I would like to address Sandra Smith's comments on the Ward 14 Clean-up. I applaud the Metro North Block Club for fully participating with Councilman Joe Santiago initiative. Our Block Club leadership was never contacted in advance by the Councilman's office. Michelle Davis TWDC's Community Organizer mentioned this event to our Block Club on May 10th. Co-Chair Georgiann Franko and myself spent two days May 8th. and 9th. working and supervising Court Community Service personnel cleaning and sweeping up about 75% of our Block Club territory. We are in the process of engaging ODOT to try do a comprehensive cleanup under the Starkweather and Kenilworth overpasses with a tentative start date of May 26th.

I would like to also state it is hard try to keep a small area of our Block Club Clean when it is overrun with thugs. In the process of working with CCS on May 9th. I was threatened with the CCS crew by a area thug. "Don't clean up our street get the F out of here, we don't want you here, go back to F-ing Tremont"
I will say this happened between Scranton Rd. and West 19th. around Auburn Ave." Several neighbors have engaged the Second District, so please do not respond in that manner.

I would ask any resident of Tremont to venture into Ward 14 at about midnight, you will see this lawlessness going on everywhere. It is not the Councilman's fault or the Cops. But when you consistently hear of the lack of response by Cleveland Police in Ward 13 Tremont just take a drive on Clark, Storer, West 25th, or Lorain and you will see what monopolizes the Second District's time. Why I am mentioning this to you because this crime is definitely moving eastward within Western Tremont, and could end up in Ward 13 too.

Just because we did not participate in the Ward 14 Clean-up date, does not mean we have not tried our best to attempt to keep our area clean and we will continue to support the efforts of others. It has always been hard to achieve volunteerism in our area, I have consistently just asked for neighbors to keep their yards clean and grass cut and then for them to impress that fact to their neighbors that may not wish to attend any Block Club or TWDC meetings.

I am not responding to Sandra Smith in a negative way, but would want to express our Block Club's involvement with trying to keep Tremont and Ward 14 Clean and Safe.

Henry Senyak
Co-Chair
Lincoln Heights
Scranton-Starkweather Block Club

Henry:

That's awesome that your block club cleaned up earlier in May! Thanks so much for helping keep Tremont clean and safe!

Sorry you had that experience with those idiots, but it's great you and
the members of the Lincoln Heights Block Club continued your efforts to clean up your section of Tremont.

I think you make a good point, Henry; by keeping your houses neat and clean, you show others that there are residents in Lincoln Heights who care about their neighborhood and who will not be intimidated or driven out by thugs.

As an aside, several people from Lincoln Heights came to the Tremont Gardeners flower sale on Saturday to purchase flowers for their yards, a further investment in their homes and neighborhood.

Sandy

Thanks, Sandy we did encourage people at the May 10th. Block Club meeting to check out the Tremont Gardeners Sale. I really do appreciate all the efforts you put forth to better our whole community. Henry Senyak

Henry,
are you the one who claimed that area Tremont lounges(bars,pubs...) are serving
minors? If so, please respond.

LOL - Hey Tremont Resident, dude, all bars in Tremont serve minors. I'm under 21, and me and my friends can drink anywhere, anytime we want in Tremont. I have never been carded. Tremont serves everyone, just head to 14th or Professor streets and knock a few down.

Thanks for the heads up! As a bar owner I appreciate the warning. I suggest you try again tonight and see how it goes. See what being an arrogant little prick gets you?

LOL ----- If you're a bar owner, you know minors are drinking in your bar, you look the other way and take our money ----- LOL ----- "little prick" -- so far it has gotten me drinks at your bar, probably one last night.

Bars and Clubs in Tremont

I have not filed any complaints about Establishments in Tremont serving minors or any liquor law issues. I did register a complaint last year regarding individuals drinking in the streets by the DIY Club "The Church". That was well documented and in the press.

That is not to say I have not been busy, several people in both Ward 13 and 14 have been working to pursue compliance with businesses operating outside of their legal uses. Even employees and Block Clubs of other CDC's outside of Tremont are assisting in this matter.

I do not want to get into a pro or con debate. This is what it is.
Almost all the establishments in Tremont are run by responsible operators. That is not true for most of the establishments in Ward 14. People are getting murdered, shot, stabbed, assaulted, raped, well ETC ETC. The only way to force compliance on the "Bad Apples" is to have equal enforcement of the law everywhere. Plain and simple.

This will come to light very soon in Ohio's Largest Newspaper, amongst others so I hope that the same political influence will be applied to allow these non-compliant businesses to keep operating in an un-authorized fashion. Its basically out of my hands now big brother is watching and waiting for our politicians to sweep these issues under the rug.

One thing you really do not understand is that I really love living in Tremont, and someday this just may all make better sense. That day is coming very soon.

Henry Senyak

Erroneous Complaints to the Cleveland Police

I was visited by a Second District CSU officer tonight, he showed me several complaints that had my name on the complaint for establishments in Ohio City and Tremont. He also actually had a complaint that was valid for two private clubs in Ward 14 where I did complain about possible underage drinking. This was a error on behalf of the Division of Public Safety based on complaints forwarded by the Mayors Action Line.

The officer made notations on all the complaints, and I expressed for them to contact the Mayor's office to review all correspondence that I had sent them, again their was never a complaint for police service requested in Ward 13.

I have tried to post a picture/flyer that I forwarded about the Ward 14 establishments in question but it will not work, but I will post the email in regards to the establishment below.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello Sherry,

This is a private club similar to the one I turned in several weeks back at 3159 West 25th.

They are advertising a cover charge, entertainment, by this advertising it is not a private club this needs to be checked for proper permits, legal usage, fire department, and public safety permits and operation for underage drinking.

I would forward this to the second district, but Commander Boddy retired and this needs to get into the Second District Vice unit for 06-09-07

Dear Henry,

Congratulations on apparently completing your personal mission of ensuring that all the Tremont businesses have the proper permits. I can’t tell you how safe and secure I am knowing that when I walk into one of our fine businesses, all the permits are in order. Now that your work in Tremont is done, I am sure you are anxious to expand your mission to help other neighborhoods in the city. You know, take your show on the road, as it were.

I have a lead on a good neighborhood for you, Henry. I recently visited a neighborhood called North Collinwood, and had dinner at a restaurant there. I noticed that they had placed a chair within 3 feet of a fire exit, which as you know is illegal. Later that same night, while in one of the North Collinwood bars, I saw two couples drinking who could have been underage. One of the males was wearing a shirt that said “Abercrombie Track and Field,” which is a dead giveaway that they are still in high school. Like you, Henry, even though it has been several decades since either of us were 21, we can immediately determine whether someone is 21 (unlike you, I have to actually go into the bar; how you do it without ever going in these places is amazing; that’s quite a skill you have).

So I propose that you move to North Collinwood, Henry. Your work here is done. It is high time that a different Cleveland neighborhood receives the benefit of your talents. It’s only fair that Tremont share you with the rest of the city. Let me know how much you want for your house. I am pre-approved and could like to close by August 1.

Total Compliance is that your request?

Just let me know I will be happy to work directly with the Mayor's office to turn in all the rest of the Tremont Businesses. I would be very happy to expose how Business as usual has ran in the past (2006 and prior).

Councilman Santiago personally asked me to help him with compliance of Ward 14 Bars and Clubs and to work to close trouble spots. I made it very clear you must equally enforce the law and codes in Tremont. He agreed that all places need to be legal and compliant across the whole City.

Do you have a specific street I should work on first? Or should I wait for the media to expose how Trendy Tremont was developed, and Councilman Cimperman and TWDC at that time looked the other way. Or does campaign funding do most of the talking in Tremont? The next question would be how much campaign funding would get support for a Zoning Appeal?

I am sure certain businesses that have been denied at BOZA in Ward 14 because of "Issues", will really appreciate businesses that do not cater to a "Urban Crowd" getting preferred treatment even if they have no chance to comply to Zoning Codes. As much as I disagree but what Steve Loomis was quoted in the Spy Bar situation about racism is spot on. Perhaps those Club Owners and their lawyers should attend future Zoning hearings for Tremont establishments.

Our Group is working issues from Ohio City, Stockyards to Clark-Metro presently but I will be very happy to devote more time to Tremont, that will be up to carpetbaggers like yourself.

Hey Henry,

Your latest post gives the impression that you are working with the Mayor's Office and that the Councilman from Ward 14 has empowered you to do what you do. Further, you refer repeatedly to "Our Group." What does "Our Group" mean? If your efforts are sanctioned by a governmental agency and you have formed a group to carry out the effort, then by all means let's hear about it. I think everyone (carpetbaggers and non-carpetbaggers alike) figured your agenda was self-generated. If you are somehow official, then give us the 411. Thanks, Henry. You should get a plaque for all this hard work.

Hey Tremont Bar Owner, I took your offer ----- If you own Flying Monkey, Edison's, or Lincoln Park Pub then you didn't get us. We all got shit-faced friday and saturday night. No one got carded. I'd like to give a special thank you to Edison's for FREE double shots friday night ----- love the Jagger. Like I said before, let's cut the pretense "Tremont Bar Owner" you all want our money and you all look the other way. I've been coming here since high school to drink. Don't prentend you care.

If one of these bars is not yours let me know and I'll stop by this week.

Hey child [minor tremont res]:

Get a life!

And have mommy change your diapers, it's starting to stink in here.

Jagger. LOL. Jagger.

Well, actually it's spelled Jager, with the little dot things over the a.
Nevertheless, Minor should take his Abercrombie shirt to W. 6th. Nobody wants to drink with kiddies.

Oh I'm forced to my knees by the one-two-punch of "hey child" and "get a life", but just as I think I can stay in the game, I'm suddenly knocked-out with the crushing blow of "have mommy change your diapers". I'm left sprawled on the floor bloody and beaten, a pulverized heap beging for mercy.

Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
I'm rolling on the floor laughing my ass off at the witlessness of your response.
Oh man, TBO, you must be a bar owner, cause only a drunk bar owner and their bar flies would find your dribble cleaver. Come on TBO, which bar is yours? You don't want to catch me, 'cause if you get rid of the minors in your bar, all your left with are over-the-hill musicians and people who don't know the difference between drinking-for-fun and drinking-as-a-lifestyle. So come on, which bar is yours? (I hope your Edison's. Next to Happy Dog, its the easiest place to drink).

Hey "it's spelled yager", I also miss typed "pretend" as "prentend" or as you probably spell it "prytynd". Get your GED.

