Thanks for the post. The sharing of information like this helps us all feel a little better.

Joe-

I am glad to hear that 3 of the 4 are not a threat to me when I walk into my
home tonight. But what about the fourth?

I am sorry to say, but this has simply gone too far. After having cars broken
into numerous times with no police response (old story that's been told here a
million times), and now a new story every time you turn around about armed
muggings...

I have had enough. I am sorry, but despite the above comment, I do not feel better. I will miss the neighborhood and all of the potential it had to be great, but I will be moving later this month. I would have loved to see less money spent on signs "Welcoming" people back home and more money spent making this a safe home for everyone. Want to see the real signs? They read "For Sale" and they're everywhere.

Dear hot coffee girl- 

SEE YA!

Thanks for the nice send off.

Hot Coffee Girl,

I'm sorry to hear that you will be leaving the neighborhood. I've enjoyed reading your blog occassionally and I always felt that you had a good sense of what the neighborhood was all about. I'm not saying it's perfect ... but it has absolutely not gotten any worse than it was when you originally loved it here. Perhaps a few things have affected you personally, which is unfortunate but let me assure you as someone who has lived here for many years that Tremont has always been just a little rough around the edges but much less so than most inner city neighborhoods. My point is this. Please do not leave with the feeling that Tremont is all of a sudden somehow changing for the worse. It is what it is. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who feels that Tremont is less safe now than it was 10 or 15 years ago. Maybe inner city life just isn't for you and that's OK. I hope you mostly enjoyed your time here with us.

I've lived here for 14 years and have two break-ins and one stolen car to my debit so far.

I always keep a low profile, scan ahead and watch out for corners. I feel I've been lucky. That's about as much advice as I can give.

I believe the difference today is that people are being preyed on by outsiders because they are perceived to have money. Also, shit used to happen on quieter nights such as Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays. Lately it seems 'weekend people' are being targeted.

Just some observations.

Hot Coffee Girl, you should stay.  Your blog should go.

Do we know if these thugs are also responsible for the robbings of August?
Let's make sure we have a strong presence at the CourtWatch, to give a message that this is not a nieghborhood that tolerates or dismisses these kinds of crimes. We will show these thugs and have them spread the word to their fellow criminals that this is not an easy place for them to do their deeds, because we are organized, committed, and use our resources very well.
This presence may also humanize us to the jury to show them our experience during these robberies, and pressure the judge to level a more serious sentencing.
Let's all do what we can to make an example out of these thugs, and how they are effecting Cleveland's nieghborhoods and overall vitality.

I called the people that were mugged in August to let them know about the progress in this case.  They did file a police report after the mugging and at that time they viewed mug shots.  I do hope that they stay involved.

Hot Coffee Girl-

My boyfriend just bought a house here (you'd know that if you ever returned a call or an email) and he's very happy with his purchase. Since moving home to Olmsted Twp. a few months ago, I've noticed the glaring differences between Tremont and the OT...In Olmsted I can go for a run at 10 at night and not have to worry about a thing. My parents don't lock our house or their cars. It's great...But it's not Tremont. I hope someone moves into to your pretty cool apartment committed to not letting a couple of assholes win. 

See you around, or not. 

Let's see . . . I live in suburbia - about 13 miles from downtown Cleveland. One of my neighbors was murdered a few years ago - in suburbia. My parent's house was burglarized less than 2 years ago - they went to the drug store and were gone for about an hour and a half, when they returned they found their house a mess and most of their valuables gone. So, let's admit that crime can happen anywhere!

Mr Keith-Thank you.

On a lot of fronts. My decision to leave Tremont was not entirely based on my feeling (although you make a good point that it's likely just partly my perception) that it's gotten worse as of late. I really do love Tremont as a whole, and there is a real sadness that plays into leaving here. I also get that there is a trade-off that anyone who calls a city home versus a cookie-cutter development in the 'burbs. Some might make the argument that where I am going is no safer than here, as it's still Cleveland proper.

That being said, I do think that there are things that continue to give me pause about how things are handled in terms of crime and the response to it. Maybe I am partly to blame as a citizen not being more involved in the process. And I also respect and admire the people who are committed to really making a difference. I am not sure where the line is. Do we count ourselves lucky that we pay high rent or property prices and manage to duck any violent crime and only endure the occassional break-in or stolen car? When do we say, "Ok. This has become too much."? I don't have the numbers to back it up, but it seems like there is a lot more violent crime that's taken place over the last few months. I am sure that someone will correct me if I am wrong.

I like Tremont. A lot. I hope that it does well and continues to grow and thrive as the funky, eclectic spot that I fell in love with three years ago. I just simply do not want to feel afraid to get out of my car to walk 10 steps to my door.

Anon,

Yes, crime does happen everywhere.  This is why every municipality, township, etc has police.  However, one glaring thing you overlook is that crime is overwhelmingly more prevalent in the inner-city.  That is a big difference.  If you are going to try and compare the criminality that occurs in Cleveland with that of Westlake or even Lakewood, do us all a favor and quit blogging. 

And I disagree with an earlier blogger saying that crime is part of the territory of living in a city.  It would be more precise if you had said that "if living in Cleveland, crime comes with the territory."

This is the problem with Cleveland.  There is not one safe area to live (excluding maybe Little Italy).  Go to cities like New York, Chicago, Boston, etc and there are multiple neighborhoods where one can live much more safely. 

I've been to Chicago and New York City, and found both to be crime ridden - there are a few areas where there is less crime, but there are no areas that are crime free. It does help that there are more visible police on the streets in those cities.

Are you sure that Little Italy is crime free? I can't think of anywhere in Greater Cleveland that I feel I shouldn't be "on the look out."

Some people have lived in Cuyahoga county, for many years, without incident. Let's not forget that Cleveland is one of the poorest cities in the USA.

Unless police records are checked it is not fair to compare Cleveland to suburbs where there may be just as much crime, but it goes unreported. Not everyone in suburbia can leave their house nor car unlocked. No matter where one lives it is important not to become complacent.

I have a burglar alarm, do you?

I will say, that over the last 4 years, Tremont seems to have more crime. There are also fewer people are on the streets, day or night.

I hate hearing about "crime" in Tremont and Ohio City - "9 robberies in the last month" announced on TV news.  It seems that Tremont and Ohio City are the same place to many viewers and it will hurt business for many merchants in Tremont. 

channel three news website has blurb about "be careful when visiting tremont and ohio city...", and references the recent robberies. well it does mention that there were recent arrests made, at least, but the tone is still very cautious, addressing the restaurant patron crowd. was this on the tv news?
it also says there have been nine (9!) such crimes in these two areas in recent months. this suggests that the three scumbags arrested may very well be pinned to multiple counts of armed robbery, greatly increasing their sentencing and sending them away for a long time.
count me in for the court-watch.

How can you dare say that I can't compare the crime of Cleveland with that of the suburbs?  It is COMMON SENSE.  I am not even going to argue with such idiocy.  And please, while I know that parts of NYC and Chicago are some of the worst in America, there are other parts that aren't. 

Kudos to the news stations for covering something that seems to be lost upon a lot of us...the truth.  They should report the crime and enlighten Tremont's visitors to the sad reality that most of those who live here know.  Do you think they should only discuss how this amazing chef named Simon owns a restaurant here?  It is their duty to report everything. 

"I have a burglar alarm, do you?"  Just what exactly are you trying to say?  To me, you're merely implying what we've been saying...Tremont isn't that safe. 

Hot Coffee Girl,

Please do not question your decision to leave.  Those who are saying that you are somehow not "real" enough to make it in a city are complete fools.  If anything, you should be congratulated for weighing the pros and cons and making a decision that best fits you. 

Do the suburbs have the arts, restaurants, or interesting churches that Tremont does?  Of course not.  But sadly, another thing Tremont has that many suburbs do not, is crime.  Unfortunately that overshadows the positives of it.  So good luck with your move and take pride in the fact that you tried to make it work here. 

filippo7, if you hate it here so much, why don't you move? The way you talk, you've given up on the neighborhood. If
you hate it here so much, why aren't you doing anything to make it
better? Don't give me any crap about it not being your responsibility,
because if you live in a neighborhood and do nothing to improve the
quality of life in it, you are part of the problem. Tremont has the
least amount of crime in the 2nd District, and and extremely low amount
of violent crime. Period. If you've got a problem with the level of
crime here in Tremont, do something about it. Put up or shut up. Living
like a victim will only ensure that you get victimized.

Also,
comparing the crime levels to cities 20 times our size is just ridiculous as comparing it to the suburbs.
Tremont is safer than the well-off upper-west side of NYC. I have
friends who live in Central Park West and they bar their door at night.

