Emerging Neighborhoods
rodale institute honors work of garden guru maurice small
It's only fitting that as Cleveland's urban farms continue to attract national attention, so too should Cleveland's pioneering urban farmers.
On September 16, 2011, Maurice Small will receive such an honor when he receives a Rodale Institute Organic Pioneer Awards. Held annually in Kutztown, Penn., the awards recognize the farmers, scientists and activists who lead the organic movement in America.
Honored for work as youth organizer, Maurice Small was co-director and youth program advisor for Cuyahoga County's City Fresh Project.
“The organic movement has come a long way, and it is largely in thanks to pioneers like Dr. Harwood, Drew and Joan Norman, and Maurice Small, who believed in the power of organic from the beginning and weren't afraid to take a stand early on. They are an inspiration for all of us, especially for the next generation of organic leaders," notes Maria Rodale, chairman and CEO of Rodale Inc.
"Regarded as a visionary, a food broker, an educator, and a friend of worms, Maurice Small has more than twenty years of experience in creating excellent soil, growing delicious food and cultivating young leaders in Northeast Ohio. Deservedly distinguished as an “Urban Action Hero,” Maurice saves lives each day through his mission and work."
Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to pioneering organic farming through research and outreach. It celebrates its 30th anniversary this fall.
Reap the rest of the awards right here.
On September 16, 2011, Maurice Small will receive such an honor when he receives a Rodale Institute Organic Pioneer Awards. Held annually in Kutztown, Penn., the awards recognize the farmers, scientists and activists who lead the organic movement in America.
Honored for work as youth organizer, Maurice Small was co-director and youth program advisor for Cuyahoga County's City Fresh Project.
“The organic movement has come a long way, and it is largely in thanks to pioneers like Dr. Harwood, Drew and Joan Norman, and Maurice Small, who believed in the power of organic from the beginning and weren't afraid to take a stand early on. They are an inspiration for all of us, especially for the next generation of organic leaders," notes Maria Rodale, chairman and CEO of Rodale Inc.
"Regarded as a visionary, a food broker, an educator, and a friend of worms, Maurice Small has more than twenty years of experience in creating excellent soil, growing delicious food and cultivating young leaders in Northeast Ohio. Deservedly distinguished as an “Urban Action Hero,” Maurice saves lives each day through his mission and work."
Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to pioneering organic farming through research and outreach. It celebrates its 30th anniversary this fall.
Reap the rest of the awards right here.
"We're taking boarded-up schools in Cleveland's neighborhoods and bringing them back to life," says Alan Rosskamm, CEO of Breakthrough Schools. "This is about keeping families in the city." With a lofty goal of opening 20 new charter schools by 2020, Breakthrough is on a mission to provide quality education to Cleveland students regardless of zip code. Opponents, on the other hand, argue that charters create a two-tiered education system that siphons off the best students.
Call it poetic justice: Through an innovative partnership with the Cuyahoga Land Bank, some of the lenders whose lax lending practices helped spur the national foreclosure crisis are now helping to address problems of abandonment that are rife in Cuyahoga County.
The Cuyahoga Land Bank, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce urban blight and improve property values by acquiring foreclosed properties and either returning them to productive use or tearing them down, is getting some help from two new partners. Bank of America and Wells Fargo began donating vacant and foreclosed properties to the Land Bank along with a $3,500 to $7,500 contribution towards demolition in July.
Wells Fargo and Bank of America are not the only partners to contribute to this program; others include Fannie Mae, HUD and J.P. Morgan Chase.
"Each partnership we establish provides us with more resources to tackle the issues of blight created by foreclosure and abandonment in our communities," Gus Frangos, President of the Land Bank, stated in a release.
Such collaborative approaches can also lead to solutions on a national scale, stated Russ Cross, Midwest Regional Servicing Director for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Recently, Wells Fargo announced an alliance with the National Conference of Mayors on addressing similar issues in cities across the country. Cross plans to share the Cuyahoga Land Bank model with mayors in other cities.
Many of these same lenders have also stepped up efforts to keep delinquent or at-risk homeowners in their homes. Bank of America recently launched a homeownership retention and foreclosure prevention initiative in Cleveland, including a recent mortgage modification outreach event where customers met with homeowner retention specialists over a three-day period to receive face-to-face counseling and underwriting of mortgage modification requests.
Source: Cuyahoga Land Bank
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Cuyahoga Land Bank, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce urban blight and improve property values by acquiring foreclosed properties and either returning them to productive use or tearing them down, is getting some help from two new partners. Bank of America and Wells Fargo began donating vacant and foreclosed properties to the Land Bank along with a $3,500 to $7,500 contribution towards demolition in July.
Wells Fargo and Bank of America are not the only partners to contribute to this program; others include Fannie Mae, HUD and J.P. Morgan Chase.
