My name is Tyler Teran and I have been living in Lakewood for 2 1/2 years. I live in Ward 4. I am a member of Cleveland DSA. I am writing to strongly urge you to include the Trans Sanctuary City Resolution to the agenda for the next meeting. I'm disappointed to hear it didn't make it on the agenda for tonight when DSA was given confirmation that it would be. It's incredibly important not just to me but several hundred of Lakewood residents that you make this town a safer place for all residents. Thank you.
My name is Ashley Lubecky and I have been a Lakewood resident for 5 years. I am also a member of DSA Cleveland. I am writing to you to ask to include the trans sanctuary city resolution to the agenda for the next meeting. I am very saddened to see that it did not make it on this week's agenda. This resolution was introduced to council almost 6 months ago now, where is the sense of urgency in this matter? The Trump Administration will only continue to attack trans rights, this resolution needed to be introduced months ago, but the second best time to do it is now. As you will see today from DSA organizers hard work, many many Lakewood residents support this matter and want to see Lakewood before a safe haven for trans folks. Please treat this matter with the urgency it needs and introduce the resolution ASAP! Thank you.
My name is Ryan Bergstrom, I live in ward 4 at 1587 Ridgewood Ave Apt 2. I am writing this today because I am disappointed to hear that you did not include the trans sanctuary city resolution on today’s agenda. This is simply unacceptable. Trans people are under attack all across the country. As both the State and Federal Governments continually take away trans healthcare especially for youth (such as the Supreme Court ruling that bans or restricts trans healthcare for youth in 27 states including Ohio. The case is US vs Skrmetti), ban books related to trans and other LGBT subjects and publicly demonize trans people across the country. The situation and fear that trans people, their friends and family have to endure gets worse everyday; time is of the essence. The City of Lakewood needs to show that we stand in solidarity with the Trans community and that this city is safe and welcoming place for them. I implore the entire council to ensure that the Trans Sanctuary City resolution makes on to the next meeting agenda on September 12th.
Adding a side path that encourages use by all ages on a busy arterial street like Bunts—without a clear bicycle ordinance or enforcement framework—is a recipe for disaster. With 116 driveway and street intersections, high traffic levels, frequent turning movements, and limited driver visibility, the risks of conflict are significant. I urge Council to pause this project until safety concerns are fully addressed and appropriate regulations are in place.
Bunts Road Multi Modal Path Initiative
This proposed project is destined to be a failure.
Lets begin where it has already failed
This project:
Failed to properly notify residents that a multi-modal path was planned for Bunts Road.
Failed to notify impacted residents of Bunts Road in a "...manner that the service of summons is required.."(131.01(c))
Failed to engage those most impacted in the initial planning stages of project
Failed to follow ODOT's recommendations in it's "Multimodal Design Guide and project-level planning"
Failed to complete a comprehensive environmental review and publish for public consumption
Failed to follow the city's own guidelines as outlined in "City of Lakewood – Tree Action Plan 2022"
Failed to listen to legitimate safety concerns expressed by residents
Failed to complete a comprehensive traffic review and publish for public consumption
Failed to take into account the ongoing and continuous funding for the upkeep and maintenance of the project
Failed to anticipate legal issues arising from, and the necessary ordinances required, to maintain the safe and lawful use of the multimodal path
I leave you with this thought, though the list of failures has hardly been exhausted
Something born of such failure is doomed to failure
Thank you
I'm unable to attend today's meeting but wanted to comment; apologies if this is only for those that can attend.