And Carol D. the little dots are called an umlaut and I'm sorry to say your spelling is technically incorrect. Without the umlaut denoted, it should be spelled Jaeger or Jaegger, take your pick.

"Abercrombie shirt"? What planet or time zone do you live in? I've never worn that stuff, but I don't think anyone else does either. Sister you need to get out of the bar once in awhile. The world has moved on since last you saw the light of day. You need to update your references. Fonzie is an old man now.

If this guy was a minor and liked to drink, he would not tell on himself. This is BS.

? What have I got to lose by talking about drinking? If I get carded, I just move to the next bar, a minor delay, a slap on the wrist at most. There's no shortage of places that will serve me. If it wasn't so easy to get alcohol college and high school kids wouldn't be drinking so much. I can tell on myself all I want, nothing is going to happen, the bars look the other way and the alcohol authorities obviously don't really care or it would have been stopped long ago (I've been coming to Tremont since I was 17). There is to much money to be made. So chill D, no harm will come of talking about the bars in Tremont or anywhere else, least of all me, but don't try to bullshit me that it's not going on when I'm doing it.

Henry,
what is your profession? I hope you have a real job? You obviously have plenty of time to hide behind
your camera, attend zoning issues, block clubs.... Cleveland is a very poor city comprised of idiots( like yourself, and any of the journalists that solicit your opinion ). The leadership this city needs are entrepreneurs that take chances. We need brain gain. If I were to guess, you probably live with your mother, work with your hands(blue collar job), probably lack creativity, isolate yourself, not respected..... If the city is ever to become a world class city of roughly 400,000 people it needs creative, smart people to create jobs, less of your profile.
Tremont is the most popular neighborhood in Cleveland. New homes, restaurants, lounges, bars, galleries.... are the many reasons. You're not part of any of the success. Sorry Henry!

Regarding Henry:
A night vision video camera in a van? Everyone should worry about YOU! What else do you video tape? Quality of life Czar? Sounds like Big Brother is coming! Lower the lights, draw the shades, I think I saw a van outside!

Cross posted from the Plain Dealer's Web site

I would like to respond to the commentary regarding the Tremont business the Lava Lounge.

First off, when I offered to take the Plain Dealer reporter on a tour of our neighborhoods we were outside of close to 25 liquor establishments in the Clark Fulton, Tremont, Ohio City, and Stockyards neighborhood service areas. The Plain Dealer chose to discuss the Lava Lounge, perhaps for life safety reasons.

Did the story about Lava Lounge perhaps fit into the title of the second day, perhaps not. But that's where it ended up.

You make the owners of Lava Lounge out to be decedents of Gandhi.

If you would do your homework unlike our prodigal son Councilman Joe Cimperman, you would be very displeased with what you would find out.

Records attained from the Cleveland Fire Department get to the point.

A official letter dated July 19, 2006 from Fire Marshal Captain Mark Scott addressed to Mr. Ricardo Sandoval.

Pursuant to the authority of the Fire Chief and his authorized representatives of the City of Cleveland in Cleveland Ordinance Municipal Code, section 381 (a)(b)(c)(d) and (e) you are hereby ordered to IMMEDIATELY CEASE OPERATIONS on the second floor at your facility located at 1307 Auburn Ave. Until further notice, no person may occupy use, or enter any portion of the building except as necessary to comply with this order.

1) Their is no Certificate of Occupancy change of use.

2) You do not have the proper fire protection such as a interior fore detection system for the restaurant/nightclub facility.

3) You have not exercised due diligence in trying to abate this condition in a timely manner.

Because you do not have Certificate of Occupancy for a assembly use, and because you have not submitted plans to building department indicating life the new use of this facility an imminent hazard of fire and danger to life and property, the Division of fire hereby orders that the second floor of your facility be IMMEDIATELY VACATED and SECURED. THIS EMERGENCY CEASE USE ORDER shall remain in effect until the fire detection system is installed.

Stemming from this order the owners of Lava Lounge were charged criminally in Housing Court case number # 06-CRB-016289.

A warrant had to be issued for the owner when he failed to show up in court.

Part of a deposition from a fire inspector stated from August 2005 through March 2006 the owner Ricardo Sandoval and/or the person directly in charge and/or control of the establishment operating at 1307 Auburn did then and there violate the codified ordinances of the City of Cleveland as previously stated in a notice of violation dated July 2005, with a compliance date of August 2005.

a) Exit Lights not maintained

b) Insufficient number of extinguishers

c) Extinguishers not maintained

d) Places of assembly with more than one room or space needs an interior fire alarm system.

e) Nozzle over fryer is not centered and the line of nozzles for surface protection needs to be secured

f) no person to whom an abatement order is directed shall fail to comply with such order within the time stated in such order. Failure to comply with violation notice dated August 7, 2005, from Fire marshal Mark Scott.

In closing what you have is a blatant disregard to life safety codes for years just at one establishment in the Tremont neighborhood. If a owner does not care about resolving these critical safety issues within a timely fashion, you the consumer life is at risk.

What is quite apparent, Councilman Joe Cimperman will support the development of any business, he does not care about the Cleveland Codified Ordinances he has taken a oath to uphold.

Our local CDC Tremont West also turns a blind eye, past and present board members will do anything to ignore trouble. Once thinks get out of hand certain people try to incestuously work with Block Clubs to force them to support nonconforming businesses.

Some Block Clubs solely under the control of local non-compliant business owners incestuously support projects of other business owners. Who get shafted the average resident.

This is not just in Tremont, Councilman Joe Cimperman supports businesses in Ohio City that have several life safety issues. I was just at City hall yesterday where a local business with a Certificate of Occupancy for a Coffee Shop, but is operating a multi-level nightclub. They were ordered to cease operations in the non-compliant basement. This business owner repeatedly stated Councilman Joe Cimperman supports him.

I actually feel that all these business owners are good people, but to willfully ignore issues with the support of local politicians just based on economic development is unwise. It will take one business to go up in flames in Tremont or Ohio City, and kill 50 + to make people wake up. Guess what do think anyone will come back to a neighborhood after such a catastrophe? You answer that yourself.

People accuse me that I want to shut down liquor establishments, no people like Councilman Cimperman miss the point. Even good businesses are not exempt from the law. Equal enforcement must be addressed.

I will do whatever it takes to expose this political corruption, and even go to the State of Ohio if needed.

Henry Senyak

Henry,

I read what you posted, and looks like you may not know what year it is. The information you cite is over a year old - get with it guy, the year is 2007 - you're more than a year behind!

Are you also the one who's family operated an illegal butcher shop on Scranton?

For you information the court case just ended about a month ago.
Lava Lounge is presently cited by the Building and Housing Department as of 07-05-07.

I think its time to contact the insurance carriers of these business owners. You all think this is funny, I don't.

Rhode Island was not funny either. Do you want one of your relatives to become a crispy critter?

No, thats the building next door. It was a butcher shop in the 70's.

My family operated a legally permitted Dry Cleaner and Shoe Repair shop that closed in 1980, go and review records for our building. General Retail with walk-up apartments.

Have a blessed day!

Mr Senyak is a bully who has learned to use the fire and building departments and his own position to punish those with whom he has a grudge.
He is single, has no job and lives in his mothers house, mooching off of her social security. If it weren't for the damage he is doing to the locally owned small businesses in our neighborhood, he would be a laughably pathetic figure. I am concerned that his midnight stalkings are not limited to the Lava Lounge, but may stray into adjacent apartment windows ("you know the law says you must have a smoke detector in your bedroom, I was just looking to make sure you are safe up there alone in your bedroom"....)OOGH- GROSS.
As a single woman, I can't help be reminded of Gavin De Becker's book "The Gift Of Fear" when I see Mr. Senyak skulking around the neighborhood. Call it "woman's Intuition" but he really gives me the creeps.

You all amaze me, really!

Why would you attack someone who expects business in our area to operate legally?
Ward 14 as well as the entire city needs to thank Mr.Senyek for his hard work and commitment to the community.

Is it ok with you, if all of the businesses in the city operate outside the law? Or should that be reserved just for us here in Trendy Tremont. Would it be ok with you if McDonalds did not have a fire exit, or how about the schools or office building would you expect them to be safe and operates in the manner that building and housing has set forth for them?

If you would expect all other places to oparate within the law, why then is it ok for Prosperity, Lava Lounge, and ECT. to violate the codes that the rest of the city must follow.

I know it’s only a small law that they are breaking right? The double standard is the problem can’t your small self important minds understand that.

IT IS THE BIG PICTURE!!!

I was happy when a close friend told me that Mr.Senyak is going to run for City Council.

He will be able to shake things up and actually represent the people of the community.

The only real question is will he run in Ward 14 or in Ward 13? After all Santiago does not live in ward 14.

Thanks For you time
Cindy

The fact that these businesses can't comply with simple code enforcement (or better yet wont' comply) just proves that their owners are ghetto, even though the establishments themselves may look trendy. why can't we escape the ghetto in cleveland?

If you want a true picture of Henry's modus operandi, take a few minutes to talk to the owners of the former Starkweather and let them describe for you what basically amounts to harrasment that Henry perpetrated. Or talk to the owner of the Mutt Hutt about Henry intentionally agitating her dogs so he can videotape in order to contend that the dogs are loud. Or how Henry tried to dig up dirt on anyone from the neighborhood who sided with the Mutt Hutt. Or the owner of Prosperity. Those of you who find his causes noble are not working with all the facts.

I have never met Henry, but my sense is that he is a self-important boob. And for the life of me, I can't understand why this neighborhood tolerates his antics.

I wonder why Henry didn't harass the former owners of the establishments he is harassing now??? Had the former owners complied with codes BEFORE selling (and making quite a bit of money from their run down properties!?!) the current owners would not be going through the plague called "Henry".

We are all in this together! We're at a point now, where we need to just move foward, away from Henry and his negative energy. The businesses cited, that will be cited or are afraid of being cited need to take care of business. Lets get our houses in order and quite looking over our shoulders. Remove the fuel and the fire will die. Then we can get back to business! Prove Henry wrong, we do care about this place and where it is going! Tremont is a great neighborhood with many great people! Sorry Henry, but we're not going away!

Community activist Henry Senyak isn’t that what channel 19 reporters called him. Henry cares about the community and the quality of life for all people not just the one’s that put their dogs in day care. He is concerned about the people that can’t afford to put their children in daycare.

