Lorain’s east suburbs still flourishing

It’s no surprise the mayors from Avon, Avon Lake, Sheffield Village and Sheffield Lake have a lot to be proud of, because they certainly do.

Each of the four mayors touted the economic successes of their communities March 16 during the 2017 North Coast Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Lunch at Tom’s Country Place in Avon.

The mayors — Bryan Jensen of Avon, Greg Zilka of Avon Lake, John D. Hunter of Sheffield Village and Dennis Bring of Sheffield Lake — gave brief updates on what their respective jurisdictions experienced in 2016 and what they expect to occur this year.

Each leader injected humor in their addresses, but they also discussed serious issues such as the opiate epidemic that has plagued the entire state and country.

What’s impressive about this group is they shared jokes and poked fun at one another, eliciting lots of laughter from the audience, but each agreed mutual respect, cooperation and compromise keep all four communities moving forward together.

Jensen, the first speaker, delivered a few zingers and presented a slideshow which mostly was directed at Zilka.

But Jensen admitted he admires some of the traits his fellow mayors possess, such as Hunter’s willingness to help others, Zilka’s attention to the opiate epidemic and Bring’s ability to show his emotions and be a leader.

And Jensen also introduced and thanked those who work in the city.

Jensen said, “Without them, I couldn’t do anything. I’m appreciative for what they do for me, what they do for the city and what they do for the residents.”

Two national chains, Cabela’s and NorthShore Eye Care, opened in Avon in 2016.

In Avon Lake, Zilka discussed the safety forces, the parks and recreation department and several projects in the works.

Zilka said crime is generally down, and pointed out that assaults and domestic violence incidents have occurred less often since 2009.

A couple of sewer-related projects, one costing $9 million and another costing $15 million, would bring new storm, sanitary and water lines, as well as fully reconstructed roads. The parks and recreation department has implemented 27 new programs since last year.

Zilka said a Health Express Urgent Care facility will open in April and the Goddard School will transform an old Wendy’s into an early childhood education facility and create 17 new jobs.

Avon Lake also recently acquired 10 acres of railroad track property at no cost due to no other interested bidders.

In Sheffield Lake, Bring joked about building a wall between his city and Sheffield Village, and Hunter would foot the cost.

When it came to matters concerning the city, Bring discussed the police and fire departments, employees working hard to make the community safe and enjoyable as well as trying to get a handle on the opiate epidemic.

Bring was correct when he said the opiate problem is not going away until it’s addressed seriously, adding, “We all need to stand together and voice our concerns about this to get this taken care of because it’s sad. It should be a top priority among all of our cities.”

Through grants, Bring said the Police Department added a couple of dispatchers and the Fire Department purchased new equipment.

The city has written more than $1 million in grants this year, and it will turn into about $3.5 million in projects.

The law department added a new deputy clerk, the sewer department is updating the pumps and the water department installed new meters.

Additionally, the city hired an outside firm to detect water leaks underground, which has resulted in a savings of about $18,000 a month.

Roadways in Sheffield Lake also are improving, Bring said, noting at least six to 10 streets are paved each year.

The 10 parks will see improvements because of $600,000 in grants for upgrades to playground equipment and to install pavilions.

Hunter was the last mayor to take the podium and mentioned the importance of compromise and working together to reach a goal.

He said 17 businesses opened last year and four are set to open this year in Sheffield Village. Another restaurant is slated to open in the village this year as well, which would bring the total to 26.

A highlight for Sheffield Village last year was the opening of the Cleveland VA Medical Center at 5255 N. Abbe Road.

Concluding his remarks, Hunter said he appreciates the other mayors and each of them have a special place in his heart because he knows they care about people in their community and across the county.

Hunter said, “And without that heart and without that drive of these men and their departments, we would not be as successful as we are.”

Simply put, we agree.