"Each partnership we establish provides us with more resources to tackle the issues of blight created by foreclosure and abandonment in our communities," Gus Frangos, President of the Land Bank, stated in a release.
Such collaborative approaches can also lead to solutions on a national scale, stated Russ Cross, Midwest Regional Servicing Director for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Recently, Wells Fargo announced an alliance with the National Conference of Mayors on addressing similar issues in cities across the country. Cross plans to share the Cuyahoga Land Bank model with mayors in other cities.
Many of these same lenders have also stepped up efforts to keep delinquent or at-risk homeowners in their homes. Bank of America recently launched a homeownership retention and foreclosure prevention initiative in Cleveland, including a recent mortgage modification outreach event where customers met with homeowner retention specialists over a three-day period to receive face-to-face counseling and underwriting of mortgage modification requests.
Source: Cuyahoga Land Bank
Writer: Lee Chilcote
From University Circle to Slavic Village to Buckeye and beyond, art abounds in and around Cleveland. In this pictorial essay, Fresh Water photographer Bob Perkoski trains his lens on the stunning, stirring and thought-provoking works that can be found inside Cleveland's finest repositories of art to some of Cleveland's most overlooked urban enclaves. Art, both classical and modern, architecture and design fill this city with beauty, imbue its citizens with hope, and brighten up the places we live, work and play.
Kate Dupuis moved from Bay Village to a condemned Queen Anne Victorian in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood of Cleveland nearly 20 years ago. Now she's fighting to save her adopted community from the ravages of neglect, disinvestment and the foreclosure crisis.
The near-west side neighborhood has been hard hit by the economic downturn and is littered with boarded-up, vacant properties. Yet Dupuis insists that it's worth salvaging -- and it can happen if residents are organized, she adds.
"Our agenda is to bring some attention to a long-neglected neighborhood that has the viability to be saved," says Dupuis, a stained glass artist who chairs the neighborhood's volunteer-led Housing Committee. "Our housing stock is wonderful and extremely affordable, and we have committed, solid residents. But the neighborhood's at a tipping point -- we need to address our urban blight."
Towards that end, Dupuis and other residents have organized a project to fix up an historic, vacant gas station at W. 44th and Storer Ave. in the heart of the neighborhood this Saturday. A team of volunteers will cover the long-neglected building with plywood, repaint it, install a pathway of concrete pavers, and add landscaping that transforms the empty property into a park-like setting.
The project is part of a larger effort by the Housing Committee to involve residents in improvement projects while pressing the city for additional resources. "We have properties in our community that have been vacant for years, and along with that comes the attendant crime," says Dupuis. "We're pushing the city to remedy the worst of the worst by tearing down these houses."
Dupuis stresses that the Housing Committee is also helping to preserve the neighborhood's building stock. This Saturday's effort is one such project. The event is co-sponsored by Cleveland Housing Court and the Stockyard, Clark-Fulton and Brooklyn Centre Community Development Corporation.
Although Dupuis says there isn't much new investment taking place on Storer Ave, she notices subtle, positive changes in the neighborhood. "We're giving people in the community hope because we're taking action and doing things."
Source: Kate Dupuis
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The near-west side neighborhood has been hard hit by the economic downturn and is littered with boarded-up, vacant properties. Yet Dupuis insists that it's worth salvaging -- and it can happen if residents are organized, she adds.
"Our agenda is to bring some attention to a long-neglected neighborhood that has the viability to be saved," says Dupuis, a stained glass artist who chairs the neighborhood's volunteer-led Housing Committee. "Our housing stock is wonderful and extremely affordable, and we have committed, solid residents. But the neighborhood's at a tipping point -- we need to address our urban blight."
Towards that end, Dupuis and other residents have organized a project to fix up an historic, vacant gas station at W. 44th and Storer Ave. in the heart of the neighborhood this Saturday. A team of volunteers will cover the long-neglected building with plywood, repaint it, install a pathway of concrete pavers, and add landscaping that transforms the empty property into a park-like setting.
The project is part of a larger effort by the Housing Committee to involve residents in improvement projects while pressing the city for additional resources. "We have properties in our community that have been vacant for years, and along with that comes the attendant crime," says Dupuis. "We're pushing the city to remedy the worst of the worst by tearing down these houses."
Dupuis stresses that the Housing Committee is also helping to preserve the neighborhood's building stock. This Saturday's effort is one such project. The event is co-sponsored by Cleveland Housing Court and the Stockyard, Clark-Fulton and Brooklyn Centre Community Development Corporation.
Although Dupuis says there isn't much new investment taking place on Storer Ave, she notices subtle, positive changes in the neighborhood. "We're giving people in the community hope because we're taking action and doing things."
Source: Kate Dupuis
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cle's vacant land as ecological research site
Cleveland, like many cities, is in possession of numerous vacant lots -- 20,000 or so, say some estimates. Land banks, which purchase, raze and repurpose some parcels, is one solution. Urban farms are another.