All people deserve to have a quality of life and not be disturbed by their neighbors, be it a loud and dangerous illegal nightclub or barking dogs.

On NPR today one of the reporters from the PD stated that Henry helped a lady on Store Ave start a Block Club. Do you think that lady is a fanatic because she does not want anyone else shot on her front lawn as the stumble out of an illegal nightclub?

Ward 14 councilman has enlisted the help of Mr.Senyak to review the actions of BOZA. Are you saying that your beloved Joe Santiago is psycho because he is smart enough to realize that Henry is extremely knowledgeable and informed about the law?

I don’t think this man wants to destroy Tremont. He trying to save the little bit of integrity it still has left.

Do you think just because all of the poor, old and uneducated people were pushed out of Tremont to make room for the beautiful people, that all of the corruption went with them.

I did not think so, but today it was confirmed on the NPR radio show when Councilman Joe Cimperman put out a shameless plug for the Lava Lounge. (I was extremely disappointed in him).

Why is he protecting illegal business? People usually have a reason for doing what they do, what is Cimperman’s reason?????

Rosemary

Dirt, well their definitely is a lot of DIRT in the back at the Mutt Hutt.

Lets review one person that committed perjury under oath at the bequest of giving testimony for MZ. Riker.

My neighbors can provide a affidavit from a business owner next door to the Mutt Hutt that states a Mr. Rotaru was not a employee of such business and did not have any authority to speak at BOZA on the businesses behalf to support the Mutt Hutt. The business owner was advised by well-known civil rights attorney Avery Friedman to sign the affidavit. Lets check out the credibility issue with the individual that gave testimony to support this fraud.

CR-79-048731-ZA RICHARD S ROTARU CASE CLOSED

BINDOVER CHARGES

No bindover charges found
INDICTED CHARGES
STATUTE DESCRIPTION
2925.11 DRUG ABUSE
2925.03 TRAFFICKING IN DRUGS
2925.03 TRAFFICKING IN DRUGS
2923.24 POSSESSING CRIMINAL TOOLS

03/19/1990 03/19/1990 D1 AX LEAVING JAIL
11/14/1983 D PROBATION TERMINATED.
12/01/1981 D DEFT FG PV; SENT RESUSPD; PROB. TO CONTINUE.
12/04/1979 D DEFT'S MOTION FOR RETURN OF MONEY SEIZED PURSUANT TO SEARCH WARRANT, GRANTED. FUNDS ARE TO BE RETURNED TO DEFT, OR TO HIS ATTY INSTANTER.
11/13/1979 D MOTION FOR RETURN OF MONEY SEIZED PURSUANT TO SEARCH WARRANT. MTN GRANTED 12/4/79
10/30/1979 D DEFT SENT COUNT 1: 2 TO 5 YRS O.S.R. AND COSTS COUNT 2: 2 TO 5 YRS. O.S.R. AND COSTS SENT. TO RUN CONCURRENT W/COUNT 1. COUNT 3: 3 TO 10 YRS O.S.R. AND COSTS SENT TO RUN CONSECUTIVE TO COUNT 1. COUNT 4: 2 TO 5 YRS. O.S.R. AND OCSTS SENT TO RUN CINCURRENT W/SENT IN COUNT 3. ISS 5 YRS PROBATION CONDITIONS: STEADY EMPLOYMENT DRUG COUNSELLING NO ASSOCIATION WITH KNOWN CRIMINALS AND PAY COSTS.
08/08/1979 D DEFT PLEADS GUILTY TO COUNTS 1 (DRUG LAW), COUNT 3 (DRUG LAW), COUNT 4 (PCT) AND AMENDED COUNT 2 (DRUG LAW). REF PROB.. PFS, SAME BOND.
07/24/1979 D MTN TO SUPPRESS AND RETURN AND SUPPORTING MEMORANDUM
07/13/1979 D ARRAIGNMENT PROCESS ATTY: 000019 GERALD S GOLD

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CR-87-221813-ZA RICHARD S ROTARU CASE CLOSED

BINDOVER CHARGES

No bindover charges found
INDICTED CHARGES
STATUTE DESCRIPTION
2925.03 TRAFFICKING IN DRUGS

05/29/2004 05/29/2004 D1 DR FINEOBP 2000.00 CPD 2000.00 2925.03
05/29/2004 05/29/2004 D1 CS Jury Fees
05/29/2004 05/29/2004 D1 DR COURT REPORTER FEE
05/29/2004 05/29/2004 D1 DR WITNESS FEES
05/29/2004 05/29/2004 D1 CS MUNI COURTCLEVELAND 87-19730
05/29/2004 05/29/2004 D1 DR Sheriff Fees
05/29/2004 05/29/2004 D1 DR Clerk Fees
06/11/1990 D DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO SUSPEND FURTHER EXECUTION OF SENTENCE IS OVERRULED. ..DB 06/12/90 08:32
05/08/1990 D 4-19-90 MOTION FOR SHOCK PROBATION FILED 5-8-90 MOTION IN OPP. FOR SHOCK PROBATION MAILED AND FILED ..JC4405/08/90 09:06
03/19/1990 03/19/1990 D1 AX LEAVING JAIL
02/08/1990 D THE JUDGMENT HEREIN HAVING BEEN AFFIRMED BY THE COURT OF APPEAL, EIGHTH DISTRICT, AND PURSUANT TO THE MANDATE FROM THE COURT OF APPEALS, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT THE SENTENCE IMPOSED HEREIN BE FORTHWITH CARRIED INTO EXECUTION. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT IF DEFENDANT IS ON APPEAL BOND, THE CLERK OF COURTS IS TO NOTIFY THE ATTORNEY OF RECORD, AND THE SURETY FOR THE DEFENDANT TO SURRENDER DEFENDANT, FORTHWITH TO THE SHERIFF TO CUYAHOGA COUNTY SO THE SENTENCE OF THE COURT CAN BE CARRIED INTO EXECUTION. BOND IS REVOKED. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT THE CLERK OF COURTS FORWARD CERTIFIED COPIES OF THIS ENTRY ALONG WITH A COPY OF THE COURT OF APPEALS JOURNAL ENTRY TO THE INSTITUTION THAT SAID DEFENDANT WAS SENTENCED TO. ..CB 02/09/90 08:53
10/04/1988 D BOND SET AT FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000.00) SURETY. ..FM 10/11/88 10:11
09/29/1988 D THE DEFENDANT HEREIN HAVING, ON A FORMER DAY OF COURT BEEN FOUND GUILTY BY A JURY OF TRAFFICKING IN DRUGS, RC. 2925.03 AND FURTHER THAT HE WAS PREVIOUSLY CONVICTED OF THE CRIME OF TRAFFICKING IN DRUGS OF RC.2925.03, AS CHARGED, WAS THIS DAY IN OPEN COURT WITH HIS/HER COUNSEL PRESENT. THEREUPON, THE COURT INQUIRED OF THE SAID DEFENDANT IF HE/SHE HAD ANYTHING TO SAY WHY JUDGMENT SHOULD NOT BE PRONOUNCED AGAINST HIM/HER; AND HAVING NOTHING BUT WHAT HE/SHE HAD ALREADY SAID AND SHOWING NO GOOD AND SUFFICIENT CAUSE WHY JUDGMENT SHOULD NOT BE PRONOUNCED. IT IS THEREFORE, ORDERED AND ADJUDGED BY THE COURT THAT SAID DEFENDANT, RICHARD ROTARU, IS SENTENCED TO THE CORRECTIONAL RECEPTION CENTER, ORIENT, OHIO, FOR A TERM OF ONE (1) YEAR AND PAY COURT COSTS. PAY $4,000.00 MANDATORY FINE. DEFENDANT WAS ADVISED OF APPEAL RIGHTS. DEFENDANT IS REMANDED. ..VA 09/30/88 08:40
09/22/1988 09/22/1988 D1 AX P.S.I. CPT
08/30/1988 D THIS DAY AGAIN COMES THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY ON BEHALF OF THE STATE AND DEFENDANT, RICHARD ROTARU, IN OPEN COURT, REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL. NOW COMES THE JURY, CONDUCTED INTO COURT BY THE BAILIFF AND RETURNED THE FOLLOWING VERDICTS IN WRITING, TO-WIT: "WE, THE JURY BEING DULY IMPANELED AND SWORN, FIND THE DEFENDANT, RICHARD ROTARU, GUILTY OF " TRAFFICKING IN DRUGS, R. C. 2925.03, AS CHARGED IN THE INDICTMENT, JURY POLLED, IT IS THEIR VERDICT. JURY DISCHARGED. DEFENDANT IS REFERRED TO THE PROBATION DEPARTMENT FOR PRE-SENTENCE INVESTIGATION AND REPORT. SENTENCING SET FOR SEPTEMBER 28, 1988 AT 11:30 A. M.. CORRECTED ENTRY NOTES OF 8/31/88 ADDED AND GUILTY ..MB 09/01/88 10:49
08/30/1988 D THIS DAY AGAIN COMES THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY ON BEHALF OF THE STATE AND DEFENDANT, RICHARD ROTARU, IN OPEN COURT, REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL WITH THE JURY PRESENT. WHEREUPON, THE SAID JURY HAVING HEARD ALL THE TESTIMONY ADDUCED, THE ARGUMENTS OF COUNSEL, AND THE CHARGE OF THE COURT, RETIRED TO THEIR ROOM IN CHARGE OF THE BAILIFF FOR DELIBERATION. JURY DELIBERATING. ..CB 08/31/88 10:54
08/30/1988 08/30/1988 D1 AX REFERRED PROBATION
08/29/1988 D NOW COMES THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY ON BEHALF OF THE STATE AND THE DEFENDANT, RICHARD ROTARU, IN OPEN COURT, REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL. WHEREUPON, JURY PANEL OF TWELVE (12) HAVING BEEN EXAMINED, ACCEPTED AND SWORN, THIS CASE PROCEEDED TO TRIAL. ON TRIAL, PROGRESS. CORRECTED ENTRY NOTES OF 8/31/88 DELETED AND ONE ALTERNATE ..MB 09/01/88 10:47
07/18/1988 D OPINION O.S.J. ..DN 07/19/88 09:16
07/13/1988 D CASE CALLED FOR TRIAL. NO JURORS AVAILABLE. SUPPRESSION HEARING HELD. MOTION TO SUPPRESS IS DENIED. MOTION TO SEVER IS DENIED. MOTION IN LIMINE IS GRANTED. DEFENDANT SIGNS SPEEDY TRIAL WAIVER AND EXTENDS TIME UNTIL AUGUST 29, 1988. TRIAL RESET FOR AUGUST 29, 1988, THE FIRST AVAILABLE TRIAL DATE. ..DN 07/19/88 09:14
07/12/1988 D CASE CALLED FOR TRIAL. ON THE MOTION OF THE STATE OF OHIO, TRIAL RESET FOR JULY 13, 1988. ..DN 07/19/88 09:12
06/14/1988 D DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO COMPEL DISCOVERY AND FOR INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS IS GRANTED, EXCEPT THAT ONLY A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF THE SUBSTANCE IS TO BE TURNED OVER TO DEFENDANT'S ANALYST. ..MED 06/15/88 09:18
06/06/1988 D MOTION TO COMPEL DISCOVERY AND FOR INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS TREMSYN HAS FILE ..JC4406/08/88 12:41
06/01/1988 D ON MOTION BY THE STATE OF OHIO, TRIAL IS CONTINUED TO JULY 12, 1988. CORRECTED ENTRY NOTES OF 6/3/88 SPELLING ERROR "MOTION". ..BC 06/03/88 11:13
05/27/1988 D MOTION TO SEVER, MOTION IN LIMINE; TREMSYN HAS FILE ..JC4006/02/88 09:35
05/03/1988 D DEMAND FOR DISCOVERY BY DEFENDANT RICHARD ROTARU; TREMSYN WITH FILE MFD AND BOP MAILED AND FILED - FILE RETURNED TO BEDNAR ..JC4405/23/88 15:53
05/02/1988 D MOTION FOR DISCOVERY TREMSYN HAS FILE MFD AND BOP MAILED AND FILED - FILE RETURNED TO BEDNAR ..JC4405/23/88 15:54
04/28/1988 D FINAL PRETRIAL SET MAY 24, 1988. TRIAL SET JUNE 1, 1988. ..CB 04/29/88 08:53
03/23/1988 D FIRST PRE-TRIAL SCHEDULED. COUNSEL OF RECORD WITHDRAWS. DEFENDANT GIVEN ONE (1) WEEK TO OBTAIN NEW COUNSEL. NEXT PRE-TRIAL SET MARCH 30, 1988 AT 9:00 A.M. ..CF 03/25/88 09:46
03/08/1988 D IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT BE RELEASED PROVIDED THAT HE/SHE BIND HIMSELF/HERSELF TO APPEAR AT ALL THE HEREAFTER SCHEDULED HEARINGS, TRIAL AND/OR SENTENCING IF FOUND OR PLEAD GUILTY, AS REQUIRED, AND EXECUTE A BOND IN FAVOR OF THE STATE OF OHIO IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500.00 DOLLARS AND DEPOSIT WITH THE CLERK OF THE COMMON PLEAS COURT THE SUM OF $250.00 DOLLARS, BEING 10% OF THE AMOUNT OF THE BOND, SUCH DEPOSIT TO BE RETURNED, WITHOUT POUNDAGE, UPON THE COURTS DETERMINATION THAT THE DEFENDANT HAS SATISFACTORILY PERFORMED THE CONDITIONS OF HIS/HER RELEASE. ..FM 03/08/88 10:50
03/08/1988 D NOW COMES THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY ON BEHALF OF THE STATE OF OHIO AND THE DEFENDANT IN OPEN COURT WITH HIS/HER COUNSEL PRESENT WAS FULLY ADVISED OF HIS/HER CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. THE DEFENDANT, RICHARD ROTARU, ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE/SHE RECEIVED A COPY OF THE INDICTMENT FROM THE SHERIFF OF CUYAHOGA COUNTY. TWENTY-FOUR HOURS HAVING ELAPSED SINCE SERVICE OF THE INDICTMENT, DEFENDANT IN OPEN COURT WAIVED READING OF THE INDICTMENT. THEREUPON, THE SAID DEFENDANT IN OPEN COURT ENTERS A PLEA OF NOT GUILTY. JUDGE PAUL R. MATIA ASSIGNED. BOND SET AT $2,500.00--10%. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT IF SAID DEFENDANT POSTS BAIL IN THIS CAUSE, AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT SHALL BE ADDED TO THE AMOUNT OF BAIL AS SET FORTH IN O. R. C. 2743.70 AND O. R. C. 2949.091. BOND FORFEITURE VACATED, CAPIAS RECALLED. ..FM 03/08/88 10:49
01/14/1988 D ON THE 14TH DAY OF JANUARY 1988, THE DEFENDANT, RICHARD ROTARU, FAILING TO APPEAR IN COURT AS HE/SHE WAS BOUND TO DO BY THE CONDITIONS OF HIS/HER RECOGNIZANCE, THE COURT ORDERS THAT THE SAID RECOGNIZANCE, TAKEN HERETOFORE IN THIS CAUSE BE, AND THE SAME IS, FORFEITED ABSOLUTELY. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT THE CLERK SHALL FORTHWITH GIVE AS PROVIDED BY LAW, THE SURETY OF RECORD, NOTICE TO APPEAR IN THIS COURT ON OR BEFORE THE 14TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 1988, AND PRODUCE THE BODY OF SAID DEFENDANT, OR SHOW WHY JUDGMENT SHALL NOT BE ENTERED AGAINST HIM/HER FOR THE AMOUNT OF THE RECOGNIZANCE GIVEN IN THIS CAUSE. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT A CAPIAS BE ISSUED FOR THE SAID DEFENDANT. ..FM 01/14/88 14:10