Last week I was pretty upset about the state of the sidewalks in Birdtown. Walking my son to and from school was unsafe/treacherous, I'm glad I was there to help navigate. My worry is for those kids that didn't have an adult to assist, or really all pedestrians that live in the neighborhood. Sidewalks on both sides of each street (Lark, Plover, Thrush, Robin, Quail, and Dowd) were closed at various points, leaving no Public Right-Of-Way. The only way through was walking in the street or crossing where there wasn't a crosswalk. The hired safety crew were only interested in getting car traffic through, they had 10+ people stand and watch as we tried to figure out a safe way to traverse. It took a couple of days to find the only route that allowed us to get there using crosswalks and not walking in traffic. We approach the school from the east and had to walk twice the distance (passing the school and doubling back) in order to walk "the right way." I'm not sure how this gets approved, It seems like there was no forethought to keep the neighborhood ADA accessible/ PROWAG compliant and that is a problem. I understand that projects need to be completed and there are timelines involved but I do wish there would be more thought about how it impacts the neighborhood it serves while being completed. I just filled out a survey regarding the walkable aspects of the city for schools just a few days ago and now regret my responses. I thought making Lakewood a walkable city was a priority?
Oppose the Bunts Rd multi use shared path. There are safer ways to do this. The city shows no concern for property owners and does not engage owners in planning and revision of ideas. Shameful that the power has been taken from the people.
The recent public meeting with First Energy was spirited - to say the least. As you have heard from many residents, it is unacceptable to have a malfunctioning and inadequate electrical system in Lakewood.
As you prepare to embark upon the Bunts Road project next spring, please consider burying the electrical lines. It is the perfect opportunity to test how buried lines can improve the performance of our electrical grid.
Multiple industry sources agree that, though it can be more expensive up front to bury lines, they are significantly more reliable. Buried lines:
• Are not impacted by weather
• Are safer because people cannot touch them
• Need less maintenance because they are not impacted by weather and surrounding vegetation
• Have fewer outages because they are not susceptible to weather
• Are More aesthetically pleasing – which you should be striving for on all major entryways into Lakewood
These five points make Lakewood more a desirable location for businesses and residents, which increases our property values and, therefore, tax income for the city.
The trees surrounding electrical wires running through my backyard were scheduled to be trimmed 3 weeks ago. First Energy’s contractor never showed. When we called, they said they would get to it when they could.
If they can’t even trim trees according to their own schedule, do you have any confidence that they will improve our electrical system anytime in the near future?
Don’t wait for them to make a move.
Take the initiative.
As many of you come up for reelection now or in the coming years, this could be a great talking point to show that you took the initiative while First Energy offered minor band-aids such as trimming trees and installing meters that seem to have very little impact.
A reliable electrical system is not just a want – it’s a need. For safety. For stability. For a brighter future for Lakewood.
I hope you will listen to the residents and do what’s right for us.
There are so many compelling reasons to RECONSIDER this project based on DATA, SAFETY, PROCESS and COST.
Demand does not exist. No studies or data shows any significant bicycle demand. No traffic study or true connectivity analysis has been released to justify this project. The path will end abruptly at city line.
Safety is not improved- it is worsened. With 116 intersections and driveways along the route, users will face constant conflict points. Shared use paths like this are known to increase accidents, especially for children, seniors and people with disabilities. It also creates new legal liabilities for the city and homeowners.
Planning has been poor. Major decisions were made made before the public input period closed. Reasonable alternatives, like painted bike lanes instead of parking or sidewalk improvements, were not seriously considered. Over 1300 residents and growing have already signed a petition against this project.
Environment and cost are major concerns. Mature tree removal will permanently alter the neighborhood. No environmental impact or cost-benefit study has been provided. Long term maintenance, snow removal, repairs, landscaping, will become an ongoing burden for taxpayers.
EV planning is nonexistent. There are no local ordinances or planning efforts to regulate the growing use of e-bikes and e-scooters. Without rules for speed, right of way and safety, and noise, the path will become chaotic and extremely dangerous.
Lakewood should support smart, SAFE, and sustainable infrastructure. This project is the OPPOSITE.
It is unsafe, unjustified, and POORLY PLANNED. It is reckless on the part of the city and will likely become a costly failure due to the lack of proper research, transparency, and community support.
Please change course and pursue safer, more sensible alternatives that truly reflect the needs and priorities of the Lakewood taxpayers.
