Conflicts arise as Union Gospel Press construction proceeds
by Chuck Hoven

(Plain Press, September 2008) While generally happy to see something being done with the Union Gospel Press building after many years of neglect, residents around the Union Gospel Press building are complaining of dust, noise, and what they claim are outright violations of their property rights as redevelopment of the fifteen building complex on W. 7th between Jefferson and College increases in intensity.

Karen Bessinger of W. 7th Street, commenting on the mood of her neighbors says, “Everyone supported it. Now they are all up in arms.”

Jerlene Justus of W. 7th Street said she first began writing letters and making phone calls to complain about the noise of a loose metal plate that was put over a spot where a broken water main had been fixed. She said for eight nights in early July the plate banged when cars drove over it. “It sounded like a shot gun at night,” said Justus. She said once she contacted the UGP limited partnership that owns the Union Gospel Press complex, the contractors responded and eventually removed the metal plate, replacing it with gravel and concrete.

As she researched the issue, Justus said city officials told her the contractors, didn’t have a permit to do work in the street. The project was shut down for a day while a proper permit was obtained, said Justus.

A number of other issues that have arisen over the course of the development make residents wonder if the owners and developers are taking proper precautions while the rehabilitation of the building is underway. They note a worker fell to his death off the building last December. More recently residents have photographed a worker high on the building without proper harnessing. Justus notes open holes where adults or children could fall in. Justus doesn’t believe that the developers made an effort to reduce the amount of dust from their work. She says they built a shoot down the side of the building and were dropping building debris down it every day creating a lot of dust. The debris was piling up on the site making more dust. Justus says when she complained to the ownership, and the debris was hauled away she counted 22 truckloads leaving the property. She said the dust was so bad that everyone closed their windows and doors. She felt concerned about those without air conditioning and secured a meeting with a representative of the owners, Myrl Roberts, and Tremont West Development Corporation Executive Director Chris Garland. She said she persuaded Roberts to give “six air conditioners to people I know didn’t have one.”

Larry Slone of College Avenue said he would like to know if the developers had the proper permits and trained personnel when removing asbestos from the building. He is concerned that it was done properly so families in the neighborhood weren’t exposed to the dangerous fibers. Preston Buchtel, who lives at Thurman & College, said the developers didn’t do proper controls of the dust, and also wondered about asbestos.

Responding to questions from the Plain Press for the ownership, UGP Properties, LLC, Myrl Roberts said asbestos was removed from the building by certified personnel and proper precautions were taken including environmental survey and air quality monitoring. He said this could be checked with the City of Cleveland and the EPA.

Some of the neighbors were also surprised when most of the tree lawn in front of Lee Sternheimer’s house was carved up to make way for face in parking spots along W. 7th. They were surprised that the curb cuts didn’t end in front of the Union Gospel Press building next door. A protest was planned on Wednesday August 20th. The media was invited. Bob Brown of the City of Cleveland Planning Department, Tremont West Development Corporation Executive Director Chris Garland, and TWDC Development Director Sammy Catania were among those who joined UGP’s Myrl Roberts in meeting with neighbors about the curb cut. In the meeting with neighbors Roberts agreed to replace the tree lawn and do some landscaping in front of Sternheimer’s house.

Roberts emphasized that he was just following the plan that had been approved the City of Cleveland Planning Department when making the additional parking spots. Roberts says, as per usual, Board of Zoning Appeals meeting notices were sent out to those that curb cut would effect.

At least one neighbor recalled that the parking was discussed and approved at a neighborhood block club meeting several years ago. Karen Bessinger, who lives across the street from the curb cut, says at the time of the meeting neighbors in attendance were excited about the additional parking and voted for it. “All the people complaining never go to meetings to find out what is happening and to find out what the neighbors are voting on,” said Bessinger.

Justus says she didn’t know she had to attend neighborhood meetings. She said now she is fired up about problems with the development and will be attending future block club meetings.

One issue that has Justus fired up is developers attempting to take her sister-in-law Mary Oskay Slone’s back yard which the family had maintained since it purchased the house in 1950.

Her brother, Larry Slone says when he came home from an out of town trip a huge ten foot tall chain link fence that separated their yard from the Union Gospel Press property had been torn down and a 81/2 foot by 51 foot section of the family’s back yard had been dug out by the UGP developers. He said that the developers “told my wife that it was their land.” He said his wife felt she could get in a lot of trouble if she kept the land and singed papers they gave her.

Justus said she did some legal research and found because the family had maintained the land continuously for over a 21 year period they could claim it as their own by “adverse possession” even though they didn’t have title to it.

The family met with Roberts, Bob Brown and the staff members from TWDC after the issue about the curb cut was resolved. Slone says that Roberts had promised not to “do no more work until the issue was resolved.” Slone said the day after the meeting workers finished off the area by their house and it looked like they were ready pave the parking lot in the morning.  Justus said the ditch the developers had dug in the yard had been completely filled in and the area leveled off.

Not trusting the developers’ word after this, Sloan said he decided to rope off the area where their yard had been and put up no trespassing signs. Justice says after seeing the work that had been done they went out at night with flashlights and staked off the area and roped it off with clothesline and posted no trespassing signs. She said she overheard workers in the morning saying, “I’m not trespassing. I don’t care what they say.”

Justus says after finishing roping off the area of her sister-in-law’s yard she stayed up all night typing a motion for a preliminary injunction and for summary judgment, which was delivered to Common Pleas Court in the morning. After the court papers were filed, she says they received a call from Roberts saying he will go forward for now only up to the line where the fence was before.

For his part, Myrl Roberts, of UGP Properties, says that the deed to Union Gospel Press includes the land that in dispute. He called it a classic case of adverse possession. He believed the family had to file a claim for adverse possess and never had. He said he met with Mary Oskay and her brother Tom, who were the owners of the house at 717 College and made the case that the land belonged to UGP. He said UGP agreed to the family the property where their backyard deck was and another five feet and to put up a new fence. Roberts said UGP would give the family a deed showing they now had ownership of this land officially. Roberts said Mary Oskay Slone and Tom Oskay “signed a document and we were proceeding on a good faith effort.”

He said when other family members came into the picture and claimed adverse possession, he again met with the family and agreed to deed back 2/3 of the existing property and give them title to it. He said the family wanted $10,000 for damages to their side yard. He said he thought that was unreasonable and offered $1,000. They refused the offer, he said.
Roberts said that their claim to adverse possession is not a slam dunk. He said by including the City of Cleveland in their lawsuit, the family would be taking on the legal resources of the city of Cleveland as well as his firm.

He said UGP would for now just build up to the old fence line while waiting for a decision. He said, “I have no doubt that the land is properly deeded to us. I’m not disputing that they may have a claim to the land by adverse possession.”

Roberts said he thought it unfair that the family wanted to claim the land by adverse possession, while UGP Properties still would have to pay property taxes on it because it was surveyed into their property. He said if the family won the case and the land became part of their property then they would have to pay taxes on it.  Roberts said he told the family, “Even if we go through the process and you are wrong, we would still, as good neighbors want to give you a piece of that land.”

http://plainpress.org/html/stories/2008-09/conflictsuniongospelpressconstruction.htm

Union Gospel Press redevelopment moves forward
by Chuck Hoven

(Plain Press, September 2008) The fifteen building Union Gospel Press complex on W. 7th between Jefferson and College is being converted into 103 rental units, says Mryl Roberts, a representative of UGP Properties LLC, the limited partnership set up for the project. Roberts says in addition to the apartment units, there will be a small retail space for a coffee shop at W. 7th and Jefferson.  A health facility will be created as well, and will be available to residents of Union Gospel Press and possibly open to the public, said Roberts.

Roberts estimates the cost of the redevelopment to be roughly $20 million dollars. He says financing for the project includes loans from Key Bank, National City Bank, and a bridge loan from Village Capital Corporation. In addition, the project is receiving financing through the sale of three different forms of tax credits-- a federal historic tax credit, a state of Ohio tax credit, and a new market tax credit from the Port Authority.