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Get to understand how dirty the politics is in Tremont. And how individuals will do anything, say anything for fellow Board members or business associates. I wonder how certain Tremont residents would like me to post campaign contributions that were given to Joe Cimperman, Marty Sweeney, Joe Santiago, Emily Lipovan, Lynn Murray, and a laundry list of others. I will tell you anyone with a kindergarten education will get the picture who is greasing who in Tremont. Better yet lets look at some of the Expense reports or in-kind contributions from 1109 Starkweather in the past to a certain current Board member of TWDC, then influence is supplied in 2007 in letters of support from TWDC and a Block Club.
Shit you think the world is coming to end, I originally never filed a complaint about Lava Lounge, the Fire Department was on that for years. The entertainment at both Lava and Prosperity is what started this with me. I am not going to sit back while Ward 14 residents are getting blown away at bars and illegal nightclubs, and the City is sitting on its combined asses because they cannot enforce compliance on Storer Ave or Clark because if they do , oh the Tremonters will loose their chances to listen to entertainment while they are getting wasted.
Let me tell you Tremont is a little Island, and almost the rest of the near west side laughs at you precious development. You do not even know what a plague would be.
I was at a new Block Club in Clark-Metro tonight, you have seen them in the Plain Dealer. They had 35 people in attendance. They may have not been educated people, our urban professionals. But they are life long City residents. I have more respect for them and what they are trying to do versus most of your phony agendas. You sit their in you little houses and bitch about no police, you have no idea what the rest of this City is going thru while you are sitting in your tax abated hot tubs. Tip one for Joe Cimperman and TWDC. One day when its to late and Trendy Tremont will be full of section eight houses and developers loose their asses because of this inequality that is happening now.

If I ever got into to office I will expose it all.

Just how many Checks to Galen!! ?

Do you remember the movie War Games from the 80's?

What is the objective?

Yes Henry is leader in our neighborhood. Henry fought a historical district designation for his neighborhood that would have prevented Henry from boarding up of his fathers building. Henry wrapped the building in vinyl siding and eliminated the storefront to house his beer can collection. Henry installed Iron bars bolted over his windows and doors that scream "this is a bad neighborhood". Yes Henry sure is out there making our neighborhood better, waiting for his mother's social security check each month. This guy is a real productive member of society. Jobless and living off his mother, just what we need on city council. Why stop there. Henry is qualified to be Mayor.

Henry, if you are listening, the downspout on the north west side of your building does not connect to a proper storm sewer connection. It spills on to the sidewalk, which can create a very dangerous condition, especially in winter when ice can form. I certainly hope you plan to remedy this before my seven children and I slip and are hurt due to your negligence.

And, btw, dumping gravel on the ground and parking your car on top of it is also not really legal either. Maybe you should find a legal place to park your car. Thanks

all these personal attacks on henry are really getting old and is extremely juvenile..
plus its giving this forum such a jerry springer show kind of feel..
please, lets all leave personal lives out of issue-oriented discussion so people don't decide to start tuning out.

Perhaps you would like to contact the owner of the building at 2541 Scranton Rd. He is compensated rent for me to park on his property. The owner paid for the gravel, your burden and issue would be with him.

Plus if you really understood code, it would have to be a off-street parking area with more than five spaces that has to be maintained with a hardened surface. That area also would not be considered a apron, driveway, or tree lawn per the definitions within the Code.

A building permit was issued and completed in 1996 for exterior building alterations (P67415). So please make my day on the siding issue. The gutter problem was created by contractors under the control of the County and City when they paved Scranton Rd, and laid new sidewalk in the early 90's as part of the funding provided by gateway. I have called City Officials dating back to the Helen Smith era. So go ahead get me cited on a tie-in so the City of Cleveland can be held responsible for its contractors installing crush drain pipe to the sewer basin than actually installing Schedule 40. Oh I actually spoke with two contractors in the last month to eliminate the one downspout to tilt the water flow to the south downspout and basin. Per City Code and pamphlets passed out by Cleveland City Councilman Joe Santiago when you do "minor Maintenance or repairs" you do not need a permit. So that's over with. Please make sure you report all the structures up and down Scranton Rd. that have similar or dissimilar problems, you wouldn't want to single me out now would you.

As far as what I use my building for as long as it is not a open for business retail structure, and the storage is personal in nature your fight now becomes a civil right issue. I guess your ideas of me being anti liquor establishment are all wet since you ratted me out on my Beer cans. Your just upset you cannot dictate to me what you want in my building, pity the Tremont Nazi Party cannot succeed. I have anticipated this night for along time, your pin-ball machine is on tilt and your going to start a really slippery slope in your actions.

So to say you may be BARKING Up the wrong tree

As for your Hysterical District, if you do not create a district for all of Tremont where each and every street would be in a local historic district and discriminate against a mostly Hispanic neighborhood you will see lawyers lots of them.

