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Can Madison Avenue Get Some Attention? Please!

Lets make the whole city a place to be!

As a new girl on the block I am reading so much about Detroit Avenue.

What about Madison?

Now before you go yelling back at me, I get it. There is a move to revitalize downtown Lakewood and it is very beneficial.

I am not blogging in anger.

But lets also branch out and look at the rest of the community. I am situated between Warren and Hilliard and there is so much potential in this little nook for an uptown block as well.

It would be nice to see little niches throughout the city, designated as districts for shopping etc.

In my block there is some retail and lovely spaces for rent. Just next to there is a space that seems quite suited for a cafe, breakfast space or coffee house.

Recently the store as well. How about some fresh to go soups, smoothies, etc.

Can I mention coffee again?

We have the , , and , so we have some good bars/restaurants here already — lets work on filling in the gaps, by encouraging new business over here, too and help this area prosper as well.

PLEASE — It benefits us all. 

I am that mom-and-pop-shop and quite frankly I couldnt afford the rent on Detroit so I have this charming lil' shop and would love to stay here longterm.

Thirstees Little Bling Shoppe

Michael August 13, 2012 at 01:25 pm
It'd be nice if ANY area besides "downtown" Lakewood would get some attention.
Alexandra August 13, 2012 at 04:02 pm
Yes, like the East end of Detroit which another poster called "ghettoized". Tell that to Virginia Marti and the new Helvetica going in...
anymous August 13, 2012 at 05:12 pm
Well, it would be nice but however, the city does not seem to care about Madison. I was told by a business owner on Madison that the city suggested they have their shop on Detroit. Also, I heard with my own ears at a meeting before McDonalds tore bought and down the old Detroit theater Mr. Dru Siley a couple of other city politicians and maybe the mayor (he was at meeting just not sure if part of this conversation) that "We (the city or its leaders) don't care about Madison avenue because it doesn't fit into our plans currently. They were talking amongst themselves. I was walking up to talk to one of them when I heard it.
One would think that city leaders would want ALL of the city to be vibrant and successful, not just the parts near where they work!!
Renee Lavelle August 13, 2012 at 05:49 pm
silliness! its a full circle commitment to run a city. I am thinking about moving here next year if I can renew my shop lease. Id like to live in between Madison and Detroit so I can walk/bike to both. Funny thing for me is when Im at my store and I think, "hmm i want to go get lunch" I dont want to drive over to detroit and brave the traffic and hunt for a parking spot. People know lakewood for its shops diversity and walking biking culture but its a big city- encouraging growth everywhere makes the city money too and helps with vacancies store, homes and otherwise- make it a place where people want to live and everyone thrives
Colin McEwen (Editor) August 13, 2012 at 07:14 pm
Hey gang, let's keep this conversation civil... And, if you want to be a credible, use your real names! This is about a having a discussion, let's try not to attack people.
Renee Lavelle August 16, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Well there is a big post now regarding this topic-I hope I encouraged that :) :)
Renee Lavelle August 24, 2012 at 09:47 pm
Because of this Blog, I was contacted by Dru Siley, Director-Department of Planning and Development & Division of Housing and Building-We had a lengthy conversation and he shared with me the city plans for Madison Ave which included many improvements to Infrastructure as well as incentive for storefront renovation and he is seemingly genuine about helping business owners on Madison and working to drive new businesses there as well. I look forward to working with him in the future and I will continue to blog as positive updates happen- or when I have an opinion-LOL
Joni Nowak RN/CCRN October 9, 2012 at 06:27 pm
I'm with you Renee. I own the Lakewood Learning Center. It's on the other end of Madison, right across form Madison Park. I like the area and live in one of the nicely maintained apartments directly above my storefront. It's incredibly convenient and there's lots of free public parking right across the street. The street though, could use a facelift. Another article I read on Patch suggested that the repaving and upgrades to the street scape may not be accomplished till 2014. They should find a way to do it in 2013.
I'd like to see flower baskets on the telephone poles on Madison Ave, potted blooms outside stores and new paint on many of the storefronts that are sorely in need of it. It should be mandatory! Madison is 'not' Detroit and that's okay. There is alot less congestion here, it's easy to find parking and there are many, many viable businesses here. There must be a half a dozen Law Firms, Churches, one beautifully renovated Museum, an American Heart Assoc Training Center, Library, Angelo's, Bike Shoppe, Florists, Bakeries, Printing Shops, the new Taco Tanto's, a nicely renovated Bowling Alley/Bar, and everything on the western end... from Yoga Studios to Home health Care Agencies. Madison is thriving and should be given more thought. Actually, Mayor Mike Summers stopped in to the Lakewood Learning Center a few months ago and promised his office would do everything they could to revitalize this lovely Uptown area! Now, it needs to happen.