Roberts says his brother, Stavros Roberts, initially purchased the building in 2003 from Joseph Scully. He says the property was later placed into UGP Properties, LLC to meet conditions necessary for the complex financing via tax credits.

According to City of Cleveland records, a construction permit was first applied for in August 2005, final payment for the permit was received in June of 2007. Work on the project began late in 2007 and is expected to take two years to complete. The contractor is listed as Dana G. Noel of Jera Contractors, part of Corvallis Development. Roberts says the contractors now have an office at 2190 Professor Avenue.

Because of the financing, Roberts says the 103 apartment units must remain as rental units for 7 years. He says after that time period they will probably be converted into condominiums.  

Roberts says the complex will have 150 parking spaces on site. Additional spaces are being created on the streets around the complex to handle guests and will be open for public use as well.

http://plainpress.org/html/stories/2008-09/uniongospelpressredevelopment.htm

Letters to the Editor
September 2008

Union Gospel Press developers destroy family’s backyard

To the Editor: (Plain Press, September 2008) Standing on the edge of what was once the back yard of her family's home, Mary (Oskay) Slone wipes the tears from her face. “I just don’t believe this,” she said, as she continues to stare down at the gully left by the wide sweep through her lawn made by the big shovels of contractors working on the Union Gospel Press.

The annihilation resulted not only in the loss of a sizable portion of the grounds of their back yard, but the fence, shrubs, plants, flowers, a small fish pond and a section of their deck as well. This is not to mention a span of nearly sixty years that bridge together the childhood memories of Mary, her sister Audrey, brothers Ed, Dan and Tom.

Mary and Andrew Oskay acquired the property at 717 College Avenue in 1950, at which time they moved in to the abode with their small children and two of Mrs. Oskay’s brothers, Alex and Steve. It was their dream home, complete with a fenced-in back yard.

As those sixty years came and went, the Oskays would live to see their children grown, and married with homes of their own. There would also be the delight of grandchildren for many years. As the family kept growing, so did the list of invitees to the many celebrations of birthdays, communions, showers, weddings, births, anniversaries, holidays, or just plain family gatherings out behind the house.

Many neighbors, friends and often times strangers were welcomed in, partook of the family’s hospitality, and joined in the festivities of their traditions. Blessings and kindness were the main courses of the day if you found yourself in the presence of an Oskay jamboree.

Mrs. Oskay passed away in 2001, her husband a few years before, leaving their beloved home for their children’s continued enjoyment. In honor of their mom and dad, the siblings vowed to continue with the customs started so many years ago.

There will be no Labor Day gaiety this year. The old home place will be quiet, there will be no visitors, no grand buffet of covered dishes, no aromatic smoke rising from the grill, no laughing tykes running around the tables or trying to catch the fish in the water hole.

Not only is there no longer enough space to accommodate bringing together their many loved ones and relatives, but the excavation left hazardous conditions and materials in the immediate area. It could be said that the contractors poured a barrier of concrete right through the middle of the cookouts, the parties and the fun.

The owners/developers of the old Union Gospel Press building moved in, ripped down the sixty-year old boundary, took out the earth, shrubs, flowers, plants, and left a tangled web of anger, frustration, disappointment, teary eyes and broken hearts.

The owner of the Union Gospel Press building, Mr. Roberts, wishes to possess the acreage by claiming encroachment. Even if at one time there had been an encroachment, it was before the Oskays purchased the home and over 60 years ago.

Adverse possession is recognized under Ohio law if one maintains a piece of land as if they owned it the land, the eventually becomes theirs when they cared for the land for the period of time listed as the statute of limitations in the Ohio Revised Code. The Ohio Revised Code states that the statute of limitations for adverse possession is twenty-one years. This being said, if the Osay family purchased their real estate in 1950, in its entirety, cyclone fence already installed, then it would leave one to believe that the statute of limitations ran out in 1971.

The Ohio Supreme Court recently upheld the long-standing principle of adverse possession in a ruling handed down on August 5, 2008, in the case of Evanich v. Bridge.  

This ordeal has not only been costly monetarily to the Oskay family, but it has taken away most of the enchantment held so dear in the hearts of a close knit clan encircled by the seasons of love.

Jerlene Justus
West 7th Street

Residents urged to help Frank Giglio save his house

To the editor: (Plain Press, September 2008) Nice article. [Landmarks Commission saves W. 14th St. house from demolition, August 2008, Plain Press].  I did not know this has been happening. That house is a gateway to this neighborhood and should be saved. And Frank, hey! He’s not a bad guy. I’ve known him for years.

You know, in the almost 30 years I’ve lived in the Southside, I’ve seen fundraisers to shut down an asphalt plant, to help a family whose son was seriously injured overseas, anything to helping the living or helping to bury a loved one. Why can’t we rally to help Frank, and preserve an asset to Tremont?

The misguided efforts of the building and housing department, our councilman and our CDC show what still prevails here --throwing the baby out with the bathwater, and that is wrong! There are humans involved here (Frank is one, you know) and history too.

By the way, Commander Sultzer, you are way out of line. Your job is to serve and protect, not be a enforcer against innocent people. Take a sensitivity class or two.

Bob Frederick
W. 11th Street

http://plainpress.org/html/stories/2008-09/letterssep08.htm

This sums it up:

:::She said if Tremont West Development Corporation really wanted to do something, “They should get a bunch of people together and help these people fix their homes.” :::

 Mr. Moss and TWDC should be ashamed of themselves. They are disgusting.

Tremont on WCPN, Fact or Fiction?

Sandy Smith seemed to be the best prepared. I would have appreciated more diversity of the guests that would be at arms length from TWDC. Overall a B+

Tremont as a whole needs to do a better job at expressing the small neighborhoods that make up Tremont, they may differ in demographics and have different priorities, but generally come together for the common good. (I.E. Fire Station 21)

90% of outsiders do not look at the Ward 14 part of Tremont as being Tremont. Unfortunately so do most of the residents that live in Ward 14 Tremont. We have tried our best to get people involved, this needs to be a priority at TWDC to get the Hispanic community involved and work with long time residents to make them feel they are not being pushed out (gentrified) and make them feel that they are part of the community too.

http://www.wcpn.org/index.php/WCPN/soi/14222/

Waiting for the WCPN program to load. One thing to note--the artist's name is spelled Christopher Pekoc. 

I'd just like to point out a few things to these "do gooders"

1. The "loan programs" they offer (as justification for dragging life-long, non-priviledged Tremont residents through the housing court system) are only available to those with good credit. Even the highly touted CASH program offers credit counseling to assist you in obtaining financing, but only AFTER you have opened your home to the scrutiny city inspectors. Guess what - IF YOU DON"T HAVE MONEY, YOU DONT HAVE MONEY. No amount of "credit counseling" is going to rectify that. Newsflash for you rich folks - its not always a matter of HOW you spend it, its often a matter of the non-priledged just not earning enough to get by. So the potential of this idea is to end up with a long list of violations (these are century homes we are talking about) and absolutely no way to fund the repairs.

2. When you move into a neighborhood, it is common courtesy not to expect the neighborhood to conform to your standards. If you want a houty touty neighborhood - move to one. Do not move into a neighborhood with a substantial non-priviledged population and stress them out by imposing your standards. THATS RUDE. THATS SELFISH. THATS IMMORAL. Didn't your mother teach you ANYthing?

Wow! Didn't realize that expecting property owners to obey housing and health laws makes someone a villain! The city tells us what to do all the time: when to put out our trash, how fast we can drive on city streets, etc. When I get a ticket for speeding, I don't blame the cop that wrote it or the resident who called the city to complain that people were speeding on his street and asked the police to set up a speed trap. I broke the law - I suck it up and pay the ticket.

It doesn't cost any money to cut down tall weeds and grass, pick up garbage and remove large, abandoned pieces of junk like car fenders, old tires and construction debris (some of the most common citations issued by the city). And it doesn't cost much money to fix broken windows.