90% of this part of Scranton Rd. and its side streets are sided with aluminum or vynal siding. My neighbors and I are waiting for you on this fight. The only people on Scranton Rd that really want a hysterical district is a couple up by the junior high school that cannot sell their properties, who invite convicted Drug traffickers over for political fund raisers. Oh, yes a few more in Metro North that just with the assistance of TWDC installed 29 banners without acquiring the proper permits from CPP, or providing CPP with additional insurance coverage. This can be confirmed by Dale Turkovich at CPP Call him at 664-3922 X-115. You just do not do your homework. I think I would worry about the Clark-Metro banners going up next to those since per the City of Cleveland Scranton Rd. is a shared service area. Clark Metro Vice president Nelson Cintron called me yesterday stating they are getting a lot of complaints about the banners. Oh, another hint they need to be a assured clear distance from the low voltage connections on the poles, since this was never inspected you perhaps have created a impending danger to employees of CPP,CEI, ATT, and the Cable Company. Start Wiggling Folks.

Keep up the SSI crap, my mother is a widow of a City of Cleveland Employee, I do not think you want to piss off the rank and file workers with the City. Several union officials have been made aware of your accusations about a 78 year old lady. Perhaps one day I will give you a resume, but please keep thinking I am some type of penny less low-life this works to our advantage. You would never of pictured me as a yuppie, but yes 15-20 years ago I ran a operations department for a small phone company with 20 employees, and went out on my own a few years after that. So yes, I can afford a Big Mac once a day. We also enjoy picking up discarded pennies of the street it goes to our DP heritage.

Lolita is next.
Henry has started his attacks on Lolita.
He won't stop until Tremont is pulled back into the dump it used to be. He probably considers Chef Simon's local and national success a personal affront compared to the lonly, parasitical dismal failure of his own life.

Henry- Although public information, posting someones rap sheet is dirty pool. Shame on you. Amy

looks like there are two "anons" here.
whoever this is that is set on defaming henry should try sticking to one username.

Miss Weahry
Henry has every right and even the obligation to use every weapon available because he is being attacked and slandered.
He is defending the safety of this neighborhood while your ilk are parading to support the problem.
By the way, are you posting on Merrick House Time, on a Merrick house computer and account?
And public records tell alot about what is really going on.
Did loose you house at the sheriff sale for nonpayment of taxes? You might want to "clean your own house" before you start taking on problems that are none of your business.

People, try to actual stick to commenting on actual issues [code enforcement, right to privacy, public safety, etc] instead of tossing around personal attacks [AKA the ad hominem fallacy]. That's a good way to prove y'all actually care about the neighborhood.

Anonymous commenting is fine, but the height of cowardice when it is used to snipe at people who put their real name on their words. I especially encourage everyone to ignore provocation from those particular anonymice. Remember what your mother said, if you don't have anything useful to say, don't say anything at all.

Henry is a loser because he only picks "safe" fights, or so he thinks. He picks on businesses because:
1. they make money and he doesn't
2. he knows (or thinks he knows) that most bus. owners in the hood are respectable and won't come after him with a butcher knife
3. it's a cinch to start any "class warfare" argument in tremont because the "have-nots" are numerous, bitter, jealous and resentful of the "haves" who buy into the neighborhood and take a chance starting a business

let's see henry takes his night vision video cam to w. 6th alley any given night and tape the real trouble makers of the hood. he would end up having his fat ass handed back to him in a hundred different pieces.

Don't you all know Henry gets his rocks off everytime his name is in lights. Ignore the bugger -- this is no more his neighborhood than everyone else that lives in it. We all have a voice, we can all make change.

end this madness before his love juice squirts all over Ward 13 and 14.

This is the Political Corruption I am talking about.

Cleveland council questions separation pay for clerk
Friday, September 07, 2007
Susan Vinella
Plain Dealer Reporter
Cleveland City Council Clerk Emily Lipovan is expected to resign from her $82,000-a-year job today and walk away with a severance package worth $56,000.

The payout includes six months of salary plus pay for unused vacation, comp and sick time, city Law Director Bob Triozzi said Thursday.

If approved by City Council on Monday, the severance will be paid with taxpayer money.

Through her attorney, Gerald Chattman, Lipovan declined to comment. In July, she told The Plain Dealer that she wanted to leave because she missed making housing and business deals in the neighborhoods.

Lipovan, who served briefly on City Council in 2005 after being appointed to a vacated seat, used to run Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland and Tremont West Development Corp.

In the fall of 2005, she lost an election bid for a permanent council seat and was appointed council clerk. At the time, Council President Martin J. Sweeney dubbed her and several of his top administrative aides "Team Sweeney."

On Thursday, Sweeney told The Plain Dealer about the agreement, but referred all questions about the package to Tri ozzi.

Several council mem bers said they have questions and concerns about why the city is paying Lipovan to leave.

"It would appear to be very unusual," said Councilman Brian Cummins, who defeated Lipovan in the 2005 council race. "We'll have to get to the bottom of it."

Longtime Councilman Mike Polensek said he can't remember a similar situation in his 29 years on council.

Triozzi said he believes there have been separation agreements with previous clerks, but couldn't recall any specifics. He said Sweeney and Lipovan asked him to negotiate a mutually agreeable separation agreement.

"As this was presented to me, there was a desire to reach this resolution without conflict and without drama," he said.

He said Sweeney supported the deal.

"The council president deemed it to be reasonable," Triozzi said.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

svinella@plaind.com, 216-999-5010

My goodness, such vitrol. So much for the civility project :)- sorry Amy couldn't resist.

I advise Henry to stop taking the bait. What the thinker thinks the prover will prove. Those who have decided that you are some kind of anti-christ will latch on to whatever they can regardless of its relevance to "prove" that you are singlehandedly bringing ruin upon us. All those comments about your mother for example. Conversely those who think you walk on water will "prove" that as well.

Anyone who puts themselves out there, so to speak, will have their motivations and intentions misinterprated, misrepresented etc... no matter what they are doing. That is the given truth of stepping into a public arena. Go take a look at the editorials written about Martin Luther King, or Guandi (sic, sorry) written by thier contemporiaries. (No I am not saying Henry sits anywhere near thier rarified chairs, they simply make a good extreem example. Both viciously attacked in thier time)

As for Lava.... well hmmm second floor only one entrance/exit, seems pretty clear cut to me. Put in a freaking fire excape or don't open the second floor for buisness. Jeeeezzzz

TCJ

POLITICAL CORRUPTION

FROM CHANNEL 3

CLEVELAND -- Cleveland City Council President Martin Sweeney and Council Clerk Emily Lipovan have agreed to a separation package for Lipovan to leave.
But some are asking if the settlement will keep some dirty laundry from going public.

Lipovan is a former councilwoman Sweeney picked to supervise council's administration. But the professional relationship soured.

Lipovan's departure was announced early this summer but it took months to agree on terms and timing. Many council members liked the way she ran council operations.

Lipovan told many people of alleged objectionable behavior by Sweeney in how he treats women in council, including her.

Channel 3 Reporter Tom Beres has talked with three women who work in, or with council, making similar claims, but none have been willing to go public.

Law Director Robert Triozzi brokered the separation deal. He said, you reach a point in a relationship where there's a desire to "move on."

The deal calls for Lipovan to receive half of her $82,000 salary, vacation, and sick time totaling about $56,000. Asked if Sweeney's behavior figured in the settlement Triozzi said, "There have been no claims filed with me."

Sweeney's spokesperson said he "was not available." Lipovan did not return our calls.

Her last day may be Friday. She's been cleaning out her office for some time. She hopes to return to a community development position.

Council must okay this. There will likely be a debate over whether Sweeney's separation is fair or "hush money" since Lipovan agreed not to sue Sweeney or the city.

does the hint "she hopes to return to a community development position" mean that she is coming to TWDC - is this why this has appeared twice (different forums) today?

Leadership or Lack their of

What is wrong with this picture.

City Councilman: Clerk Emily Lipovan says she was harassed
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Susan Vinella
Plain Dealer Reporter
A Cleveland city councilman said Friday that Emily Lipovan, the council clerk who just resigned, told him months ago that she felt she was sexually harassed by Council President Martin J. Sweeney.

But Sweeney, who this week approved a $56,000 buyout for Lipovan, vehemently denies the allegation. "That's not true," he said in a phone interview Friday.

The councilman, Joe Santiago, who describes himself as a close friend of Lipovan's, said she did not disclose what Sweeney said or did. But Santiago said Lipovan told him she planned to consult an attorney.

A half-dozen other members of council, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said they have heard similar allegations.

On Thursday, Sweeney told The Plain Dealer that the city had agreed to a severance package for Lipovan, who earned $82,000 a year, to give her time to find another job. The deal includes six months of pay plus vacation and comp time.

Council will vote Monday on whether to approve the deal. Sweeney said he expects his colleagues to support it.

The council president said Lipovan left because she wanted a different job.

Lipovan told The Plain Dealer in July she wanted to return to her previous work making business and housing deals in city neighborhoods for local development corporations.

Santiago said Lipovan applied earlier this year for a city manager's job in Oberlin without telling Sweeney. While she never interviewed for the position, her application angered the council president, Santiago said.

Lipovan's attorney Gerald Chattman, who negotiated the severance package with the city, said Friday that his client cannot speak publicly about the payout, or the reasons for it, because she's abiding by a confidentiality clause.

Law Director Bob Triozzi said the agreement is a public record.

Asked about the harassment allegation, Chattman said: "That's precisely what I believe the confidentiality agreement is intended to protect, subjects like that. It would be inappropriate for me to comment."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

svinella@plaind.com, 216-999-5010

Was permission given to "reproduce" this article? This could be a copyright issue . . .

Reproduce

Something the generally does not happen with human beings in gentrified Tremont.

Tens of thousands of Articles are posted for commentary each day. Do what you have to do, I will call the PD, and talk with some contacts I have.

What these politicians, and bureaucrats should start worrying about is the U.S. Justice Department. You may see some Feds in the audience Monday night.

We need dozens of people to go to the Council meeting to see who votes for this taxpayer pay-off.

They are going to expose Tremont real soon anyway.

Does anyone have any idea what is really going on here?

Have any of you ever met the dynamic, strong and self imposing Emily Lipovan?
It is hard for me to conceive that anyone could intimidate Ms. Lipovan much less sexually harass her.

However, with that being said if it is indeed true and the city council President has acted in matter unbecoming as person much less a leader of our city. He needs to be dealt with in the appropriate way. What is the City of Cleveland policy on sexual harassment? To pay off without knowing the facts?

