Mayor hosts Euclid Avenue Corridor meeting

The Wickliffe Euclid Avenue Corridor Committee’s efforts are not losing momentum.

Mayor John Barbish led a room full of city leaders, residents and business owners in a meeting on Feb. 21.

Barbish continues to show optimism and diligence in economic development and revitalization efforts of Euclid Avenue. He encouraged the attendees to also stay positive.

“Things are happening slowly, but surely,” he said. “There’s not going to be any silver bullet that is going to solve all of our problems. The main point in all this is to get more people involved, get more people to respect the properties they have and their neighbor’s properties, try to bring people into the city and come up with events.”

The hard work of the committee is paying off.

The city is planning a couple of events, including a 5K and a Taste of Wickliffe, he said.

The meeting participation also continues to grow.

At the January meeting, Barbish said he wanted to have more business owners participate.

A handful of new business owners attended the most recent meeting and shared ideas.

The owners agreed that they have been losing business since ABB moved.

“There has to be good dialogue,” Barbish said. “I can’t solve everything.”

Town Center Auto owner Rick Contenza agreed that such conversations are necessary, adding that sometimes city leaders do not

understand the needs of businesses.

Joe Siciliano, who owns Petti’s Pizza, discussed

teaming up with other business owners and distributing advertisements containing specials and coupons.

Additionally, the group discussed forming a business/restaurant association.

Barbish said it would have to be operated by the businesses and could not be run by the city. The owners expressed interest in the proposed association.

The next meeting will be in April to give the subcommittees an opportunity to meet independently, Barbish said.