And why wouldn't you want to fix a leaky roof or a rotten porch? Maintaining a home is part of the cost of owning a home. No one expects a 100-year-old house to look shiny and new, but it's common sense to protect your investment (and the investment your neighbors have made in their homes) and maintain it. That's just being a good neighbor and it's not rude or selfish to expect people to be good neighbors.

Here's an idea: Everyone who thinks it's wrong that homes are being turned in for code violations can organize and participate in a group of volunteers that residents can turn to for help with home maintenance and repairs. Let's turn this into something positive.

wOw Sandy, you really stay between those lines, don't you. Here's a gold star for your forehead.

The repairs that were mentioned were things like roofs and exterior paint. I know you may not have thought about it, but some homeowners aren't physically capable of making it down their front stairs without assistance, let alone climbing on ladders. And they struggle to put food on the table, let alone shell out for paint or repairmen.

 Meanwhile, I'll pray for you for compassion.

Most of these complainers already know that 50% of the Tremont neighborhood live below the poverty level and most of them feel lucky and are greatful just to have a place to call home, a place to put their kids to bed at night and a lot of them save for those extra expenses for the house and sometimes emergencies like medical bills or high heating costs or just paying the mortgage gets in the way.  A lot of Tremont residents have lived here for decades and are now unable to climb or get down on their knees and do the physical work - what's wrong with you people?  I have a great idea - let's call in the brotherhood and paint all the houses complained about hot pink- glow in the dark and let 'em wake up to that for awhile - see if that don't calm 'em down. at  least it will give 'em something else to talk about.  We're all happy - if they're not that's they're problem. It seems like everybody is just worried about the art galleries and the fancy restaurants - well, we can't afford them anyway. They keep talking about these folks taking out fix-em-up-loans, to do that folks have to compromise their homes and then if they lose their jobs or times get harder - they lose their homes - so its a no win situation for the poor or low income families.  You high society folks either need to go about your own business or go somewhere else - don't buy into this neighborhood and expect everybody here to step up to your standards - remember we were here first. 

part II

By the way I almost forgot, with regard to the junk and the tall weeds.  We thought we were just trying to keep up with the art movement.  If you drive by the corner of Professor and Jefferson and take a look at tin-pan alley and at the broken glass wall on Jefferson by the library.  And those old bumpers, those are relics.  We're  saving those for the Antiques Road Show.  As far as the high weeds go, that's mother nature, and you fine folks complaining and wanting 'em pulled, we surely won't mind if you take a few. 

Have to say I love you, Jerleen! I didn't say it better myself - although you did leave out that when lifelong residents with beat up homes take out a second mortgage and then default they cause an economic meltdown surpassing the stock market crash of '29. Thats their fault too, ya know. Had nothing to do with free flying market mechanisms and hedge fund managers.

i'm so sick of whining spoiled brats who think themselves so much better than everyone else, I could spit. 

What I haven't figured out is how do they all figure these life-long folks got these old beat up homes in the first place.  Does it maybe not cross somebody's mind that it took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to keep these "old home places."  And if these folks have lived here in these old homes for 40-50 or 60 years, some longer, their heart is wrapped around the place where they lay down at night.  One only needs to pay attention to todays foreclosure market to fully understand the kind of grit it took for these people to buy, work, pay for and keep them old homes.  I have the utmost respect for them old houses with peeling paint and loose gutters.  I have not been so angry about anything in a long time.  These are not just high priced condos - these are "homes." where families live, laugh, love, play, visit grandma and grandpa, pet the cat and dog, decorate a skimpy christmas tree, relive childhood memories... I'm sorry, I am just angry at the way this came about.

Jerleen, I hope their is re-consideration on the part of Tremont West, its Housing Committee, Board of Directors, and staff in its approach on this aggressiveness. On its face their is selective enforcement afoot. I personally seen the lists acquired by the Plain Press, I did not see any commercial buildings on it, I am well aware of several commercial business structures that have peeling paint. Several Ward 13 residents that reviewed the Moss documents have stated some residential structures have been omitted. To borrow a term from a former TWDC president on this activity, "It's a witch hunt".

This is not happening in Ward 14, TWDC employee Robert Rodgers made it clear at our Block Club that he is not part of this Moss committee. He has been instructed not to hand over his Ward 14 caseload to this committee by Councilman Santiago. Robert is working with our Block Club and others in Ward 14 Tremont on ongoing code compliance and abatement issues.

Code enforcement is a necessary element in the future of Tremont, but this is not the way, to disenfranchise people in need of help or assistance. TWDC has to understand the stipulations within its charter. We cannot stand for this.

Jerleen, first you need to get about a dozen of your neighbors, and family that live in the confines of your Block Club to start attending the block club meetings. Strength is in numbers, take back your block club, and give the lifelong residents a voice. Several people would stand with you, they are afraid of power brokers that live in these 300K houses. I feel if you can appear in numbers positive things can happen.

We also have a lack of representation on the Board of TWDC, we need a equitable balance of old, new, business reps, and institutional representation. We also need term limits for Board members, and to take the politics out of TWDC. Politics in a non-profit well for a better term "Smells". To allow people to run for office and not have them resign or take a leave of absence and still sit on this board is nothing but more of the good old boy system.

TWDC is afraid to rock the boat, Councilman Cimperman, and Santiago can really influence the board and staff based on the fact they give significant funding to the operation. Jerleen I also think you should ask for a meeting with Cimperman, if he is unresponsive to you as a constituent make it clear you are shopping for someone that will listen to the people that lived in Tremont all their lives versus the people cutting him campaign checks and area business owners that do whatever they want without block club approval in Ward 13.

I have been attending TWDC meetings on and off for over two years. I really think some of the new or younger members have seen enough of the good old boy system. We can be at a historic point if we get some of the Draconian board members off the Board.

We need are leaders to lead and to take the puppet strings off. Jerleen, our Block Club and I specifically have fought the fight for along time. Can you imagine if the status quo can be changed in several block clubs. Its time to change the direction of this organization to be truly balanced. Jerleen ask to be on the nominating committee of TWDC , get your neighbors to attend the TWDC annual meeting, get them registered to vote at the meeting (you need to do that 30 days in advance by getting them signed up at TWDC). It would be nice to address the imbalance of minorities on the Board.

Well now I will sit back and wait to get attacked, thanks for being a activist in your area Jerleen.

"We the People"

Henry, I am new to the block club scene. Being in the Central Tremont vicinity, I am so unimpressed with the so called leadership of our neighborhood.  To me, the only thing I have figured out so far is if you're not rich and you don't get their permission - you don't belong.  Well, a couple of happenings this summer got me up and off my chair with regard to the block clubs, TWDC as well as other organizations that call themselves operating for the "good of our society."  Trust me, it's a new day and I will learn the ins and outs of these organizations in time.  The one thing I am not is a conformist.  If it's good, it's good.  If it's too good to be true, it usually is and I'm not afraid to say so.  The long timers, the elderly, the handicapped, the low incomed, the poverty stricken, etc. should come first and I'm not talking about any lines being drawn either.  As far as block clubs go, I was put under scrutiny for persuading Myrl Roberts to donate six air conditioners to some folks that didn't have one all of them over the age of 50 - three above 75 and most with health conditions.  It was at that moment that I decided it was about time that somebody woke somebody up.  So, not to bore you to death, but if there's anything I can do in favor of equally spreading the gravy around, just let me know.  The first time I contacted Councilman Cimperman - no I should say the first time I managed to get a call back from him his first response was "I didn't see your name on the block club registry."  Well, our family has lived in this neighborhood for 38 years, and never needed a block club and by not attending one we don't forfeit any of our rights.  That is what we go to elections for is to vote for our government to represent us and if a councilman can only represent you if you go to a block club, then you need a new one.  That's just like the closing of the firestation.  I've seen the signs but I haven't heard anything about it at our block club - don't you think that should be one of the most important issues on the list?  No, they spent their time yelling at me for getting somebody an airconditioner and trying to get the dust and noise controled abit down here by where we live. 

Anyway, I do suppose we will be meeting at one of these illustrious gatherings fairly soon because I am most definitly going to be out and about.

All fired up. 

Station #21.