We should not support city council giving Ms. Lipovan “HUSH MONEY” paid for by you and me.

Although I normally don’t buy in to conspiracy theories, when Cleveland Politics are in question you have to realize that plotting and scheming as well as side deals are the norm.

So I ask you my good people is it not a strange serious of events that has unfolded in the last few weeks?

Mr. Sweeny announces that he would like the voters to reduce city council by 4 seats. Then he is accused of Sexual harassment (a career ending accusation) With Sweeny gone that would slow down the momentum in the push to reduce city council. This would save the jobs of 4 unproductive city council members and lead the way for a new city council President.

Maybe the new city council President could be none other than our own home grown “boy wonder” Joe Cimperman.

I’m sure that with the excitement that one of our own would yield that kind of power, we would be happy to forget he’s the grandfather of back room deals and boldly supports illegal and unsafe business.

Conspiracy I don’t know, coincidence I don’t think so!!

Rosemary

TWDC SPONCERS BAR COMPLIANCE

I was just informed by a media source the Tremont West Development Corp. is holding a meeting for owners of what it seems to be as just bars and clubs.

This should be for all businesses that do not have a Occupancy permit, TWDC needs to help all businesses get legal. Do Business owners understand if their was a serious issue at business without a valid Certificate of Occupancy or Legal Use that your insurance companies will more than likely not pay and hold you the owner responsible for the liability? (Most Tremont businesses have changed their legal use of record at the City of Cleveland without making a legal application to do so)

Can you tell me where this meeting was announced to the general membership? Remember allegedly all TWDC meetings are open to the public. I did not see it in the newsletter, or on the web site.

Can you tell me what standing committee is in charge of this endeavor?

Is this another meeting like the emergency Committee meeting to support a bar variance for a nightclub?
Oh we had no opposition!! Oh but we didn't have time to call anyone!!

I will install the last sentence from the letter of support for the said variance on TWDC letterhead.

"This project is pivotal in sustaining the success of the Tremont Neighborhood" a BAR!!!

WHY!!! Because they all will be turned into nightclubs, be careful what you wish for the Magic wizard Joe Cimperman will support them all the precedent has been set. Unfortunately other areas of the City can use the same precedent and more people will continue to get killed by these hell holes (Not Tremont).

But the question then would be what if someone got killed or burned to death in Tremont? What would the impact be for the whole community?

I have been at the last six board meetings, I do not recall this topic.

I have checked your Web site to look to review minutes of committees or the Board. The last postings are several months old.

What City of Cleveland officials have been invited, Zoning?, Standards?, Building and Housing?, License and Assessments?, Fire Prevention?. Public Safety?, Law Dept.?, Cimperman or Santiago?

Are you going to instruct them to follow the law, or will you encourage them to find loopholes? or sign bogus parking contracts like most of your famous businesses?

Lets see what was asked of the City to review.

All of Ward 14 mostly Clark-Fulton and Ohio City 15 Bars
All of Ward 13 Tremont 2 Bars
All of Ward 13 Ohio City 1 Bar

Can you get the picture now.

I was told at a block club meeting that Emily is going to be the next director at Ohio City.
Did anyone here this? I was also told council will reduce by 2 not four and ward 13 and 14 will merge and Joe Santiago will be the councilman for that new ward and Joe Cimperman will be Council president.

Does any body know if this is true?
If it is true that really excites me because I think that Joe Santiago would be willing to help Hispanic’s move right into Tremont and out of the rotten core of ward 14. My family wants to move to Treamont so bad!!!

Maybe she could work for us in rotten core of the Clark Metro area. I heard that Joe wanted to fund a new angcy since Clark Metro is out of business.

What will happen if Joe Santiago gets recalled I heard that people are getting signatures?

That could be bad for Tremont because Nelson hates Tremont right?

Jennie Rayes
Clark Metro

Hello-

What is going on with TWDC? It seems that a few are starting to speak for all.

That is not going to happen!! I am looking forward to the annual meeting!!!

While it is true I don’t attend most meetings I keep up to date with the happenings via the web site. Which by the way Mr. Senyak is correct; it’s not currently up to date.

Why do you keep attacking someone who expects people to abide by the law?

DID YOU EVER ASK YOURSELF THAT???? Why do you want to be a CDC that promotes illegal business?

Mr. Senyak respects the effort of TWDC to help a non-compliant business (Of any kind) become compliant and safe. That is the point of all of his work, not to close any business. (Duh)

Someone please explain to me what I am missing.

What is wrong with having legal business?????????? (I don’t get it)

Now you want to have a secret meeting to help the bars fight being legal.

You don’t keep your minutes or committee information up-to-date but you have time for this.

I don’t know who regulates or is the watchdogs for CDC’S, but I bet Henry does.

Henry, I don’t know you yet, but I can’t wait to meet you. I’m now firmly convinced that some type of corruption is afoot within our ward and I would be honored to work with you to expose it.

IF this CDC needs to be reviewed who would be the person to contact?

Thanks

Cindy

It is my understanding that the only reason this meeting (TWDC -Restaurants) was called, was for the owners to meet the new director of TWDC.

Cindy, Thank you for understanding the larger picture. It isn't that anyone wishes undue hardship for Lava Lounge. I have eaten there. However the , as I read Sammy Catania and Chris Garlands' defense of Lava in Sundays paper I was outraged! Mr. Garland I will allow you the benefit of the doubt as you are new here and are apparently ignorant to the complexities of this inequity. I would think Sammy Catania as a business man would be outraged d to see others given unfair advantage, unless......
In order to operate a business you are required to posses an occupancy permit. That means: to keep it simple, That you provided detailed architectural drawing for approval (easily $6,000.00) You must meet all building and housing codes to the letter. An additional expense if you have to make repairs or improvements. You must hire only licensed contractors -extremely expensive. Then if you pass and have paid all your permit fees etc.. you may open. It is quite an expensive investment.
If anyone is afforded the opportunity to circumvent even one of these legislated laws then they are not acting reputable at all in fact completely the opposite. All the while thumbing their noses at those of us who have followed the letter of the law when opening our business's, at great expense. Lava has been continuously warned about their non-compliance and given ample opportunity to address those issues. I wonder? Is there a different building and housing standard for Tremont? As of 2006 Building and housing has been unable to locate occupancy permits for nearly a dozen Tremont business"s. If your trendy suburbanite clientele were to be burned in a fire or other mishap and it was determined that they were not in compliance those people should sue ,as is their right. Permits not only are the law but can protect the business owner. I am a former business owner who operated 100% percent within the law and I am outraged that others have received and are still receiving special privileges. The savings one could incur by not opening and operating legally are in the thousands of dollars. How is this fair Mr. Cimperman.? The fact is you got caught and exposed now-Do the right thing. I wish Lava the best of luck as they endeavor to be compliant and when it is safe and properly inspected I will return as a patron. Sincerly: Brentton Thompson

AS I pondered this further and with the ongoing Lipovan scandal I wonder if Mr. Cimperman you would like to address my questions tomorrow night (MONDAY 7-10-07) at the protest against Emily Lipovan recieving hush- blackmail money.? Why is there zero accountability concerning that issue? Cimperman, it is widely believed that you and Emily Lipovan are the orchestrators of this inequity in compliance. I am willing to give you the opportunity to refute that--if you can. Given the opportunity I will make sure that we become acquainted. I wait with much anticipation your explanation of how this is fair. Why are you defending business that is not in compliance rather than upholding the laws you were elected to honor? Brentton Thompson

Thank you, Mr.Senyak
Terry z.
Since your buying homes of community activists who expose corruption. (Henry Senyak) I would like to offer up my home. Thanks to Henry's diligence the truth is beginning to seep out and like a weakened levee I would be honored to assist Henry in opening the floodgates of corruption.
Thank you Henry Senyak.On behalf of those of us personally affected by non-compliance etc..I want to thank you and commend you. I presume that those that don't understand the expense and inequity of non-compliance would be upset if their neighbors were permitted to allow their homes to fall into ruin while they were enforced to comply. If that were the case, this would be a differing argument. Brentton Thompson

Political Corruption Spells it all:

This letter below preaches to Choir (the whole City of Cleveland and region) on how the political corruption in Cleveland/Tremont runs unabated.

Mr. Garland, a transplant from Detroit has no idea what he has gotten into. He has taken the word of several Board members that are all from the same mold. His employment started this July. Shame on you for not investigating the facts. Your letter gives me all the ammunition to file a complaint to the IRS Dallas office.

A full investigation is warranted of TWDC, and their connections to politicking.

If a owner of a establishment (Lava Lounge) has been running his business for years with the fire department expressing that your operation is unlawful, hazardous, and threat to human lives but he ignores this. This is reputable? putting the safety of its patrons in question. It has came to my attention that the Cleveland Fire Department signed off on a completely tested fire alarm system last month, I did inform the PD before the story broke of this. I applaud you for taking this initial step. As of 09-05-07 you still do not have a valid Certificate of Occupancy per the records room at Cleveland City Hall. But you are still in violation as of 07-05-07 with the Building and Housing Department regarding your expansions of use, zoning variances, second floor, patio etc. It is my understanding the B&H will determine the second egress to upstairs, amongst other issues. What is TWDC's motivation? Mr. Catania you and TWDC have ignored me and my concerns about similar issues for years. Covering these issues up on the pretense of popularity and trendyness does the whole entire City of Cleveland a disservice.

Lava Lounge is a great destination spot in Tremont. Tremont is the best neighborhood in the City of Cleveland. Everyone needs to quit ignoring the fact. "Safety First"

The Plain Dealer witnessed the operation on May 26/27 2007. You had a Cease Use Order from July 2006. I will provide the PD with Video evidence that your second floor was in operation well after the Fire Department told you to shut the second floor down. You did not even bother to show up for criminal court. You had bragged in the paper that you were entertaining parties on the second floor and it can hold up to 150 people.

I ask everyone with a interest to call the Board of Elections and get copies of Campaign Contributions for Joe Cimperman, Joe Santiago, Emily Lipovan, and Lynn Murray. You will see several names repetitively of current and past board members, presidents, directors, and employees. You will get this picture why Tremont has several problems.

Quit denying the fact, learn the codes and the facts and make Tremont and its businesses the safest part of Cleveland. The Plain Dealer has nothing to apologize for exposing the truth!!

