. I have thought long and Parma, Parma Heights, and Left to right, Parma Police Sgt. Kevin Riley, Parma Ward 5 Coun- or Councilman Tuma through hard about this and I feel that Seven Hills) we realize that cilman Allan Divis, and Parma Ward 8 Councilman Scott Tuma our offices at Parma City Hall at our choice of Stefan P. Stefa- in order to meet this demand, at the Safety Meeting held in Parma City Council chambers on (440) 885-8091. February 12. it has become necessary to continued on page 2 Page 2 The Parma Observer Vol 06, Issue 3 March, 2014 Community News maintenance of and cleaning of public the month at 7:00 pm. The public is The President’s Corner streets and sidewalks. It is in this com- encouraged to attend and participate mittee where new recreation programs, in these informative meetings, which by Sean Brennan, such as this year’s new evening youth take place at Parma City Hall in City Parma City Council President baseball and softball leagues, are dis- Council Chambers. To enter Council This month I will continue a series cussed. Chambers, simply park behind City of columns begun last month that Ward Six Councilman Larry Nap- Hall and enter through the back doors. are meant to inform you about the oli has always been an advocate for Meeting dates and times are posted on committee structure of Parma City making Parma’s environment even the City’s website at www.cityofparma- Council. Last month I focused on why better. This is why his colleagues have oh.gov or you may simply call the Council committees are formed and granted him the chairmanship of the Council office for information at 440- how they operate, as well as a synop- Environmental Standards Committee 885-8091. Happy St. Paddy’s Day and sis about the Finance Committee. This over the years. Ward Three Council- here’s to a warm spring! month I hope to inform you about man Mark Casselberry serves as Vice some of the other working groups of Chairman. All matters relating to Council. natural watercourses, streams, creeks, The Public Safety Committee is brooks and the pollution thereof; headed up by Council veteran, Ward the water supply, smoke abatement, Four Councilman Brian Day. Ward air pollution, street lighting, surface Seven Councilman Brian Brochetti Sean Brennan, and storm water drainage, the con- serves as the Vice Chairman of the Parma City Council President struction, maintenance and repair committee. The Safety Committee is chronic nuisance properties. The Parma Observer is a com- of storm and sanitary sewers, sewage charged with dealing with all matters Next, the Public Service Com- munity owned and operated disposal and the collection and dis- relating to the Fire Prevention Code, mittee is chaired by Ward Two citizen based news source. The posal of refuse and other waste are the the Building Code, the Housing Code, Councilwoman Debbie Lime with views and opinions expressed issues heard in this committee. For do not necessarily reflect the the Traffic Code, the improvement, Ward Six Councilman Larry Napoli example, Councilman Napoli’s com- views and opinions of The repair and construction of municipal serving as Vice Chair. This committee mittee played a key role in protecting Parma Observer staff or our properties and ways, public health, the handles legislation relating to public the West Creek Preserve, which is now advertisers. Building Department, use of public parks, playgrounds, recreational sites, the Cleveland Metroparks’ West Creek streets and sidewalks, penal ordinances the Ridgewood Municipal Golf Course, 11180 Snow Road, Parma, Reservation. and public nuisance abatement.