      Jerleen, If I remember correctly at some point and time this year representatives from Local 93 went to each block club. So it is possible a discussion was held at a prior meeting. But with that said each block club and its leaders knew the City of Cleveland only promised to staff the station to Labor Day or shortly their after. The fire station is a hot button in our block club and we setup a agenda topic in September to discuss it again.

Amy at the Merrick House took a idea stemming from one of our prior meetings and found funders to pay for the red signs you see in the neighborhood.

Yes, I am disappointed that other area's of Tremont do not have many signs. But their was only 300 printed. We were responsible for close to 90 ourselves.

What really stands out is the Arson on Starkweather Ave., do you think if this was one of the 300k houses the outcry would be different. Well, yep. Or if some new family that just moved into Tremont got burned to a crisp.

I was at the last Tremont Board meeting, I brought up both the arson and the impending closure of Station #21. TWDC is going to write the Mayor again stating strong opposition of the closure.

I think if you get a group of people to start going to your block club, you can get items on the agenda that pertain to the longterm residents. But also safety and security issues should be discussed at each meeting too.

Some in Tremont want to sweep the crime under the rug because their property values will decrease, or they have to sell more new overpriced homes. These are the same folks that will stagger out of a neighborhood spot and get mugged, and not file a police report either.

Henry, I think in my disappointment and at recent dealings with the block club in which my area falls within, I am maybe giving out some not so good vibes.  I  do not at all 100% condem all block clubs - they are there for those who wish to participate and I in no means feel that none of them do good things.  I just do not believe that I or any individual should be required (and we are not required) to become a member of a block club to exercise our rights or to be treated fairly or equally.  In researching a bit, I found that block clubs first came into existence in the early 1970s and were started as a means of bringing together of neighbors, extending of hands, helping those in need, aiding in crime prevention, a method of creating alliances, community out-reach programs for the betterment and support for the safety of the citizens within scope.  That, to me, means unconditional support and help, not just for those who find a particular interest to vote on.  I also find it unacceptable that we have an election, the supposedly best man wins to represent our community and yet he finds no other way of gathering community interest except by and through block clubs where it is evident that the degree of participation does not adequately represent the majority of the people.  You are 100% right.  If one of those high scale, high priced, luxury living quarters had been the target or even accidentally caught on fire, shucks, an emergency meeting of the collaborated minds to save any and all fire stations would have been called.  In the little bit I have found out to date, most everybody at TWDC or most of those other organizations is either connected, higher on the food chain or in a much better financial position to look down on those less fortunate and keep on truckin' for their own benefit.  Whoever thought of closing a fire station in the first place is missing a few screws.  When somebody's home is on fire and especially when there are lives at stake, a second can mean the difference and I so believe that those men and women that brave the horrific terrors to save peoples lives, homes, even pets deserve so much of our respect and loyalty.  I have never heard of a fireman standing at the door of a house on fire and asking what color is he, does he work, is he a good son, does she have aids, did the kid cause trouble or is my life worth more than those inside?  Those flamewalkers go in with only prayers and Gods hand and by taking out just 1 station you up the odds of not only the lives of other people but other firefighters as well.  That is why I said what I did about the block clubs - this is a community issue - a vital one - and benefits all - yet it falls so low on some of the list of these elite members of society.

Jerleen, Dbra, et al:

I'm going to say, in advance, that I realize what I'm about to say is akin to pouring gasoline on a fire, but here goes:

If you've got these obviously long-standing resentments, just simmering and eating away at your innards like acid, show up at the meetings and do something about it.

You've apparently waited and waited and waited, letting the pressure build and build and build, until you absolutely had to explode, spewing anger, brimstone, and bile.

To your point, Jerleen, about being forced to join your block club: No, you're most certainly NOT required to go to any meetings. On any subject, in any neighborhood. This is America, after all.

However, if you want to know what's going on around you and the house you've inhabited for 38 years, I would STRONGLY advise you to attend these monthly gatherings where people are apprised of doings/developments in your part of the neighborhood. There's no engraved invitation; there's no special mailing; your neighbors just show up. You should, too!

To Henry's point, I agree: if you don't like what you see, step up and do something about it. Despite your beliefs to the contrary, absolutely anyone--old, new, rich, poor, pink, white, or purple--can get involved in the organization at any level. They only have to live, own property, or work--in short, have a vested interest--in the neighborhood.

Run for the Board, serve on a standing committee (in fact, serve with me, on the Nominating Committee, just like Henry suggested), regularly check in with your block club, spearhead a special project, or even float an initiative near and dear to your heart--just do something instead of complaining about others' efforts. Because those folks, whether or not you agree with their ideas, are contributing. And you're not!

Sitting, simmering, simpering--wallowing--none of those will get you where you need to go. But they sure seem to make you miserable...

I am asking you, inviting you, to step up and get involved. Ultimately, I believe we're all working for the same thing: to have the best neighborhood in the city. 

So who are you fighting? Please remove the chip from your shoulder; there's no conspiracy afoot. Keep in mind one simple, undeniable truth: no one is considering your view point because YOU HAVEN'T PROFFERED IT.

Be the change you want to see in the world--er, your neighborhood. Or be quiet.

I am David Mehring, and I'm proud to be a Tremont resident. I wish that you were, too.

Dear David,

Thank you for your opinions. I'm sorry ours struck a raw nerve with you.

Let me assure you, I am not "Sitting, simmering, simpering--wallowing--".. far from it. I believe I am actually stating the obvious. I do not think our objections were not imagined when TWDC decided to form a housing code violation patrol. I Do think they were not given much consideration, as they fail to enter the equation when computing property value.

I have considered attending block club meetings, but to be frank, they seem to be firmly guided by TWDC. In fact, most things seem to be firmly guided by TWDC - the Art Festival is one recent thing that comes to mind. I am correct in remembering it was originated by local artists? 

Its funny you make such broad assumptions about me - it might amuse you to know that I am currently working on my second post-graduate degree, of in all areas, ironically, MUPPD, Neighborhood Development. However, in the interests of full disclosure I should mention I am seriously considering a change to MPA. My experience with CDCs has proven to me that they have lost their way in terms of representing the less priviledged; lost their grassroots foundations. They now seem to be singularly oriented towards a European model of cleansing our city core of the financially disenfranchized and following the money like a hound dog on a trail. i believe there's actually a national movement that embraces my philosophy (or more correctly put, I embrace theirs) called "Right to the City" Check it out.

Aside from all that, I fail to grasp the logic of your argument - what does local long time residents complaining about the unfairness of the newly located bourgeoisie imposing their houty touty standards upon the longtime neighbors when they decide to grace us with their presence have anything to do with attending block club meetings? Are their complaints somehow less legitimate? I dont quite understand - please do explain that connection.

Meawhile, its amusing that you should suggest action David, because I was just saying to my husband this morning that we should form a TWDC watchdog group. Or maybe just an alternative, poor people neighborhood group. That IS the way CDCs originated, afterall. Kinda a back to our roots effort. As I said, the block clubs seem to operate under the auspices of TWDC, so they're not really independent are they?

Anyways, thanks for the concern, even if its a bit misled. And I thank to not derail our point with faulty logic. 

And Jerleen, thank you for pointing out the family nature of our long time residential homes. It made me think how I would have felt had someone tried to run my grandmother out of her home. May we meet soon. 

oh and dear David, do NOT ask me to be quiet. Ever.