In this lengthy essay in The New York Times, written by Michael Tortorello, another use of vacant land is discussed: ecological research.
"As it happens," reads the piece, "a team of local scientists has designated this accidental landscape an Urban Long-Term Research Area -- that is, Ultra. And having won a $272,000 exploratory award from the National Science Foundation, the researchers call their project Ultra-Ex. There's enough turf here for everybody: Ultra-Ex scientists are studying bird and insect populations, watershed systems, soil nematodes and urban farms.
Their mission? To document the ecological benefits that vacant lots might provide and to redefine the land, from neighborhood blight to community asset.
Read the compelling piece here.
In this lengthy essay in The New York Times, written by Michael Tortorello, another use of vacant land is discussed: ecological research.
"As it happens," reads the piece, "a team of local scientists has designated this accidental landscape an Urban Long-Term Research Area -- that is, Ultra. And having won a $272,000 exploratory award from the National Science Foundation, the researchers call their project Ultra-Ex. There's enough turf here for everybody: Ultra-Ex scientists are studying bird and insect populations, watershed systems, soil nematodes and urban farms.
Their mission? To document the ecological benefits that vacant lots might provide and to redefine the land, from neighborhood blight to community asset.
Read the compelling piece here.
If community renewal can be spoken of as planting seeds for change, then count the Cudell neighborhood of Cleveland as a change-maker. The community recently won a free orchard from the Edy's Fruit Bars Communities Take Root program.
On August 30th, dozens of new fruit trees will be planted near W. 85th and Franklin Boulevard on vacant land that was recently home to dilapidated row houses.
According to Jeanette Toms, Special Programs Coordinator with the nonprofit Cudell Improvement Inc., the neighborhood secured the gift after winning enough votes in an online competition to place among the top five entries in the country. Facing stiff competition from entries around the country, Cudell solicited votes from as far away as Florida, Italy and Portugal in order to land the win.
"My dad lives in Florida, so when he came to visit, we asked him to help spread the word among his friends," says Toms. "You could vote once per day."
The competition is sponsored by Edy's Fruit Bars and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, an international foundation that is "dedicated to planting fruit-bearing trees in places that best benefit the community -- public schools, city parks and low-income neighborhoods," according to the program's website.
Cudell Improvement plans to install an irrigation system to ensure the trees are properly watered. In three to five years, when the trees begin bearing fruit, the group plans to give the fruit away to neighborhood residents and food pantries.
Source: Jeanette Toms
Writer: Lee Chilcote
On August 30th, dozens of new fruit trees will be planted near W. 85th and Franklin Boulevard on vacant land that was recently home to dilapidated row houses.
According to Jeanette Toms, Special Programs Coordinator with the nonprofit Cudell Improvement Inc., the neighborhood secured the gift after winning enough votes in an online competition to place among the top five entries in the country. Facing stiff competition from entries around the country, Cudell solicited votes from as far away as Florida, Italy and Portugal in order to land the win.
"My dad lives in Florida, so when he came to visit, we asked him to help spread the word among his friends," says Toms. "You could vote once per day."
The competition is sponsored by Edy's Fruit Bars and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, an international foundation that is "dedicated to planting fruit-bearing trees in places that best benefit the community -- public schools, city parks and low-income neighborhoods," according to the program's website.
Cudell Improvement plans to install an irrigation system to ensure the trees are properly watered. In three to five years, when the trees begin bearing fruit, the group plans to give the fruit away to neighborhood residents and food pantries.
Source: Jeanette Toms
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cimperman is 'darling' of food policy summit in portland
Last May, Councilman Joe Cimperman participated in the annual Community Food Security Coalition, a food policy conference in Portland, Oregon. Turns out, he killed.
"The surprise darling of the Community Food Security Coalition conference last May was a little-known city councilman from Cleveland," Hannah Wallace writes for Faster Times. "He spoke fervently about his city, a city of flourishing community gardens, backyard bee hives and chicken coops, a city where all farmers markets accept food stamps, where schools get discounts for sourcing local food, and where both trans-fats and smoking on playgrounds are banned. His name? Joe Cimperman."
In this lengthy Q and A, Cimperman discusses some of the efforts that are helping Cleveland become a "food justice utopia," and a model for other cities to emulate.
Cimperman explains how in 2007, Cleveland became the first city to pass an urban farm zoning law, leading to an explosion of community gardens. He says that by 2020, the goal is to have a community garden within five blocks of every Cleveland resident.
He also mentions progressive city programs like urban chickens and bees, farmers markets accepting food stamps, and shoring up food deserts with fresh produce.
"Community gardens just make us a nicer city," Cimperman says in the article. "They make us share more, pay more attention to each others' kids, understand each others' cultures more. There are just so many ancillary benefits to community gardens -- we can't imagine."
Digest the rest here.