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Regina Milsaps June 7, 2013 at 05:19 pm
Thanks for getting back to us, Tim. I guess I am picky but Storer Ave. is not "just outside ofRead More Lakewood."
Christina Cocchiarale Ward June 10, 2013 at 08:50 pm
Just outside of Lakewood isn't Storer, not even close, I agree, Regina. Nice looking house though!
Donna Witmer June 14, 2013 at 04:02 pm
Are you interested in a rent-to-own option?
taryn.osborn June 14, 2013 at 01:42 pm
I won't make it there before 2pm, but if you don't sell your drum set...I am interested!
State Rep. Nickie J. Antonio
Sarah Henderson June 12, 2013 at 07:16 pm
I am so glad to hear about this project for those in our community who struggle with mental illness.Read More Thanks for sharing this information, Nikki.
Colin McEwen (Editor) June 8, 2013 at 03:53 pm
Here's the follow up.Read More http://lakewood-oh.patch.com/groups/breaking-news/p/three-injured-after-car-crashes-through-the-exchange
Paul Grimm June 6, 2013 at 09:31 am
They are turning it into a Discount Drug Mart - should open this summer.
jim June 6, 2013 at 10:45 am
i think you are mistaking or being goofy...but sullivans is "was" at the corner ofRead More chesterland and madison, not on detroit.
William Bridgeman June 8, 2013 at 04:06 pm
They are supposed to be reopening in early July as Brew 211, as sports bar with a lot of large flatRead More TVs and basic bar food. The big wood booths are leaving. Sullivan's as we knew it is gone.
Maggie Rader June 6, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Again, while I am very grateful for the outcome for my Mom, I also have a lot of compassion for theRead More other residents. The move for my Mom is only temporary, since the South Westerly will come under the same guidelines within a couple of years. This can only be changed by an act of Congress. I have already written letters to the politicians involved, particularly Marcy Kaptur -- Ohio Congressional District 9. Hopefully, all concerned will do the same.
Duane Hoyt June 7, 2013 at 08:25 am
Marcy doesn't care about Lakewood. Dennis Kucinich wouldn't allow this to happen, but thanks toRead More Republican (Kasich) redistricting, Dennis had to run against Marcy, and he lost. Remember this when Kasich runs against local Lakewood man Ed Fitzgerald runs for Governor.
Ron Dodson June 8, 2013 at 07:10 pm
Members of Congress tack on amendments to bills all the time that only benefit a handful of theirRead More constituents. If there was ever a time for a pork barrel move, this would be it. You're right Duane, this would have never gotten this far if Dennis was still next door to the Westerly.
Lidia Trempe June 15, 2013 at 10:06 am
After two weeks of being lost in Cleveland, Mordecai has come home!! He had traveled 3 miles fromRead More where he was lost. A huge thank you to Eve, who lured him out of a huckleberry bush with hot dogs! He looks great and hasn't lost too much weight, and is being showered with bacon and steak. We hope to be able to pay this forward as much as we've been helped, thank you everyone for your time, thoughts and hard work!! https://www.facebook.com/lostinlakewood
Megan Rozsa (Editor) June 17, 2013 at 10:55 am
I'm so happy he's home now! Thanks to everyone who helped keep an eye on him by sharing this post!Read More :) Patch in action!
Mary Beth Moore June 17, 2013 at 10:36 pm
Thank goodness he is back home with Lidia and fam, where he belongs - yay!!! And the outpouring ofRead More community support for this sweet puppy was amazing. Thankful for this awesome community too!
Sandy June 4, 2013 at 09:21 pm
thank you for your support. I have notified 3 tv stations, 3 senators, the mayor. I am just hopingRead More that my postings will reach someone with power and know-how.
April Stoltz June 4, 2013 at 10:49 pm
So I think an important part of any action is to get those residents who are being evicted and areRead More willing and able to picket in front of the Westerly, out there, with signs, supporters and the media. Are any of the residents willing to do that, or their families/friends? The oldest could sit in chairs with signs. Signs could say things like "The Westerly is throwing grandma to the curb" or "Evicted by Big Money". I'm just shooting from the hip here but you get the idea. I would come out as a supporter. I have few contacts in that building, but the two that I do have are activists. Could you organize something like this with your contacts? Look out Westerly, you will be on the news and it won't be pretty.
Valerie Salstrom June 5, 2013 at 12:41 am
They can't ask these seniors to move at this point in their lives. This just does not sit well withRead More me at all. How can the bank and IRS be okay with this? Something definitely needs to be done to allow these people (who have done NOTHING wrong by the way) to stay right where they are.
John Huetter June 2, 2013 at 06:58 am
Receipients of the 2013 Lakewood Kiwanis Foundation's scholarships are Amira Nasrallah, SamuelRead More Aprile, Jackie Miller, Julie Herman, Aaron Donahoe and Gayle Craighead. All are Lakewood High School Seniors.
Colin McEwen (Editor) May 31, 2013 at 10:51 pm
I will look into it. Thanks for sharing, Tim.
Tim Tavcar June 1, 2013 at 02:41 pm
Thanks Colin - Just curious and a bit worried that we are losing some long time Lakewood businessesRead More - though Normile seems to be moving just down the street into a heretofore vacant storefront - so that, at least, bodes well!
ian king June 3, 2013 at 09:03 am
Colin and Tim - walk around both Madison and Detroit. LOTS of empty storefronts on both streets. WhyRead More aren't our city officials thinking outside the retro/Rust Belt box and offering options for this losing population city? Check out what Tucson, AZ, did with many of its empty storefronts - they offered them to artists and were turned into Pop-Up Galleries! Madison Ave would be great for this idea - and then link these galleries to the Ma and Pa galleries/shops on Madison already existing. It could be done 4 times a year - Pop-Ups up for 4 weeks and turned into an Art Event! The city could sponsor a weekend where a shuttle bus would go up and down Madison to see the galleries, eat and shop. In other words, something DIFFERENT for Lakewood, and at least, some use of empty storefronts and an opportunity for artist to show their art.