Thank you, Filippo.

I am not moving to the 'burbs. (Not that there's anything wrong with that. Heh.) And I didn't mention where I am going for a fear that an East Side vs. South Side debate would arise out of it, which would be off-point. I just don't get the people who think that this is the price we pay for living in an urban area. That we knew what we were getting into when we moved here.

That kind of mentality makes it okay for everyone to turn the other cheek and let it get worse. If we say, "Yeah. It's ok for armed muggings to happen because we have cool restaurants and galleries all around us" then we are complicit in the crime. I call on everyone who's ever said that or thought it to stop that line of thinking. I respect the businesses that have made this their home despite the challenges that go along with it. I respect the residents that say that this place can be different. I do not, however, respect anyone who believes that it's the price we pay. How is that right?

Also, I do not believe that it's just a "few assholes" any more than I believe that it's the enitre neighborhood that is fucked. I call on Frank and Joe to tell me what they are going to do to make this (and other urban neighborhoods) safer for everyone. Not just the residents or the weekenders who visit.

Sir Adam,

I have a lease.  Do you know what that means?  It means I am legally required to pay rent until my lease expires.  Other than blogging, I am not sure what you do.  But on my modest living I cannot afford to pay two rents. 

What exactly do you do, Adam?  I volunteer at South High School.  Tell me what the hell you do.  I love how you try to play Mr. No Insults, but look at how you attacked me. 

So basically, you are saying that although I do not cause crime and live by the rules of society, I am part of the problem because I do not go to block meetings????  So I am at fault just like the criminals.  It's laughable the way you think. 

"Living like a victim will only ensure that you get victimized.."  Oh really, Adam.  Not exactly sure what that means actually.  By that logic, you cannot fault the individual who wallks around at 3,30 am by himself or the person that leaves his doors unlocked.  We do not walk around at 330 am because it is not safe.  We lock our doors out of fear of a burglary.  If you want to call this "living like a victim", so be it.  I call it common sense. 

You proceed to say that I am ridiculous for comparing cities with larger populations to Cleveland.  First of all, I do not think Boston is larger than Cleveland.  Secondly, my point in doing that is to debunk the myth that just because you live in a big city means you cannot expect safety.  It is to refute the typical argument about "well you're in a city, so you should expect to be mugged."  Furthermore, if you want to play the "I have a friend game", I have more friends in Chicago, Boston, and New York than I do in Cleveland.  None of their neighborhoods have the problems of Tremont. 

"Put up or shut up!"  Those are some real tough words.  How do you "put up" Adam?  By running this web-site?  By attacking individuals who have a different view than you?  Please enlighten us with with exactly you do to prevent crime in Tremont. 

HotCoffeeGirl,

No one thinks that crime is OK but what we are saying is that it is a part of our society and it tends to be more prevelent in inner city neighhborhoods for various socio-economic reasons. It is very frustrating to be a victim (I've been there), but you seem to imply that the solution is obvious and that were it not for incompetent leadership in this particular community, the crime problem would be solved. I know one thing .. communities get safer as more law abiding citizens move in and they get less safe as more law abiding citizens move out. Tremont is a wonderful place and hopefully your apartment will be filled by one or two law abiding citizens that will occasionally walk the streets of Tremont and will (just by doing that) make it a safer place for the rest of us.

filippo7, last time I checked, South High School wasn't in Tremont. I'm not asking what you do to improve Cleveland, any volunteer work is great. I'm asking what you do to improve your neighborhood. Do you have an answer for that?

By that logic, you cannot fault the individual who wallks around at
3,30 am by himself or the person that leaves his doors unlocked

Exactly. Most of the crimes we hear about here are because people give criminals the opportunity to victimize them. It is good that you don't walk around at 3:30am and lock your doors. You'd do the same in the suburbs, I'm sure. People get their cars broken into because they leave valuables in them. They get them stolen because they aren't secured enough. I'm not saying these people deserve it, but they aren't using common sense.

My point is that if you complain about the crime but do nothing to help improve the neighborhood, you're like a person who complains about elected officials but never votes. That's why you need to put up or shut up.

If I have to prove my cred when it comes to volunteering and if what I do for Tremont matters so much, running this website comes out at the top of the list, if you can't see how it serves as a benefit to the neighborhood, then there is little else to say. That alone seems to be more than you do. I have been active in multiple block clubs since I moved to Tremont, I take part in litter clean-ups, attend neighborhood meetings, call the cops when I see criminal activity, give them direction when they send me emails on contacting people who post about criminal activity here, look out for my neighbor's property, maintain my own property, know my neighbors by name and chat with them when I see them.

In addition to that I am a volunteer on the Neighborhood Connections Grant Committee, helped plan and implement the 2007 Cleveland Leadership Summit and volunteer with a youth news program in Mt. Pleasant. I also put together the Tremont History Website and trained the great lady who runs it on how to update it.

I'm not attacking you, fillipo7, I'm disagreeing with your attitude. I know a local business owner who's been the victim of more crime than anyone else I know of in the neighborhood. But they kept plugging away and fighting back, and I haven't heard of any troubles for almost a year now. Fighting back is better than sitting on your duff waiting for a lease to expire.

Leadership has more to do with this than you realize. They refuse to acknowledge the problem and refuse to do anything.

Joe can post the progress of the police on this board and tell you all of the things he did as a "Reaction" but that is what politicians do.

These SAME people that were arrested were identified MONTHS ago and ignored by all. There are some of us fighting this and have made some progress.

Support the efforts to address Crime FIRST. It is not just one issue, it is THE ISSUE.

As I was reading the exchanges here, I notice:

"I have a burgler alarm" announced that they live in suburbia

"Do you? " would be a good question to ask.

There is crime all over N. E. Ohio, not just in Tremont!

Elsewhere, it was written that there have been THREE robberies . . . I only know of two. When and where did the third one take place?

FYI, Safety Meeting.

         This is a email from Tremont West dated yesterday. This is a inappropriate venue for a non-profit corporation to host a meeting especially about neighborhood safety. It has come to my attention today that this was also organized by Councilman Cimperman's office.

If you think for one minute resident's come first in Tremont think again. All this negative publicity is hurting local business owners so you can see Cimperman's first motive. This should have been reacted to by our elected officials before this has reached this critical mass. So now everyone is into character assignation at this point and time. No-one is wrong. Join me in contacting TWDC and City of Cleveland Safety Director Martin Flask to complain about where this public TWDC sponsored meeting is being held with police officials. TWDC should have contacted a area Church for access to a meeting room. This is not to promote one specific business or style of business. Nor is it the responsibility of the Cleveland Police Department to provide security for patrons of any business. The Police need to be patrolling all of Tremont and the second district without favor. 

The Second District had a Safety Summit last week. Why was this not promoted as the venue by Councilman Cimperman or TWDC? Tremonter dually noted this event. All the correct law enforcement personnel were at this meeting, I was told it was very poorly attended.

Subj:
HIGH PRIORITY - Meeting this Thursday - Tremont Crime Prevention 

Date:
10/23/2007 5:37:04 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time

Hello Block Club Chairs -

Please see the message below from TWDC Executive Director Chris Garland.  Hope you can make this important meeting.  Please pass this information on to your fellow co-chairs who may not have or check email on a regular basis.  Please call me or Chris with any questions.  Please let me know if you think you will be able to attend. Thanks!

Kristen

Dear Tremont Neighborhood Leader,
Please join us for a discussion on future Crime Prevention in Tremont with 2nd District Cmdr. Sulzer.

• Thursday - October 25, 2007
• 6:00pm
• Prosperity Social Club - 1109 Starkweather (across from Lincoln Park)

*TWDC will provide light appetizers

Chris Garland   Executive Director
Tremont West Development Corporation

Kristen Ciofani
Community Organizer
Tremont West Development Corporation
2406 Professor Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44113

__________________________________________
My Response:

Hello Mr. Garland,

If this meeting has any sponsorship by TWDC it should not be held anywhere but at TWDC offices or at another affiliated non-profits facilities. Your combined decision is discriminatory to people that do not want to go to a liquor establishment.  I will call and register a complaint to Commander Sulzer tomorrow personally. I personally feel that it is a poor choice to have a representative of the Police Department meet citizens at a liquor establishment. Another political meeting.  

                           Henry Senyak

Wouldn't holding the meeting at a church discriminate against those of us who do not want to go to those types of establishments?

Sir Adam,

 "if you live in a neighborhood and do nothing to improve the
quality of life in it, you are part of the problem." 