"The surprise darling of the Community Food Security Coalition conference last May was a little-known city councilman from Cleveland," Hannah Wallace writes for Faster Times. "He spoke fervently about his city, a city of flourishing community gardens, backyard bee hives and chicken coops, a city where all farmers markets accept food stamps, where schools get discounts for sourcing local food, and where both trans-fats and smoking on playgrounds are banned. His name? Joe Cimperman."
In this lengthy Q and A, Cimperman discusses some of the efforts that are helping Cleveland become a "food justice utopia," and a model for other cities to emulate.
Cimperman explains how in 2007, Cleveland became the first city to pass an urban farm zoning law, leading to an explosion of community gardens. He says that by 2020, the goal is to have a community garden within five blocks of every Cleveland resident.
He also mentions progressive city programs like urban chickens and bees, farmers markets accepting food stamps, and shoring up food deserts with fresh produce.
"Community gardens just make us a nicer city," Cimperman says in the article. "They make us share more, pay more attention to each others' kids, understand each others' cultures more. There are just so many ancillary benefits to community gardens -- we can't imagine."
Digest the rest here.
neighborhood progress inc. announces $1.8m in community development grants
Neighborhood Progress Inc. has approved more than $1.8 million in grants that will support nine community development corporations in Cleveland. The grants were awarded based on the organizations' history of carrying out transformative programs as well current market conditions that will enable these programs to spark additional investment and growth.
That money will go toward making those neighborhoods safer, healthier, more prosperous places to live and work. The grants will support a wide range of projects, including real estate development and restoration, urban green space transformation, commercial-property renovation, and efforts to improve streetscape safety and appearance.
Joel Ratner, president of Neighborhood Progress Inc., said in a release, "We see this financial support as the catalyst for new businesses in the Waterloo commercial district in Cleveland's Collinwood neighborhood. And, as a lifeline for residents in the Fairfax neighborhood who are raising grandchildren and need access to safe, affordable housing that can easily accommodate non-traditional families."
Here's a complete list of the organizations and the amount each was awarded:
Buckeye Area Development Corp. $195,000
Burten Bell Carr Development Corp. $190,000
Detroit Shoreway Community Development Corp. $225,000
Fairfax Renaissance Development Corp. $190,000
Famicos Foundation $190,000
Northeast Shores Development Corp. $195,000
Ohio City Near West Development Corp. $195,000
Slavic Village Development $221,500
Tremont West Development Corp. $195,000
That money will go toward making those neighborhoods safer, healthier, more prosperous places to live and work. The grants will support a wide range of projects, including real estate development and restoration, urban green space transformation, commercial-property renovation, and efforts to improve streetscape safety and appearance.
Joel Ratner, president of Neighborhood Progress Inc., said in a release, "We see this financial support as the catalyst for new businesses in the Waterloo commercial district in Cleveland's Collinwood neighborhood. And, as a lifeline for residents in the Fairfax neighborhood who are raising grandchildren and need access to safe, affordable housing that can easily accommodate non-traditional families."
Here's a complete list of the organizations and the amount each was awarded:
Buckeye Area Development Corp. $195,000
Burten Bell Carr Development Corp. $190,000
Detroit Shoreway Community Development Corp. $225,000
Fairfax Renaissance Development Corp. $190,000
Famicos Foundation $190,000
Northeast Shores Development Corp. $195,000
Ohio City Near West Development Corp. $195,000
Slavic Village Development $221,500
Tremont West Development Corp. $195,000
Over the past year, more than $48,000 has been invested in energy audits and "green" retrofits for merchants along Buckeye Road on Cleveland's East Side.
According to Deepa Vedavyas, Associate Director for Development at Buckeye Area Development Corporation (BADC), this is just the beginning. She hopes to see Buckeye Road merchants become the first "green-certified retail district" in Cleveland.
"We're using this as a learning opportunity, and encouraging them not to stop after the audit and retrofit," she says. "Energy-efficient businesses save on utility bills, which gives them an extra dollar to use towards marketing or expansion."
In all, 20 Buckeye Road merchants received energy audits, which assess the energy-efficiency of storefronts and determine cost-effective ways to help them save on their energy bills. Ten of these also received a $3,000 retrofit grant and participated in the Green Plus educational program. Green Plus is a national organization that is based at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and provides technical assistance and certification for retailers that go green.
The energy audits and retrofits were supported by a partnership with the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) and funding from the Ohio Department of Energy (ODE). The Generation Foundation provided funding for the Green Plus program.
Buckeye businesses that completed audits also received $150 energy saver kits that included such items as LED exit lights, spray-in foam insulation and water-saving faucet aerators. Those that did retrofits have completed such tasks as adding insulation and sealing up air leakages at windows and doors.
Vedavyas plans to work with merchants to monitor their progress, evaluate their energy usage and see how much they save on utility bills over the next year.