Well Mr. Mehring, I am so sorry that you feel that I have been as you put it sitting simpering, I was living perfectly happy, perfectly content, minding my own business until one day an issue arose in which I felt the need to contact my councilman.  I never heard back from him, until one day after I had contacted several agencies, I received a letter from his honor putting me in touch with TWDC.  That went OK - we worked out most of the issues - several weeks went by, another problem arose from the same situation and again I contacted my illusterious councilman - no reply.  So, for your info, I did do something, I formed a group, we gathered together information, formed a protest, and upon providing Mr. Cimperman with this bit of info, he called me back when he found out that we were inviting the media.  The first thing he said was "I didn't see your name in the block club registry."  Well, just to let you know, just because I don't sit on my front porch, doesn't mean nobody's home.  Since this business started, it has done one thing for me, at my old age and with my two bad knees, failing hips, authritic elbows and bad back it has got me off my chair and people like you have made me mad enough (not angry or carrying a chip on my shoulder) but mad enough to step in and give you what you ask for.  You see the next time Cimperman says to me I didn't see your name in the block club registry, I'm going to tell him "I didn't see yours there either."  You're alright, you have a right to your opinion, but let me make a point to you.  When I took on UGP properties, everybody told me - forget about it - guess what, the day I hand delivered a letter to their office on Professor, before I got back home, a clean up crew was in front of their building.  I didn't need the block club for that.  They worked for days cleaning up that mess.  When I found out they didn't have permits to tear up this street, I called the inspectors, they were out here in an hour or so and shut them down - I didn't need the block club for that - I persuaded Myrl Roberts to buy some airconditioners for some old people who didn't have one (ages 50-81) (3 from 75 - 81) I didn't need the block club for that.  When they started tearing up the treelawn in front of my neighbor's house to pour face in parking, I put together a protest - stopped the pour, got the plannning commissioner out here and guess what, he thanked me for bringing this to his attention because somebody goofed and the tree lawn was not supposed to be in those plans that the wonderful block club approved.  Further, once the tree lawn was destroyed, I drafted an agreement that since UGP properties tour the tree lawn up, they could fix it back according to Mr. Sternmeyer's specifications, put him in a little landscaping, maybe a little stone pathway, a bench or two, you know make it look nice, add some tropical grasses,etc.  I didn't need the block club for that.  If you think I'm joshing you, talk to lee and find out, or talk to Dave in 6th Street, I made one (1) phone call and got 6th street alley paved.  I didn't need the block club for that.  And yet, when I made an appearance at the group meeting I came under scrutiny for (the best way I know to describe it is I didn't get their permission) I believe the words used was "deals were cut."  That is the origin of this entire ordeal.  I very politely informed a couple of people that I did not need their permission or that club's permission to do anything.  If I want to write a letter or make a phone call on some one's behalf, I will.  And if I want to help old people or folks down on their luck, I will.  But for the grace of God it could be you.  Here's a new one for you.  The big sign on the building on Literary, by 806 - the city wants that sign covered up - I see nothing wrong with it - and I'm a prude.  I think it's in good taste - it's not vulgar - or pornographic - so now I'm helping to keep the sign.  What do you think about that?  Like I said just because I don't sit on my front porch, doesn't mean nobody's home.  No hard feelings  - and the fire ain't burning any bigger than it already was.  Save you gasoline it costs too much to burn.  I don't simmer, I don't let it fester and I don't let it build, life is too short for that, but once it gets in my craw - I'm 150 percent - you might look at it this way - I'm originally from the hills and we used to hunt and catch rattlesnakes for sunday sport and if that got too boring - we'd skin 'em and eat 'em.

SO well put, Jerleen!

"The city is a central battleground in the new world order. As urban scholars have documented, major cities have become regional and global command and control centers for transnational finance capital. The accompanying decline in urban manufacturing economies in the global North have left many cities with surplus populations that, like the European peasants of the early industrial capitalist era, occupy valuable land. Coupled with a steady reduction of federal support for urban areas, the economic shifts in cities have left many communities exposed to the cruel logic of the market. The implications for poor people ... concentrated in cities are clear: whereas once they were segregated in abandoned downtowns while whites fled to the suburbs, now they are expected to disperse to the peripheries as cities are reconfigured by global capital, national real estate markets, local political elites, and the consumer classes. Their presence in the urban core in any capacity other than as cheap labor is unwelcome, a blight on the landscape of the new entertainment en- vironment."

Tony Roshan Samara, Right to the City, Z Magazine June 2007 Volume 20 Number 6

Tony Roshan Samara is Assistant Professor of Sociology at George Mason University

Well dbra, I don't have any degrees, and I barely made it through high school - but I am not uneducated.  I have spent my life studying and continue to do so.  The one thing I learned in that little two room school I attended was reading, writing and arithmatic.  If you can read, you can write about it and it will all add up to make perfect sense.  And so it does.  This is my way of looking at the whole picture.  Everybody knows things change.  And everybody should know life is what you make of it.  Anyway, we have a problem in our society, no several problems, we have homeless people with families, we have problem children that will one day be adults,  they will learn from what we teach.  You start at the core, you put enough stress on these long time home owners, who are already suffering due to the economy, you push out low income families, which not only includes the elderly but people of all ages, that in turn creates more homeless, more people looking for shelters, more children on the streets, possible getting into trouble, then people start complaining about that, they want them locked up.  You in turn have more abandoned houses due to mortgage companies foreclosing, then the big surprise***developers step in and buy the properties up at below market value, build more high priced housing that again nobody can afford and the cycle starts all over again.  I don't care what anybody says about me.  I do not like it when the elderly, the handicapped, the poor, or just simply people that are doing their best are put down or targeted.  It's shameful and when my son turned 18 I wrote him a letter to keep and to paraphrase a bit I told him "to always take the time to help a child for you will be rewarded with a smile and no matter how busy your day may be always take the time to help an old lady across the street and keep in mind someday that could be your mom."

Ladies: As much as I enjoy personal attacks disparaging me, my motivations, or making assumptions about my character—indeed, I’ve never been compared to a rattlesnake before—I must remind you that in my original message, I merely asked you to do something more valuable with your time than simply venting on public bulletin boards.

Form a watchdog group; attend the Housing Committee meetings en masse; whatever...just divert the energy you're expending in a manner (and a forum) that will be productive and deliver the satisfaction that you deserve. Anything else is wasted effort.

If the established system or organization is corrupt, you need to interface and change it. Maybe the 'newly located bourgeoisie' are imposing their hoity toity standards upon the longtime neighbors because they're the only ones who are currently stepping up to the plate?

Where are the legions of long-standing residents? These irate masses don't appear to be attending any meetings with any degree of consistency or regularity; nor do they appear to be organizing any kind of structure to question the status quo. 

Exactly what does it seem these august elder statesmen are up to? Just bitching on Tremonter, yelling at underpaid staff people, or critiquing the efforts of their newcomer neighbors who are volunteering their time and energy to make the neighborhood a better place than they found upon arrival.

The people who show up get to cast the vote; that's the way the world works. As I see it, you have three choices: work within the parameters of what's established to impact change; organize and provide another solution to address the perceived injustices and inequalities; or continue to spew vitriol to those who might listen. 

Biggest problem with the last, besides having nothing tangible to show for it, is that you fatigue folks. Just like the boy who cried wolf, your message diminishes with every refrain, meaning it could eventually be tuned out by the people who most need to hear it.

If we're all working towards the same goal—making Tremont one of the best locations in this declining city—what’s the problem? Why can't we come to the table and work together? And if that's not your motivation, what is? 

My original message remains unchanged: I am proud to be a member of this community and I encourage—nay, challenge—you to either work within the established system or develop a viable set of solutions in its stead. And barring that, I repeat, ‘be quiet.’ If you’re not participating, you’ve got no right to complain, despite a plethora of secondary degrees and an interest in urban planning or neighborhood development.

I would welcome the opportunity to work with you both in improving this neighborhood we've all made the conscious decision to call home. Should you wish to communicate with me directly, my personal email address is david_s_mehring@yahoo.com. I do hope you’ll set aside any hostile feelings and give the thoughts above some consideration. We will be much more effective if we’re all working together.

PS: Thank you, Dbra, for sharing the information about 'Right to the City.' It's a concept that until today I was not familiar with, and the snippet of Tony Samara's article has piqued my curiosity. I will be googling for more on the subject.

David, I'm very glad to hear you will be researching the movement. But - you do need to understand that posting our grievances on this forum is NOT a waste of time. You may not agree with that, but so what. And I don't believe we engaged in a personal attack, merely we defended ourselves. I remind you that none of our posts prior to yours were directed towards any person. And I remind you of your closing statement in your first post:

::::::I am David Mehring, and I'm proud to be a Tremont resident. I wish that you were, too. ::::::::::

with its obvious implications, and your numerous personal attacks towards us. Oh, and thanks for the permission or organize.