Please Mr. self-righteous, tell me what activities count as "improving the quality of life."  I mean, is it not good enough that I am a law-abiding citizen?  Just because you are active in things like a web-site and litter duty doesn't automatically make everyone who does not participate in those things "part of the problem."  Also, in case you have not noticed, I comment on this web-site.  Does that count under your system? 

"If you've got a problem with the level of crime here in Tremont, do something about it." 

You stated that you call the police when contacted.  I call the police too.  What exactly do you do to prevent crime?  Pick up litter?  Have you formed your own vigilante police force with Dog the Bounty Hunter?  You have started a web-site and I comment on it.  I alerted everyone to my friend's mugging.  Am I not helping others be more vigilant in what they do?  I love how you set rules.  I am sure that by picking weeds you are scaring the hell out of criminals.     

"you're like a person who complains about elected officials but never votes. That's why you need to put up or shut up." 

This is a horrible analogy and I hope you have no plans for law school.  What you are doing is saying that "not voting is to complaining about the president", as "being an honest resident is to complaining about criminality in the community."  I think there is an absurd jump in your analogy.  First of all, I am a resident of Tremont.  Just with that, I am more than within my right to complain about criminality in my community.  Secondly, I am not only a resident of Tremont, but I am also a law-abiding resident.  This further entitles me to comment.  If I were a criminal, then yes, I would have no right to complain.  So please think next time you use that foolish analogy.

Also, please tell me how my friend was not using common sense when she was a victim of an armed robbery.  Is eating at Parallax, parking on 11th, and walking in a group of 4, not using common sense?   

I have such a disdain for self-righteous individuals who think they have a monopoly on certain issues.  You probably think of yourself as open-minded, when in reality you are closed to anyone who presents a different view. 

"put up or shut up!"  It's like a child who only knows 5 words and continues repeating them, no matter how non-sensical they may be.

this is at prosperity? awesome choice, i thought i was going to have to miss dinner to make it to this meeting now i can grab one of those 5 dollar cheeseburgers that are so good and catch the presentation as well.

maybe the next one will be at lava, they have a real nice space upstairs and i love their fries!

Henry - The meeting did not start out as a TWDC event, so TWDC did not pick the venue.

If this is the case, TWDC needed to explain that within the email that they sent out. (TWDC will provide appetizers?) The way the email is constructed was very official with titles and everything.

I wonder if Joe Cimperman will have a beer?  Can you say Expense Report?

 I had a very long talk with the Commander of the Second District this afternoon. He fully understands my position.

HCG, I loved your comment about the Welcome Home Signs, Read the small print "Paid for by Friends of Joe Cimperman" . This is also spin control. It is also interesting TWDC has these in their office windows, and in front of their property. This is a clear violation of their non-profit status, its called politicking.

It was just as original as the bulls**t unity march. Face it is time to hand Joe Cimperman his layoff notice.

Lou, you do not know how much of a help you have been to the cause, you have great pics of inside nightclubs.

filippo7, at best all you keep saying is "I'm minding my own business, and that should be enough." I'm obviously talking right past you, so I'm done talking to you here. If you'd like to chat more, I hope to see you tomorrow at the crime meeting at Prosperity; who knows, you might find something that's worth getting involved.

Sir Adam,

I think you are the one who does not get it.
You do not understand the simple premise that all law-abiding residents
of Tremont have a right to voice their opinions on the crime that is
increasing around them. It gets old constantly having to listen
to self-righteous BS by individuals who think they are more entitled to
speak merely because they run a blog or pick up trash. WE ARE ALL
RESIDENTS OF TREMONT. So please, do not tell me to "put up or
shut up." (nor use that horrible analogy again)

Henry this is a very important issue and you have nothing to contribute other than harassing people involved who are trying to solve our community's problems?!
Instead of putting energy towards helping out you are using time harassing those who are taking action and trying to impede any progress!
This shows us all what your priorities are--you are doing nothing on this most recent crusade of yours but losing any ounce of credibility you ever may have had with those on this site that you give a shit about our neighborhood.

Hey  you anonymous peace of WARD 13 shit, Its real important to go have beers with a aahole for a councilman and his silly puppets.

 I would really like to Harass you, have some balls you chicken shit bastard.

I will not allow Councilman Cimpermon, and TWDC to direct Second District Police resourses to babysit Tremont businesses. Let these people who came to Tremont to make a fast buck of the backs of the poor and elderly that you have all gentrified pay for off-duty police.

Upside to Gentrification!

       I really like the sign in front of Frank Giglio's House it explains it all.

Compliments of the Scene Magazine.

Best Down-Home Yuppie Bar (2007)
Prosperity Social Club

The upside of Tremont's gentrification is that it's provided a rare oasis of affluence to the West Side. The downside is that it's become a bit too fancy for anyone with paint stains on his Dickies. The Prosperity Social Club straddles this divide. For regular types, it's an upscale neighborhood bar without the pretense and prices. To the more sophisticated, it offers a classy 1938 feel, with a kitchen serving everything from hummus plates to stuffed grape leaves. In short, it's the one place that seems to understand West Side old and new -- a joint that aspires to more than Tic Tac Fruit and Jäger bombs, but knows you don't have to get all sphincter about it.

Bullshit unity march

A family was burned out of there home here in Tremont because of their race. KKK grafitti was scrawled around the sight of the ARSON. The community rose up to proclaim that "we will not let this happen here"

And now HENRY SENYAK calls the communities response a "bullshit unity march". It's interesting to see HENRY expose his true colors as a RACIST and BIGOT. All of his snide comments about his mexican neighbors with knives and axes now are clear when viewed through Henry's filter of RACISM. I guess we now know why HENRY didn't march with the rest of us.

We need to make it clear that Tremont is a welcoming place for People of all races, and religions and sexual orientations. We must not let HENRY and the KKK claim to represent us, and we must continue to smack down this kind of filthy hatred whenever it arises.

There is no room in Tremont for this kind of BIGOTRY.

Love and Peace, Claire

I am glad you want to slander me about the KKK. Lets see are their any police reports or arrests calling this a hate crime or is that a opinion at this time? Do you ever wonder why more media was not invloved?

My neighbors in Ward 14 know who I am, I only have to ask for their support. I do more for my neighbors who actually are diverse that you can ever do or say.

This march was promoted for political gain, I have the right to my opinion. Just like the "Welcome Home Signs" paid for by  politics -  campaign funding. I do not see many of those signs in WARD 14 does that make everyone in WARD 14 a racist? Nope, they know what this actually is all about. How about another sign? "Thanks for Staying"

 One family in Cleveland (Tremont) has a issue. So some savvy political types jump, and tell individuals they fund, to jump. They respond how high.

My neighbors are not Mexican, that shows how ignorant you are. What is unfortunate is that crime affects minorities every day in Cleveland. If the parties involved with this parade had any sense of unity why have they never addressed the fact of crime that a occurs in WARD 14 to hispanics on a daily basis.? By chosing to single out one crime in this or any community, is the true topic.

Lets look at the Board Composition of Tremont West, How deverse are they? How many hispanics sit on the Board? Just one African-American? How many that would fit federal poverty guidelines sit on the Board? This needs to be brought out to the NAACP and the Spanish American Committee.

Then lets look at how many developers, business owners,and lawyers sit on the Board? 

Break down the fact the 12 of 15 Board members live in WARD 13 real equality huh! The three Board members of Ward 14 live in small area all together. Look at the service territory its at the least is a split between Ward 13 and 14, worst case 55% to 45%.

Mr. Catania admitted to me in May this year that he made recommedations to Ward 13 Blockclubs last year on who to vote for at the TWDC annual election, do you think this is a fair practice?

I do not think you want to open a forum on racism, and if you want to call me a racist or a member of the KKK, I certainly hope you can prove that in a court of law.

I have the right to express my opinion, several of you are now personally attacking others in this forum that have a decenting opinion. My opinion was about the process and political involvement to come to the opinion I gave, you brought up the racial issue into the context I did not.

The real shame on this whole issue is the politicos involved in this event do not care about the daily struggles of any Cleveland resident that has continued to call Cleveland home.

This whole process involving federal funding in Cleveland is a corrupt one. Its like Robin Hood in reverse. Steal from the poor and give to the rich.