Source: Deepa Vedavyas
Writer: Lee Chilcote
According to Deepa Vedavyas, Associate Director for Development at Buckeye Area Development Corporation (BADC), this is just the beginning. She hopes to see Buckeye Road merchants become the first "green-certified retail district" in Cleveland.
"We're using this as a learning opportunity, and encouraging them not to stop after the audit and retrofit," she says. "Energy-efficient businesses save on utility bills, which gives them an extra dollar to use towards marketing or expansion."
In all, 20 Buckeye Road merchants received energy audits, which assess the energy-efficiency of storefronts and determine cost-effective ways to help them save on their energy bills. Ten of these also received a $3,000 retrofit grant and participated in the Green Plus educational program. Green Plus is a national organization that is based at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and provides technical assistance and certification for retailers that go green.
The energy audits and retrofits were supported by a partnership with the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) and funding from the Ohio Department of Energy (ODE). The Generation Foundation provided funding for the Green Plus program.
Buckeye businesses that completed audits also received $150 energy saver kits that included such items as LED exit lights, spray-in foam insulation and water-saving faucet aerators. Those that did retrofits have completed such tasks as adding insulation and sealing up air leakages at windows and doors.
Vedavyas plans to work with merchants to monitor their progress, evaluate their energy usage and see how much they save on utility bills over the next year.
Source: Deepa Vedavyas
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The renewal of an urban core usually involves, at some point, a grand, sweeping plan that calls for huge development projects costing millions, or billions, of dollars: a new convention center, a mass transit system, a comprehensive waterfront plan. But as cities realize the importance of attracting and retaining talent, it's the smaller development projects and neighborhood investment that are driving real and sustainable change.
ray's mtb park gets nod in wired mag
In an article titled "Go Big, Get Air, Get Fit" in the July 2011 issue of Wired magazine, Ray's Indoor Mountain Bike Park is included along with other off-beat exercise options.
"Weights. Treadmills. Spin classes. Let's face it," begins the article, "workout innovations just haven't kept pace with advances in TV, iPad, and snack-food technology. That said, a few forward-looking gyms offer activities that might actually compete with our Twitter/Netflix/PizzaRanch fixations."
Writer Steven Nereo calls Ray's the only brand of indoor park in the country built specifically for mountain bikes. "There are separate areas for beginners and experts, with wood ramps and assorted obstacles (like rocks and logs, for example) connected by looping trails. The buildings are closed during the summer months, when Ray's can't compete with Mother Nature's gym."
Ray's will re-open October 1, 2011 -- bigger and better than ever.
"Weights. Treadmills. Spin classes. Let's face it," begins the article, "workout innovations just haven't kept pace with advances in TV, iPad, and snack-food technology. That said, a few forward-looking gyms offer activities that might actually compete with our Twitter/Netflix/PizzaRanch fixations."
Writer Steven Nereo calls Ray's the only brand of indoor park in the country built specifically for mountain bikes. "There are separate areas for beginners and experts, with wood ramps and assorted obstacles (like rocks and logs, for example) connected by looping trails. The buildings are closed during the summer months, when Ray's can't compete with Mother Nature's gym."
Ray's will re-open October 1, 2011 -- bigger and better than ever.
time-lapse video builds massive wind turbine in seconds
In the making-it-look-easy category, this inspiring video condenses the monumental task of building Ohio's largest wind turbine into one scant minute. In reality, it took approximately three months for the turbine to go up, though it won't be fully operational for some time.
At over 440 feet tall at blade tip, the 2.5 MW turbine is not only the largest in the state, it is one of the largest in the nation. For comparison, the turbine at Great Lakes Science Center is one-third the size.
At over 440 feet tall at blade tip, the 2.5 MW turbine is not only the largest in the state, it is one of the largest in the nation. For comparison, the turbine at Great Lakes Science Center is one-third the size.
The apartment buildings that line East Boulevard in Glenville boast stunning architectural details such as ornate columns, artisan brickwork and broad balconies that overlook Rockefeller Park. They attest to the wealth that once existed on this grand old street.
Yet for decades, East Boulevard has deteriorated as owners struggled with a soft market, much-needed repairs and soaring energy costs. Despite its proximity to University Circle and Rockefeller Park, the area was long considered "dicey."
Now two apartment buildings have been purchased and renovated by the Famicos Foundation, a nonprofit that serves the Glenville and Hough neighborhoods by developing affordable and market-rate housing. The group has renovated 1341 East Boulevard into six apartments, each with three bedrooms and two baths. All six suites have been pre-leased, with the first tenants taking possession in July.
Although the building's exterior has been carefully preserved -- the massive columns holding up the porches were rebuilt to match the crumbling originals -- much of the interior is new. The developer installed new heating, plumbing and electrical systems, replaced the old kitchens with fresh contemporary ones, added amenities like in-suite laundry, and upped storage space.