Apology accepted, bye-bye.

and Jerleen - I've no doubt that you surpass me in both experience and intellect! book learnin' don't mean everything...and I meant what I said - I want to meet! How about it Henry???

Hello Deb, we can get together.

I am tied up this week, trying to help out on that Envy hearing that is Friday afternoon at Cleveland City Hall.

There is no doubt that some pro-active dialog needs to happen, I have worked with Dave M. on several issues. He does work hard and gives alot of his time. He is one of the newer Board members that may have a different opinion than the old guard. He lives up by Metro hospital in older housing stock like the majority of the life long residents.

Dave was a major player in stopping Monroe's Strip club from getting a variance to rebuild.

But one thing that is now happening is their is descent from other areas that just our block club. This is going to be interesting. Dave these folks never had to be part of a system, it will take time, but in several instances they have some very valid points.

Dave, you know I volunteer as much time as most board members even on causes that affect more than just Tremont. I would actually like to see more people participate in the conversation on Tremonter, and as long as it can be civil, lets let it take its course, it will be good for the neighborhood.

Mr. Mehring, like so many other things, you have mis-read my implications - I was referring to myself.  I come from a different world.  I can survive.  You take away my house, my lights, my heat, etc. I know how to build a shed, gather firewood, build a fire, gather nature's food, grow a garden, even indoors, make use of the rain, perserve food, I can make quilts for warmth, etc.  I'm not tootin' my own horn - I was just making a point that not everybody is cut from the same cloth and not everybody is as fortunate as others. some might need some help.  For all I know you migth be a great person, a hard worker, but I do believe you were the first one who came on the attack - as I take it because we were expressing our opinions, I do believe that is our right.  I'm going to share something with you that just might  clue you in and I don't usually do this.  about 26 years ago I had a little baby boy that was very ill (2).  He had been ill since birth.  He never was able to sit up or call me mommie but all I had to do was walk into the room and he would smile reach out and touch my hand.  One day it was the last day and I held him in my arms and he went to sleep.  I was on welfare, had a new baby, was a divorced mother, didn't have any money, most of my family didn't have any money, didn't have a clue how I would find the funds to pay for his funeral plus I wanted to take him back to Virginia for burial.  You know what, I was handed an envelope, and in it was not only enough money for a funeral but enough for me and my family to take him home.  You know where that money came from.  It came from some of those poor people who had mortgages to pay, children to feed, maybe it was their spending money for the month, there was an old wino named Perry Keys, who slept in the corner of a building across the street, you know he gave me $10 and said I hope it helps.  At that time some of it came from people I didn't even know that were just living from hand to mouth.   That's love, that's compassion. that's where I stand.

The block club scene I speaking of is that, especially in some areas, it IS NOT a fair and equal representation of the majority of the people and since the clubs have no legislative, executive or judicial powers, they cannot adequately speak for everyone.  TWDC is connected.  Everybody is either friends, or married to somebody who knows somebody.  As I indicated to dbra earlier, my entire life I have been studying - this is no different - just a new chapter.  I will come away from this with having learned something, I mean I already have learned a great deal.  But I am not a conformist - you do not go after those less fortunate just to make yourself look good and to give yourself a pat on the back - that is what the "Moss Revolution" is all about.   And for your info, I did get a group together - it was a fun bunch - we protested the ripping up the the tree lawn as I stated earlier - when I went to the block club (My second time) a member of this elite group called me ridiculous - if you could see my files and how organized they are - WE GOT THR TREE LAWN BACK PLUS AGREED LANDSCAPING - IT IS BEING CONSTRUCTED THIS WEEK - how ridiculous is that?   Oh, by the way, I think I might like to have a TV out in the woods.

dbra,  I hope you know this has been a delight.  Make no mistake I so envy you and you ability to achieve a higher education.  I have been thinking on returning to the hallowed halls myself even at this late date.  For some reason as of late, I have been reflecting - if there is anything I could wish for that I could do that I didn't it would be to learn everything there is to learn - no matter where I go or what I get involved in, if something comes up that I don't know anything about, I will never admit it - I will make a hasty retreat and when I return I will be as well versed as I can possibly be on what ever subject may be at hand.  I know this is getting wordy - but oh what the heck.  I can't believe he (David) thought I was referring to him as a rattlesnake.  You see, he made assumptions.  If he knew me he would know better.  I get such a delight in bringing smiles to peoples faces.  To be a bit mischievious.  And as far as the "bile" spewing, I don't have a "bile" bone in my body.  I"m the sweetest little ole lady he'll ever meet - of course, I have been known to be a bit firey also.  This is just a bit of humor  I'm puttin' out there today. 

I'm sure we can find a way to cross paths - you sound like a very interesting young lady.  (You spoke of your grandma) that says a lot.

You know, I still can not believe anything we said regarding the "Moss Revolution" (as you put it Jerleen!) was not considered by the bunch at TWDC before they launched this nasty campaign. No one could be that stupid or shortsighted and if they are, they sure as h@ll dont belong on a board or CDC that is "leading" the rest of us. Sorry, I'll call it what I think it is - greed and selfishness. I do hope they are capable of reading some of these threads. I doubt if we had shown up at the meetings and said any of these things we would have been actually listened to. Who knows?

Your breath stopping story Jerleen, about your dear baby boy (*my deep condolence*) is indicative of what makes a neighborhood great. Its what compelled me to live in Tremont. Its what has made Tremont a fantastic place (it already IS GREAT, it HAS BEEN great - before any of the houty touties showed up on the scene). What is ironic is they do not even realize they are slowly destroying the greatness of Tremont in their eagerness to smear makeup all over it.

And yes, I love and admired my grandparents. My one granddaddy was a coal miner and the other a millright. My Dad and his brothers were the first generation to go to college - all on football and wrestling scholarships - they lived outside Pittsburgh. They taught me values through their own behavior. And one of the things that delighted me about Tremont was it so reminded me of their neighborhoods.

Anyway, I'm comin' lookin' for you Jerleen - we have to meet up! I'll bring some of my girls' big brown fresh eggs. Their yolks are the most golden you've seen and they tase like rEAl eggs!

dbra, first of all, I shouldn't have gotten so personal about my son.  It is just that I recall the faces of so many of those that extended a hand in my darkest time and they were poor people. People not so well spoken of, people I didn't know - and I really felt like Mr. Smarty needed to know where we (I) were coming from. 

Do you read the Plain Press?  Last months issue covered the Mossman's input on the housing code situation.  As a matter of fact, go back to the beginning of where these comments begin and start reading the article you will find out how I came up with the name Moss Revolution.

You see, I have the list and I took the time to drive around and look at some of these house that were cited.  Some of them  people just simply have to make a choice between feeding their kids, medications, making the house payment and buying the supplies to do the up keep - and most of them aren't that bad.

The degree of strain and what amounts to arm twisting can sometimes just be too much for folks already in stressful economic crisis.  If you allow  people to breath you might see more improvement.  You know that ole saying, "you catch more flies with honey than vinegar."  Of course, there's a few flies on my list I'd like to give a good dose of vinegar.

Anyway, the eggs, yes the eggs - they would be great.  What kind of chickens do you have? 

fly swatters work good too...

The two laying right now are a red comet and a golden laced wyandotte...

Some TWDC Board members that live by the Moss's and their family members, some who actually work in the Building and Housing Department were also involved with this committee. Then they went and made it a actual sub-committee under the housing committee.

Fortunately Tim Jenkins has taken over the chairmanship of the TWDC housing committee, I think most of this is going to dis-appear. It does not help the people that got cited. I hope they get help.

The first meeting to go to is a week from tonight. The TWDC Economic Development and Long Range Planning Committee. Both this committee and the Housing Committee are important.

