Seven Hills Spring News

Hard to believe we are already in the month of April! The Cleveland Indians are playing ball and flowers are starting to bloom. The same can be said for several projects in Seven Hills. Our EPA mandated Hemlock Project is already at full steam and will be completed this year. The 305 homes that are part of this project are the last in Seven Hills to move from septic tanks to City sanitary sewers. The long-awaited water main replacement on Mapleview Dr.and East Hill Circle will be getting started soon. Upon completion, we plan to resurface both streets in their entirety.

We closed the books on 2018 and passed the 2019 budget. For 2018 came in several hundred thousand dollars under budget. Further, we increased our cash reserves from $3 million at the end of 2017 to finish 2018 at $5.5 million. Due in part to the strong fiscal results of 2018 the City will be able to take on an ambitious road program this year. Currently, we have placed for bid all the worst-rated roads.  Another factor that helped position the City to achieve a large 2019 roads program was our success in building a partnership. Listed below is an itemization of some of those partnerships and the savings achieved, 

With the professional baseball season upon us, we know the youth baseball is not far behind. As such we are getting the parks and fields ready. I want to thank Operating Engineers IUOE Local 18 for donating the heavy equipment and labor (as part of their training program). Local 18 is currently installing a subsurface drainage system on all three fields at Calvin Park. Local 18's contribution will help make and maintain drier playing conditions. In addition, new infield sand will be installed and properly graded. 

Construction is on schedule for the Vitalia Senior Residence development on Rockside Rd. As previously reported this project will bring in over $6 million in new revenue for City over the next 15 years with $4 million of that new revenue dedicated exclusively for infrastructure projects such as roads.

In regard to the 50-acre mixed-use development planned for Rockside, the City and Fairmount Properties have entered into an integral stage; we are negotiating a binding developers agreement. Leasing and financing will follow this stage. The final stage is when a final development plan is submitted for approval.

As we anticipated, KMART in Seven Hills closed last month. The City and Meijer continue to work closely to ensure everything stays on schedule. Recently we signed an agreement with Meijer for the installation of a new traffic light.  100% of the cost of the light and related infrastructure improvements will be borne by Meijer. Also, I can share with you that Meijer has reached purchase agreements for all the property it needs to move forward. However, it is important to note that while KMART has closed, they have not at this time relinquished their lease rights to the property. What does that mean? Worst case, we may need to wait until the KMART lease expires before we can see construction on this site.

Wrapping up, I want to share with you a couple of recent events. It was a real pleasure to attend the Normandy High School 50th Anniversary event. The sense of pride and strength of the community on display was truly touching. Lastly, on behalf of all Council, I was honored to present a resolution of commendation to the St. Columbkille 8th grade boys for winning CYO D3 Championship.

Tony Biasiotta

Council President, City of Seven Hills

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Volume 11, Issue 5, Posted 7:35 AM, 05.01.2019