Also, many of the exquisite original details have been refurbished -- including oak hardwood floors, leaded-glass windows, fireplaces (many suites have two) and natural woodwork.
David Fagerhaug, Senior Project Manager with the Famicos Foundation and a resident of East Boulevard, says that the 2,000-square-foot apartments lease for $825 per month. Although he'd like to get higher rents, he says it's a good sign that the tenants are frequently professionals and University Circle employees.
The renovation of 1341 East Boulevard was made possible using federal historic tax credits, a $600,000 grant from the City of Cleveland's Housing Trust Fund and $188,000 in federal stimulus funding. Fagerhaug says that he'd like to see more buildings renovated along the street, and to see rents increase so that public subsidy is not needed to justify renovation costs.
The project was also aided by a low interest rate loan from Dollar Bank in partnership with Cleveland Action to Support Housing (CASH), a nonprofit whose mission is to spur neighborhood revitalization through home repair lending.
Source: David Fagerhaug
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Yet for decades, East Boulevard has deteriorated as owners struggled with a soft market, much-needed repairs and soaring energy costs. Despite its proximity to University Circle and Rockefeller Park, the area was long considered "dicey."
Now two apartment buildings have been purchased and renovated by the Famicos Foundation, a nonprofit that serves the Glenville and Hough neighborhoods by developing affordable and market-rate housing. The group has renovated 1341 East Boulevard into six apartments, each with three bedrooms and two baths. All six suites have been pre-leased, with the first tenants taking possession in July.
Although the building's exterior has been carefully preserved -- the massive columns holding up the porches were rebuilt to match the crumbling originals -- much of the interior is new. The developer installed new heating, plumbing and electrical systems, replaced the old kitchens with fresh contemporary ones, added amenities like in-suite laundry, and upped storage space.
Also, many of the exquisite original details have been refurbished -- including oak hardwood floors, leaded-glass windows, fireplaces (many suites have two) and natural woodwork.
David Fagerhaug, Senior Project Manager with the Famicos Foundation and a resident of East Boulevard, says that the 2,000-square-foot apartments lease for $825 per month. Although he'd like to get higher rents, he says it's a good sign that the tenants are frequently professionals and University Circle employees.
The renovation of 1341 East Boulevard was made possible using federal historic tax credits, a $600,000 grant from the City of Cleveland's Housing Trust Fund and $188,000 in federal stimulus funding. Fagerhaug says that he'd like to see more buildings renovated along the street, and to see rents increase so that public subsidy is not needed to justify renovation costs.
The project was also aided by a low interest rate loan from Dollar Bank in partnership with Cleveland Action to Support Housing (CASH), a nonprofit whose mission is to spur neighborhood revitalization through home repair lending.
Source: David Fagerhaug
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Since Veronica Walton created an urban farm on Ansel Road several years ago, she's been asked countless times about her lush, bountiful plots: "I'm looking for a job," some would say. "Can I work here?"
When asked such questions, Walton, who is the Director of the nonprofit NEO Restoration Alliance, would extol the virtues of urban farming. She explained the difference between community gardens and urban farmers, who sell their crops to customers via local farmers markets. Yet until recently, she's been unable to point to a truly local example where small-scale farmers could sell their harvest.
That's about to change. This summer, Gateway105 Farmers Market will launch at the intersection of East 105th and Ashbury streets. The market will provide the Glenville, Hough and University Circle neighborhoods with fresh, locally grown food. It will also feature work by local artists, complementary family activities, musical performances and free health screenings from local institutions.
Organizers of the market, which kicks off on Friday, July 1st and runs every Friday through October, hope to reach local residents and University Circle employees who shop for groceries before heading home from work.
The farmers market was organized by NEO Restoration Alliance and the Famicos Foundation, a nonprofit community development organization that serves the Glenville and Hough neighborhoods and develops affordable and market-rate housing.
"This is about building a community of individuals that learn to develop entrepreneurial skills, while providing a service to the community at the same time," says Walton.
Source: Veronica Walton
Writer: Lee Chilcote
When asked such questions, Walton, who is the Director of the nonprofit NEO Restoration Alliance, would extol the virtues of urban farming. She explained the difference between community gardens and urban farmers, who sell their crops to customers via local farmers markets. Yet until recently, she's been unable to point to a truly local example where small-scale farmers could sell their harvest.
That's about to change. This summer, Gateway105 Farmers Market will launch at the intersection of East 105th and Ashbury streets. The market will provide the Glenville, Hough and University Circle neighborhoods with fresh, locally grown food. It will also feature work by local artists, complementary family activities, musical performances and free health screenings from local institutions.
Organizers of the market, which kicks off on Friday, July 1st and runs every Friday through October, hope to reach local residents and University Circle employees who shop for groceries before heading home from work.
The farmers market was organized by NEO Restoration Alliance and the Famicos Foundation, a nonprofit community development organization that serves the Glenville and Hough neighborhoods and develops affordable and market-rate housing.