We found out most of this is just about politics. Ron O'Leary who is second in command of Building and Housing, and a former Municipal Judge, and the former department head of Code Enforcement in the Cleveland Law Department is a name that comes up in circles to replace Joe Cimperman, that is if Cimperman is pegged to replace some of the political scum like Russo or Dimora. Another name circling is one of the people that run your block club Jerleen. So with that in mind all this can be just for the political gain of a few people.

We also have to remember board member Lynn Murray is running for a judgeship too, while still sitting on the TWDC Board. She welcomed Dimora and Russo at her fundraiser, remember that. The Murray's are helping in the Code enforcement.

This type of grandstanding for personal gain must stop.

http://www.woio.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=2759727&h1=EXCLUSIVE%20VIDEO%3A%20Cuyahoga%20County%20Brass%20Chauffeured%20Around%20Town%20After%20Hours&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=365733&LaunchPageAdTag=Homepage&activePane=info&rnd=92111851

Oh boy Henry, This is gettin' good.  I am glad to hear that Tim Jenkins is taking over the chairmanship of the housing committee.  This has been political from the start.  I am so glad you gave me this information.  You have no idea how many things make sense now.  Mercy, mercy, mercy, I have to take a break and go have a good cold pop.  I'll explain at a later date, however I was in a state of confusion about something and you have just put the pieces in place for me.  Sometimes the sky opens up and something comes down besides rain.

oh and sweet pea, Jerleen - if you wonder 'bout the cloth John Moss is cut from check this out:

http://crainscleveland.com/article/20070723/FREE/70718005/1110

Review City Council Link

    Of staff members. The last names simply make the case.

http://www.clevelandcitycouncil.org/Home/CouncilMembers/OfficeofClerkofCouncil/StaffDirectory07/tabid/319/Default.aspx

Don't that just put a bee in your bonnet dbra. I mean it makes you wonder whar kind of breed it takes to be not just well to do but welllll..........to do to come into any neighborhood and get up in the morning with a list of poor people on his mind to give grief to. 

I'm not sure yet, what link came first, was it that certain block clubs started the "let's go get 'em" drive or if it came from old man Moss's end first.  I do know that at the first block club meeting I attended it was on the agenda.

Now it looks like he's sneaking out the back door.  Somebody ought to be there and trip as he goes out -let him get a little mud on his face - bet that's never happened before.

If I have to be like that to be rich I am glad I never was.  Shucks, if we had any rich uncles, somebody either made off with the mason jar or they burried it in the back yard and forgot where they put it.

But I truly and 100% believe I am richer by far than Mr. Moss will ever be.

Henry gave me some pieces of the puzzle yesterday and I don't know why they didn't click before but I guess I wasn't looking.  I can't say just yet because it's something I've been working on for a couple of weeks and I have to wait a day or so before I have all the details.  I will advise - and oh, it's a good one.

mine forgot where they put it... I guess I'm lucky I never was much for rich living, 'cuz its gonna make kiving in the BIG depression so much easier!

I did have a psuedo-rich boyfriend once but he was so worried about what looked like what and keeping up the image he took the fUn out of everything! 

dbra, I'm still on the chickens.  It's funny how something gets stuck in your mind.  I had visions of rhode island reds, dommernecks or black bantams.  When I was 4/5 we had this big gray rooster that just lived for me to come out of the house.  He would flog the daylights out of me.  Once he caught me out by myself and chased me around the house causing me to fall over this hill and (it was a big hill to a little kid) skinned my knees good.  I hated that darn rooster. 

I'm sorry, I'm in an antic mood tonight.

Wrote some letters today to the Mayor, the Dept. of Public Safety and started a letter to the editor of the Plain Dealer on the need for keeping Firestation 21 open.  I also spoke to the Mayor's office and was told that they were trying to work out a solution.  That it was a matter of trying to re-budget something else.  I so sternly tried to get it across that you cut back on anything but a fire station.  S--t, I'll hunt down Mossman for you.

I've had a few boyfriends in my time that had "money" but none that really had m-o-n-e-y if you know what I mean, but they weren't worth much either.  Somehow you ever notice the best boyfriends are the broke ones.  I haven't figured that out yet.  And I'm too old and "fatigued" to worry about it now. 

Henry, Getting back to you as I said I would.  Week before last, I was working on a possible article for the Plain Press.  It was a feature on our favorite subject "BLOCK CLUBS."  In gathering my research, I wanted to do an unbiased piece covering the history, purpose, activities, goals and, if any, the positive influence block clubs had in their respective areas.

I also ask for their input on the housing code round up so to speak.

I e-mailed at least one chair person in each block club as well as councilman Cimperman.  I went back and checked there was not an e-mail address for a chairperson at your block club.  I really thought I would be bombarded with all the praises of these groups.  I never saw such a slamming of the doors.  I was told things like "not at liberty to comment,"  "I would love to but I have to run it through the media spokesperson." I actually  got one decent reply and it came after the deadline. 

I was totally thrown.  Why would nobody want to comment on their block club.  Especially if you have an opportunity to give it a positive spin.  Boy, did you turn the light on in my attic.  I was not aware that there were so many law- - -YERS involved in the block club scene. I knew of the one in my neck of the woods but I didn't know that she or any of the others were political wishers hanging on the ladder rungs.

As you can imagine my piece went out as a letter to the editor.  I don't know yet if Chuck used it or not.  I hope not because that will allow me to rewrite the feature.  That's what I was waiting for was to see if he printed it - when I last spoke to him he said it would depend  on other news.  Commentaries sort of take back seats.

Thank you Henry.  I wished I had that info before because I truly wrote a one-sided view.  Other than the history and original purpose of the block clubs the only input I had was negative - so I wrote it like I saw it.  The problem is - your block club is considering pulling away - when the one here is so far ------------you probably need a 'reckin' bar to get 'em loose. 

Block Club Contact.

    I have pushed, for TWDC to update their web site on our Block Club. Roman our one chair does not have a computer, nor does he know how to use one.

   I will try to rectify this this week. I am the third officer during this year, even though TWDC does not list me on their web site. I guess they prefer to keep people from wanted to contact us.

  I was either a single chair person, or co-chair for the past 4 1/2 years, and I just refused to be in that position this year. I am the Secretary, but still end up with the bulk of the organizing, that is fine because we have two other people pushing our Block Club agenda.

  I can assure you, TWDC does not or cannot influence our Block Club, that why were generally are hated, and ostracized by some of what we call the "beautiful people" that sit on this board.

  I know our block club meets the same night as the Housing Committee, but feel free to attend after that meeting. We meet at Zion Church.

  Roman Dowhaniuk, one of our Co-Chairs has added a agenda item (actually its our third agenda this month) on the breaking away from TWDC, this will be discussed over the next two months and a decision will be rendered at the end of the November meeting.

  This is something that I did not push, but the will of the people over here will be democratic.

  If you need to contact me, my email is hsenyak@aol.com

no roosters here, Jerleen - they're wAy too much trouble!

Good work on the block club report. It is interesting they dont have anything to say.  

Oh yes, dbra, it is most interesting.  Now that I know  how many participants of either TWDC or the block clubs are politically circling the water hole, it makes perfect sense why no one would comment.  So far, connected to this entire housing code round up, there are the "fat cats" in Mossman's organiztion and the electoral hopefuls.  All of which I believe made a deliberate and conscious choice to ATTEMPT to come charging in like a herd of bulls and become front-runners on the backs of the old, the less fortunate, the tired and the needy.  Not to mention long time residents they expect to just roll over.

Well, let me tell you, not without resistance.   

Oh, and by the way dbra, I don't believe I mentioned that the most peculiar thing is that I believe it was July 14, Jose Ramos, the housing inspector went on vacation, that exact same day, the blood hounds were turned loose on the Tremont neighborhood.  Of the 72 addresses on the list, 68 of them had inspector Ramos down as the inspector of record.  Don't you wonder how he could inspect houses if he was on vacation from 07-14-08 to 08-14-08.  Don't you think that the individual who actually inspected those houses should be the inspector of record? 

Katie Hough and Ron O'Leary, both tied up in the TWDC Mossman twist were the two who mustered up for the job.