My name is Tyler Teran and I have been living in Lakewood for 2 1/2 years. I live in Ward 4. I am a member of Cleveland DSA. I am writing to strongly urge you to include the Trans Sanctuary City Resolution to the agenda for the next meeting. I'm disappointed to hear it didn't make it on the agenda for tonight when DSA was given confirmation that it would be. It's incredibly important not just to me but several hundred of Lakewood residents that you make this town a safer place for all residents. Thank you.
My name is Ashley Lubecky and I have been a Lakewood resident for 5 years. I am also a member of DSA Cleveland. I am writing to you to ask to include the trans sanctuary city resolution to the agenda for the next meeting. I am very saddened to see that it did not make it on this week's agenda. This resolution was introduced to council almost 6 months ago now, where is the sense of urgency in this matter? The Trump Administration will only continue to attack trans rights, this resolution needed to be introduced months ago, but the second best time to do it is now. As you will see today from DSA organizers hard work, many many Lakewood residents support this matter and want to see Lakewood before a safe haven for trans folks. Please treat this matter with the urgency it needs and introduce the resolution ASAP! Thank you.
Good Evening,
My name is Ryan Bergstrom, I live in ward 4 at 1587 Ridgewood Ave Apt 2. I am writing this today because I am disappointed to hear that you did not include the trans sanctuary city resolution on today’s agenda. This is simply unacceptable. Trans people are under attack all across the country. As both the State and Federal Governments continually take away trans healthcare especially for youth (such as the Supreme Court ruling that bans or restricts trans healthcare for youth in 27 states including Ohio. The case is US vs Skrmetti), ban books related to trans and other LGBT subjects and publicly demonize trans people across the country. The situation and fear that trans people, their friends and family have to endure gets worse everyday; time is of the essence. The City of Lakewood needs to show that we stand in solidarity with the Trans community and that this city is safe and welcoming place for them. I implore the entire council to ensure that the Trans Sanctuary City resolution makes on to the next meeting agenda on September 12th.
Adding a side path that encourages use by all ages on a busy arterial street like Bunts—without a clear bicycle ordinance or enforcement framework—is a recipe for disaster. With 116 driveway and street intersections, high traffic levels, frequent turning movements, and limited driver visibility, the risks of conflict are significant. I urge Council to pause this project until safety concerns are fully addressed and appropriate regulations are in place.
Bunts Road Multi Modal Path Initiative
This proposed project is destined to be a failure.
Lets begin where it has already failed
This project:
Failed to properly notify residents that a multi-modal path was planned for Bunts Road.
Failed to notify impacted residents of Bunts Road in a "...manner that the service of summons is required.."(131.01(c))
Failed to engage those most impacted in the initial planning stages of project
Failed to follow ODOT's recommendations in it's "Multimodal Design Guide and project-level planning"
Failed to complete a comprehensive environmental review and publish for public consumption
Failed to follow the city's own guidelines as outlined in "City of Lakewood – Tree Action Plan 2022"
Failed to listen to legitimate safety concerns expressed by residents
Failed to complete a comprehensive traffic review and publish for public consumption
Failed to take into account the ongoing and continuous funding for the upkeep and maintenance of the project
Failed to anticipate legal issues arising from, and the necessary ordinances required, to maintain the safe and lawful use of the multimodal path
I leave you with this thought, though the list of failures has hardly been exhausted
Something born of such failure is doomed to failure
Thank you
I'm unable to attend today's meeting but wanted to comment; apologies if this is only for those that can attend.