"This is about building a community of individuals that learn to develop entrepreneurial skills, while providing a service to the community at the same time," says Walton.
Source: Veronica Walton
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cle met zoo offers sanctuary to grieving elephant
What started out as a sad tale of elephant grief has ended on a high note.
Shenga, 28-year-old, 7,900-pound female had been at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo since 2003. When her elderly exhibit mate died late last year, zookeepers knew the best thing for Shenga would be to move her to an exhibit with other companions. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo was selected because of its new five-acre African Elephant Crossing exhibit, which debuted in early May.
An animal care manager from Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo accompanied Shenga on her trip to town, even staying for a few days help her acclimate. Her new exhibit mates include one male and three other females.
This item in the Omaha World-Herald says, "If anyone has any doubts about how Shenga likes it in Cleveland, check out the video of her in the swimming pond."
Read the article and watch the fun here.
Shenga, 28-year-old, 7,900-pound female had been at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo since 2003. When her elderly exhibit mate died late last year, zookeepers knew the best thing for Shenga would be to move her to an exhibit with other companions. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo was selected because of its new five-acre African Elephant Crossing exhibit, which debuted in early May.
An animal care manager from Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo accompanied Shenga on her trip to town, even staying for a few days help her acclimate. Her new exhibit mates include one male and three other females.
This item in the Omaha World-Herald says, "If anyone has any doubts about how Shenga likes it in Cleveland, check out the video of her in the swimming pond."
Read the article and watch the fun here.
Old Brooklyn has long been considered a hidden gem by its residents. Minutes from downtown and within walking distance of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the neighborhood boasts quiet, tree-lined streets and a bevy of independent shops and friendly taverns.
Yet neighborhood advocates are hoping it won't be a well-kept secret much longer. That's why they've organized Pop Up Pearl, a one day block party that will fill the empty storefronts on Pearl Avenue with shops, entertainment and food vendors, and invited their neighbors to join in the festivities.
The event, which is modeled after the Better Block project in Dallas, Texas, is intended to act as a living charrette that allows visitors, residents and property owners to imagine a more vibrant future for Old Brooklyn's downtown. They're also hoping to attract investment after the party is over.
Pop Up Pearl, which was spearheaded by the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation (OBCDC), takes place on Pearl Road between Wildlife Way and State Road this Saturday, May 21st from noon until dusk. It will include a "complete streets" demonstration, adding temporary bike lanes along Pearl Road. Entertainment from Progressive Arts Alliance and other groups also is planned.
Pop Up Pearl will also feature a youth arts studio with zoo-themed artwork from local nonprofit ArtHouse, artwork fashioned from recycled materials from Nicole McGee of Plenty Underfoot, and a shop filled with 100 percent locally made goods from Crafty Goodness in Lakewood.
The Better Block project began when a grassroots group transformed a city street in Oak Cliff, Texas into an inclusive, pedestrian- and bike-friendly street. Better Blocks projects "increase the perception of safety in an area, stimulate economic activity in vacant or blighted corridors and help to implement 'Complete Streets' projects," according to the group's website.
Source: Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Yet neighborhood advocates are hoping it won't be a well-kept secret much longer. That's why they've organized Pop Up Pearl, a one day block party that will fill the empty storefronts on Pearl Avenue with shops, entertainment and food vendors, and invited their neighbors to join in the festivities.
The event, which is modeled after the Better Block project in Dallas, Texas, is intended to act as a living charrette that allows visitors, residents and property owners to imagine a more vibrant future for Old Brooklyn's downtown. They're also hoping to attract investment after the party is over.
Pop Up Pearl, which was spearheaded by the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation (OBCDC), takes place on Pearl Road between Wildlife Way and State Road this Saturday, May 21st from noon until dusk. It will include a "complete streets" demonstration, adding temporary bike lanes along Pearl Road. Entertainment from Progressive Arts Alliance and other groups also is planned.
Pop Up Pearl will also feature a youth arts studio with zoo-themed artwork from local nonprofit ArtHouse, artwork fashioned from recycled materials from Nicole McGee of Plenty Underfoot, and a shop filled with 100 percent locally made goods from Crafty Goodness in Lakewood.
The Better Block project began when a grassroots group transformed a city street in Oak Cliff, Texas into an inclusive, pedestrian- and bike-friendly street. Better Blocks projects "increase the perception of safety in an area, stimulate economic activity in vacant or blighted corridors and help to implement 'Complete Streets' projects," according to the group's website.
Source: Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Pedal for Prizes is a two-wheeled treasure hunt through Cleveland's Old Brooklyn neighborhood that will offer participants a chance to win more than $2,000 worth of prizes simply by visiting neighborhood businesses. The event takes place this Saturday, May 21st at Loew Park.