Mr. Garland, my question to you is when will you start cutting personal checks (Campaign contributions) to the politicians that fund your organization? Since your predecessor spread the wealth on a frequent basis, along with your employees.

Since it seems that the leaders of the Building and Housing Department, Fire Prevention, and the Zoning Chairperson want this to disappear it quite apparent this cover-up goes right to the top of the political food chain in City Government. I also find it interesting the Zoning Chairperson keeps attending political fundraiser's with her checkbook in hand. What a complete conflict of Interest, also TWDC has a Ex-officio Board member that sits on the Zoning Board to.

What is needed is to bring the State Fire Marshal into Cleveland, and ask the State Attorney General to start a investigation into what is going on here. I do not see any other CDC's acting in the same manner. You are a 501c3, You are not supposed to advocate especially to support non-compliance.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You have drastically missed the mark by investigating a reputable neighborhood establishment such as the Lava Lounge on Auburn Avenue in Tremont. By and large your "Inequality of Life" series has addressed actual ills that harm Cleveland neighborhoods - such as gun violence, abandoned housing and prostitution - and I applaud you for this work.

However, there are not comparable problems that the Lava Lounge or other upstanding businesses place on their communities. Quite to the contrary, quality businesses add to the economic vitality and vibrant spirit of strong neighborhoods such as Tremont.

Rest assured, the Tremont West Development Corporation would not rise to the defense of a business that was not reputable, but it is our belief that the Lava Lounge has been treated unfairly.

Chris Garland

Sammy Catania Cleveland

Garland is executive director of the Tremont West Development Corporation; Catania is president of the corporation's board of directors.

This is what its all about!!

I am glad that I can say I have worked and assisted Mr. Robert Shores, the Safety Director Of Ohio City Near West Development for over a year. He is very receptive in any documentation, video, or evidence of bars and nightclubs in Ohio City.

Perhaps we should reanme Tremont to Thistledown. Because their are certainly alot of people wearing blinders in this LITTLE neighborhood.

Its about the whole City. God save the Queen and Cleveland too.

___________________________________________________

The series on the city's crime issues was fantastic. Regarding Councilman Joe Santiago's near-stubborn defense of trouble-causing bars ("But every business is important, too. The more businesses we attract, the more jobs and the more stable our ward becomes"), I have to ask, how many bar jobs are worth a single human life?

Next time gunshots go off on my street after Club Envy closes (also in Santiago's ward and the site of another shooting death), I'll just calm myself back to sleep by repeating "But it's bringing jobs, it's bringing jobs."

Unfortunately, a neighborhood's peace and quiet and safety seem to always be outweighed by the persuasion of a bar owner who claims his 12 jobs are more important than the 50 houses and their occupants, young and old, that surround his club.

If Councilman Santiago wants to help heal his ward, he should stop defending the problem bars and close them down. Maybe then his ward won't be the "rotting core" of the apple.

by Mike Shea, Cleveland

Something to Ponder

Failure to obtain building permits could prove costly
Sunday, September 09, 2007

Robert J. Bruss
Inman News

Recently, I saw a newspaper article about work done on a house without a building permit. I have had much work done to my home without permits. When I sell the house, is this a case of "buyer beware"? Or could there be a problem with the building inspectors if the buyer wants to make a stink? My house now has more square footage than shown on the official county records. Would I be taking a risk if I mention my home's square footage?

Ahame on you for renovating and expanding your home without building permits. When you decide to sell your home, you will regret not following the permit rules.

You ask if this is a case of "buyer beware." Today's rule has become "Home seller beware of the buyer." To protect yourself from after-sale lawsuits, you must disclose all known defects with the house, including the lack of building permits.

A buyer who purchases your house should demand a large discount for the risk he or she is taking. If the buyer decides to make improvements requiring a building permit, the building inspector could insist the illegal improvements be "legalized." The building inspector might demand opening up the walls to inspect the wiring and plumbing.

Because your house now has more square footage than shown on the official tax-assessment records, if the assessor discovers this, you might be assessed for back taxes, called "escaped taxes."

When the buyer's mortgage appraiser evaluates your home and checks the official records, the appraiser will deduct market value for the illegal space you added. In summary, you made a serious mistake by not obtaining building permits for the work performed on your home.

Qeveral years ago, I refinanced my home through a mortgage broker recommended by a friend. He repeatedly assured me there would be no prepayment penalty. When I sold my home in March 2007, I was charged a $20,000 prepayment penalty. I contacted the mortgage broker who said it was done in error and there was to be no prepayment penalty. Washington Mutual said if my buyers had financed through them, the prepayment penalty would have been waived. In the meantime, I am out $20,000. When I signed the loan papers, I failed to notice the prepayment penalty, as I was in a hurry to get to another meeting. Do I have any recourse?

Ao. You have only yourself to blame. You should not have signed in haste the loan papers, which clearly stated there was a prepayment penalty.

Oral promises mean nothing in real estate. Everything must be in writing to be enforceable. That was a very expensive lesson for you to learn. In the future, read before you sign.

Send questions to Robert Bruss, 251 Park Road, Burlingame, CA 94010, or to www.bobbruss.com.

I would like to thank Henry Senyak for everything he has helped my family, nieghborhood ,and city for that matter. Henry has been a hidden hero.He does not caring about who gets credit. As long as the quality of life for all clevelanders improve. The only thing Henry loves more than Cleveland is his mother.That is a rare quality in a child these days.I think Henrys mom can take the credit for raising a great person as well as a community activist.I would like to ask Henry to stay strong and continue to encourage people like myself to believe in what America really stands for life liberty and the persuit of happiness. I thank you Henry, because these beliefs are evident in our cities and the people who choose to make a difference.

While downtown tomorrow I will be stopping by building and housing to discover how many permitsMr Catania currently has pulled. I am concerned his response to inequities of permits and safety precautions might be a result of like business practices. IT is my sincere hope that he is above board and not merely defending another -in an attempt to legitimize his own culpability. I will let you know--it takes a couple of weeks.
Brentton

Amy, this is Brentton it is not dirty pool if they misrepresent themselves. The best way not to have your rap sheet pulled is to be a good citizen and not make false claims. If your a criminal a repeat criminal, then so be it. The clear choice would be to not have a criminal background to be exposed I know you ,I ike you but when you invest $85,000.00 of your money to be legal while observing your fellow business open illegaly at a fraction of the cost of honest business people. Let me know how it feels. One of Tremonts local television chefs (not Micheal) isn't even zoned to be a restaraunt yet they continue on. Amy, it is not equitable!! Think for yourself. Not the the thoughts of the friends you think you have. You are intelligent enough to know that in America we are afforded equal opportunity except in Cleveland, Tremont most blatently. Brent

Yes, perhaps we should rename Tremont to Thistledown. As Tremont is beginning to take on that tacky appearance with all the excessive flags that now line Scranton Ave.

Who makes those kinds of decisions anyway? Sammy I wondered if you and Chris were at the Lava Lounge when the decision was made to allow that mess to proceed?

If you were, then at least I would understand. Things do look different after a few beers.

This brings me to another question or two. PLEASE answer so that even a Treamoter can understand.

Is the Lava Lounge legal? YES or NO

Will the new adult district in the flats have to follow city code or Tremont code?
Just wondering ???

Rosemary

I can't speak for bars and clubs in Tremont, but I found the information provided by Henry Senyak concerning bars and clubs in Ohio City of great use. In fact, 2nd District Vice has made use of Henry's wealth of information, as did the former 2nd District Commander. Those that object to this in Ohio City appear to be on the wrong side of the law. I am on the side of law and order, and welcome Henry's information.

Bob Shores
Safety Coordinator
Ohio City Near West Development

As Tremont is beginning to take on that tacky appearance with all the excessive flags that now line Scranton Ave.

Who makes those kinds of decisions anyway?

That was a community decision that was reached at a Strategic Investment meeting held a year ago. It was open to all Tremont residents.

Adam,
Thanks for the information. So I must apologize to Chris as he could not have helped make this bad decision.
However, my opinion remains the same they look tacky.
My point is not that I dislike the banners my point is that there are too many.
I don’t remember it being stated at the Strategic Investment meeting held a year ago that the banners would be so close to each other.

Rosemary

Rosemary - are yo the same Rosemary that owns a property on Scranton Road that just had your building sided without a permit in the window? Or, are you the Rosemary that allows Mr. Suckyak to park illegallyin your gravel lot?

MR. Shores,

I respect and thank you, for all that you do in your community. It’s refreshing to have someone understand the importance of safety in our community. The fact is that Mr. Senyak wants to help your community simply proves he is not targeting business in Tremont or anywhere.

Although I don’t know Mr. Senyak yet, it appears to me that he thinks the legal business make strong communities and that unlawful business could set a trend to allow corruption.

Much luck to you and your neighbors who are working hard to make Ohio City the great place that it is.

Thanks for your time
Cindy

Does anyone know this Bob Shores? Does he really want to be associating his name with Henry's conduct on this site (and elsewhere)?

Posting personal information (irrespective of whether it's publicly available) and accusing people of perjury is serious misconduct. In fact, anyone who has been a target of Henry in this regard has good grounds to sue him. You can't just accuse people of things in a public forum that are not true.

If you want to operate a business in Tremont then do your homework. Find out what permits are needed, what the codes are and how to comply with them. It appears that the norm for Tremont businesses is: open the doors and don't worry about being legal and in compliance with any laws, especially if your councilman supports your business.

I don't understand all the animosity toward Henry for doing what the councilman should be doing, making sure everything is in order before a business opens its doors.

If the councilmen of Wards 13 & 14 and TWDC did what they are suppossed to be doing, THEIR JOBS, then Henry wouldn't have to do it for them. He isn't signaling out one specific business to comply but requiring all businesses to comply as it should be.

Its a sad and sorry fact of life in Tremont, it depends upon who you know and what connections you have to City Hall as to whether or not you open legally or just open for business illegally.

Fortunately for them but unfortunately for many Tremont residents their decisions do not affect them in an adverse way. The decisions they make about a bar, etc., usually is far removed from their residences and they don't have to put up with the aftermath.

You can't sue if its true and it is. The one thing you should know about Henry is that he doesn't make unsubstantiated remarks. He checks his fact thoroughly and rechecks them before making a statement about anyone or anything. The fact is he does his homework unlike most.

Hey KM,

KM why don't you try. Henry

P.S. if anyone tries I will turn all the files of all the Tremont businesses over to the P.D.

Not a threat just a fact.