Last week I was pretty upset about the state of the sidewalks in Birdtown. Walking my son to and from school was unsafe/treacherous, I'm glad I was there to help navigate. My worry is for those kids that didn't have an adult to assist, or really all pedestrians that live in the neighborhood. Sidewalks on both sides of each street (Lark, Plover, Thrush, Robin, Quail, and Dowd) were closed at various points, leaving no Public Right-Of-Way. The only way through was walking in the street or crossing where there wasn't a crosswalk. The hired safety crew were only interested in getting car traffic through, they had 10+ people stand and watch as we tried to figure out a safe way to traverse. It took a couple of days to find the only route that allowed us to get there using crosswalks and not walking in traffic. We approach the school from the east and had to walk twice the distance (passing the school and doubling back) in order to walk "the right way." I'm not sure how this gets approved, It seems like there was no forethought to keep the neighborhood ADA accessible/ PROWAG compliant and that is a problem. I understand that projects need to be completed and there are timelines involved but I do wish there would be more thought about how it impacts the neighborhood it serves while being completed. I just filled out a survey regarding the walkable aspects of the city for schools just a few days ago and now regret my responses. I thought making Lakewood a walkable city was a priority?
Oppose the Bunts Rd multi use shared path. There are safer ways to do this. The city shows no concern for property owners and does not engage owners in planning and revision of ideas. Shameful that the power has been taken from the people.
The recent public meeting with First Energy was spirited - to say the least. As you have heard from many residents, it is unacceptable to have a malfunctioning and inadequate electrical system in Lakewood.
As you prepare to embark upon the Bunts Road project next spring, please consider burying the electrical lines. It is the perfect opportunity to test how buried lines can improve the performance of our electrical grid.
Multiple industry sources agree that, though it can be more expensive up front to bury lines, they are significantly more reliable. Buried lines:
• Are not impacted by weather
• Are safer because people cannot touch them
• Need less maintenance because they are not impacted by weather and surrounding vegetation
• Have fewer outages because they are not susceptible to weather
• Are More aesthetically pleasing – which you should be striving for on all major entryways into Lakewood
These five points make Lakewood more a desirable location for businesses and residents, which increases our property values and, therefore, tax income for the city.
The trees surrounding electrical wires running through my backyard were scheduled to be trimmed 3 weeks ago. First Energy’s contractor never showed. When we called, they said they would get to it when they could.
If they can’t even trim trees according to their own schedule, do you have any confidence that they will improve our electrical system anytime in the near future?
Don’t wait for them to make a move.
Take the initiative.
As many of you come up for reelection now or in the coming years, this could be a great talking point to show that you took the initiative while First Energy offered minor band-aids such as trimming trees and installing meters that seem to have very little impact.
A reliable electrical system is not just a want – it’s a need. For safety. For stability. For a brighter future for Lakewood.
I hope you will listen to the residents and do what’s right for us.
Oppose - Bunts Road Shared Use Path Project
There are so many compelling reasons to RECONSIDER this project based on DATA, SAFETY, PROCESS and COST.
Demand does not exist. No studies or data shows any significant bicycle demand. No traffic study or true connectivity analysis has been released to justify this project. The path will end abruptly at city line.
Safety is not improved- it is worsened. With 116 intersections and driveways along the route, users will face constant conflict points. Shared use paths like this are known to increase accidents, especially for children, seniors and people with disabilities. It also creates new legal liabilities for the city and homeowners.
Planning has been poor. Major decisions were made made before the public input period closed. Reasonable alternatives, like painted bike lanes instead of parking or sidewalk improvements, were not seriously considered. Over 1300 residents and growing have already signed a petition against this project.
Environment and cost are major concerns. Mature tree removal will permanently alter the neighborhood. No environmental impact or cost-benefit study has been provided. Long term maintenance, snow removal, repairs, landscaping, will become an ongoing burden for taxpayers.
EV planning is nonexistent. There are no local ordinances or planning efforts to regulate the growing use of e-bikes and e-scooters. Without rules for speed, right of way and safety, and noise, the path will become chaotic and extremely dangerous.
Lakewood should support smart, SAFE, and sustainable infrastructure. This project is the OPPOSITE.
It is unsafe, unjustified, and POORLY PLANNED. It is reckless on the part of the city and will likely become a costly failure due to the lack of proper research, transparency, and community support.
Please change course and pursue safer, more sensible alternatives that truly reflect the needs and priorities of the Lakewood taxpayers.
Read the signs.