A Thank You to Readers from Councilwoman Phyllis Cleveland

As you are reading this, November elections are over and I have been re-elected for my third term to Cleveland City Council. The election came with changes in ward boundaries throughout the City of Cleveland. Ward 5 now includes all of Cleveland State University (and other parts of downtown). This is very exciting for me as I get to work with more of the Campus District community.

Several projects and initiatives loom brightly. I will continue to champion the East 22nd Streetscape, as this corridor is key to bringing Cleveland State and Cuyahoga Community College into closer alignment. This alignment is more than physical, as it will create the most vibrant education hub in our region.

Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority's Choice Neighborhood Plan will be a game changer, completing the build out of lower Central in a significant way. Choice supports the redevelopment of the dilapidated Cedar Extension Family Estates with mixed income housing, creation of retail business and more neighborhood-based initiatives. Demolition of Cedar Extension began a few months ago. Care Alliance Health Care Center, the leading provider of medical care for the homeless and residents of public housing, is building a new facility next to Cedar Extension.

Redevelopment of the vacant but historic Juvenile Court on East 22nd Street promises to be transformative. Skyline Towers, subsidized apartments on Community College, got a new owner last year and is undergoing significant renovations.

As you can see, this has been a successful year. Although Thanksgiving has passed, I would like to share my gratitude for a few things. Thank you to Dr. Michael Schoop and the outgoing Campus District Board for its guidance and direction, and to Executive Director Bobbi Reichtell for her outstanding leadership, vision and determination. Thank you for bestowing on me the Outstanding Leader Award at the Annual Meeting. Most of all, thank you to the residents of Ward 5 for again entrusting the leadership of this community to me. I am truly humbled.

Peace and joy to all this holiday season.