Henry,
enough with the threats. Turn over all of your records to the PD. Sunlight is the best disinfectant. I trust them to make people get things fixed. why dont you also give them all of your evidence of crooked TWDC deals and board members and payoffs and developers and colleen and emily and steve et all, so we can get a break from your self-importaint , mentally derranged unsubstantiated groundless accusations. They are more than qualified to pursue investigations than one lonely socially mal adjusted asshat living in mom's house sucking off her pension.
Oh yes, Nina, crawl back into your bottle and go to sleep!

I am glad the rest of Cleveland see's how Tremont feels about a regular long term resident. Your post in actuality is worth a subpoena to the webmaster.

Please come into a regular neighborhood in Cleveland and meet my neighbors 80-90% feel they do not live in Tremont. They want nothing at all to do with east of the highway.

Who brought Steve into this, he is a regular guy that I can say never really involved himself in smiling and handing politicians over donations.

I have thousands of documents, go get some yourself.

Do not think lawyers are not reading this on both sides of the issues!

More talk henry!
change the subject
but no proof
more empty threats
just turn over all of your evidence to the pd

Henry
Please of you are truely a frend of a long time tremont resident, please take her to AA.
it is your duty.

Nina, you were on the board of TWDC for a few years....isn't that right? So you should know all about the finaces, political bs, etc. I don't recall seeing in the minutes any complaints from you about businesses not being compliant. check yourself when TWDC gets looked into my your butt-buddy Henry.

And, Henry, do you realize what you have shared with the world wide web will be a record of your attempts for extorsion and blackmail? And, I noticed you had your commercial/residential property sided a month ago -- did you have permit for that? I sure didn't see one when I drove by.

And, your missing a shingle in the south west corner of your roof. You better get that fixed. Hope you dont' fall off the ladder on your way up.

You really must need attention(Butt-Buddy) I am sure you have offended some people in Tremont tonight. I wish you would come into my neighborhood, please come tonight. If you know anything about code, I do not need a permit to replace damaged siding that was already legally permitted.

Please review the guide book passed out by my Councilman Joe Santiago at Block Clubs.

Who am I blackmailing? I hope you come and pay me and my neighbors a visit. Knock on one of my Hispanic neighbors doors, they cut weeds with sickles and machetes, they are very good at it. You simple bastard.

I was at Cleveland City Council tonight. I did not see any of you jackasses down their trying to better Cleveland.

Your boy, Joe Cimperman did not say anything to me, but I certainly had conversations with four of his west side colleagues regarding these issues. But Joe Cimperman called Brent Thompson today. I am glad Brent recorded most of the call. So play your games, I am playing mine for keeps. He is going to play it for the Plain Dealer.

We were their to support a real councilman that was going to oppose the hush money payoff to TWDC's former Director. More to come my media friends learned a lot tonight.

I’m sorry I not sure what you mean. I don’t live by Henry. The way you people Attack people personally for speaking their minds is quite scary. I don’t feel safe giving you my address (you might be some kind of Psycho or illegal business owner) however, you can be sure that I have a vested interest in the out come of the events that are currently unfolding.
And it does appear they are not only unfolding they are unraveling.
Emily did not get her hush money as planned. Santiago no longer has the support of city council. Cimperman goes on the record of supporting illegal business.

Tremont…….. A great place to be.

Rosemary

Less Commercial Development

Promises, Promises, and this is based off the existing in use master plan.

Ms. Lipovan fought for us, the residents then she became hooked up within the sleazy politics of Cleveland.

Well our Block Club still is waiting, what we were sold on in 2000.
This goes to the credibility of the Board and the E.D. since 2000 to date.

Tremont Equals Taxation without Representation, specifically in Ward 14, where Joe Cimperman still thinks has the right to go to Zoning Boards and tell us what is best for constituents of other Council people.

Do any of you have a copy of the existing Master plan?

Joe $20,000 + to Jeannie R. that should pay off the student loans Huh!

Read the quotes and comments from Ms. Lipovan in this archived story.

Bar Brawl
Nervous neighbors rough up a councilman.
By Mark Naymik
Published: February 24, 2000

Roman Dowhaniuk, a longtime resident of Scranton Road, keeps a large cat food bag stuffed with trash on his front porch. The 45-year-old city worker picked up the glass bottles and other debris that fill the thick paper sack after they were discarded by patrons of a sports bar that sits at the foot of his property line.

The bar closed more than two years ago. But Dowhaniuk has kept the bag as hard evidence of the soft management he attributes to the bar's owner -- Cleveland City Councilman Nelson Cintron Jr. "I haven't had to add to the bag since his bar closed," Dowhaniuk says.

A more dramatic reminder of the bar's troubled past is a hole in Dowhaniuk's gutter, which he says was created by a bullet fired by a bar patron. It ricocheted through his yard and lodged in a neighbor's house.

Now a different sort of shooting war has broken out at the corner of Scranton and Starkweather Avenue in Tremont, as Cintron has announced his intention to open a "family-style restaurant" at the old bar site. No longer willing to let his liquor license sit idle, he plans to serve alcohol along with the food.

The news has many area residents upset. During a recent block club meeting that did not include Cintron, residents attacked his track record as a business operator.

"He couldn't control the place the first time. Why will he handle it this time?" yelled Dowhaniuk.

"Are we going to have a repeat of what we had when he was there before?" asked block club president John Popow, who promised to organize a meeting with Cintron to discuss the project.

According to Dowhaniuk and other residents, Cintron's bar -- Hoyas Sports Place -- had become a source of after-hours drinking and gambling, noise, public intoxication, and numerous parking problems. The ruckus ended when Cleveland police officers raided the bar in late January 1998, making several arrests for drug possession and underage drinking. In response, Cintron -- who owned the liquor license, but had let someone else manage the bar -- padlocked its doors.

"In the interest of the community, I am shutting it down," he told the news media. "I don't need this type of business in the area. I'll take the loss."

His posture is less conciliatory now.

"Before people start attacking me, they should wait for the plans," says Cintron, who earlier suggested that the shuttered bar be turned into a coffee shop or ward office. "I'm talking about an affordable place. It won't be overpriced, like other places in Tremont. My intention is to do a nice restaurant on the site."

Cintron's defensiveness is fueled, in part, by what he says is a long-standing bias against him created by the Tremont West Development Corporation, which helped organize the recent block club meeting. In 1997, Tremont West led an unsuccessful voter drive to "dry up" the precinct. If the drive, which was narrowly defeated, had been successful, Cintron would have been forced to close and move his liquor license out of the neighborhood.

"I'm not going to have people twist my arm," he says. "Tremont West tried to do it when I was running for council, but the community supported me. My fear is that [Tremont West] will try to gentrify this neighborhood. I won't let them gentrify this area."

Tremont West Executive Director Emily Lipovan says Cintron's bar was not the only target of the campaign. She cites the Lincoln Heights Tavern, located next to Cintron's bar, for contributing to many of the problems in the neighborhood. That bar closed after losing its liquor license.

"In 1997, I met with the residents of the area three times, and they said they were threatened by patrons of Lincoln Heights Tavern and [Cintron's bar] next to it," she says. "The residents tried to dry out the area once, and they will try again."

Tremont West would prefer to see less commercial development in that corner of the neighborhood, according to Lipovan, adding no more than light retail, like a second-hand clothing store.

But Cintron has already made a substantial financial investment in the proposed restaurant site and can't afford to be forced out of the neighborhood now. Last summer, for instance, he purchased the building that housed his sports bar. He had been leasing the space for $400 a month from his elderly relatives, Iris and Francesco Caraballo, who lived in one of the building's upstairs apartment units.

Initially, the Caraballos refused to sell to Cintron, whose lease gave him the option to buy the property for $40,000 at any time or be refunded his rent payments dating back to 1993. Iris Caraballo tried to terminate Cintron's lease, claiming he had missed payments in the past. But she was unable to prove it.

According to the Caraballos' attorney, Julian Kahan, the lease -- which gave Cintron the option to buy the property indefinitely -- left the Caraballos at a disadvantage. He says the elderly couple lacked proper legal representation at the time the lease was drawn up. And the only reason the Caraballos couldn't prove that Cintron missed rent payments, he says, is because they were "very poor bookkeepers."

With the courts on Cintron's side, the Caraballos eventually sold him the building. (The couple used the money to buy a home.) Not long after buying the bar, Cintron secured a $56,000 line of credit for renovations. Currently, Cintron's father and two other tenants live in the building, and the councilman says he is making minor improvements to the property. (According to City Hall records, no building violations exist on the property, and no building permits have been pulled for renovation work.)

If community opposition continues to build, Cintron could be in the uncomfortable position of waging a nasty public fight against city residents. But he's obviously weighed the political -- and financial -- costs of such a battle.

"If [Tremont West] has the money, I'm willing to sell the damn building," he declares. "No one will play politics with me and make me lose my money."

OK -Enough already
I just want to know this one thing: Are Rosemary and Henry Sunyak the same person on these posts?

Are you now suggesting that the people on this site are using alias?

Well I guess I would not be surprised, Henry seems to come right and say what he wants he does not seem shy so why would he have an alias?

Although you never know, I have been able to figure out who some of you are because you writing style is the same and in a few of you rants you have given your self a way.

I asked before what is wrong with expecting business to be legal. It seems very logical to me if you want to change the zoning. Work to change it, if you don’t like the law work to change it, but in the mean time run a legal business.

Maybe I’m old fashion but I expect the people paid to represent us have a responsibility to all citizens not just a few trendy business owners.

Standing up for what is right is sometimes a hard thing to do. Just As Falling in line and going along with the crowd is easy.

Kudos to Mr. Senyak, for taking the heat and not backing down and doing the right thing.

Thanks For your time.
Cindy

I have to tell you I am so sick and tired of the big deal being made about the compliance vs. non compliance.

We get the point!!!!!!!! There are a few minor issues that are being blow out of proportion. Of course we respect the law. ( but remember everything is not always going to perfect)

Please understand the businesses here are not breaking the law, minor technicalities maybe, but unlawful I think NOT.

I used to work in the Tremont area and I loved to enjoy the wonderful Night life it offers.

I will even go as far to admit my friend Katie and I have closed more than our share of the alleged non complaint bars and not once did we feel unsafe. NOT ONCE.

More that once I may have felt discombobulated, because I’m not sure how I got home but unsafe in Tremont no!!

I attended meetings that were held at some of the wonderful places that happen to be located in that wonderful part of the