Friday, December 9, 2011

"LITTLE PINK HOUSES" john melloncamp

I see the planning commission passed the "spot" zoning for the Steele Mansion Thursday night. Now council must vote on it... probably early next year. [New members]

I wish the Shamakians success with council and the vision that they have for the property.

As little as two years ago, if anyone would have shown us where the restoration of the mansion was today we probably would have thought that they were crazy. It amazes me every time I drive past.

As I mentioned at Thursday's meeting, in the past people here in town have had a tendency to find fault with any “golden egg" brought to us. This family has bestowed a gift to the city. In the beginning, I believe even the Shamakians could not predict this phenomenal outcome.

Do you know of any private citizens who have made such a large investment in our community in the last twenty-five or more years?

To the many residents that oppose this venture of converting this to an Inn... I ask if a fourteen-unit apartment building would better enhance your Mentor Avenue National Historical District and your property values. When I mentioned that the mansion could be the anchor of their district, one person claimed he did not want to live across the street from an "anchor".

This is hardly a quiet neighborhood. A college, physicians’ offices, assisted living along with two churches and a funeral home….all on the busiest street in town.

At least everyone that spoke congratulated the Shamakian family for bringing back the mansion.

Some reasons mentioned for not changing the zoning: what if it fails, what if it burns down again? And so many of you people tell me I am full of negativity!

This family did not get to where they are through failure… sure, a fire could occur but I’m willing to bet this home will have more than enough insurance to rebuild.

Many people mentioned that Planning Board Chairman Thomas Fitzgerald had selfish reasons for voting against the change. Sorry, I do not see it that way. He struggled with his vote. I believe Mr. Fitzgerald voted no because of the residents that did not want to change the zoning in their neighborhood… not that he owned a Bed & Breakfast.

If they are opposed to businesses, will someone please explain to me how an apartment building is not a business? If Painesville ever has a prayer of turning this town around, we have to start somewhere….and what better way than supporting the Shamakians. Very seldom is a town given a contribution of this magnitude, let’s not screw it up.

27 Comments:

At December 10, 2011 at 10:29 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

We support their origanal request as an apartment/house. Thanks for a wonderful job. The Neighbors that live next to it are happy with the renovation as apartments too!

 
At December 10, 2011 at 10:37 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sorry Term I disagree on Mr. Fitzgeralds vote. Being in a like business who's success could be affected along with the sale of his business he should have at least abstained from the voting.
How many times have you mentioned perception is everything?
Speaking of perception I noticed two council people in the audience,odd neither spoke for or against this? Mr. Hach had to large campaign signs in the yard he could of at least spoken on the character of this family. Maybe he doesn't even know them?

 
At December 10, 2011 at 10:44 AM , Anonymous TERM>> said...

Well since its obvious you attended the meeting when did Mr. Fitzgerald vote? I remember him voting last it had already passed his vote had no bearing on the outcome. As far as the council Lets give them credit for attending they will of course get to speak on the subject when this comes before council.

 
At December 11, 2011 at 7:22 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, I guess you met the "movers & shakers" the other night?
What will there argument be that 14 apartments in there "neighborhood" will have a better impact then an Inn?
This is hardly a normal neighborhood to begin with this along with the small minds that prevail there.
I wonder whos pocket council is in?

 
At December 11, 2011 at 7:48 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I believe there is enough empty apartments and houses presently in Painesville. This is a smokescreen by a few neighbors who know an apartment building here would probably mean more empty units in town. This inn would hardly chang the charater of anything in that area. count the businesses in that area presently. There is ONE resident behind this. Is he concerned or jealous?

 
At December 11, 2011 at 11:43 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Term,
Did you know that Fitzgerald's is
FOR SALE ?

 
At December 11, 2011 at 4:20 PM , Anonymous TERM>> said...

Someone mentioned it on the News-Herald website? Still doesn't mean that he voted against it for his own personel gain.

 
At December 11, 2011 at 5:21 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Goodness, Term, it is amazing how you view/skew facts when it involves a bud.

 
At December 12, 2011 at 4:39 AM , Anonymous TERM>> said...

Who's my bud?
The Shamakians? Have now met them twice? Mr. Fitzgerald? See him at meetings?
Just my opinion has nothing to do with buddies.
If someone can come up with numbers that that area and Painesville would be better served with 14 apartments I'd listen. If someone can prove the reason other then voting his conscience for voting no, I'd listen. Goodness 5:21?

 
At December 12, 2011 at 8:58 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

It sounds like the guy should have abstained from voting, and it also sounds like he deserves whatever criticism or suspicion he gets from not doing so.

 
At December 12, 2011 at 11:37 AM , Anonymous Christine Howlett said...

I personally feel the Steele Mansion as an inn would be good for Painesville. When Don and I travel I often choose a route through a town that has a great inn. In other words, the inn is the reason we go to that town. The Steele Mansion could definitely open doors to Painesville becoming a destination. If the Shamakians put as much effort into making it a wonderful inn as they have put into the restoration, I can see people coming here for the experience.

 
At December 13, 2011 at 10:04 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

the publicity that the Steele Mansion project is generating is so far for Painesville is a good thing. It would be great if this could somehow become a national story. Let's all find a way to put Painesville "on the map," in a good way--for a change!

 
At December 13, 2011 at 4:33 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

We don't need more property dwellers who don't pay property taxes. Riders Inn does a great business, and this new place will, as well. I hope they have a restaurant and lounge. This is a college town.

 
At December 13, 2011 at 11:39 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

City Manager Rita McMahon's mouth is out of control again. I just got done watching the council meeting, and there she is with her nasty attitude unleashing on one of the council people. And why not? The citizens of Painesville just voted in more Hada-backed people, so her job is completely secure for at least the next two years.