Here is another one for you, how many residents know that Board members of TWDC are going thru the neighborhood taking pictures of your properties? At what annual meeting was this ever approved? For What? What is next little tattoo's with serial numbers on peoples arms?

we pay police officers and grant them the right to detain, the right to search with reasonable cause, we arm them with weaponry, and we provide them with training and information not generally available to ordinary citizenry.
We grant judges the right to detain someone for extended periods of time and to revoke individual rights.
We give CDC's the responsibility to work in the best interest of all citizenry, not just the over-priviledged. They have the sometimes onerous task of not just promoting and developing a particular area, but also stabilizing and improving the lives of those that live there with a mind to equity.
We pay all these people with our tax dollars.
So, while we all have the responsibility to maintain safe neighborhoods (I myself have chased crack dealers off my street three times - let them shoot an old lady) it is also true that certain individuals, groups and organizations have higher levels of responsibility and are paid everyday to do that.
My impression of many CDCs in areas that are gentrifying is that they are more focused on promotion and development and prefer to sweep issues regarding stability and equity under the carpet because they affect promotion and development negatively. I don't feel this is right, given the purpose of their funding.
Its also an attitude and practice doomed to fail because our areas are without adequate police patrol and people who have a mind to commit criminal acts are well aware of this.
And YES it IS the responsibility of the CDCs, police, politicians and judges to keep our neighborhoods safe - WHAT ELSE IS THEIR JOB????

This idea of "what are YOU doing, blahblahblah." in response to a demand for adequate service is such crap. Its spouted routinely and its rude and insulting. Our city is spending $6million this year to demolish homes and $5 million to round up and microchip cats and they have the audacity to attack the citizenry with this "what are You doing?"

The fact is the same crime was occuring in the same place at the same times by the same people AND OUR POLICE COULDN'T STOP THEM????? Are you KIDDING? The same thing happened last summer in Ohio City, only it was happening in broad daylight and the 2nd district took a month to respond. Several people required extensive medical care. The day after a friend was hospitalized for an attack and at the very hours the attacks were taking place, a cruiser was driving the neighborhoods south of lorain handing out tickets - not bridge avenue where the muggings and beatings were taking place. Does this make sense?

And Adam seriously, do you know the origins of the phrase "put up or shut up?" Are you that big of a sexist bigot? I'm astounded anyone not wanting to alienate over 50% of the population would make such a statement in a public forum and this forum is not the appropriate place for an adequate response to that statement.

Jesus Christ. Stop calling each other names. WTF, are you
second-graders? Henry, if you stop calling people chicken shit bastards
and assholes and how everyone and their grandma is corrupt, they might
be less inclined to call you a bigot and a racist and other insulting
things. Then again, that might not work either. From now on I'll delete any comment where someone is called a name. Period.

debra, you're giving the same excuse that filippo7 was giving yesterday. Come to the crime meeting tonight and we can talk about it, and afterward you can explain to me the origins of "put up or shut up".

Mr. Catania never made any recommendations on who to vote for at my block club meeting and I have attended all my block club meetings in the past year.

TWDC is looking for candidates to run for the board this January. There are a number of spots that need to be filled. I suggest that anyone who is interested, particulary Hispanics, African-Americans, and any others who feel they are not represented stop by the office and sign up to run. Its not a tough process.

Ultimately, the community members decide at the Annual Meeting in January but I think you also have to have attended 2 or your block club meetings in the past year - is that correct? So to everyone out there - go to your November and December block club meetings. Speak up. Get involved. Then come in January and vote for who you would like to see on the Board.

Adam, your lack of control in other threads has led to these attacks.

I never said your grandma was corrupt, or any other. Political corruption is the topic. But you are biased, and you have the right to your opinion as well as I do.

It is apparent that this site truely does not allow freedom of Speech. Only topics that seem to be politically correct. No decent.

If you allow someone to post anonymously that rips apart the reputation of one, and then I respond, and now censorship is threatened after all the horses are out of the barn already?

I get your picture, do not post.

Mr. Catania called me and picked me up for a one on one meeting. He took me to the Treehouse. Several topics were discussed over about a hour period. I will not get into the "Other" topics at this time. But he did tell me that he went to Block Clubs and advised them in his opinion who to vote for in that January 2007 vote based on who would be better to lead the organization. I will be very happy to take a FBI lie detector test. I cannot speak for what you state, but I can only state what Mr. Catania told me. This meeting took place the week of May 20th 2007. I cannot be precise on the date, but it did happen.

AHC, it is not the responsibility of individuals to seek a diverse equality on the TWDC Board. Its the Board itself responsibility to seek a true medium of equality. Corporations across America are taken to task on this all the time.

Sorry Adam,

                         I did not mean to imply that this is all your fault. I do have a level of respect for your opinion and your frustration of being the "School Teacher" in these topics.

The voices of many are not being heard, but the Socioeconomic injustice must be discussed, and discussed without boundaries.

I do hope the meeting goes well tonight, my opinion it was just in the wrong venue. No-one in this neighborhood has the right to be held up at gunpoint resident, visitor, or business owner.

Sir Adam,

 You keep saying "you're just like Filippo..."  I am curious why you continue with that mantra even though you failed to rebut any of my statements.  Has it not occurred to you that your view-point is not the only one?  I will say it once more, law-abiding residents are sick of self-righteous individuals telling them how they can or cannot think.  Law-abiding residents are sick and tired of "put up or shut up."  Law-abiding residents might not understand why people like you say, "if you don't do anything, you are part of the problem!"  The gull of someone like you to say that just because I don't pick up litter or go to block meetings, and even though I break no laws, I share blame with the criminals?  Are you kidding? 

From the Free Dictionary 

 put up or shut up (informal)

if you say someone should put up or shut up, you mean they should either take action in order to do what they have been talking about or stop talking about it. You keep saying you're going to ask her out. Well, put up or shut up.

See also: shut

Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms © Cambridge University Press 1998

put up or shut up

either improve a bad situation or stop complaining about it. My father would not say, “Put up or shut up,” but that's what he clearly meant.

See also: shut

Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms © Cambridge University Press 2003

Henry, people call you names because they know they'll get a rise out of you. I think if you ignore the name-calling and taunts and continue addressing the issues that are important to you things will be fine. It does nothing to improve your quality of your point to put insults throughout it. You lower yourself to the level of the anonymous taunters by doing that. That goes for everybody, not just you. If I've been lax on culling such things in the past it is because I thought it would work itself out. It hasn't so I have to go in another direction.

I'm not obligated to allow freedom of speech on this site; if you notice, I allow people who have different opinions than mine to post all the time. I will delete comments that knock out the signal to noise ratio, because they drown out the worthwhile conversations. All I'm saying is that people need to get their points across without name-calling, and if they can't learn to do that, their points won't be heard.

Once again, I call on Adam to enlighten me why I do not put up, and therefore must shut up.  He told me he has called the police.  I have called the police.  He told me he has started this website.  I comment on this website.  I alerted all of you to the armed mugging of my friends.  Who is to say that Cimperman would have commented had I not posted.  But alas, I realize that I am dealing with the almighty Adam, who does more than all of us combined and therefore has the audacity to tell a law-abiding resident "put up or shut up".  Translation = "agree with me or shut up". 

Filippo7, as I told you yesterday, if you'd like to chat more, I hope to see you at the crime meeting tonight. Maybe debra will show up too and we can have a panel.

Point well taken Adam,

   I have been struggling with myself since I was informed a little over a week ago that someone forged my name on a letter and sent it to Bishop Lennon. The letter intent was to Slander St. Augustine's and all the great services they provide for the community. This is in the hands of a Second District Detective, and the Diocese attorney's are looking at this as a potential Federal Crime. All parties know that the letter is not from me. But someone in our great community of Tremont more than likely was trying to accomplish two goals. Discredit me, and close St. Augustines. I have a meeting today with Father Joe at St. Augustines. This is all about the homeless. So now you have a better idea on the anonymous stuff, and why I took it so personally lately. You noticed I laid off that in the postings about my "Stalking" or "Mental" issues in another thread. But when they this to me it went to another level.

Issues of anonymous posting or anonymous speech for the reasons of facing retaliation is completely understood. Or beating a drum about politics is well taken in the United States, and is supported by the Supreme Court. But Forgery or a form of slander thru identity theft.

That's pretty messed up, Henry. I hope you figure out what is going on in that situation.

My Bad: "This impolite way of telling people to take action, defend themselves, or be silent is chiefly a U.S. colloquialism first recorded in 1878. It is believed to come from gambling, in which a card player is told to ante up (put up their money) or withdraw...An alternate theory is that ‘put up or shut up’ was a command to put up one’s fists and fight or stop talking." -Wordwizard

There is no immediately available web-based reference to its sexist implications, but as an avid feminist with degree, I assure you it is. Perhaps it is the "put up AND shut up" colloquialism I mistook it for.

