Lakemore seeking improvement in appearance
By Mark Cuva
LAKEMORE — The Lakemore Village Council took time at the June 5 meeting to discuss various ways to improve the physical appearance of the community.
Two common solutions spearheaded council’s discussion: upgrading devalued property through a housing rehabilitation program and asking residents to perform routine property maintenance to keep an acceptable appearance for the rest of the community.
Councilwoman Marlene Hill addressed the first solution by announcing a June 20 workshop concerning the Summit County Housing Rehabilitation Program. The workshop will allow residents of both Lakemore and Springfield Township to fill out forms regarding eligibility for loan programs. Staff members will be on hand to aid in the application process and answer any questions residents have. Funds secured from the program may be used to address health and safety issues and/or bring homes up to code. The workshop will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Springfield Township Administration Building, 2459 Canfield Road. More information can be obtained at www.co.summit.oh.us or by calling the Department of Community and Economic Development at (330) 643-2568. [See related News & Notes item on Page 3.]
Council also urged residents to maintain the appearance of their own property or face consequences in fines.
“If you were told your
home needs cleaned up on the outside,
it’s time to get busy and accomplish this,”
Hill said. “These homes will be the focus of attention
in the near future.”
Mayor David Carter added to the
village appearance issue by announcing letters will
be sent out to property owners with an excessive length
of grass. Those who do not comply with the letter may
later be fined via their property tax bill.
“I know it has been raining,
but that’s no excuse,” Carter said. “You
can still mow your grass between the raindrops. All
of us have.”
In addition to council’s
discussion, a resident gave a
lengthy complaint concerning the appearance of a property
located at 1584 Lake Road. The resident stated the property
contains excessive amounts of trash and has become rodent
infested. Her primary worry is that the termites and
rodents may find their way onto her property.
Two council members confirmed
the condition of the house and have viewed the property
in person. Councilman John Fast commented on the property
in light of Lakemore’s recent Memorial Day parade.
“It’s a total embarrassment
to the parade route,” Fast said. “I
know if I was a politician from
Columbus invited to this parade, I wouldn’t have
much of an opinion of Lakemore. The house across the
street has a tree growing through it.”
The property is currently involved
in a nuisance abatement process and has been a problem
for 12 years, according to council members. Solicitor
Laura McDowall cited that certain procedures must be
followed throughout the entire process, and both the
village and property owner have rights.
“We have to be careful
that as a village we don’t violate the rights
of a property owner in the process of nuisance
abatement,” she said. “The
process of nuisance abatement is a long procedure because
we have to make sure every procedure is granted to the
property owner to clean up their property to bring themselves
in compliance with the law before we take action against
them.”
In a final matter relating to
the village’s appearance, Carter responded to
recent remarks made by Fast regarding the location of
the Goodwill facility. Fast had previously called for
a boycott of Goodwill, citing that the location of the
Goodwill trailer would deter other businesses from locating
near the site. The mayor voiced his dissenting
opinion.
“The mayor says support
Goodwill,” Carter said. “It will bring in
revenue into our area. I think it will be a class act.”
Fast did not respond to Carter’s
remarks during the meeting but said afterward that he
still stands by his comments.
In other business council:
• unanimously approved an
ordinance regulating distances for check cashing and
pay-day loan businesses;
• unanimously approved a
resolution confirming the mayor’s appointment
of Dave Wolgamott as a part-time police officer for
the village. Wolgamott was sworn in during the
meeting;
• urged residents to not
park on the streets and obstruct the view of drivers.
The safety of children was cited as the compelling reason;
and
• announced tentative plans
to host a community pig roast in the grassy area near
the Municipal Building June 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. Events
will include live music, games and other entertainment.
Information will be presented as it becomes available.
The next regular council meeting
will be June 19 at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building,
1400 Main St.
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