Here's how it will work: Upon check-in, bicyclists receive a map of 20 destinations and points of interest in Old Brooklyn. While exploring the neighborhood, riders make pit-stops at local landmarks like Michael's Bakery, Gentile's Imported Italian Foods, and Jack Frost Donuts, collecting raffle tickets at each one. They'll return to Loew Park in the afternoon to enter the tickets into a Chinese-style raffle.
Prizes include two new Trek 7000 hybrid bikes, a one-year membership to the downtown branch of the Cleveland YMCA, a $100 Honey Hut Ice Cream gift basket, a $50 gift certificate to Steelyard Commons, and gift certificates to area restaurants.
Organizers say Pedal for Prizes will not only promote Old Brooklyn as a bike-friendly neighborhood that is chock-full of charming local businesses, but also encourage participants to come back for a closer look.
"It gives neighborhood merchants a unique opportunity to bring hundreds of new people from throughout the region into their shops," says Old Brooklyn resident and event organizer Jeffrey Sugalski. "We hope that they'll return and become patrons in the future."
Pedal for Prizes is supported by Neighborhood Connections, a program of the Cleveland Foundation that provides small grants to grassroots community projects.
Loew Park is located at 3121 Oak Park Avenue in Cleveland. The free event begins at 12 pm.
Source: Jeffrey Sugalski
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Here's how it will work: Upon check-in, bicyclists receive a map of 20 destinations and points of interest in Old Brooklyn. While exploring the neighborhood, riders make pit-stops at local landmarks like Michael's Bakery, Gentile's Imported Italian Foods, and Jack Frost Donuts, collecting raffle tickets at each one. They'll return to Loew Park in the afternoon to enter the tickets into a Chinese-style raffle.
Prizes include two new Trek 7000 hybrid bikes, a one-year membership to the downtown branch of the Cleveland YMCA, a $100 Honey Hut Ice Cream gift basket, a $50 gift certificate to Steelyard Commons, and gift certificates to area restaurants.
Organizers say Pedal for Prizes will not only promote Old Brooklyn as a bike-friendly neighborhood that is chock-full of charming local businesses, but also encourage participants to come back for a closer look.
"It gives neighborhood merchants a unique opportunity to bring hundreds of new people from throughout the region into their shops," says Old Brooklyn resident and event organizer Jeffrey Sugalski. "We hope that they'll return and become patrons in the future."
Pedal for Prizes is supported by Neighborhood Connections, a program of the Cleveland Foundation that provides small grants to grassroots community projects.
Loew Park is located at 3121 Oak Park Avenue in Cleveland. The free event begins at 12 pm.
Source: Jeffrey Sugalski
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Sharie Renee finds the beauty in what most people would deem garbage. As founder and CEO of Cosmic Bobbins in the St. Clair-Superior District, she takes old paper materials -- such as magazines or brochures -- and transforms them into fashionable accessories.
Cosmic Bobbins puts an emphasis on social awareness. As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of funeral directors, Renee would contemplate on the meaning of life and the importance of giving back.
"When you're always watching the end of life, you think about what it's all about," she says. "We're all here for a period of time and what comes is an ideology on what business is all about and the social good of making the world a better place."
That ideology is the focus of Cosmic Bobbins. The company revolves around recycling -- or upcycling -- while also supporting and employing charitable organizations both locally and internationally.
Renee works with United Cerebral Palsy in Cleveland, employing up to 38 people in a sheltered work environment, and works with Youth Opportunities Unlimited, teaching sewing skills. Internationally, Renee works with a village outside of Mexico City, employing residents for her weaving and folding needs. "We're giving back to the world one magazine at a time," says Renee.
Most of her clients are businesses that also look out for the environment. She has created pencil holders from old annual reports for University Circle Inc., handbags out of old newsletters for the Cleveland Botanical Garden, and scissors cases for Paul Mitchell from old brochures.
Source: Sharie Renee
Writer: Karin Connelly
Cosmic Bobbins puts an emphasis on social awareness. As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of funeral directors, Renee would contemplate on the meaning of life and the importance of giving back.
"When you're always watching the end of life, you think about what it's all about," she says. "We're all here for a period of time and what comes is an ideology on what business is all about and the social good of making the world a better place."
That ideology is the focus of Cosmic Bobbins. The company revolves around recycling -- or upcycling -- while also supporting and employing charitable organizations both locally and internationally.
Renee works with United Cerebral Palsy in Cleveland, employing up to 38 people in a sheltered work environment, and works with Youth Opportunities Unlimited, teaching sewing skills. Internationally, Renee works with a village outside of Mexico City, employing residents for her weaving and folding needs. "We're giving back to the world one magazine at a time," says Renee.
Most of her clients are businesses that also look out for the environment. She has created pencil holders from old annual reports for University Circle Inc., handbags out of old newsletters for the Cleveland Botanical Garden, and scissors cases for Paul Mitchell from old brochures.
Source: Sharie Renee
Writer: Karin Connelly