Regardless, its rude. And it illustrates a defense-less and unfortunately prevalent attitude. You can't sweep dirt under a rug and expect it will disappear. Shame on you for trying to silence someone who refuses to have apathy shoved down their throat. People are upset because of a perceived lack of police response in their neighborhoods - not just in the Tremont area of Cleveland, either. I was very active in trying to get the situation abated and finally threw up my hands in frustration because the very people who are supposed to be front and center in this fight against crime are the ones who want to pretend it doesn't exist.

I won't be at the meeting, I have class until 10pm and I've learned banging my head against that particular wall only leaves me with a headache. And thank you for the invite to have a beer, Henry, but no thank you. Although I appreciate your cynical opnion of our "public leaders" and will admit it closely parallels my own, I certainly don't appreciate your relentless and pig-headed crusade against social establishments struggling to survive in once run-downs buildings. If you have your way, we'll soon be occupied by T.G.I.Fs and Applebees, wITh all their permits in order. Whoopee.

Debra,

     I am not a fan of TGIF, but I do go to Applebee's. I do not see the well run establishemnts in Tremont struggling, they are actually thriving, but the enequality of compliance to other establishments on the westside is the main agenda. You have the right express what you feel. I do not want places to all mirror each other, but they must be safe and legal first and formost.

   If you understood the double-standard with BOZA, and the terminology that is used for entertianment venues in Ward 13 are far different than in Ward 14 or other Wards. This gives a unfair advantage when political influence is often applied.

   Councilman Santiago has formed a special ad-hoc committee of Cleveland City Council to address these issues. We have had serious difference of opinions in the past on issues. But the Councilman and I both see that a glaring inequity and codes are outdated. We are going to get this addressed and work together to change the laws.

Tremont is going off the wall over a few armed robberies, but how whould you like to live in the vacinity of Storer and West 44th were human beings live in fear everyday a specific nightclub is in operation. Yeh, tell them to move, but they cannot afford to leave. Go down around the Mirage, talk to the Commander about the amout of resourses spent on Storer Ave, West 25th, and down by the Mirage you will understand why their is a serious issue with response time, or amount of units available.

I support the Cleveland Police, are they perfect? No but I have worked with them enough to grow to appreciate the everyday struggles they have to endure.

The issues are all systemic, pig-headed perhaps but if inacting compliance with the good to expose the bad saves just one gun-shot victim in the future well then I cannot disagree.

filippo7 – two points.  I don't know that Adam ever said that unless you are doing something, you are equal to any criminals in terms of responsibility.  What he said was if you want to complain, then do something about it, i.e., put up or shut up.

Second, your use of namecalling in nearly every post, e.g., "miss K," "almighty adam," "sir adam," is a flaw that you should work to correct.  The skill in being a lawyer is being able to make your point without resorting to calling the other side names.  Judges and juries don't really react well to that type of conduct.  To the extent that you want to be a good lawyer, you should really think about stripping that little bit of 8th grade out of your repertoire.

Debra, 

While there are certainly plenty of examples of sexism within our society and by no means am I trying to minimalize its prevelance or its effect, I do have have to say that your credentials as an 'avid feminist with degree' actually make you less (not more) qualified to spot sexist implications in otherwise completely un-sexist related remarks. I mean no harm, I just think that your efforts would be better served combating sexism where it actually exists rather than trying to invent it where it doesn't. I could be wrong but I suspect that this is not the first time you have made such an faulty observation.

Henry,

I look
forward to seeing you at the tonight are meeting. I do not expense my meals, meetings, etc. to the
Council account. If you look at Council reports you will see that. As far as the welcome home signs, they were costly
and the funds used required the disclaimer on the bottom of the sign. Because you were not able to participate in
the meetings around Tremont Pointe, let me assure you the idea of the yard
signs came from the citizens in Ward 13 that hoped to make the transition
smoother. I sincerely disagree with your
statement of the Unity march being what you said it was, it showed Tremont at
it’s best for the family whose house was burned and for those who may be
involved. If you have any questions or
concerns, please email me directly at ward13@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Thank you.

Joe Cimperman

Councilman, Ward 13

As mentioned above, most cities have parts that are really safe and many parts that are crime ridden. Many neighborhoods in New York City, Chicago, etc are actually quite safe to live in others are not. Problem with Cleveland is that very little of it can be classified as even marginally safe. Maybe some of Tremont, right on W 25th, and Little Italy. But thats it. Problem is very little foot traffic. I'm not sure what the obsession with Tremont is but most of the time it is a dead area. Bars are empty most nights. This city lacks the density and foot traffic that most cities have. As a result, there will be more crimes of opportunity, more people will perceive it as unsafe as a result, and there will not be a true influx of people to create the density that is part of most cities.

Mr. Keith, you make no sense. Why would I be less qualified if I have earned a degree studying feminism? Please flesh out your argument as its rationality escapes me (and I am sure others as well).

On second thought, please don't. I'd prefer not to detract from the essense of this blog thread: the lack of response to crime by those commissioned to deter it.

In other words - SO WHAT?

I have been following the various discussion threads here with great interest, mostly because I am a 25-year resident of Ohio City, and a former Tremont resident before living here. My wife and I LOVE Tremont, and patronize the businesses there as much as the ones in Ohio City. I love walking and biking in both of our neighborhoods (I bought my bike from Mitch at Shaker Cycle, and will be riding it to the meeting tonight). Crime is the Achilles Heel for both of our neighborhoods. I applaud Joe Cimperman for taking a personal interest in this crime incident and the overall safety of Tremont. You can say that this is his job, but I am convinced that he sincerely cares about the quality of life of everyone that reside in the numerous neighborhoods of Ward 13. I also applaud Commander Keith Sulzer for being so willing to be out in our community. We are fortunate to have such a “hands-on” Commander. I plan on being in attendance at the meeting tonight, as I really believe that Ohio City and Tremont need to work together to impact crime and safety. I have no hidden agenda or political aspirations, I just want my two favorite neighborhoods to be a little safer. I hope that I am not rejected as an outsider, as I feel your problems are our problems as well. I am also hoping for civilized and productive dialog at this meeting tonight, as this is the only way we will get anywhere. See you tonight. Bob Shores, Bridge Avenue Resident; andSafety Coordinator for Ohio City Near West Development

KM,

I appreciate the career advice.  First of all, we are not in court.  So why there is a need to have the decorum of a court is unclear. 

Furthermore, I have no intentions of being a lawyer and thus your advice is meaningless.  Thank you for looking out though.

Since you were so kind in offering advice to me, I suppose I will offer some to you.  I am not sure if you are a lawyer or if you have any familiarity with the courts, but one key asset in being a good lawyer is answering questions directly.  Neither Sir Adam nor you have done that. 

So please, before you reply, (1) go back and look at all of my posts; (2) then respond with answers and not attacks.  It is obvious you have not read any of the previous posts, for if you had, you would have seen this dandy:

"if you live in a neighborhood and do nothing to improve the
quality of life in it, you are part of the problem."

I have explained ad nauseum why I so thoroughly disagree with this quote and the mentality it stems from. 

I have a previous commitment tonight and thus cannot make it to the meeting.  I suppose this makes me "part of the problem."  In reality though, it means I had a prior commitment. 

filippo7 – I must have misunderstood one of your earlier posts as I thought you said you were in law school.  I am happy to hear that you have no intention of being a lawyer because we have enough of a profession-wide public relations problem as is. 

"if you live in a neighborhood and do nothing to improve the quality of life in it, you are part of the problem." 

I agree with the above quote wholeheartedly, and I don't understand how one can disagree with it.  Frankly, I would broaden it to say if you live on this planet and do nothing to improve the quality of life, you are part of the problem.  In my opinion, one of the problems with this country is that people like to sit around and lob complaints, but are unwilling to roll up their sleeves, and I think that the quote above captures that. 

I don't think anyone will equate the fact that you can't make the meeting tonight as evidence that you are "part of the problem."  The fact that you complain ad naseum about all manner of problems, yet think that sitting on your porch not breaking the law is all that is required in life, makes you part of the problem.  

KM,

I do not think you understand
what I mean. How do you know I just sit on my porch and lob
complaints? What do you do? Like i have stated before, I
volunteer at South High School, I call the police (I snitch), I posted
about my friend getting mugged.

But I do not believe it is right
to say that "unless you have the credentials, you can't
complain." Why isn't being an honest, law-abiding citizen
enough? If someone works all day and chooses not to go to a
"block meeting", so what. Everyone who obeys the law has a right
to complain.

Are you saying that Cimperman and the police have a monopoly on
complaining merely because they do the most? Is that what you are
saying? They do more than you or anyone else. They
do more than form block clubs and pick up trash. So do they have
a right to complain more than you?