 
At December 14, 2011 at 9:53 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was impressed with Mr. Grippi's comments at the last BOE Mtg. He basically said that students should be taught that there are consequences to their bad behavior and that it is a disservice [to everyone] to do otherwise. Now I heard a rumor, that students who are required to attend Saturday Detention [because of bad behavior] can skip detention if they bring in can goods for the poor. I'm having a problem grasping this policy.

 
At December 14, 2011 at 6:34 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Everyone knows Hal is a joke and sounds like he should be rambling in a mental hospital, not a council meeting. The police should not have to stop at each council members house and notify them of "violence" in their ward. In between fixing all the pianos lined up outside his back door, Hal can stop down at the city hall or place a call to be updated on what's happening. This is what he's paid for. Make a call to the hall just like the rest of your peers do.. Oh wait don't.. You only have two weeks left and no one cares.

 
At December 15, 2011 at 3:16 PM , Anonymous TERM>> said...

11:39 I believe your talking about the incident at Jackies's? It appeared to me she was only defending the police department. That's what she should have done in this case. Mr. Hada mentioned he called about the incident and asked Hal if he had? Hal said he hadn't.
6:34 The ward councilmen should get a bi-weekly report about incidents in their wards. Not by word of mouth, newspapers ect. The police do not have to stop by anyones house to notify them.
9:53 I haven't been able to find out if this is true or a myth?
If's its true its now wonder the students are not ready to deal with authority after high school? What the can goods or whatever is a "get out of jail" reward?
The kid should be told to come to Saturday school and bring a can with him or her.
This must be a joke because only a fool would promote this.
Sure would bring a different thought to mind if Harvey students are seen in front of a large food drive.

 
At December 15, 2011 at 6:33 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is 11:39 to Term 3:16: Yes, I was talking about the Jackie's incident. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't defending Hal in ANY way, (and I hope the door DOES hit him on the way out). He was acting like a jerk, and I would not have had people cowtow to him. However, McMahon's tone of voice and nastiness has been gone for a while--the election and all, you know. But now she's got two more guaranteed years in office, and there goes here snotty, disrespectful mouth. Nobody should talk to anybody with that tone EVER up there, and here she goes again. I honestly cannot believe that the citizens of Painesville just voted in a way that guarantees her two more years to begin with, and now here goes her mouth and attitude. I certainly cannot say I am surprised.

 
At December 16, 2011 at 8:01 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

6:33; after watching the council meeting hear Councilman Werner I thought the CM did a pretty good job. How many times does she need to explain it to him? Is there a remedial councilman's handbook somewhere, he needed one. While watching I found myself getting frustrated I can only imagine what it was like to be sitting at the table with him while he went on and on. I also felt the police chief responded splendidly.
I think we will all be glad to see Hal go.

As for his concerned citizens meetings...... stick a fork in those too.

 
At December 17, 2011 at 5:30 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

3:16 said "The ward councilmen should get a bi-weekly report about incidents in their wards. Not by word of mouth, newspapers ect"
are you going to pay for this service ?

 
At December 17, 2011 at 9:35 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Went to the PCLS website, clicked on HHS Student Handbook. I was very impressed. 41 pages of detailed information. There was a Mission Statement, a letter from the Principal, Teacher's Rights, Students Rights and consequences for practically every scenario that could happen at a High School. The BOE approved it April 14, 2011. What I didn't find was the ability for a student to buy his way out of Saturday Detention. Shame on the Principal for allowing those student to skip discipline by bringing in can goods! This is just so wrong on so many levels. This may seem to be small potatoes in a school system that needs so much...but I hope a repeal of this foolish policy is priority #1 when the new School Board takes effect in January 2012. We're counting on you Ross and Steve.

 
At December 17, 2011 at 12:03 PM , Anonymous TERM>> said...

5:30 your already paying for alot more then this. Again she works for council council doesn't work for her. copies cost about a dime.
9:30 It's called buying your way out of a consequence I guess?
In the old days they would tell you to come to detention and bring a can of something with you. I can't to this day believe that they really did this.

 
At December 18, 2011 at 8:14 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

You can't believe? You should know better. Highest pregancy rate in the whole area. Lowest test scores, violence and your surprise this is how the school appeases the students. Can't wait to see if the new members can straighten this mess out. I no longer can tolerate it!

 
At December 23, 2011 at 5:19 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

The HHS student handbook? What a joke. Not even worth using in the restroom. It's Not Followed. Now they are allowed to wear stripes and other colors, NO stick to one dress code within the district. Then maybe some may earn the privilige of varying styles or color. They need to learn how to follow simple directions first as does the Admin at HHS. Stop bein' a bud and be the boss. They need it and the kids will thank you later for the discipline.

 
At December 24, 2011 at 7:45 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wonder where in this handbook theres a place where students fcan wear jeans if there willing to pay a fee?

 
At December 29, 2011 at 4:50 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

My granddaughter can wear street clothes (elementary school) on designated days if she brings a $1.00 donation....it's kind of a hook because all the kids want to show off a little and fit in at the same time. I can't fight this policy because she's just a little kid and they only do it once in a while. It does seem to defeat the purpose though.

 
At December 31, 2011 at 6:50 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

At the last election, my spouse and I did not vote for any current Board Member. President Dillard and the current majority, the Superintendent, the High School Principal all seem to say one thing and then do something entirely different. The HHS Handbook is well written, with good intentions and grossly ignored! Rules that govern tardiness, absenteeism, discipline, dress code, mutual respect and just about any topic are not followed consistently. We need focus, direction and consistency from the top. We're counting on you Mr. Grippi and Mr. Costell. Please don't let the Students, Teachers, Staff, Parents and the Community down. Lets hope things get turned around in 2012.

 

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