Lakewood city officials held three consecutive meetings on Monday, addressing issues ranging from utility discounts for seniors to inclusivity in public facilities, while recognizing local businesses and preservation efforts.
Finance Committee Recommends Expanded Homestead Exemption
The Finance Committee met first to consider proposed changes to the homestead exemption program for water and sewer rates. Finance Director Mahoney explained that the ordinance would change how income is calculated for eligibility by using adjusted gross income rather than total income.
“One of the main things we do is we look at total income, which the big difference is how much of your Social Security income is taxable,” Mahoney explained during the meeting. “Currently we look at total Social Security income instead of taxable Social Security income.”
The proposal also increases the income threshold from $35,000 to $40,000 annually, mirroring Cuyahoga County’s standards. Eligible residents would pay 75% of standard water and sewer rates, amounting to approximately $480 in annual savings.
Committee members expressed support for the measure, with Councilman Baker noting it would help residents “aging in place” on fixed incomes. The committee unanimously recommended the ordinance for adoption by the full council.
Health and Human Services Committee Hears Youth Council Recommendations
In the Health and Human Services Committee meeting, the Lakewood Youth Council presented their recommendations for the inclusion of all-gender bathrooms in city-owned or renovated buildings and the downtown development project.
Youth Council representatives including CeCe Whiteer, Mel Demer, Alessio Mata, and Cora Barcelona provided research showing that all-gender bathrooms could benefit numerous groups, including transgender and non-binary individuals, parents with children of different genders, and people with disabilities who require caregiver assistance.
Committee chair Councilwoman Marks and members including Councilwoman Strebig expressed support for the initiative, and the recommendation was referred to Law Director Vargo for further consideration and potential ordinance development.
City Council Meeting Addresses Multiple Issues
The full City Council meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence recognizing International Firefighters Day.
Melt Bar and Grilled Recognition
Council approved a resolution honoring Matt Fish and Melt Bar and Grilled for 18 years of operation in Lakewood before its recent closure.
“Few businesses have had such a large impact and few have been so iconically representative of Lakewood and our unique restaurant scene, our creative residence, and our vibrant community,” Councilman Bullock stated in his communication about the business.
Fish addressed the council, thanking the community for its support. “I would not have opened my store in any other community if given the choice again,” he said.
Representatives from the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, including Lauren Small, and Lakewood Alive’s Tim Dewald, also spoke in recognition of Fish’s contributions to the community.
Historic Preservation Awards
The Lakewood Heritage Advisory Board presented its 2025 preservation awards to five projects:
- A front porch addition at 17401 Edgewater Drive owned by Brian Grady and Kristen Gibbs
- A historic home rehabilitation at 13963 Lake Avenue owned by Lawrence and Jennifer Fasel
- A home addition at 15703 Lake Avenue owned by Jason Shackner and Michelle Murray
- The Nest (formerly known as Birdtown Grocery) at 12501 Madison Avenue
- The Trinity Block at 16400 Detroit Avenue developed by Frank and Maria Scalish of Scalish Construction
Board chair Peter Ketter praised the city’s efforts in preservation, highlighting the downtown Lakewood Historic District designation and the city rejoining the Cleveland Restoration Society’s Heritage Home Loan Program.
Homestead Exemption Ordinance Adopted
Following the Finance Committee’s recommendation, the council unanimously adopted Ordinance 15-2025, expanding the homestead exemption criteria for water and sewer bills. Director Mahoney announced the application deadline would be extended to June 30th to accommodate residents who might newly qualify.
Public Works Recognition and Grants
Council approved a resolution recognizing May 18-24, 2025, as National Public Works Week. Public Works Director Gordon thanked the council for the recognition and highlighted the work of his department’s 100+ employees.
The council also received notification that the city’s Division of Refuse and Recycling was awarded $200,000 from the Ohio EPA Community and Litter Grant Program, which will be used to purchase approximately 4,630 residential recycling toters to replace aging units from 2010.
Additionally, the council acknowledged a $10,000 donation from Neograph Solutions to support the city’s spring tree giveaway program, which provided 200 native trees to residents, as presented by City Planner Sophia Jones.
Complete Streets Ordinance Remains in Committee
Ordinances related to complete streets planning and a proposed Complete and Active Streets Education and Advisory Board were deferred for further discussion, with Council President Kepple explaining the ongoing process for public feedback and refinement.
Public Comment
During public comment, numerous residents expressed concerns about the proposed multimodal path on Bunts Road, citing safety hazards with driveways and intersections, loss of trees, and lack of thorough public input.
Multiple residents from the Birdtown neighborhood, addressed industrial noise issues from Neograph Solutions, describing how the sound disrupts quality of life despite the company’s contributions to community programs.
Other public commenters advocated for expediting the complete streets ordinance, while another resident requested consideration of a sanctuary city designation for transgender residents.
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2025.
Discover more from Northeast Ohio News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