Henry,

Yes, it is true that the Board is responsible for its own membership/diversity but that is very difficult to accomplish. I am responsible for board recruitment of a social service agency in the city and it is extremely difficult to recruit new members of any shape, color, size or gender. Many people just don't want to put the time and effort into serving on a VOLUNTEER board.

How do suggest that TWDC recruit new people? I suggested that people express their interest in running for the board - I am sure that it would be welcomed. It is always good to have new people join the board. And since the board is not diverse according to you, they will have a tough time recruiting new members to run who are representative of the whole community.

Bob Shores, you will be welcome tonight. I love Tremont and Ohio City as you do and we all need to address this issue of safety for everyone's sake. See you tonight.

I thought this was a great safety meeting tonight, and I am happy to see that it was productive, and not a gripe session. This might sound trite, but I think there is a great energy in Tremont, which is why my wife and I love coming here. She has suggested that we should consider relocating to Tremont as a result of this. I also read all of the Ward 13 police reports, and I can assure you that we both have some serious challenges. You do, however, have less crime that is of a more frightening nature than we do. You have heard it here already; if you can find the time, get involved in your block club or one of the TWDC committees. Attend the 2nd District Community Relations Committee meetings, which is a great way to get to know the officers and detectives at the district. I can state here with complete sincerity, Tremont is an outstanding neighborhood. I wish you all the best.  Bob Shores

i was unable to go to the meeting due to work--did anyone take good notes? anyone able to post a summary of some kind? anything would be helpful!

Found the email that was brought up to all at the safety meeting tonight. I even have a extreme problem with this. This is being copied on blogs all over and it seems to be in peoples email lists too. Tremont is one of the safest neighborhoods in Cleveland. I lived here for 44 years, I know what it whas once walking the streets with baseball bats to protect yourselves in the 1970's. This neighborhood has changed 1000% for the better. Sure I have issues with the development, and the politics, but that aside this email below does not represent what Tremont is about.  (The only disappointment from tonight is Tremont Ward 14 needs just as much attention to crime prevention as Ward 13. Only about 10 Ward 14 residents came. I tried to call people but a few days notice hurt. I was the only one trying to make the point about equal protection of Ward 14)

A lifelong friend from West 15th seen me after the safety meeting and put this into perspective. "This was a crime spree of opportunity" they could have targeted any neighborhood.

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

Copied from Ohio City Yahoo #1

Dear Friends & Family,
 
You all know that I am the first person to encourage others to visit restaurants, venues, and bars in the city of Cleveland. However, I have to urge all of you to STAY OUT OF TREMONT.
 
Friday night I had dinner at the South Side restaurant in Tremont. As  I was walking back to my car with two friends, we were approached by 4 black men in their early to mid 20's. They robbed us at gunpoint with  a sawed off shotgun and another handgun. They got our purses and wallets. The three of us are fine and not hurt - thank God. However, we were almost standing directly in front of Parallax on the main street (W. 11th) at 10pm - never thinking that this would be dangerous.

The police are all over the case and have one person associated with the case in custody. They also acquired the guns involved. They know who the other men are and are very confident that they will be arrested soon. There has been 6 armed robberies in this area (by Parallax and South Side restaurants) since October 10. We are working with the detectives and they have been great but until they catch these guys you should all stay out of that area. These guys are gang members from the east side and are very dangerous.  

Please forward this on to anyone you think would visit this area.

I'm sure things have improved in Tremont since the 1970s. However, the expectation of one's safety has increased exponentially since then. Since the 1970s, the average U.S. citizen has amassed such great wealth over their predecessors and as a result has enjoyed the highest ever standard of living. With this standard of living, comes an even greater expectation of public safety. The average person that would have put up with the Tremont of the 1970s would never put up with that type of environment now, especially since there are so many suburbs they can escape to.

Tremont will only be safe when Cleveland is safe, since criminals can easily come in from adjoining neighborhoods. Like the person in the other thread said, Cleveland needs 2000 more police officers. Washington DC in the last few years has now reached 3800 police officers for 560,000 people. That is one officer for every 150 people! Cleveland is nowhere near this level. Although nobody would like to admit it, this level of police is needed when a substantial portion (please don't interpret "substantial" as the "majority", I am not saying that) of your city's population is engaged in criminal activity. Of these police officers, you need 200-300 undercover. You will also need a jail to house a couple thousand people. When this is done, Cleveland will be safe. Otherwise, this is all talk, and the same tragedies will keep happening over and over again all throughout Cleveland. Once you remove this segment of the city's population from society, Cleveland will improve. This is what's  BEING done in DC, that is what WAS done in NYC, and it works.

I can't believe I am typing these words, but I agree with Henry.  Last night's meeting was excellent and a great example of why Tremont (both the Ward 13 and Ward 14 flavors) is a great urban neighborhood.  There were around 100 people there including 2nd District Commander Sulzer, Councilman Cimperman, TWDC E.D. Chris Garland, TWDC board members, block club leaders, restaurant owners, and residents. 

Commander Sulzer gave an update on how they caught the guys who had been committing the armed robberies the last few weeks.  I'm not sure whether he mentioned this or whether someone told me, but my understanding is that it was the victims who had the idea to call their cell phones and then engaged the police.  So even though I find filippo7 somewhat disagreeable, at least he or she has creative friends.   

The Commander had some statistics that Tremont was by far the safest neighborhood in the 2nd District, if not the city.  He also noted that he had increased patrols in response to the robberies and that even though those guys are off the streets, he was going to keep the increased patrols.  Two of his officers who were there (I missed their names) also spoke and gave great tips on what we as residents can do. 

Sammy Catania, who is the board president of TWDC, Chris Garland, and Joe Cimperman all talked about different things that the neighborhood is doing such as cameras in various block clubs, hiring off-duty officers on nights and weekends, etc.  The message was that although this isolated incident is behind us, there are things that people can do to help and they encouraged everyone to attend the TWDC safety committee meeting and the 2nd district community meeting. 

I think Bob Shores is spot-on when he says there is a great energy in Tremont, and that energy was on display last night.  The impression I was left with was how cool it is to live in a neighborhood where everyone cares.  And then half the meeting went to Prosperity and had drinks.  All-in-all a productive, informative, and uplifting event. 

The genesis of nastiness on this blog begins with:

On October 24th, 2007 Adam Harvey says:"filippo7, if you hate it here so much, why don't you move? The way you talk, you've given up on the neighborhood. If you hate it here so much, why aren't you doing anything to make it better? Don't give me any crap about it not being your responsibility,... If you've got a problem with the level of crime here in Tremont, do something about it. Put up or shut up. Living like a victim will only ensure that you get victimized."  ...blahblahblah

seriously, read back on this thread. My point being - why are people who speak out about unpleasant aspects of living in the near-west side shot down in such a nasty fashion?

I had the pleasure of hearing Mayor Jackson speak in a small group last night (the reason I did not attend the Tremont meeting). What he had to say renewed my confidence in both him as our mayor and the future of this city. Most important, he did not enter a state of denial or nastiness when confronted with unlpeasant issues ("a scared man will get you killed"). He also said that people have a right to be unhappy when they do not receive the services they have a right to receive.

Still it remains that particular people either get very nasty or in a heavy state of denial when presented with an unpleasant  reality. Unfortunately, many of them are in positions of leadership. Hopefully we can learn to be both more honest and more direct when dealing upsetting situations. And maybe we can refrain from nastiness.

It is "our" not "are" meeting. No
matter. JC stop showing up at crime scenes and making a phony show for the
media. It makes us want to puke. Very transparent. Lining your pockets with
special interest kick backs and ignoring the schmucks who live here will
hopefully result in you being shown the door. We can only hope.

EM

And remind them NOT to move to Connecticut either.  There was a very nasty home invasion there.  And friends of mine were robbed at gunpoint in....Beachwood last year.  I had a friend abducted at gunpoint in Wooster when I was younger.  My God, I've never gone back.  Don't shop at the mall in Parma.  We all remember the poor woman who was abducted and killed there.  Get a life.  I live in Moreland Hills and we all set our alarms at night.  Welcome to the world that we've all created...........

Mary Jo, the lady abducted at ParmaTown and killed lived 6 houses away from me.

The Southside mugging, is this the same one that is also the Parallax mugging?

Some are still wondering exactly where did the mugging happen last friday?

It seems that lies are being spread . . .

This is a totally fabricated piece of fiction. Everyone who owns a business in Tremont Knows that. Reveal your self CREEP!

What?