Jerleen, Jose Ramos and his wife, and sister-in-law live in our Block Club area. He rarely participates because he could get in a pickle. His wife and her family do participate a few times a year.

Jose is a nice guy, actually he last day was July 14, and was out on medical injury for two months. I met with him and gave him a copy of the Moss list. He was going to take it to his union rep. I bet they cover it up. This is fraud and assigning someone's name to paper that did not do the inspections. He refused for years to site the old and poor, but you see how these carpetbaggers perform.

Most of the carpetbaggers are two headed snakes.

I can tell you officials at the Building and Housing Department are under FBI investigation. The Plain Dealer and other News Media reported. Some may go away in cuffs.

You are starting to see green elect Lynn Murray signs up in Tremont. I have a call into the campaign of the sitting Judge she is challenging. Its funny I seen these green signs up by TWDC Board members houses today. Even at Businesses that Lynn Murray and Cimperman gave Zoning favors to. I am going to take some pictures.  Hopefully we will get some yard signs to balance out Tremont. Hopefully I can count on you to help.

Lynn Murray also is employeed at the City of Cleveland, she is a magistrate with the Municipal Courts, and is the Treasurer of the Board of TWDC. Paint a good picture. Can you say conflict of interest?

I had a discussion with Mc Monagle's campaign treasurer about six weeks ago. I suggested "Tremonters for McMonagle". It will be interesting, you see the 80+ fire station signs along Scranton, I hope to get 40-50 McMonagle signs up if they get them to us.

These people have done their best to close St. Augustines for years. I do not know if you remember when someone forged my name on a letter. Guess who my top two suspects are?

Lets band together to send a clear message.

Just in case.

http://www.plainpress.org/html/stories/2007-11/forgedletterattacksstaugustine.htm

Henry, I don't know about Jose.  I don't know  if he was in on the sweep or not.  I figured that they just waited until he wasn't around to do the dirty work.  But I do know that the two birds that did it was in on the "just wait till Jose's out of town operation."  Now whether anything will be done about the insidious endeavor remains to be seen. 

TWDC should be neutral.  Maybe it's time a lot of folks start snooping around.  Ain't nothin' like uncovering the covered up.  I do know that because of the posture some of those in the big house take (TWDC) a lot of folks, not just the poor, but a lot of people don't understand how to stand up to the big chest puffers.  They have a means of talking down to people - I know this because I have been on the receiving end of "you poor dumb thing," myself recently.  At the block club at that.  I have the grit to give as good as I get and most often times better, but not everybody can do that. 

There's a fear, and it is not truly unfounded, that people who don't have money have to worry about crossing those that do.  They have the funds, which in turn allows them the time, gives them the connections and they will in a heart beat even the score if resisted. 

I'm not nor have I ever been politically inclined, however, desperate times calls for desperate measures.  I have a big tree lawn - if you get my drift.

grEEd is a deadly sin.

You said it dbra.  This week my plate is more than full.  I have a baby quilt to make and some serious legal research to do for my brother. 

You haven't indicated exactly where in Tremont you hang your hat but I guess you pretty much have figured out where my stoop is. 

I have a new project I'm considering and I was thinking if you are close enough, we could take a walk.  You would like it, the project that is.

I could even start me a flock of roostie-nesters.  Inner-city farming.  Whoa!  That would sure start a buzz. 

Violation Notices

          Hi Jerleen, see if you can find out if anyone on the "Hit list" did actually receive a violation notice. We need to find out who the inspector listed on the violation notice is.

 I just tried to call Jose Ramos, his voice mail message states he now will be out to Nov. 15th. and to call two other inspectors or chiefs.

Why I state this is, I was told by a former inspector that left Building and Housing that these directors or assistant bureaucrats lack state certification to actually do inspections, and they cannot write violation notices.

Ron O'Leary has a law degree, I actually find him as a pretty straight shooter, but in the City of Cleveland and these self serving politicians we call council people anything can happen.

I really learned alot about how politics infects the decision of the top officials at Building and Housing. In my quest to investigate the legal usage of bars, and nightclubs over the past several years you will see a clear pattern of having a double standard.

Katie Hough has no authority to cite people. She works at the whim of Cimperman. I do not think she liked to be put on the spot over this, and if I had to bet she is actually in our corner on most of the adresses on the list.

Jerleen did you know the Moss's were involved or even ran the Cimperman campaign for council over the past 10-12 years?

Did you know Cimperman's house that was torched was sold to him by guess who? The Moss's

Tremont, Its A small small world.

Henry, It will take me a day or so to check out if there were actual citations written out.  But as far as them knocking on doors regarding the violations, yes they sure did. 

If Katie has no authority, what does a code inforcement officer do? and why would a block club call on her to give a report on this issue? 

The list I have says inspection dates - and then only the comment section is filled in, but Jose Ramos is listed as the inspector and the dates are 7-14/ 7-15/ and 7-16.

The reason I also find this list even more offensive is that only on one address, (and I know it's because it was to make an unnecessary comment) they put the homeowners name  right next to the comments about his property.  I mean it's no biggie but all of this stuff added up just says so much about the people we have in our organizations - running the ins and outs of our neighborhood.  I don't care straight shooters or not, if you lay down with dogs - you gonna get up with fleas.  And a law degree doesn't make you any different either - still gotta put your pants on like everybody else.  Make no mistake, I'm not anti lawyers - just anti political sneaky snakes.

dbra, If you get a chance, read the October issue of the Plain Press.  My article (beginning on page 3)  on the Block Clubs made it.  I had three phones going today.  My sisters, my moms and mine, all at the same time, with comments, everybody happy to see folks finally speaking out about the way the cookies are being crumbled in the Tremont area. 

Ward 14, however, seems to be getting some of the same treatment the poor people in our area have, the only difference their block club seems to be in their corner.  There's a little clique in my section that would like to nail my- - - - to the wall. They are TWDC bound.

Henry, I read Nina's letter to the editor in the Plain Press today.  I have made the connection that she is in your block club.  Please let her know that any attention TWDC had given to issues arising from the negative impact developers of the Gospel Press Building is having on the residents is because - you should see the file I have and the documentation I collected - the number of agencies - departments - officials, etc. I contacted regarding the lack of consideration given to folks living here in the middle of the mess they created. 

TWDC sort of is having to save face - along with the planning commission, the zoning board, CDC - and amongst others who gave the go ahead with that project and didn't give a hoot as to the impact it would have on the lives of those that live here every day.  Trust me I keep a daily watch - with pictures. 

I have been told to shut up, leave them alone, mind my own business, etc.  I have a file  yea thick maybe she would like to see it.  Tell her there are places she can contact and she doesn't need TWDC.  I know I did.  People at TWDC don't like me very much.

They kept giving me that song and dance about doing it for the good of the neighborhood and it was only going to improve our neighborhood.  You know what I told them.  "That they were in the profit making business. And the only good it was going to do was for them."  I also told them, "you're going to put us through hell, make us sick, we're coughing our brains out, chocking to death on the dust, the noise is driving us insane and once your're done you will leave and you won't even remember our names, you will be collecting the big bucks from the high priced joints and we will have been the ones who suffered for it.  Our houses will look the same and the only thing that will happen is our property taxes will go up as a result of your "good for the neighborhood."

October Plain Press

   Jerleen you did a vital service reporting on a issue that has been taboo in Ward 13 Tremont. Having a dissenting opinion is not abnormal. I really think this issue is coming to the for-front. The regular people in your article were speaking from the heart. Our Block Club area has the same demographics. I bet 80% of the residents feel they have more important things to do like raising their family. When we have done things in the past block club volunteers would go door to door with petitions and give everyone a voice. But that to usually ended up being ignored at that time by TWDC.

One great thing was the story about Fire Station #21. The picture of the propane tank tells it all.

Jerleen, I was serious about having you as a guest at our Block Club, I think you will see a different operation. Think about coming on the 9th.

Also keep a eye out for the new West Side Sun that comes out on Thursday. It will have another story about the Fire Station. I have been working this important issue really hard.