"Curious", Which mugging are you asking about? there was
more then one. And what are the lies you feel are being spread? Please
explain.

"Bob Telaak", What are you talking about or
refering to? What is a "piece of fiction"? What do all the businesses
in Tremont know? Who is the "creep" you want to come forward? Who are
you talking to? Basically, what the hell are you talking about? Adam,
did you erase some posts that might put Telaak's comments in
perspective?

Adam, what caused the odd line breaks I my previous post? Just wondering.

What do you mean by "lies"? 

 If the muggings were "lies", why were 3 thugs arrested in connection with the muggings? 

And to respond to the fool who is trying to downplay the crimes that have been taking place, no kidding crime happens everywhere.  I think you would have to be a fool to not know that.  However, crimes do occur at different rates.  For example, there is a smattering of crime in Avon Lake, while the crime rate for the City of Cleveland is much higher.  To translate, it means crime does happen everywhere, but that the likelihood of it happning in Cleveland is much higher. 

Becker, that has something to do with the rich text editor. If you previewed your comment and then changed it a bit, it adds the funky line breaks. It seems to work just fine if you don't edit your comment after preview, however.

Howdy. GOOD post. Crime is part of it..PART of it IS the type of biz, day/NITE, etc.FRI/sat is as far as know STILL THEE Dayz for this kind of stuff...LIKE to kinda know why,etc.YUPS not allllllll whutever yet bout stuff goin on.........Maybe are....THEY still SEEM to be comin into the hood, buying/buildin stuff,etc.

Just how many muggings have there been in Tremont? When did these happen? Last night was friday, is this referring to that day?

Dear Friends & Family,

You all know that I am the first person to encourage others to visit
restaurants, venues, and bars in the city of Cleveland. However, I have
to urge all of you to STAY OUT OF TREMONT.

Friday night I had dinner at the South Side restaurant in Tremont. As
I was walking back to my car with two friends, we were approached by 4
black men in their early to mid 20's. They robbed us at gunpoint with
a sawed off shotgun and another handgun. They got our purses and
wallets. The three of us are fine and not hurt - thank God. However, we
were almost standing directly in front of Parallax on the main street
(W. 11th) at 10pm - never thinking that this would be dangerous.

The police are all over the case and have one person associated with
the case in custody. They also acquired the guns involved. They know
who the other men are and are very confident that they will be arrested
soon. There has been 6 armed robberies in this area (by Parallax and
South Side restaurants) since October 10. We are working with the
detectives and they have been great but until they catch these guys you
should all stay out of that area. These guys are gang members from the
east side and are very dangerous.

Please forward this on to anyone you think would visit this area.

• reply

Henry - please explain your basis for saying "bulls**t unity march."

 The statement was made within the same context of Councilman Cimperman utilizing several issues in my opinion, for political gain. Take away all the politicians out of the mix and my perception would have been different.

Perhaps I could have phrased it better, or not mentioned it at all, but I did. This part of Tremont (Ward 14) feels overwhelmingly ignored and people felt this for several years. I am not going to speak for others but we lack a collective voice, and people feel that our wishes are always overlooked. This was plainly seen by a strong majority of residents that attended all the Tremont SII meetings from this Block Club area. We had the most attendee's at each meeting. Collectively we have a strong voice to advocate our wishes, but we were broken down into groups where you then become a minority. We have always played by TWDC's rules but the whole process then becomes discriminitory.

Tremont on a whole is great, but we have a real serious issue that needs to be dealt with. People are walking away from wanting to continue to engage TWDC in Ward 14. I cannot change this perception, some may think I actually created this, no 80% of people that live here feel they do not live in Tremont. It is not my responsibilty to try to change their minds. The Board and staff of TWDC needs to address this. We have had always a small group 20-25 that always advocated that we were Tremont, and stayed with TWDC thru thick and thin. Several of these people have even dis-engaged. This situation will not be solved by installing Tremont Banners alone, thats a start, but TWDC needs to address this inequality if they are going to have any chance to sell their new SII plan as legit.

TWDC's goal should be to truely create the diversity everyone states. Lets look back to Thursday night. Did anyone see a Hispanic or African American present at the Safety Meeting?

These events happened, and were very troubling and tragic, but what offended me was that crimes are committed every week in area's of Tremont that affect other African Americans, Hispanics, and the poor. A house fire that was also allegedly set off Thurman went without the same exposure.

Councilman Cimperman and I debated over this prior to Thursaday's Safety meeting. He stated it was "All about these poor people", I said that is right it is about poor people. My point is that it should have not just focused on this tragedy but many incidents that continually occur in all of Tremont and Cleveland.

I can't believe you mean that business' should not have to be legal-how is that equitable or legal,(?) especially for business owners who have followed every letter of the law as legislated by the city of cleveland, SO some people are or should be allowed to circumvent the law and the expense and everyone else should what? Suck it? That is not how the law works, Remember the business you approve of today that is not in legal compliance will be the argument for the business you would rather not have in your community in the future, they will argue in court about unequal enforcement and likely win. Cimperman made it very clear to me that he is fine with people not being legally compliant perhaps he should be recalled like Santiago. Two demagogs both from Tremont=HMM.

Okay. Thanks Adam.

Brennton,my exacts concerns. If popular, charming businesses we all love ( or perhaps more important: ones that lick the boots or line the pockets of one of our council buddies) get exceptions, there will be no stopping less desirable businesses that could put this community in a tailspin in no time flat.

The shooting that happened at the Mega Church on Scranton . . . is that also in Tremont? There were drugs and guns there.

Wow, another murder.  This is absurd.  I know I know, I should move out of Tremont if I do not like muggings and murders. This is absolutely unbelievable. 

Also, please post how "crime happens in the suburbs too."  Please, tell me what suburbs have this kind of stuff occur so frequently. 

Tremont is no good. I've been sitting in front of my living room window all day at the computer and haven't seen a cop drive by once. No police presence at all in Cleveland. I would not advice anyone take the risks of living here. Its not worth it. Some of you will argue its part of "urban living", but that is absurd. Most other cities I can think of have a much higher standard of public safety in their urban areas than here. No point in living in Cleveland.

"It's all about those poor people". How silly. it should be all about the "public safety". Then "poor people" should b the second priority. What a poverty pimp.

Mr. Cimperman, what makes you think you have any power whatsoever to improve the plight of the poor people in this city? There are no jobs coming into the city that can improve their situation, so what is it you think they can do to make an improvement in their lives?

If you ask me, the best favor you can do them is to reduce the concentration of impoverished people in Cleveland by encouraging them to leave the city for another with a better job market and with a better socio-economic environment. I know a few African americans that used up their savings and all moving to another city and have established themselves in the long run far better than they could ever fare in Cleveland. They will never come back. Catering to the whims of the poor while encouraging them to stay does nothing to empower them.

Scranton Rd. Murder

             I was at Church this morning, one of our senior citizens that has lived on Holmden was visibly shaken over this event. I have said for several months activity that is more prevalent than ever on West 25th. Drug boys, prostitutes, and crime will naturally work its way east. Does this mean the world is coming to a end, no we must act. I happen to know Councilman Santiago was in Washington DC the night of the Safety meeting, but his office needs to be called to let him know that this cannot be tolerated and West 25th needs cleaned up, starting with pressure on the non-compliant strip clubs that attract a unsavory element into the western end of Tremont and the Clark Metro area.

Let Councilman Santiago know since he is sponsoring an Ad-hoc committee on potentially changing liquor laws, and zoning use definitions. Much to all my detractors in Tremont, this is the real reason I  have done things that have done. The murder may not have nothing to do with the crime filtering in from West 25th, but channel 3 stated drugs were involved. The committee meets on November 6th at Cleveland City Hall, and yes I am one of the citizens that Joe Santiago has asked to sit on this committee with City officials.

Over the last six months I have staked out several areas in Ward 14, Storer, Lorain, Clark and West 25th. I must tell you the street crime in Tremont in one month cannot even compare to what is going on in one night in these combined areas.

Not to push the alarm, but at 3pm yesterday afternoon, we had three male African-American's ringing our doorbell and looking into our windows. We did not answer but I watched them walking east on Starkweather Heading into to Tremont Center (They did not break any law so I did not call the police). They were all wearing hoodies but you could tell they were checking out houses. Also last Tuesday evening, three individuals (No description was given to me by the owner) were acting strangely in front of the Lighthouse Insurance agency looking into their windows etc. The owner called the police, I was there when the police toured the neighborhood to no avail. Our neighbors have given tips to the police about activities west of Scranton Rd. The Commander told me last Wednesday that our info had led to one drug arrest, and they will monitor several areas.

We have to convince our lawmakers that we need more cops, not med-marts and pie in the sky development. To also clarify I am not stating that we should cater to the poor, or homeless, they are just as angered over this crime. I just did wanted to express politicizing events was not well taken in my opinion.

Unfortunately my opinion also with all the Media attention, and even I guess us talking about the events in Blogs opens the door for criminals of opportunity to copycat the recent robberies etc.  I think your point about being law-abiding hits to the center of the issue. Some say start having citizens walking around, not yet that can happen after we cleanse the area of Crime especially in the West 25th area.

Our Block Club tried for the grant for security camera's in Lincoln Height's but they denied us this round. We will try again.

WARNING, stay out of Churches, murders occure there.

as we've seen, these recent punks were from OUTSIDE of the immediate neighborhood. in addition to what we need the police and camera installations for, there are things we can do ourselves to at least reduce the vulnerability of our own streets. lets be real here--if you see someone who does not look like they live in your neighborhood and they are walking around (or parking) on your street--keep an eye on them. turn on your porchlights. go onto your front steps and talk on your phone and let them know you are watching them and where they are going. you know who lives and who doesn't on your street--this isn't any kind of profiling. we all should have our porchlights on, trim our treelawn foliage (with our without city involvement), and make sure there is no place persons can loiter (nearby vacant properties, commercial lots, street corners, etc) without seeming conspicuous. and of course, thugs, dealers, and prostitutes don't want to run the risk of getting checked out by the police (they may be carrying contraban, have warrants, etc.) so calling and hounding the officers to check out suspcious characters if ncessary may discourage them from being in areas they know they are being watched. Calling nieghbors to do the same if suspicious persons are at large may ensure these persons know your street is not one they can vicimize people on. will this make some innocent passerbyers feel uncomforatble? only if they are really paying that close attention to who is watching them while they are acting suspicious in a foreign neighborhood. ..which is suspicious in itself.

I live in Tremont and most of my friends do as well.  We have always loved the area and now, I am scared to walk to the coffee shop by myself.  I hate that because it takes a lot to "spook" me.  Is there ANYTHING we can do as a neighborhood to fight this without the help of police and councilmen?  I think we should brainstorm together as a neighborhood and figure this out.  If we truly believe in diversity and helping others, I think we owe it to our bank accounts (not cheap to live in Tremont) and each other to stick through this and figure out a way to scare these punk kids away.  Its funny how we all wish our car windows were being broke into about now....  I'm joking....

The people of Tremont have a false since of security. What makes you feel you are entitled to more safety than any other portion of the city?

We all should feel safe in our homes and on our front porches. No one should be scared to leave a swanky establishment or an old fashion neighborhood bar.

The Good people who live in the “Rotten Core” of  the city ( aka Ward 14) have begged the now out going Councilman Santiago to help deal with the problem on West 25th (drugs, prostitutes ECT)  he dealt with it by supporting a  known drug trafficker  who open a night club  on Clark Ave.  and by supporting a half way house for drug users on West 25th near Metro. 

What types of people come to a hip hop bars run by thugs? 

Think about this one for a min……. its thugs, drug users and criminals. When they need a fix, they are going to go where the beautiful people live and take what they can get.

It is not right, but it is true.

If we target the high crime area’s we will reduce the number of attacks on our communities.  We will never wipe out crime completely but we have the ability to greatly reduce it.  We can’t just protect one small part of the city. We can only be safe when we are all safe.  To be safe we must work toward educating, employing, encouraging and empowering our youth.  

Henry, I know you are trying to work with Joe, but it’s too late. Now he wants to be the councilman who is tough on “BARS” I don’t buy it for a minute look at his record. If that man had not got shot at Henry’s Bar and the media had not picked up the story. He would not have objected to anything.  He is a nice enough person but fake and not smart enough to know he is being used by the sewer rats of our city.  

Henry is there a way we can work to eliminate some of the liquor licenses with in the city?  Bars are not the enemy I know that. However, we have too many and with the over saturation of those kinds of establishments we can only expect more of the same.

The Mayor’s apologies for our future pain can only go so far.

PLEASE  DON'T GET ME WRONG I LOVE TREAMONT AND IT'S SHOPS, THE PARK & A FEW OF THE  BARS.  I JUST FEEL WE ALL HAVE A RIGHT TO BE SAFE.

THANKS

Cindy P 

I run a non-profit working with underserved youth in an inner city neighborhood in Cleveland. Living in NE Ohio most of my life, crime has touched me personally and profoundly several times--including with friends in suburbs.

I want to suggest that each of us makes a commitment to take a step toward being proactive to making a positive change in what's happening in our communities. We can keep running--but where are we going to run to as disenfranchisement, lack of opportunities, lack of education, focus on materialism and consumerism, and the resulting desperation create more negativity which spills into every neighborhood with crimes committed out of desperation and anger.

If we take time to volunteer at an organization that is doing positive things for underserved in our community, if we mentor a child who has little guidance from family, if we help an adult or child with literacy skills, we are planting seeds for future generations to find positive solutions and not to feel disenfranchised.

Let's get out of the trap of materialism and consumerism and find something of the soul that invites connection and the resulting kindness and caring for one another that is essential to coexistence. Let's take care of each other.

And, I am working on a plan that I hope will make a difference in Cleveland--and I'll need help, if you are so inclined.

Keep in touch:

www.passportproject.org

myspace.com/passportproject

I don't have time right now to write out the plan as I have to go take care of a friend who was mugged--but, I want to share it with all neighborhoods. I am hopeful that we can make a change together.

PEACE and HARMONY

100% LOVE

Brennton hit the nail on the head with regard to the danger
of out of compliance establishments getting variances. We know and love some of
these fine businesses, but once you open that door it is hard to close, and we
are all vulnerable: rich, poor and in between. Too many more dumb moves
and I fear this great community will no longer withstand the assaults of our so
called leaders. As mentioned, Cimperman is a tool. Maybe there was a time when
he had integrity, but that day is gone. I disagree that he is too stupid to
know he is a tool though. I am quite sure he knows. However he is too stupid to
realize that we are not falling for it anymore.

Yes, each and everyone of us should be contibuting and volunteering. We all have something to give in addition to our criticism.

Ohio and Cleveland are just too lax on too many subjects. In Pittsburgh for example, there are only so many liquor licenses granted per land area. You can't just open up a new establishment that sells liquor. The licenses run in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. In Clevleand, there is no enforcement of anything. You can do anything you want. Go look at all the renegade establishments in the W 25th area. Any councilman that supports these establishments is just ghetto.It is the direct fault of the councilman for letting these establishments go on, because it is their responsibility. I would like to take the councilmen on a ride thorugh the westside on a weekend night and show them what chaos their respective districts are. 

Why anyone would want to take it upon themselves to fix this rat-hole is beyond me. Don't waste your life as you have to few precious years. Go somewhere where you can enjoy life and not waste your energy trying to rid Cleveland of its scummy establishments and politicians.  Why some educated people who try to come here and fight this battle is beyond me. There is nothing worth fighting for. Virtually every other city in the U.S. has some really nice parts to live in, so go there and forget about Cleveland.

Liquor licenses in Ohio cost Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars . . . only a few of the establishments in Tremont have full liquor licenses and only 1 or 2 have Sunday liquor. Full license allows one to pour more than beer or wine. Sunday liquor allows beer or wine only on Sundays.

I'm not sure why anyone would think that you can just "get" a liquor license. All go through State approval, and the number per ward are limited.

The recent crime spree doesn't start in the bars or restaurants. The people committing the crimes come from outside the neighborhood, and maybe even outside of Cuyahoga County . . .

Goodbye, Jacksplat. I would appreciate it if anyone else
with no hope or maximum complacency would follow you out of town.

Sunday Liquor,

      To my knowledge their are no D-6 permits (Sunday Liquor) in Ward 13 Tremont at any site. Originally this was due to all the Churches in Tremont. I am not positive but this area may be dry for liquor on Sundays and may need a wet precinct vote on a election for Sundays. The only thing that could be served on Sunday at a site that does not have a D-6 is beer or malt based products.

Ward 14 Tremont has one location in Tremont proper that has a D-6 permit for hard liquor on Sunday. The New Tremont Tap House.

Club 2527 site that actually sits in the Clark-Metro BRD but backs up to the western end of Tremont also has a D-6.

Cleveland is way over quota for NEW liquor licenses, but if a Councilman approves transfer for a license that is from outside the City of Cleveland, or his ward it becomes a done deal no matter how many current licenses are located in that area. Unless you can get a Ch